Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram?

analogexplosions · 03-15-2011, 10:38 AM

Let me start by saying I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster on this forum. I've gotten a wealth of information from you guys, but only signed up last night! Not sure how I never over the years signed up as a member for this forum...

Well, here I am guys.

I've tried searching the forums, but haven't been able to find exactly what I'm looking for. If this information exists somewhere and has been discussed already, I apologize in advance.

I'm putting new pickups in my Les Paul Standard, and want it to be set up like Nash's Les Paul conversions; 2 Volume and 2 Tone that functions as both a Tone and a Spin-A-Split. Tone on 8-10 is split coil and 1-7 functions as a standard Tone pot would on humbucking mode.

Any diagrams or wiring guru assistance would be greatly appreciated.

You are all gentlemen and scholars.

korus · 03-15-2011, 11:54 AM

http://www.neighborhost.com/images/tone-to-split.jpg

Ignore everything else just look at the way tone pot is connected. The point is that the MIDDLE lug is grounded AND tone cap goes from middle lug to ground. The other two lugs : one brings signal from the volume pot (regular function of a tone pot) and the last third lug has 'coil cut' connected - those 2 wires from the HB pickup that are neither hot nor ground..

HTH

analogexplosions · 03-15-2011, 12:04 PM

These seymour duncan wiring guides that I'm seeing seem to function as just "spin-a-split" where full on is humbucker and off is single coil.

What I'm trying to achieve is 1-8: Humbucking tone control, and 8-10 single coil operation.

I feel this is WAY more usable than a push/pull coil splitting pot and will give me exactly what I'm looking for. I can't find a diagram anywhere that shows me exactly this though. For those of you who haven't tried this, check out videos of Nash's Les Paul conversions. The range of sounds you can get very quickly is unbelievable.

analogexplosions · 03-16-2011, 09:42 AM

No one knows?

Indyclone · 03-16-2011, 11:14 AM

I don't know of a pot that's made that will do that.

If you're wanting a "spin-a-split" on both pickups, those need to be two dedicated pots... So, if you want 2 volumes, 2 tones, and 2 spin-a-splits, you'll need 6 seperate pots... meaning you'd need to drill a couple extra holes, if you have the room in the cavity to do such a thing. If you don't you'd need to enlarge the cavity.

If you want a spin-a-split on both pickups, I'd suggest going with 1 master volume, and 1 master tone.

analogexplosions · 03-16-2011, 11:21 AM

Here is a link to what I'm describing.

YouTube - Kali Music Bill Nash LP6 Les Paul Conversion

Surely Nash isn't the first to do this. Who knows, maybe he is.

Indyclone · 03-16-2011, 11:52 AM

ahh... it's got to have dual ganged pots... similar to a fender TBX. The TBX has a detend at 5 which switches which pot it uses... this one must do that at 8.

I haven't seen anything like that for sale... but I'd be interested too... that's pretty nice.

analogexplosions · 03-16-2011, 11:56 AM

I know, right?

It seems from the videos I've seen that the pot rolls smooth too, I never see any hesitation or mechanical detention when they roll the pot, so it leads me to believe its just a regular 'ole pot. Linear or audio tapered i'm not sure, but man, whatever it uses, my Les Paul is begging for it.

I've gotta figure this out or i'll go crazy.

analogexplosions · 03-16-2011, 01:04 PM

I just read about something called a "Nail Polish Mod".

Project Guitar :: Checking DC resistance on your potentiometers

Anyone think what I'm looking for could somehow be achieved this way?

korus · 03-16-2011, 04:31 PM

http://www.neighborhost.com/images/tone-to-split.jpg

Ignore everything else just look at the way tone pot is connected. The point is that the MIDDLE lug is grounded AND tone cap goes from middle lug to ground. The other two lugs : one brings signal from the volume pot (regular function of a tone pot) and the last third lug has 'coil cut' connected - those 2 wires from the HB pickup that are neither hot nor ground..

HTH

analogexplosions · 03-16-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by korus

http://www.neighborhost.com/images/tone-to-split.jpg

Ignore everything else just look at the way tone pot is connected. The point is that the MIDDLE lug is grounded AND tone cap goes from middle lug to ground. The other two lugs : one brings signal from the volume pot (regular function of a tone pot) and the last third lug has 'coil cut' connected - those 2 wires from the HB pickup that are neither hot nor ground..

HTH

korus,

Thanks for the diagram. Judging by the title of the picture, it seems to describe what I'm looking for. Do you know anything more about this? Ever played a guitar with this wiring?

analogexplosions · 03-17-2011, 12:25 PM

I just found a post on the Harmony Central forums that discusses this.

Spin-a-split wiring! [Archive] - Harmony Central Forums

This guy's first post had the wrong link to the diagram, but he reposts later what appears to be what my stock Les Paul wiring is, except the positioning of the caps.

He is apparently saying all you have to do is wire the two coil spitting cables to the unused tap on the tone pot.

Does this make sense? I hate to sound like a total no-nothing about this, and I promise, I do have experience in audio gear/wiring/etc.

For some reason though, I just can't wrap my brain around it. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

analogexplosions · 03-17-2011, 12:28 PM

http://www.seymourduncan.com/images/...h_2v_2t_3w.jpg

Here is a link to the diagram he was basing his wiring on. This conflicts with what Korus was telling me with grounding the middle lug, and I'm curious what the difference is.

Is there good reading material on how pots mechanically function? I think I could make sense of it if I could get my head around what's going on behind the scenes inside the pot.

Big John · 03-17-2011, 12:29 PM

Just my opinion, but this might prove to be a huge hassle. If you're going from humbucker to single and back again during a gig, and you miss the switch-point on the knob, you going to be fumbling with it. There are no pots available today with an offset detent, so you got to nail it by eye everytime.

You don't have to use push-pull pots for switching. You can do what Page did. Throw a switch or two under the pickguard. This way you can still use your tone pot and cut the highs in single-coil mode, which is a tone that standard wired Les Pauls can never pull off.

analogexplosions · 03-17-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big John

Just my opinion, but this might prove to be a huge hassle. If you're going from humbucker to single and back again during a gig, and you miss the switch-point on the knob, you going to be fumbling with it. There are no pots available today with an offset detent, so you got to nail it by eye everytime.

You don't have to use push-pull pots for switching. You can do what Page did. Throw a switch or two under the pickguard. This way you can still use your tone pot and cut the highs in single-coil mode, which is a tone that standard wired Les Pauls can never pull off.

Thanks for the suggestion, Page definitely knew what he was doing. Honestly, I feel like I'd fumble more with a switch than rolling my tone pot.

Plus, when I'm in single coil mode, I really don't want to tame the high end. The music I play can call for some really, really nasty harsh tones and the extra bite and noise from the single coil will be to my advantage.

Plus, the progression of things makes total sense to me; tone all the way down: dark and mellow, tone all the way up: bright and biting, and tone rolled just a smidge: good 'ole classic humbucker.

This all sprung from playing a Nash Les Paul conversion, very similar to mine. The sound was completely unreal and suited my style perfectly. I like the way mine plays much more (plus its been my baby for years) or i'd just consider selling mine and and getting the Nash.

Since I'm keeping my Les Paul, I'm wanting to make it exactly what I want, you know? So i'm not too much worried about hassle of wiring, I just want to get it right and have it function exactly like that Nash I played, but still being my cherished Paul.

korus · 03-17-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogexplosions

http://www.seymourduncan.com/images/...h_2v_2t_3w.jpg

Here is a link to the diagram he was basing his wiring on. This conflicts with what Korus was telling me with grounding the middle lug, and I'm curious what the difference is.

My bad, sorry. I did not make myself clear. YES middle lug is grounded THROUGH the tone cap here. This way tap will go THROUGH tone cap when one coil is being shorted/grounded.
Solder both white and red (tap) to the 3rd unused lug of corresponding tone pot, just as a guy suggests and see if you like it. If not move tone cap as shown on previous diagram - from volume to tone.

Sorry once again.

And yes I've tried this wiring but it is too tricky to adjust without a detent, esp while playing live. There is another way of deploying spin-a-split, with making one tone pot a master tone instead, and replacing the other one with http://www.guitarelectronics.com/pro...-500K500K.html using it as a master spin-a-split for both HBs at the same time. Unfortunately I did not find the same one with split shaft, only solid.

analogexplosions · 03-17-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by korus

My bad, sorry. I did not make myself clear. YES middle lug is grounded THROUGH the tone cap here. This way tap will go THROUGH tone cap when one coil is being shorted/grounded.
Solder both white and red (tap) to the 3rd unused lug of corresponding tone pot, just as a guy suggests and see if you like it. If not move tone cap as shown on previous diagram - from volume to tone.

Sorry once again.

And yes I've tried this wiring but it is too tricky to adjust without a detent, esp while playing live. There is another way of deploying spin-a-split, with making one tone pot a master tone instead, and replacing the other one with CTS Stacked Dual Concentric Audio Pot 500K+500K using it as a master spin-a-split for both HBs at the same time. Unfortunately I did not find the same one with split shaft, only solid.

Thanks again for more clarification, Korus!

Your instructions were just verified by Mr. Nash himself! He emailed me a picture of the wiring of his Les Pauls and it is spot on, 100%, what you are telling me.

Can't wait to get this all installed...

korus · 03-18-2011, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogexplosions

Thanks again for more clarification, Korus!

Your instructions were just verified by Mr. Nash himself! He emailed me a picture of the wiring of his Les Pauls and it is spot on, 100%, what you are telling me.

Can't wait to get this all installed...

That's great! Glad to help.
One more thing - I would suggest that you verify with Mr. Nash if it is OK with him to use his picture of the wiring, as it is not something that's patent protected, and place a link of it here for future references when someone else asks the same question you did.

If not, no big deal ... just an idea to save some time & effort to someone ...

And if possible, report back with your impressions on this mod ...

analogexplosions · 03-25-2011, 03:37 PM

Holy crap.

I just finished the wiring half and hour or so ago, and this is the best thing I've ever done.

Ever.

My Les Paul sound completely unreal.

I'll post some pics of the process soon. Maybe even some sound clips!

deathover · 04-18-2011, 12:00 AM

wheres the pics im interested in trying this please post the pics

sho · 05-21-2011, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogexplosions

Holy crap.

I just finished the wiring half and hour or so ago, and this is the best thing I've ever done.

Ever.

My Les Paul sound completely unreal.

I'll post some pics of the process soon. Maybe even some sound clips!

Analogexplosions, your last post was almost 2 months ago... could you pls share the wiring diagram and shopping list to get this mod done? I am also interested...

Thanks in advance.

gsbe · 09-28-2011, 11:51 PM

Hey analogexplosions - you said you were going to post the picture of Nash's wiring along with some pictures of your wiring job. Can you do that? I'm very interested in doing this mod to my Heritage H150.

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogexplosions

Your instructions were just verified by Mr. Nash himself! He emailed me a picture of the wiring of his Les Pauls and it is spot on, 100%, what you are telling me.

gsbe · 11-10-2011, 09:54 PM

I think I figured it out. PM me for more info

sho · 12-17-2011, 03:31 PM

Hey GSBE,

I cannot PM you, I think my account type does not allow that. Could you post your wiring diagram and/or actual picture?

I just got a pair of pickups (bluesbucker & air norton) and I'd like to start playing with this wiring...

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsbe

I think I figured it out. PM me for more info

jonesy · 12-17-2011, 03:56 PM

Nash LP wiring....

Stew Mac version...

gsbe · 01-02-2012, 11:27 AM

Sorry the PM doesn't work...I didn't know.

Here are pictures that I received from Nash guitars and a diagram that I created myself:

Mpcoluv · 11-09-2012, 04:53 AM

I would be interested in doing this on my PRS se Sinclecut trem.
I would need a dual ganged pot. If i used one cap, wouldn't you need 1 meg pot values since they would be in parallel? Did anyone ever find a splined dual gang pot?

03-15-2011, 10:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? Let me start by saying I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster on this forum. I've gotten a wealth of information from you guys, but only signed up last night! Not sure how I never over the years signed up as a member for this forum... Well, here I am guys. I've tried searching the forums, but haven't been able to find exactly what I'm looking for. If this information exists somewhere and has been discussed already, I apologize in advance. I'm putting new pickups in my Les Paul Standard, and want it to be set up like Nash's Les Paul conversions; 2 Volume and 2 Tone that functions as both a Tone and a Spin-A-Split. Tone on 8-10 is split coil and 1-7 functions as a standard Tone pot would on humbucking mode. Any diagrams or wiring guru assistance would be greatly appreciated. You are all gentlemen and scholars. 5F6-A likes this.

03-15-2011, 11:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
korus Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 486 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? http://www.neighborhost.com/images/tone-to-split.jpg Ignore everything else just look at the way tone pot is connected. The point is that the MIDDLE lug is grounded AND tone cap goes from middle lug to ground. The other two lugs : one brings signal from the volume pot (regular function of a tone pot) and the last third lug has 'coil cut' connected - those 2 wires from the HB pickup that are neither hot nor ground.. HTH Last edited by korus; 03-16-2011 at 02:15 AM.

03-15-2011, 12:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? These seymour duncan wiring guides that I'm seeing seem to function as just "spin-a-split" where full on is humbucker and off is single coil. What I'm trying to achieve is 1-8: Humbucking tone control, and 8-10 single coil operation. I feel this is WAY more usable than a push/pull coil splitting pot and will give me exactly what I'm looking for. I can't find a diagram anywhere that shows me exactly this though. For those of you who haven't tried this, check out videos of Nash's Les Paul conversions. The range of sounds you can get very quickly is unbelievable.

03-16-2011, 09:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? No one knows?

03-16-2011, 11:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
Indyclone Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 3,563 Thanks: 52 Thanked 101 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? I don't know of a pot that's made that will do that. If you're wanting a "spin-a-split" on both pickups, those need to be two dedicated pots... So, if you want 2 volumes, 2 tones, and 2 spin-a-splits, you'll need 6 seperate pots... meaning you'd need to drill a couple extra holes, if you have the room in the cavity to do such a thing. If you don't you'd need to enlarge the cavity. If you want a spin-a-split on both pickups, I'd suggest going with 1 master volume, and 1 master tone. __________________

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03-16-2011, 11:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Indyclone Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 3,563 Thanks: 52 Thanked 101 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? ahh... it's got to have dual ganged pots... similar to a fender TBX. The TBX has a detend at 5 which switches which pot it uses... this one must do that at 8. I haven't seen anything like that for sale... but I'd be interested too... that's pretty nice. __________________

03-16-2011, 11:56 AM	#8 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? I know, right? It seems from the videos I've seen that the pot rolls smooth too, I never see any hesitation or mechanical detention when they roll the pot, so it leads me to believe its just a regular 'ole pot. Linear or audio tapered i'm not sure, but man, whatever it uses, my Les Paul is begging for it. I've gotta figure this out or i'll go crazy.

03-16-2011, 01:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? I just read about something called a "Nail Polish Mod". Project Guitar :: Checking DC resistance on your potentiometers Anyone think what I'm looking for could somehow be achieved this way?

03-16-2011, 04:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
korus Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 486 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? http://www.neighborhost.com/images/tone-to-split.jpg Ignore everything else just look at the way tone pot is connected. The point is that the MIDDLE lug is grounded AND tone cap goes from middle lug to ground. The other two lugs : one brings signal from the volume pot (regular function of a tone pot) and the last third lug has 'coil cut' connected - those 2 wires from the HB pickup that are neither hot nor ground.. HTH

03-17-2011, 12:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? I just found a post on the Harmony Central forums that discusses this. Spin-a-split wiring! [Archive] - Harmony Central Forums This guy's first post had the wrong link to the diagram, but he reposts later what appears to be what my stock Les Paul wiring is, except the positioning of the caps. He is apparently saying all you have to do is wire the two coil spitting cables to the unused tap on the tone pot. Does this make sense? I hate to sound like a total no-nothing about this, and I promise, I do have experience in audio gear/wiring/etc. For some reason though, I just can't wrap my brain around it. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

03-17-2011, 12:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? http://www.seymourduncan.com/images/...h_2v_2t_3w.jpg Here is a link to the diagram he was basing his wiring on. This conflicts with what Korus was telling me with grounding the middle lug, and I'm curious what the difference is. Is there good reading material on how pots mechanically function? I think I could make sense of it if I could get my head around what's going on behind the scenes inside the pot.

03-17-2011, 12:29 PM	#14 (permalink)
Big John Size Matters Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: up and left Posts: 3,934 Thanks: 9 Thanked 115 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? Just my opinion, but this might prove to be a huge hassle. If you're going from humbucker to single and back again during a gig, and you miss the switch-point on the knob, you going to be fumbling with it. There are no pots available today with an offset detent, so you got to nail it by eye everytime. You don't have to use push-pull pots for switching. You can do what Page did. Throw a switch or two under the pickguard. This way you can still use your tone pot and cut the highs in single-coil mode, which is a tone that standard wired Les Pauls can never pull off.

03-25-2011, 03:37 PM	#19 (permalink)
analogexplosions Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? Holy crap. I just finished the wiring half and hour or so ago, and this is the best thing I've ever done. Ever. My Les Paul sound completely unreal. I'll post some pics of the process soon. Maybe even some sound clips!

04-18-2011, 12:00 AM	#20 (permalink)
deathover Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: SOON TO BE SOCAL AGAIN Posts: 153 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? wheres the pics im interested in trying this please post the pics __________________ 08 GIBSON SLASH GOLDTOP 02 GIBSON LES PAUL STUDIO 74 CUSTOM CLOWN BURST MARSHALL VINTAGE MODERN DUNLOP DCR 2SR CUSTOM SHOP WAH -Felix

11-10-2011, 09:54 PM	#23 (permalink)
gsbe Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? I think I figured it out. PM me for more info

12-17-2011, 03:56 PM	#25 (permalink)
jonesy TONE FREAK Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 15,396 Thanks: 332 Thanked 1,221 Times in 175 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? Nash LP wiring.... Stew Mac version... __________________ "Pro Guitar Wiring Upgrades Built & Designed by a Guitar Player with over 33 years of Experience" Jonesyblues.com for Professional Guitar Wiring Upgrades & DIY Kits Questions? Email to: jonesyblues@yahoo.com or Call 1- 574-249-8816 Aged Parts, Vintage Tone Caps & Wire in my ebay store Jonesyblues Youtube channel Jimmy Page Wiring.com GOD ROCKS!

01-02-2012, 11:27 AM	#26 (permalink)
gsbe Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? Sorry the PM doesn't work...I didn't know. Here are pictures that I received from Nash guitars and a diagram that I created myself: Indyclone likes this.

11-09-2012, 04:53 AM	#27 (permalink)
Mpcoluv Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 159 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Nash Les Paul Style Wiring; Diagram? I would be interested in doing this on my PRS se Sinclecut trem. I would need a dual ganged pot. If i used one cap, wouldn't you need 1 meg pot values since they would be in parallel? Did anyone ever find a splined dual gang pot?

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