New pots/wiring in my Epiphone G400 from BCS

[Rocco Crocco]

I received my pre-assembled pots, switch and jack today from BCS. This is the link to the exact item I purchased.

BCS Guitars wiring upgrade for SG Guitars. | BCS Custom Guitars

I also purchased black reflector volume and tone knobs as the chinese knobs that come stock on the guitar will not fit on the new split shaft pots.

Total shipped to my door for the assembled wiring and knobs was $101.66. Some people might think this is expensive, but for me I am happy to pay the extra $$$ so I don't have to wire all the components myself, as I am not experienced in such things.

Installation was easy with the directions provided on BCS's website.

After removing the old electronics, I used a Dremel tool and a couple drill bits to widen the holes for the pots, jack and toggle switch in the guitar body. I had never done this before, and was a little uneasy about damaging the finish on my ebony SG, but the with step-by-step instuctions, it turned out perfectly.

Next, I just installed the washers and nuts, soldered 5 points connecting the pickups and bridge ground to the new pots, plugged it into my amp and I was good to go. Easy!

The whole process too about 60 to 90 minutes. I really took my time and if I do it on another guitar, I could probably cut that time in half because now I know how to do it.

There is a pretty big difference in the sound. There is more treble and definition, and less muddiness.

I chose the linear taper volume pots which act exactly as described. These pots provide a gradual and even reduction in volume throughout the range of the pot, without much distortion reduction.

I would definately buy this again. My guitar sounds great and it was an easy install.

 

[BCS Guitars]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad it came out the way you wanted and your pleased with the results. Rock On!

 

[Phildog]

Hello Andrew/Neighbor! I know what you mean about the wiring upgrade. And although I've heard the praise of BCS, I opted to build my own. It even made me think twice about replacing the stock pickups on my Epi LP. Good to hear about your positive results.

 

[iblive]

I also purchased black reflector volume and tone knobs as the chinese knobs that come stock on the guitar will not fit on the new split shaft pots.

I also ordered from BCS.... although I just ordered pieces as I kinda know my way around a soldering iron. I didn't order control knobs. I cheated. I used one size larger drill bit and finger twisted into knob. That did the trick. They slipped right on. I am, however, thinking about ordering up a set of black speed knobs for aesthetic reasons.

I also wired mine up following the 50s schematic I pulled off the BCS web site and added a bypass resistor to each volume pot.

Like you, I am quite pleased with the difference in made in how the guitar sounded.

PS: Great to see BCS on ETSG. Welcome (a little late on my part) to the party Bill.

 

[iblive]

It even made me think twice about replacing the stock pickups on my Epi LP. Good to hear about your positive results.

I agree.... although I did end up swapping the epi pups for a Gibby 57 and 57+. The wiring upgrade made more of a difference than the pups did. Still, I'm happy to have the 57s in the guitar.

 

[Maxoom]

I think it`s great they have nicely done kits for people to buy but for me the biggest kick is to do everything myself.I am a wiring junkie...lol
I take out stock wiring and upgrade many friends guitars often and better quality parts and cleaner more thought out wiring always makes a difference in the sound quality.
Say good bye to the factory birds nests!
So don`t be afraid to dig in and learn how to do it.

I just did this one for my Carvin Bolt.

 

[Barcham]

Even if I was planning on doing everything myself, I would still buy the pots and caps from a reputable source for guitar parts, such as BCS or Martinsixstring, RS Guitarworks, etc... where everything has been tested to be within spec over the local electronics parts house.

 

[vonserke]

I also rewired my Epi Vintage G400 with this kit! Awesome result! Welcome here BCS!!

 

[iblive]

I think it`s great they have nicely done kits for people to buy but for me the biggest kick is to do everything myself.I am a wiring junkie...lol

Me too... in fact, I enjoy hands on stuff like this so much my wife refers to me as her "nerd." I remind her that 35 years ago she knew I was a nerd and married me anyway. After a shed tear she claims that she didn't know I was THAT big a nerd then.

I take out stock wiring and upgrade many friends guitars often and better quality parts and cleaner more thought out wiring always makes a difference in the sound quality.

Yep... just got done replacing all three pots in a G&L bass for a friend of my youngest kid. It's an active bass, so you want to talk about a wiring snake pit. Yikes... but all problems went away when I was done and the kids is happy he can play his bass again.

 

[Rocco Crocco]

I think it`s great they have nicely done kits for people to buy but for me the biggest kick is to do everything myself.I am a wiring junkie...lol
I take out stock wiring and upgrade many friends guitars often and better quality parts and cleaner more thought out wiring always makes a difference in the sound quality.
Say good bye to the factory birds nests!
So don`t be afraid to dig in and learn how to do it.

I just did this one for my Carvin Bolt.

Looks great. Next time I probably will do the wiring myself.

 

[Rocco Crocco]

oops.. double post.

I think it`s great they have nicely done kits for people to buy but for me the biggest kick is to do everything myself.I am a wiring junkie...lol
I take out stock wiring and upgrade many friends guitars often and better quality parts and cleaner more thought out wiring always makes a difference in the sound quality.
Say good bye to the factory birds nests!
So don`t be afraid to dig in and learn how to do it.

I just did this one for my Carvin Bolt.

Looks great. Next time I probably will do the wiring myself.