Les Paul Independent Volume Controls The standard way a Les Paul is wired has it so that when playing in the middle position with both pickups on, turning either of the pickups all the way off will also silence the other pickup. If you would prefer that the volume controls behave independent of each other, in that one can be zeroed without the other one being silenced, then here are the steps. The Modern Wiring image below is what you will find in most stock Les Pauls. The 50s Wiring is a mod that you can read more about by clicking that image.