What gauge wire?

[Eric O'Reilly]

Is there a certain gauge wire for use when wiring a guitar, for instance the ground wire and input wire, are they a certain gauge? Because im doing a project guitar and its only a single vol single humbucker, its very simple but, for the input and ground wires, i bought some standard doorbell wire, about 3 feet , its a single conductor copper wire, ive used it before in guitars and its worked fine but, is there a tonal difference in wire gauges?

 

[Wahoonc]

Yes. I'm no electrician, but I do know you want the wire gauge rating to match the impedance of the components. The wire can create its own resistance if mismatched--both too thick and too thin. The quality of the copper (or other metal/alloy) can also affect the signal. Lots of variables, but I'm sure someone else here can break it down better, if you're shooting for the highest quality result.

 

[DrKev]

Working inside guitars we really care about the physical characteristics rather than the electrical characteristics. 22 gauge is great and what many guitar techs will use. 20 gauge can be a little thick for working inside guitars, some people like 24 gauge but some find it can be a little thin and fiddly. Single conductor stays in place when you bend it, which some people like. Stranded is more flexible and less likely to break with repeated bending. Generally use shielded cable for the volume pot to the jack.

I generally prefer 22 gauge, solid core. 24 gauge can be useful for small switch terminals.

Electrically and tonally, it makes damn all difference what you use provided your shielding and soldering are good. You could use coat hanger if you could get it in there. Low voltage, low current, short distances, so resistance is tiny compared to either the pickup resistance and the amp input impedance. Copper or aluminium makes no difference either.

 

[Eric O'Reilly]

Thank you.