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Extending Pickup Wires

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by jmeid, Jul 5, 2008.

  1. Jul 5, 2008 #1
    jmeid

    jmeid

    Aug 19, 2007
    Sammamish, Washington
    I recently bought a set of used pickups, but the wires are too short to be connected in the way I'd like. Is there a way to extend the wires?

    I was thinking I could go out and buy some wire and tape it together.. Would that work?

    Thanks
     
  2. Jul 5, 2008 #2
    Thump Jr.

    Thump Jr.

    Jun 8, 2008
    SW FL
    Tape seems (to me) to be kinda sketchy as a choice . . . I'd go with either soldering or using wire connectors crimped on. I'm no electrician, though. Tape just seems like it'd loosen and be unreliable. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can help?
     
  3. Jul 5, 2008 #3
    zbasstringer

    zbasstringer

    Jun 24, 2008
    St. Louis
    First, make sure the extra wire is the same guage or heavier wire than the pick-up wire. I personally twist the two wires together, solder the two wires, and then tape them together. That way, the twist makes a connection, which helps relieve stress on the solder joint which also acts as a glue that helps hold the wires, and the tape is just another way of keeper that connection. But thats what I would do. Any other suggestions could be helpful. :ninja:
     
  4. Jul 5, 2008 #4
    Lowtonejoe

    Lowtonejoe Supporting Member

    Jul 3, 2004
    Pasco, WA
    Good advice.

    If you are uncomfortable with a soldering iron, crimp the two ends together

    Crimpconnectors.jpg

    or at least use a wire nut.

    WireNuts.jpg




    :D

    Joe.
     
  5. Jul 5, 2008 #5
    jmeid

    jmeid

    Aug 19, 2007
    Sammamish, Washington
    Alright great!..


    Does anybody know the gauge of EMG wire? or could point me in the direction of where I could find it out. I couldn't find anything on their website
     
  6. Jul 5, 2008 #6
    Jamie_Funk

    Jamie_Funk

    Oct 17, 2002
    London, Ontario
    EMG? Especially if you have the ACTIVE models (non HZ), extending the wires could be problematic, since EMG wraps a SHIELDING/GROUNG wire around the hot wire - if THAT bare wire (braided around the insulated HOT) does not also get extended, buzz city.

    If your EMGs use the quick connect attached wires, simply order new ones from EMG and ou should be fine.

    Jamie
     
  7. Jul 5, 2008 #7
    jmeid

    jmeid

    Aug 19, 2007
    Sammamish, Washington
    Thanks for the reply!

    When I bought them I was expecting the pickups to have the quick connect feature. They do not, I guess they must be an older model.

    Would this be worth taking to a pro shop to do? Or could they not do anything about it either?