Add pickup quick connector

sorbz62

Hi guys,

I just bought a Variax JTV89 and feel like changing the pickups to some BKP Silos or Peacemakers.  Now, I am good at soldering and have changed electronics in most of my guitars. I just wondered if anybody has any advice on adding quick connectors from the Variax electrics so I can easily swap pickups. Im thinking about the little units that you insert the wires and screw in, like on electric circuits. Is this just crap or is it a good idea?  Will it affect the tone in anyway?  Has anybody done this already?

Cheers,
Jim

timmypix

Yep, terminal blocks work brilliantly and save you risking burning the pots with repeated changes. @nacnudnai has them in most of his guitars for his ridiculous pickup collection and can probably tell you more.

ICBM

It won’t affect the tone at all. The only issue is long-term reliability if they were left alone long enough to corrode or work loose, but if you’re swapping them a lot that’s not really an issue - the important thing is actually to not overtighten the screws, as that chews up the wires and means you’ll have to shorten them after a few swaps.

m_c

If you fit some bootlace ferrules, it'll avoid chewing up the wires.

sorbz62

ICBM said:

It won’t affect the tone at all. The only issue is long-term reliability if they were left alone long enough to corrode or work loose, but if you’re swapping them a lot that’s not really an issue - the important thing is actually to not overtighten the screws, as that chews up the wires and means you’ll have to shorten them after a few swaps.

Brill! Thanks mate.

ICBM

m_c said:

If you fit some bootlace ferrules, it'll avoid chewing up the wires.

Probably a bit large for the size of wires in a guitar. I usually twist and tin the wires, then if you don’t crush them with the screws they last pretty well.

Ferrules would be a great idea for speaker cables if you were doing that.

m_c

ICBM said:

m_c said:

If you fit some bootlace ferrules, it'll avoid chewing up the wires.

Probably a bit large for the size of wires in a guitar. I usually twist and tin the wires, then if you don’t crush them with the screws they last pretty well.

Ferrules would be a great idea for speaker cables if you were doing that.

Ferrules do come in small sizes..
Bit of a pain to get on with really fine wire though.

sorbz62

ICBM said:

m_c said:

If you fit some bootlace ferrules, it'll avoid chewing up the wires.

Probably a bit large for the size of wires in a guitar. I usually twist and tin the wires, then if you don’t crush them with the screws they last pretty well.

Ferrules would be a great idea for speaker cables if you were doing that.

Do you have a link to the connectors you use?

ICBM

sorbz62 said:

Do you have a link to the connectors you use?

Anything like this - https://www.screwfix.com/p/3a-12-terminal-terminal-strips-10-pack/25545

You don't need any larger than the smallest current rating they do (usually 2A or 3A). Just cut off as many as you need for the pickup.

Kittyfrisk

I prefer the spring loaded quick connectors, like these.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256397282280?
 Cheaper brands are available if you look around.