Tech Talk Ep.2- 50s. Modern. Volume Bleed
Let's Talk
50's. Modern. Volume Bleed.
"In the Wiring World Of Gibson, you are generally given 3 Options. 50's, Modern, And Volume Bleed."
The 50's Wiring
"As the name implies. This is the Wiring found in Gibsons First Generation of Electric Guitars"
Modern.
"Is just the updated version found in the Current Model Les Pauls."
Volume Bleed.
This is not a Wiring Style but instead a Performance Mod added to the Modern design to Improve the Tone.
“Which Style Sounds the Best?”
"This is the most common question we get asked. We Can't Answer That. Why? Because each style is a Matter Of Preference. It’s Subjective. it solely depends on what You Like."
Detailed Breakdown:
The 50s
"When people refer to the tone of a 50s Les Paul what they are really talking about is a 1959 Les Paul Standard. The Holy Grail of Les Paul's. This one factory year inspired a Mythic Reputation in Rock’n’Roll History. "
So, Why Do People Love It?
It's how the circuit is designed. It Is All About The Treble. As you Roll Off the Volume less highs fade away, creating as some claim a Clear, Natural Tone.
Why do some people not like it?
Again, the main reason is Every Ear is Different. Some people think it makes the Guitar Too Bright. Also, Some People Don't like its Non-Linear Taper.
Modern.
It's Technically Not Modern. It was the Improved Version Gibson came up with in the 2nd or 3rd Generations of Les Paul's.
Why Do People Prefer this Harness?
This one is All About The Bass. The more you Roll Off The Volume the Darker, and Heavier it gets. This style also has a more Consistent Audio Taper.
Why Do Some People Not Like This Style?
The most common response is it Causes the Guitar to become Muddy and Dull when Rolling Off The Volume.
Volume Bleed Mod
This is basically a Circuit Add-on made from Capacitors. It saves the Tone Lost to the Modern wiring.
So, wouldn't that make it the Best Out of the 3?
"Not Necessarily. Where it is the best of both worlds. The most Common Complaint is it Doesn't Sound Natural. What does that mean? They say you lose the Natural Tone of the guitar. That's because the Mod Only Saves a Small Spectrum of what you would lose with the Tone Loss."
Conclusion.
"All these styles have their own Strengths and Weaknesses. You can always find someone who swears one is better then the other. But It comes to You the Individual Player to determine Which One Matches Your Sound. And, your Style . "
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