Long lead on pickup

[Rickco]

Im swapping neck pickups (humbuckers) on one of my archtops. I have about a foot of extra lead coming from the pickup Im reluctant to shorten as it makes it easier to work on wiring if I can take it off and lay it next to guitar. Im commited to using the long lead (unless Im informed otherwise) and can carefully coil the extra or make long loops keeping it all in place with sticky clips. Im clear that a shorter lead is "better" but in a few quick listening tests everything seems quiet either way but this is only on the bench. Im ready to finish the wire dress but would really rather not have to do it twice. Once again the wiring is correct and prior to switching pu's guitar very quiet but original neck pickup had shorter lead. Its probably fine but any intel appreciated.

[sgosnell]

Like most other things in life, this involves compromises. A shorter lead may, in some situations, reduce electromagnetic interference to some degree. However, a shorter lead can make swapping more difficult if the guitars are different, because some need longer leads than others, and as you say, longer is better for doing repair work or modifications. I have several pickups set up for swapping, and I generally leave the leads, both from the pickup and from the controls, somewhat longer, because I know I can always shorten them if necessary, but lengthening them can be a bit more complicated, and I don't like splices. For me, cutting and re-dressing the leads is usually more work than it's worth, so I tend to leave them as is, but I'm not religious about it either way.

[Jimmy Mack]

I don't believe that an extra 12" of lead will make any difference, assuming of course that all the other electrical components are well grounded/shielded and that solder joints are tight. Don't forget to check grounding to the tailpiece.