DiMarzio wiring

Model J Jazz Bass with two volumes and one tone

Two Jazz Bass · No switch · Two volumes · One master tone

DiMarzio Model J Neck (DP123SBK) and Model J Bridge (DP123LBK) through independent 500K custom-taper volumes, a 250K custom-taper master tone and a .033 µF capacitor, to a Switchcraft two-conductor jack.

Model J Jazz Bass with two volumes and one toneModel J Jazz Bass with two volumes and one tone: Two Jazz Bass · No switch · Two volumes · One master tone. Original Tinkercaster drawing with labelled terminals.Model J NeckModel J NeckModel J BridgeModel J BridgeNeck Volume 500K custom taper · 500k500kBridge Volume 500K custom taper · 500k500kMaster Tone 250K custom taper · 250k250k.033µF · 33nF33nFOutput jackBridge groundwhiteblackwhiteblacklug1lug2lug3lug1lug2lug3lug1lug2lug3abtipsleeveground

Viewed from the back of the controls, as you solder them. Open the interactive diagram to zoom, move components and try the switches.

Parts and values

In the drawingValuePart
Model J NeckSource: Model J Neck DP123SBK (RED, GREEN, WHITE, BLACK)—Single-coil pickup (two-conductor)Generic
Model J BridgeSource: Model J Bridge DP123LBK (RED, GREEN, WHITE, BLACK)—Single-coil pickup (two-conductor)Generic
Neck Volume 500K custom taperSource: Neck Volume 500K custom taper pot (EP1201)500kCTS 500k Audio PotExample part
Bridge Volume 500K custom taperSource: Bridge Volume 500K custom taper pot (EP1201)500kCTS 500k Audio PotExample part
Master Tone 250K custom taperSource: Master Tone 250K custom taper pot (EP1200)250kCTS 250k Audio PotExample part
.033µFSource: .033µF capacitor (EP1033)33nFOrange Drop .033µFExample part
Output jackSource: Switchcraft output jack, 2-conductor (EP1301)—Switchcraft #11Example part
Bridge groundSource: TO BRIDGE GROUND—Bridge ground wireGeneric

“Example part” means any part with the same value and lugs will do; the source does not name a brand. “Generic” stands in for an unspecified pickup: check your own pickup's lead colours before you solder.

Specific to this wiring

  • Each pickup shows RED hot, BLACK and WHITE joined and insulated, and GREEN on the matching volume casing.
  • Each volume's ground lug is bent onto its casing. The three pot casings are linked; TO BRIDGE GROUND ends on the master tone casing.
  • The volume middle lugs join into a bus that feeds the master tone signal lug; that same lug feeds the jack tip.
  • The .033µF capacitor (EP1033) sits on the tone's middle lug with its other leg on the tone casing.
  • The jack lugs are not labelled in the source: tip is fed from the tone signal lug and sleeve is on the casing ground.

Connections

In soldering order: grounds first, then the switch, the pickups and the signal path.

#FromToHow
1Neck groundNeck volume casingTo a pot casinggreen
2Neck volume ground lugNeck volume casingTo a pot casing
3Bridge groundBridge volume casingTo a pot casinggreen
4Bridge volume ground lugBridge volume casingTo a pot casing
5.033µF capacitorTone casingTo a pot casing
6Neck volume casingBridge volume casingTo a pot casing
7Bridge volume casingTone casingTo a pot casing
8Tone casingJack sleeveWire
9TO BRIDGE GROUNDTone casingShield or ground
10Neck hotNeck volume inputWire
11Bridge hotBridge volume inputWirered
12Neck volume middleBridge volume middleWire
13Bridge volume middleMaster tone signal lugWire
14Master tone signal lugJack tipWire
15Master tone middle.033µF capacitorWire

What each position does

SettingThe sourceEngine result
Both availableNo selector: each volume fades its own pickup; both up is parallel.Model J Neck and Model J Bridge in parallel.

Checked with the Tinkercaster wiring engine against the switching the source describes.

  • Each Jazz Bass pickup is modelled as a generic single coil; the hum-cancelling construction is not modelled.
  • The source's custom-taper pots are not reproduced: pots are simulated with a linear track, so settings between the knob ends are approximate.
  • Tone capacitor value matches the printed .033µF.
  • Pickup resistance is not specified, so no numeric meter readings are given.

Before you solder

Ticks are kept in this browser only, as a reminder. They are not a check of your joints. New to soldering? Read the soldering cheat sheet.

Check before plugging in

  • With both volumes and the tone up, both pickups should read across the jack in parallel.
  • Rolling either volume to zero should silence that pickup.
  • The jack sleeve should read continuity to all three pot casings and the bridge ground wire.

Measure across the output jack with a multimeter on its resistance range. No exact readings are given where the source does not specify the pickups.