2c —> 4c anyone ever done it round here.

lowenzz

lowenzz

New member
Wondering how difficult it would be to convert a pair of buckets from 2 wire to 4 wire.

Or maybe I should ask how easy is it to trash the pickups ???

fwiw I have no issues swapping magnets or soldering.
would like to convert a couple No longer available Rio Grandes to work with. 5 way switch.



OR is there anyone out there that does this kind of thing ?
 
There are a few people here who have done it here, although I haven't. I don't think it is too difficult, but you have to have some good eyesight and steady hands.
 
Done several times. You need good eyes, low wattage soldering equipment and not too shaky hands.
Note to myself: need to buy magnifying glasses like Leo had.
 
It's not difficult, but like was said, you need good eyes and steady hands...the wires you'd be working with are very small. Just take the tape off of the coils and you should see where two of the wires are connected together and two of them are connected to their respective lead wires. If you still want to try to do this delicate job let us know and we can give you detailed instructions (with the disclaimer that you may end up destroying the pup and you take full responsibility).
 
I did it once. Given that Duncan will do it for $20, I let them do it the next time. The thing is, if you happen to mess up a coil, you're screwed. I assume that if Duncan messed up a coil, they'd just replace it off the shelf.
 
Just called. Goes to the custom shop and is $55 for one bucker with no cover according to the guy on the phone.
 
ArtieToo said:
I did it once. Given that Duncan will do it for $20, I let them do it the next time. The thing is, if you happen to mess up a coil, you're screwed. I assume that if Duncan messed up a coil, they'd just replace it off the shelf.
Click to expand...


I like the pickups a lot. The “Rio Grande” guy Dave passed in June I believe. I would be bummed to say the least if I trashed a coil from being a cheap dumbass. I need to send pics and an email to the custom shop to start the process.
 
lowenzz said:
Just called. Goes to the custom shop and is $55 for one bucker with no cover according to the guy on the phone.
Click to expand...

Wow! $55! That's quite a jump from what it was only about ten years ago. Guess I'll go back to doing my own.
 
ArtieToo said:
I did it once. Given that Duncan will do it for $20, I let them do it the next time. The thing is, if you happen to mess up a coil, you're screwed. I assume that if Duncan messed up a coil, they'd just replace it off the shelf.
Click to expand...


I like the pickups a lot. The “Rio Grande” guy Dave passed in June I believe. I would be bummed to say the least if I trashed a coil from being a cheap dumbass. I need to send pics and an email to the custom shop to start the process.
 
ArtieToo said:
Wow! $55! That's quite a jump from what it was only about ten years ago. Guess I'll go back to doing my own.
Click to expand...

Everything has gone up. I’m ok with that. I believe those Rios went for about 175 each. I can’t replace em if I mess em up. Still cheaper than a new set for now. But the cost does have me question my tonal memory.
 
Did it once on Chinese junkbuker just to see what was involved. Got it to work but it is not a task for the faint of heart on a pickup you care about…those tiny wires are the devil to work with…
 
justFred said:
Did it once on Chinese junkbuker just to see what was involved. Got it to work but it is not a task for the faint of heart on a pickup you care about…those tiny wires are the devil to work with…
Click to expand...

It would not be my first choice to learn on.
 
ArtieToo said:
I wonder if the difference in price is because they aren't Duncan's. Just guessing.
Click to expand...

Nope I held off on sharing the brand till the end of the conversation. No increase. They do want pics before they will commit though. I’m guessing standard procedure for rewinds and the like.
 
lowenzz said:
It would not be my first choice to learn on.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure of others, but Duncans give you about 3/4" of about 24 or 26 gauge insulated lead wire to work with. But you still have to be careful not to tug or stress those wires. The other end is soldered to the fine pup wire.
 
I got a pretty good idea as I sacrificed a cheapo import bucker years ago before I tossed it out. Delicate wire. I remember being surprised at the amount of wire in that pickup.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top