Pickup leads too short...

vikingraider1 · #1 02-21-2007, 08:08 AM

Is there a way round replacement pickup leads being too short. I have this old set of Seymour Duncans that I want to put into a guitar but the neck pickup lead is too short. Is there some way of extending the length of the pickup cable??

Busker · #2 02-21-2007, 08:30 AM

Solder an extra length of wire on. If the ground is a braided wire, just solder a wire to it, and run it to ground.

It won't be real pretty, but it will work. The only other option is replacing the entire lead, starting at the pickup base plate. You probably don't want to get a soldering iron that close to the pickup, unless you know what you are doing.

vikingraider1 · #3 02-21-2007, 10:17 AM

Aha! Didn't realise it was that simple...

Thanks for the advice...

Espidog · #4 02-21-2007, 11:46 AM

+1 to Busker's advice.

A very good way to insulate the bare soldered joint is with shrink-fit tubing (available from electronics suppliers). Before you make the joint, cut a suitable length of tubing (actually a bit longer than seems necessary is best - remember that it will shrink) and slip it over one of the wires.

When you've finished soldering (don't make it too bulky), slide the tubing over the exposed joint. Now take a cigarette lighter and hold it briefly under the tubing. Don't let the flame touch it - keep it a few inches distance underneath and let the heat do its work. You'll see the tubing shrink to fit.