The charm of the vintage tone goes beyond pickups; it dives into the details of electronic components. Highlighting the significance of high-quality electric guitar wiring is essential, especially when dealing with PAF-style humbuckers and P-90 pickups.

Consider our CTS "'Burst Taper" 550k calibrated pots as an example. A careful look at the late '50s Centralab pots reveals their reputation for consistently surpassing marked values, a trend that has strengthened over six decades, significantly increasing their value. It's common to find 500k pots measuring well beyond 600k or even 800k ohms. This higher resistance enables a smooth flow of high frequencies, creating a tonal profile known for brilliance and enhanced clarity.The unique taper of vintage Centralab pots, denoted as C2, sets them apart. At the midpoint of the knob's rotation, the resistance is 10% off of its maximum value, resulting in a faster curve compared to standard 30% audio taper or linear pots. This quick and precise response across the entire range becomes apparent as soon as you begin adjusting the knobs. As a contemporary alternative, we use selected CTS Premium 450 series 550k taper A pots, maintaining the high standards set by the old potentiometers.

When it comes to capacitors, our top choice is Luxe Radio caps—recognized as the finest replicas of the old Chicago and Sprague capacitors. Whether it's the Wax Impregnated Grey Tiger or the Paper In Oil Bumblebee or Black Beauty Capacitors, each one is meticulously crafted in their workshop to Vintage Specs, showcasing precision and artistry. The specific properties of these capacitors are integral to attaining the sought-after vintage warmth in tone control.

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While some 1950s Gibson guitars may unintentionally incorporate what we now refer to as modern wiring, the authentic 50s wiring configuration stands as the superior choice. In this setup, the capacitor connects to the wiper lug instead of the input lug. This specific arrangement of capacitors provides a unique advantage by maintaining clarity when you dial down the volume pot—much like a treble bleed circuit but without its inherent issues. Furthermore, this configuration introduces a subtle interplay between the tone knobs and the volume pot; as you turn the tone knob down, it delicately alters the response, adding a touch of nuanced character to your playing experience.

We offer short shaft pots and also the long shaft ones, suitable for Gibson USA models produced from 1977 to the present. You also have the option to request a pre-assembled Switchcraft 3-way toggle switch assembly. Crafted for authenticity, it includes period-correct two-strand hook-up braid wires, spaghetti and PVC tubings, making it an ideal addition to the kit. You can even get it with a real Catalin tip!