Community: James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring

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1700 Views 6 Replies Latest reply: Aug 8, 2011 12:45 PM by funkeidiot

funkeidiot

4 posts since
Aug 13, 2009

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Jul 27, 2011 12:37 PM

James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring

I'm currently working on a Variax (JTV-89) transplant. I'll be using different humbuckers and need to know how to re-wire the five-way selection switch. Is there a way to test the current humbucker wiring to determine the +, -, coil tap wiring? If not, can someone tell me what the wiring order (corresponding colors) is from the factory humbuckers / switch?

Thanks!

-Corey

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5-way JTV-89.jpg (2.1 MB)

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Tags: variax, switch, schematic, wiring, transplant, james, humbuckers-custom, tyler, jtv-89, humbuckers, 5-way

Line6Hugo
6,580 posts since
Apr 8, 2007

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Aug 2, 2011 2:53 PM (in response to funkeidiot)
RE: James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring

Sorry, but we do not provide parts, schematics, wiring info, repair help, or modification/transplant assistance. Also, only authorized service centers have access to parts, schematics and repair assistance.

Anyone performing a Variax transplant will have to do so on their own.

Regards,

Line6Hugo

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ozbadman
1,474 posts since
Apr 17, 2008

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Aug 2, 2011 2:58 PM (in response to funkeidiot)
Re: James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring

I don't have an 89, but the easiest way is probably to measure what is connected to what in each of the 5-way positions as positions 2 + 4 are coil tapped, Once you work out what's connected to what, you should be able to work out what the colors mean on the existing humbuckers and therefore, what the equivalents would be on your replacement humbuckers.

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- funkeidiot
  4 posts since
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  Aug 2, 2011 10:43 PM (in response to ozbadman)
  Re: James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring
  
  I called a service center and they recommended me looking on the internet for what the typical wiring is on a humbucker. Sure enough, I found a page that showed what the wires are according to color. At this point I can only assume that since the colors are the same (green, red, white, black) they coorespond the same. I'm not at a point in my transplant where I can wire them up and test them. But I'm guessing this is the correct wiring scheme.
  Here's the link:
  http://www.guitarheadspickups.com/wiring/wiringhb.htm
  
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  - ozbadman
    1,474 posts since
    Apr 17, 2008
    
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    Aug 2, 2011 11:14 PM (in response to funkeidiot)
    Re: James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring
    
    Unfortunately there are no standards for color coding of wiring on humbuckers, apart from within a company. See the link for examples. I would still recommend you test it as per above to make sure you know what goes where.
    
    http://www.guitarelectronics.com/category/wiring_resources_guitar_wiring_diagrams.humbucker_wiring_color_codes/
    
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    - funkeidiot
      4 posts since
      Aug 13, 2009
      
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      Aug 2, 2011 11:14 PM (in response to ozbadman)
      Re: James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring
      
      Thanks! I was actually just researching some more, and was coming to that same conclusion. I'm going to rely on the service center obtaining the information for me from Line 6. Line 6 didn't want to give me the information over the phone because they're under the assumption that I would change something on the guitar and therefore void the warranty. Maybe I should have tried to convince them that I've already voided the warranty by completely taking my JTV-89 apart. Haha! Oh well, I should hear from the sevice center soon.
      
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funkeidiot
4 posts since
Aug 13, 2009

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Aug 8, 2011 12:45 PM (in response to funkeidiot)
Re: James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring

I figured it out: (North - adjustable poles, South - slugs)

Green: North +
Red: North - (connected to the white for the full humbucker)
White: South + (this is the single coil tap)
Black: South -

I am still waiting to hear back from a service center to double check this. But I did wire the humbuckers up through a five way switch and it all sounds correct; just ike the factory JTV-89 pickup configuration.

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Jul 27, 2011 12:37 PM

James Tyler Variax JTV-89 Humbucker wiring

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