Les Paul style wiring

[GoDrex]

2 volumes, 2 tones, 3 way switch.

What style of wiring is your favorite?

The more I look into it, the more different ways I'm finding to do this.

There's the method that on this site.
http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=2h_2v_2t_3w

then there are these:

modern

Modern Wiring (above)
Pro - Because the tone controls receive their signal from the input of the volume pot, they are effectively connected directly to the pickup. Consequently, the volume pots' positions have no effect on the operation of the tone controls, which operate completely independently of the volume controls.
Con - The tone changes as you roll down the volume pot - there is some treble roll-off in addition to the volume roll-off. This doesn't bother some people at all, while it drives others crazy.

and vintage

Vintage Wiring (above)
Pro - When you roll off the volume control, you don't have a corresponding treble roll-off, the tone stays consistent.
Con - The tone and volume controls are interactive, because the tone controls receive their signal from the output of the volume pots (rather than the inputs). Because the position of the volume pot affects the tone control, the tone control's effect is inconsistent. As an example, if you like the tone control set at 5 with the volume all the way up, then this may change as soon as you roll the volume pot down some.

I ordered some pots from Wymore and their schematic looks different from these two - though it looks the same to me as the SD version. They call it "modified standard" - so what are the characteristics of that style?

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

On one of the two ways, I forget which is which, in the middle position one of the volumes acts as a master.  Only when either neck or bridge is selected independently does each pot act so.  Con:  it doesn't allow a volume type pan to allow one pickup louder than the other when in the middle position.  Pro:  it's a master volume, so you don't have to roll both down when in the middle position.

 

[dbw]

On one of the two ways, I forget which is which, in the middle position one of the volumes acts as a master.  Only when either neck or bridge is selected independently does each pot act so.  Con:  it doesn't allow a volume type pan to allow one pickup louder than the other when in the middle position.  Pro:  it's a master volume, so you don't have to roll both down when in the middle position.

Hmm, this post is not correct... neither acts as a master in the middle position, both knobs affect both pickups inequally.  It's hard to describe but very intuitive to use.  Both diagrams Gary posted work this way.  To get independent volume controls you need to have the input going to the wiper of the volume pot; that's a totally different arrangement.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

My post didn't reply to the diagrams posted, but rather the two different styles of LP wiring.  One has master voulmes, the other independent volumes.

http://www.guitarelectronics.com/c=ABJmwQmYremxXFuXrUfGapfSl/category/wiringresources.2_pickup_diagrams/

Near the bottom of the page under "Other Guitar Diagrams," the first two links are for each of these diagrams.

 

[-CB-]

The difference between the two diagrams is not the tone pot wiring... which is different, but identical electrically.... but the reference of the cap to signal.

Here's what happens -

The modern wiring keep the cap referenced to the full signal of the pickup.  It tends to remain stable as the volume is turned down.  If you dial in just a little treble bleed off, it remains the same as the volume is reduced - except for effects of increased resistance to cause some slight additional high end fall off.

The vintage wiring references the wiper, which is the output.  At full volume, both tone controls work the same.  But at reduced volume, the tone control on the vintage wiring becomes very sensitive to position and also has the ability to really muddy things up.  This is a two edged sword.  If you really want to dial in things, you can do it better with the vintage wiring and the volume turned down just a little.  But, if you mess with the volume while playing, your tone is gonna go thru the roof... the setting is not workable with volume changes and you get more or less tone effect as you change volume with drastic reduction in highs at lower volume settings.

I've tried both and like the modern way, but heck... try 'em both and see.

The independent wiring, requires that you put the pickups output on the wiper, put the output on the end of the pot.  Its best if you then also move the cap so that it remains connected to the pickup's hot wire.  That works pretty well.  Its different.  You have a bit harder time dialing in "the woman tone" that way, but its possible.