Pickup leads

[bui]

Can I replace the pickup lead wires with some insulated copper wire I have sitting around? Can't tell what sort of leads they have now (gray core), but they are too short...the only wire I have sitting around is insulated copper.

[mech]

Yes, if the wire you have is stranded and a similar size to what you are replacing. Do not use solid core wire. It will break.
mech

[bui]

Thanks Mech!
The gauges are pretty close, and it is stranded. Didn't know if difference in resistance would matter that much.

[R. Laevinus]

...I use solid core all the time, and it has never broken. I prefer it simply because I find it's easier to work. (I also use solid-core when installing electricals in houses and offices.)

I believe there was a debate on here a while back (might wanna search it) on the merits of stranded vs. solid-core wire - if my memory serves me well, the TB experts concluded that stranded core may lose some low-end. Don't quote me on that, though.

[mech]

TB experts concluded that stranded core may lose some low-end.

Mojology.

Solid wire is adequate for static installations but more likely to break when subject to vibration.

mech

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by mech

Mojology.

Solid wire is adequate for static installations but more likely to break when subject to vibration.

I'd not use solid wire in a bass because it is subject to lots of vibration as well as shock and positional changes. Solid copper wire work hardens from flexing or vibration and eventually the wire can crack. As it turns out solder can do the SAME thing where it crystallizes and becomes brittle. Most of us have seen what is termed a "cold solder joint" that causes a wire (stranded or solid) to come loose in a bass. The problem is not just inadequate melting of the soldier but vibration crystallization as well. Happily if the solder is thoroughly heated and melted when making a connection later crystallization problems are much more rare.

As for pickup leads stranded seems to be the common thing if the leads aren't shielded. But many times the leads are coaxial cable that is very thin and looks like ordinary wire.

[R. Laevinus]

Hey, I'm just sayin' what I think I saw.

I do think though that solid-core will be fine - I'm not saying you're misinformed, I just don't really think it's much of a big deal.