Install Guitar Pickups
Cheap or inexpensive guitars can easily be upgraded to sound of better quality. For my metal style, the bridge pickup is of big importance. Replacing with upgraded models increases power, sustain, and crunch.
Steps
- Remove electrical covers. These are on the back of guitar or is the pickguard assembly such as on a Stratocaster. You will need to detach any wires leading from the pickguard assembly so you can easily replace any pickup or or other hardware.
- Remove the solder. There is a small amount of solder from the hot and ground wires from the pickup that you will be replacing. To remove them you need to touch the solder with the soldering gun and pull the wires apart. Don’t forget where they were because you need to know that when you place in the replacement pickup. If you need to, draw a basic schematic if you cannot get a wiring diagram.
- Remove the pickup(s). Take out the two screws on either side of any old pickup. Now gently remove it, making sure you leave enough lead wire for both positive and ground. Be certain you keep the springs, screws, and any pickup cover.
- Use shortcuts. Unless you want to try “fishing” wires through precisely drilled holes, taping a guide string or small gauge wire to the ends of the hot and ground will save you much frustration and time.
- Reference a diagram. When you buy new pickups they come with a wiring diagram. Use this diagram to distinguish which color represents the hot and ground. Then tape those wires to the guide string if needed. Be sure to pull gently or you may rip the wires out of the guitar.
- Solder in your pickups. Once you have placed in the new wires and have enough lead wire, solder them to their necessary places.
- Replace hardware. Secure the new pickup by doing the opposite of taking it out and replace all electrical covers; make sure you have firmly placed them in level so there is no room for distortion in sound.
- Play to check your work. If you can hear a signal, congratulations! You have just installed your first replacement pickup. If you cannot get any signal, go back and find a problem by referencing your diagram.
Warnings
- A soldering pencil that is more than 50 watts is too hot for electrical applications. More importantly, the solder you use can have an overwhelming effect on the electrical connections. Make sure it has a rosin center or you must buy it separately. Furthermore, it must be electrical grade solder.
- Make sure everything is grounded. If not your guitar will produce a very loud buzzing noise!!
- If you don't know a lot about electronics, Do not try to replace them yourself if you're replacing any electrical hardware on expensive guitars. Find an expert to do this sort of thing.
- There's a chance that the hole for the pickups will be really small. Ask a technician about how to fit the string in, or you can try to use a drill to resize the hole.
Things You'll Need
- Small Phillips and a small flat head screwdriver
- Electrical tape (optional)
- Soldering pencil or iron(10-25W)
- Solder with rosin center (lead free)
- Steady Hand
- A pair of wire strippers
- First-Aid kit for burns and cuts
Related Articles
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- Wire a Les Paul Guitar
- Rewire a Guitar
- Choose Guitar Picks
- Buy Guitar Effects
- Afford an Expensive Guitar
