Precision Bass Wiring - How to Wire a Precision Bass

In our latest video, we show you how to wire a Fender Precision Bass - no thrills, no shrills, just standard Precision Bass wiring.
Using our Precision Bass wiring kit, we wire the full harness straight into the pickguard.
Components used:
- 2 x CTS 250k (true vintage taper) pots
- 1/4'' Switchcraft jack socket
- 0.047uF capacitor
- Push back cloth wire (22 AWG)
- Tinned copper wire
- Heat shrink tubing
Equipment:
- Hakko soldering station
- Lead free silver solder
The beauty of working on Fender instruments is that you can wire everything straight into the pickguard.
- Precision Bass wiring diagram: sixstringsuppl...
- Precision Bass wiring kit: sixstringsuppl...
- More guitar/bass wiring guides: sixstringsuppl...
- Guitar wiring harnesses: sixstringsuppl...
- Guitar & Bass Wiring Tutorials: • Guitar & Bass Wiring T...

[@Matt-fm5ce]

Amazing tutorial, I followed it after buying a wiring kit and new pickups and it worked perfectly despite me not soldering anything for 8 years. (Ok, I had to redo one dodgy joint which broke 😂)

[@reckless-ramblers]

This guy is the best, a real pro. A pleasure to watch and learn from versus all the other hacks who embarrass themselves and don't realize it.

[@lenkomsa4521]

This is the best video on line for replacing pickups for beginners.

[@Iaminvisible331]

am sending this just to say thank you for showing me how to solder, sorry for it being 4 years, yours was the best and straight to the point on how to do it, again thank you

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

What a great, easy to follow, informative video. I have been playing bass (mostly P's) for almost 40 years and I never knew how they were wired, I always had someone fix them for me. I wish videos like like were available all those years, I would have saved a lot of time and money fixing them myself. Thanks for making and posting this. Peace.

[@danielirvine7468]

So clean I wish I watched this years ago I have had solder blobs and melted wires on all three of the basses I have done so far I need to get this cloth wire ! Thanks so much for you time and clear instructions

[@hpblack1953]

No, you need to learn to solder properly.

[@Sh4dowFawx]

Just followed this video to a T with an art of tone kit! My bass looks super clean and pro under the hood thanks to you sir.

[@Phyoomz]

My cheap unbranded chinese p bass developed a horrible fret scratch. I opened it up (knowing nothing about the inner electronics of a bass) and saw that the green ground wire leading to the bridge had gotten disconnected from the pots. My goal was to just reattach the ground and go about my day, but thanks to your video, I disconnected and threw away all existing wires, cleaned up the pots, and reconnected everything with new wires and solder and it turned out great!! Also, my bass had a very different wiring configuration than what you use, I was afraid it wouldn't work. I'm glad it did. Thank you!

[@jamincarrasquillo1148]

Thanks for your teaching… I did it so far, step by step following you and was successful… the surgery was great and the patient survived. It’s alive! God bless you !!!…

[@maxkomine1934]

This is most straight-forward and clear video on the process that I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@mattprofewhitney5638]

I had to fix a cheap, P Bass for a student of mine in the guitar club....Your instruction was clear and concise! Thank you!

[@SixStringSupplies]

That’s good to hear thank you sir

[@everready19373]

I worked in SMT for 34 years. Thermal linkage is a big factor when soldering like that. A bit of solder on the end of the iron creates more heat mass and will help heat up the parts to be soldered. Just a wee bit will do.

[@scottbrown8256]

thanks so much!...upgrading a used indonesian squier p bass...pretty good woods & craftsmanship...entry-level electronics as you would expect at the price point...thanks to your help a fender original 62 p bass pickup is now onboard with upgraded pots & wiring...also coming...a higher mass brass bridge & grover tuners...so a $300 instrument becomes a $600 instrument that exceeds a high-line fender!...thanks again!

[@JoeSax]

I've just ordered a full replacement kit for my 79 Pbass but have never before done this work. However, your video is so well done that I am confident it's work I can handle. Thank You!

[@stevewoodward7850]

Absolutely awesome tutorial. Informative, very clear and easily followed instructions from the people who make the best wiring harnesses. I will be ordering mine soon. Thank you.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hey Steve really appreciate that feedback! Have a great Sunday

[@KurtRatliff]

Thanks for the video! Got my old P-Bass purring like a kitten after watching this. Straightforward and concise, great for newbs like me.

[@duneleader]

Amazing tutorial video, literally just did my Squire P Bass, replaced the pots and pickups! You are the man!

[@edbrito-swdev]

Excellent video demonstration on how to wire the p-bass! Very nice!

[@billypilgrim669]

One of the most helpful videos I've found so far. Currently upgrading my P-Bass and I want to do it right. Thanks!

[@josephalaguna]

My soldering work looks like an apocalypse! This is great. I’ll mine a do over.

[@MonsterJuiced]

Yo thanks man, fixing up an old piece of precision tomorrow and someone had fek'd up all the wiring about 10 years ago so I'm having to re-wire the lot. This has been super useful

[@duuchimee]

Thanks a lot for such a detailed explanation! I've been fixing guitar electronics for several years but missing this confidence and accuracy so much. Your video clarified many basic but not so obvious things for me! Like and subscribe.

[@FrailDog]

did this with my father two days ago, this video was a very big help. thank you

[@JuanG2020]

Awesome tutorial! I needed to change the pickups on my sister's bass and after desoldering everything, I completely forgot how it should go back together. After following along, the bass is playing like new. Thanks!

[@TwangThang57]

Thanks for doing this. I just converted my PJ to a P using your tutorial. I hated the J bridge pickup and now the P pickup is so much clearer and punchier without all that extra crap in the circuit. I put a dummy switch in the extra hole and will fabricate a wooden cover for the J cavity.

[@TheEmilioSaenz]

Wired my first harness, it works!! Thank you!! Followed along, everything turned out great!!

[@johngault5214]

Very professionally done and clearly explained. Thank you Sir.

[@jaywiggin9198]

This is a fantastic video. Clear instructions, clear picture. I'm pumped to try my first full wiring job, thanks to you!

[@davyelwyn]

A brilliant 'How To ...' with great info on tools and all the necessary accessories. Thanks a million

[@SixStringSupplies]

pleasure - thanks for taking the time to watch it!

[@TexturaI]

@@SixStringSuppliesis there a difference between the tone and volume pot? Or just different wiring?

[@JohnCranberry23]

Thanks buddy...great helpful video for novice like me. Restoring a Precision Bass and doing the wiring tomorrow. Perfect video that I needed to watch.

[@SixStringSupplies]

glad you found it useful

[@soultabs]

A big thank you for this video. First Time doing the electronics on a beat up Squier CV and by following slowly this video i was able to make a clean job and best of all it works. Thumbs up

[@jchacon2k]

Thanks a lot! I just have my bass out and this step by step instructions made it easy to fix it !

[@TheWaveFiles]

I'm soldering my 1st PBass right know thanks to you. Appreciate your work a lot. Cheers

[@seangormley]

You're a lifesaver! Excellent step-by-step specific video, thanks.

[@hectorgarza5842]

Excellent, appreciated!!! Thanks a lot for your advice. Complete and well explained. Solid gold!!!

[@Ronno4691]

Modding my Squier Jazz and Precision basses with some kick butt high output pickups and electrics now is so tempting :-)

[@joepalooka2145]

Excellent video, thanks! Extremely informative and easy to understand and really helpful to dummies like me. One of the best filmed instructional videos I've ever seen.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks bro 🙏

[@shibumi5210]

@@SixStringSupplies Have you ever thought of switching to the Pure Tone input jack? I use them, and they are a much more positive "click" when the connector is inserted, more points of contact, I don't think you can ever wear one out- and of course, they weren't around when Leo started building guitars... 🙂

[@willfraser5210]

Very clear and helpful. Thanks

[@dandr.ddaugherty8169]

Awesome video described with great detail thanx

[@cedarmoon08]

This is very helpful to see. Thank you! Dude, I’m no soldering expert, but it seems to me your fingers get awfully close to that soldering iron tip. But bravo, you obviously know what you’re doing.

[@fredgraphix113076]

his soldering at the back of the pot is satisfying, I'm having a hard time doing that.

[@rodrigocorreasoffiatimesqu4047]

Congrats !! Extraordinary video

[@kristiansandoval6809]

Thank you. This made changing my sons base audio ports a snap!

[@SixStringSupplies]

no problem - glad to hear that

[@katmartin6447]

Dude!!!! You are a total bad Ass!!! Wish I had a video like this when I started all this. Please please keep the wiring scheming a’flowing!!

[@Yaksonator]

I love your videos. I’m working on my own bass project and I’m having the hardest job with grounding. I just cannot figure it out.. I’ll keep at it. Your videos helped me tremendously!

[@brucew.5177]

Beautiful soldering job ... but is there any special thing you do to keep the pickups from humming . My P-Bass pickups hum even though everything else is grounded as tested with my multi- meter

[@shanemichaelneal648]

Great tutorial! Thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@jackmundo4043]

Really helpful. Thanks so much.

[@oscarsanchez6236]

Happreciate that video bro, most useful one in KZbin

[@xbman1]

Thanks Fun and you’re awesome! Cheers 🥂

[@c.arandyl]

Amazing video!

[@Phillip_higgins]

Nice work my friend 👍👍👍

[@IntoTheBass]

Thanks for your excellent videos! Glad to be a Subscriber!

[@SixStringSupplies]

glad you subscribed! cheers

[@anthonymonroe7183]

Six String Supplies p

[@billkaroly]

ThIs will come in handy as I rewire a Harmony H704 P Bass from 78.

[@1thess523]

Nice and clean 👌

[@kdubatx1]

Nice video much appreciated

[@troytempest5103]

Absolutely great video! I've bought myself a pot kit and because of this I feel I can tackle it now. Only problem is my bass if left handed....does that mean or 2 of these connections will to be reversed?!

[@badmonks]

Absolutely fantastic.

[@dingeskes]

Thank you for this awesome vid!

[@cptncanela]

I finally did this, and thank you for going straight to it and being clear. However, I don't know why the pots are not working. The volume is 100% and tone 100%, but I can't control it. I can't turn the volume down neither the tone. Apart from that, everything is ok.

[@waltfogle3453]

I like your technique. Lots of great tips on soldering. However, the diagram that is provided with the authentic Fender P-Bass pickup instructs you to wire the capacitor to the outboard lug of the tone control and likewise for the pickup input wire on the volume pot. Your video has these wires connected to the center lugs. Why the difference?

[@raymondruiz1843]

Hi there! I've seen your videos working on Basses. I would like to see a video on soldering a PJ Bass if possible, Thanks!

[@soslunnaak]

im just trying to figure out how to fix my bass, a bunch of wires fell off, so this video should help, but idk i just have to hope when i get home this and the other tutorials ive downloaded do the trick lol

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hopefully!

[@suzi97]

Thank you very much, just wired my Pre to it , excellent instruction :)

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks sir. Glad it helped you out.

[@Cruiseangel72]

@@SixStringSupplies how can i buy a p bass pre wire harness from you?

[@SixStringSupplies]

Cruise Angel hi, on our website www.sixstringsupplies.co.uk/prewired-harnesses

[@MISTERQCUE]

I got but only 2 words for you............ THANK YOU!!!!

[@SynthNewbie]

i have a different component is it still the same wiring

[@TheStobb50]

Thank you you’ve helped me load

[@davidolenyik7010]

I just wired my P bass project according to your specs. Sounds great! Is this type of wiring known as 50's, 60's, Modern or a mix of all three?

[@Bassplayingypsy]

Kool informative video. Not gonna say I'm good to do this myself, but will try now. Lol thanks for video.

[@peterb1543]

Great bit of filming

[@neilmorrow9756]

Great well explained video. Thank you.

[@InTheGrooove]

Great video thank you. I watched because I rewired my p bass last week with two new CTS 250k pots, switchcraft jack and cloth wire. I used a diagram from the internet which is exactly the same except they did not show a ground link wire between the pots as you have done. When I connected the amp there is a buzzing sound. With the ground link wire between the two pots you have done would this not create a ground loop? The pots are also grounded by the foil on the pick guard are they not? I have used copper tape in the cavities as well which I also connected with a wire to the case of the volume pot along with the bridge ground wire. Going to try again this week. Any help appreciated. 🙏

[@yourunclehank1]

If this makes sense - the outer casings of the pots are being grounded. Kinda like a car. All electrical grounds to the frame. the bridge is your frame.

[@Hiphopdabop]

Flip the pots to further show A250k, B250k for those who may question a Standard CTS or whatever..

[@DrunkDuckXD]

Fantastic video!!!

[@hectorestrada5751]

Great video I have a pbass do you recommend a replacement pickups ? the bottom 2 strings don’t sound strong do you have any recommend how to trouble shoot .

[@elfergos]

Why does the documentation from both my pickups and pots show the capacitor soldered between the pots?

[@mikeroadblock]

Great work.

[@stevengonz]

Random question, could this process be repeated with 2 way mini ON/ON switches? Looking to change my knobs to switches since I normally play full volume and tone with a tendency to go zero tone on select songs

[@mestupgaming5765]

I'm trying to figure out the wiring of this guitar my grandpa did before he passed and idk anough to figure it out. It looks confusing would you help me?

[@carpo719]

I just built a double P bass, and cannot find wiring for it... can one just wire the same with a double P as a PJ?

[@spikebradford3257]

Very clear thanks. I noticed you wrapped the wire around the input jack prongs before soldering, but not on the pot prongs. Any reason for that?

[@SirBoopBoop]

5 months late, but I think he wrapped the input jack wires specifically as a sort of precaution to make sure the jack is indeed in contact with the pot prongs and the ground circuit. The input jack is usually the main culprit for grounding and output issues in your guitar and bass so wrapping the bare wire and soldering instead of just a straight solder ensures a bit more contact, peace of mind, and longevity for the input jack. Hopefully that answers your question if you still needed an answer.

[@magnumbeans8030]

And guitar center’s charging $150 for this 🙃

[@SixStringSupplies]

damn I'm doing this the wrong way round! :)

[@luisrosario3781]

For replacing pickups? Oh hell no. My nearby Guitar Center here in Virginia charges about $50 for pickups and strings. Granted, strings are incredibly easy to replace on a P-Bass.

[@erockscott1184]

This is why we have to learn to do this ourselves...the cost for basic repairs like this shouldn't be that high anywhere.

[@stephenmead5488]

$150 doesn’t seem that unreasonable. After all , most owners bring in a guitar whole to get worked on. That requires disassembly and assembly (not shown), connection to pickups (not shown), tuning and possibly minor setup and intonation (not shown), selecting and preparing parts and hardware (not shown), minor cleaning around the body cavity (not shown). Then there is the matter of cost for parts, cost of labor and markup.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

While I would avoid Guitar Center like the plague, I would happily pay a skilled technician $150 to do this for me.

[@jellybingus416]

Thanks for posting this!

[@LJPV777]

Great video man. Much appreciated.

[@wawaw1867SW]

Does it matter if the solder grounding the capacitor and jack touch?

[@CVYR490]

I have a question regarding 250k(for volume) and 500k (for tone) - My question is - If both pot are using 250K, one for the volume and one for the tone, then how do we know which one is to be used for controling volume as we want to turn the volume from Zero sound to full sound and which 250K is to be used for tone control where we want to turn the knob to increase or decrease the tremble. Because both are 250K. The one for the volume when you turn the knob one way or another, it should go zero sound is a 250K and yet the other one for the tone only is also a 250k. I read about pot and the information is too much and too wide to narrow it down. Thanks if you can explain

[@dongconrad]

Hi Six String Supplies Team, I bought this ready made wirings last time and it is amazing! Just wondering if you guys can make an amazing wiring for Sterling Ray4? Thanks!

[@charlescharlie5932]

Very helpful video for me but it didn't fix the problem with a bass I picked up cheap. When I checked my bass against the video I found two wiring errors. That sort of told me that someone else was tinkering with this before me. The problem is that I get very strong volume on the E and A strings and almost no volume on the D string and very weak volume on the G string. I tried raising the pickup closest to the bridge and adjusting for stronger treble and I lowered the pickup that covers the E and A strings. So my question is: is the problem a bad pickup? Are replacements pre-wired? Can you buy just one? Thanks for your help.

[@shibumi5210]

Have you ever thought of switching to the Pure Tone input jack? I use them, and they are a much more positive "click" when the connector is inserted, more points of contact, I don't think you can ever wear one out- and of course, they weren't around when Leo started building guitars... 🙂

[@SixStringSupplies]

yep we are a Pure Tone Distributor puretonetechnologies.com/pages/distributors

[@jaymichael4604]

Well done!!!

[@jeruelgomez17]

Is it possible the wire that i want to do is UTP cable.

[@rauldavila5809]

No entiendo el idioma,, pero esta bien explicado y muy didactico....❤

[@quineagle6566]

Do a video on wiring a squier by fender pj bass special affinity series. Or could you share with me a wiring diagram link. Trying to fix my humming bass issue.

[@JasonVorce]

A bit late to the party but does anyone know what a good temperature would be for the soldering iron?

[@Axsions]

I know the video is old but I have a quick question: for grounding do you need to use the tinned copper wire? I know you said you can use the black cloth wire or tinned copper, but is there a difference? All I have is black and red cloth 22 AWG wire but no tinned copper.

[@fongy200]

My pick guard has no sheilding what so ever, does this matter hgely as i have noticed a ground going to the bridge? It is a blue wire that runs through a tiny drilled hole and attaches to the bridge underneath. It's not working at te moment, according to the multi-meter it is the capacitor that is faulty hence me viewing your video, so thank you and i would appreciate an answer about the pick guard sheilding and if all else fails you might have to hook me up with one of your sets. Thanks again.

[@erockscott1184]

How much heat can pots take???...ibhave struggled with this issue and never wanted to overheat one it seems like they can take alot as much as you held that iron on them.

[@generalnethovignol]

Thank you man!

[@JBKeyz88]

Thanks for this video. To clarify, you’re just melting a bit of the solder to melt onto the connect wire, to secure it in place?