Gibson Braided Wire vs. Aftermarket

[AGS]

Did Gibson ever use a 3-stranded braided wire on their pickups? To be clear, I am referring to the strands of wire comprising the braided outer shield. The 70s/80s pickups that I own are 2-strand and I see that early PAFs are also 2-stranded. StewMac currently sells a 3-strand replacement wire. Is 3-strand braided wire absolute proof that the wire is aftermarket and evidence of a repair?

Thanks.

 

[LtKojak]

Of course!

 

[AGS]

Of course!

Of course what? They did use a 3-strand shielded wire or not? I did a search of the forum before posting, not wanting to annoy the forum elite with a dumb question.

 

[LtKojak]

Of course what?

What was the question?

 

[AGS]

I did a search of the forum before posting. I did not find an answer to the question of whether or not Gibson used a 3-strand braided wire during the Norlin era, so I posted the question here. I did find a previous discussion of T-Tops with gray plastic insulated leads, and people doubted those until an original owner or two spoke up and said they were unaltered and period correct leads. I was hoping for a similar response to this question, from somebody who has had access to an original unaltered Gibson from this period that DID have a 3-strand braided wire lead.

I did find a discussion of this topic on another website belonging to Rick Norman "Dr. Vintage". He asks that no links be posted without permission and so I won't link to it. But a search for "rickn-guitars" will take you to his site and the mention is made on the 50/60's electricals page. He says that 3-strand wire was used, but doesn't say exactly when or for how long.

Most all T-Tops that I have looked at online are 2-strand, but some aren't including the one pictured above which is reported to be in original "never opened" condition. I am here in search of information and not to play games with forum personalities. If the question is of no interest to you, please ignore my post.

 

[LtKojak]

Unless they got a shipping of 3-strand by mistake or unexpected unavailability, so there's not actual record of it, Gibson never sourced 3-strand braided wire. Never have, probably never will.

Does my "of course" answer makes more sense now? Forum personalities... I'm sure the irony of your statement made a swooshing sound going over your head.

 

[ReWind James]

...the one pictured above which is reported to be in original "never opened" condition.

Even from this single blurry photo, it looks like the solder in the back has tampered with.

The wrong hookup lead on it is a dead-giveaway, as well. I expect that if you posted more photos of this pickup, there would be other signs of entry.

 

[ezra1]

Forum Personalities sounds like a band name or topic on Jeopardy.....