IGRocker
Well-Known Member
.047 average for humbuckers?? I've never heard of them that high. It's usually .022 for a humbucker. Single coils typically use .033 or .047 caps. Otherwise, I pretty much agree with what you said. My preference for humbuckers is .015 for the neck and .022 for the bridge.I think a G-400 is worthy of whatever pickups you feel like spending the dosh on to put in it. Play it first, make sure there's no major issues that need attention (unlevel frets, etc) before putting in better stuff. The pots are OK, usually Alphas or no-names. The nice thing on these older Epis is that they didn't use the trademark crap quality push/pull pots they use on newer "Pro" G-400s. Those pots will come apart the first time you try to pull off a knob.
As for the wiring I use the braided push back wire. You can order it by the foot or a big giant role you'll never use up. I tend to order the CTS SAE sizde pots and ream out the holes so they fit. If you wanna just rewire the whole thing, you can order these things from amplified parts or stewmac:
4 each of: CTS Audio taper 250k/500k pots (get 500k). Some people prefer linear. Those people are wrong, but here's the link to the linear ones. Note that CTS makes long shaft pots. These are only needed for Gibson Les Pauls
2 each of 716P Series, Polypropylene Film (aka orange drop caps) recommend 0.047uF but anything from 0.010uF to 0.100uF will work. If you want to experiment get some test leads and don't solder there in to start, just clip them in place to see how they work. Higher values cut more high frequencies and make the tone "darker" as you roll it back. 0.047 is traditional for humbuckers. Many people like a lower value for the neck pickup, and often a higher value for the bridge pickup. There is no "right or wrong" here. It's a taste thing and has as much to do with your ears as our pickups and guitar. Luckily caps are cheap so buy a few of each.
some wire. I like this braided wire with cloth insulation which they sell by the foot. The more modern plastic stuff works fine too. Price on those is by the foot. Get 3 or 4 feet so you don't run out if something goes terribly wrong.
Get a good switchcraft jack and switch. < Note that I had to include the Amazon url for the switch because for reasons unknown AP doesn't carry the short switch. Note that a switchcraft switch will need a new SAE tip, the old one won't fit.