The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram is more than just a schematic; it's a roadmap to the soul of one of the most iconic electric guitars ever created. For guitarists, technicians, and enthusiasts alike, understanding this diagram is crucial for maintaining, repairing, or even modifying these legendary instruments. The inherent complexity and elegance of the Les Paul's electronics are beautifully laid out in its specific wiring diagram, making it an invaluable resource.
The Anatomy of a Classic: Decoding the 1959 Les Paul Wiring
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram illustrates the intricate connections between the guitar's pickups, potentiometers (pots), capacitors, and the output jack. This particular era of Les Pauls, often referred to as the "burst era," featured humbucking pickups, which themselves have a specific wiring configuration to achieve their hum-canceling properties. Understanding how these components interact is key to troubleshooting signal issues or appreciating the tonal nuances of the instrument.
At its core, the diagram shows how each of the two humbucking pickups, typically a neck and a bridge pickup, are connected to their respective volume and tone controls. Each pickup has its own volume and tone pot, allowing for independent control over its output and frequency response. This dual-control setup is a hallmark of the Les Paul design and offers a vast palette of tonal possibilities. The wiring also includes capacitors, which are essential for shaping the tone by filtering out high frequencies when the tone knob is rolled back.
- Two humbucking pickups (neck and bridge)
- Four potentiometers (two volume, two tone)
- Four capacitors (one for each tone control)
- A 3-way selector switch
- An output jack
The importance of the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram cannot be overstated when it comes to preserving the originality and sonic character of these instruments. Any deviation from the factory wiring can significantly alter the guitar's sound. For those undertaking restoration projects or seeking to replicate the classic Les Paul tone, meticulously following the diagram is paramount.
To illustrate the basic connections, consider this simplified breakdown:
| Component | Connection Point |
|---|---|
| Pickup Hot Wire | Volume Potentiometer Input |
| Volume Potentiometer Output | 3-Way Selector Switch |
| 3-Way Selector Switch Output | Output Jack Tip |
| Tone Potentiometer | Connected to Volume Potentiometer and Capacitor |
| Ground Wires | Connected to Potentiometer Backs and Output Jack Sleeve |
Familiarizing yourself with this specific 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram will provide a clear understanding of how your guitar produces its legendary sound. It's the definitive guide for any work on the electronics.