pickup installation help

[elms2988]

I'm replacing the pickups in my Ibanez SZ, thought I'd do it myself because the only guitar tech in town seriously overcharges. could use any help/suggestions possible, as I'v never soldered or put in new p/ups before. I dont want to split the coils or anything complicated like that, just replace the old ones with the new. any input is helpful, and possibly a diagram if anyone has done this with an ibanez before. it has i believe two volume pots and a mix pot, with a three way switch. thanks for your help.

 

[jeremy]

Re: pickup installation help

two volume pots is no big deal. a mix pot and a three way switch? hmm maybe its a tone control?

it shouldnt be that tricky if youre not splitting the coils. lemme go take a look at the guitar

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: pickup installation help

You have two volumes and a master tone, like on Explorers, FLying V's and some Hamers. In stock form, you guitar has split coils when you play in the middle switch position.

If you want straight-up Gibson style wiring from two Duncans, you will need to ditch the stock switch and get a LP or SG style switch (not sure of the dimensions).

 

[jeremy]

Re: pickup installation help

ok as far as i can tell, it looks like you have two volumes a tone and a three way.
should be pretty easy if youve used a soldering iron before, since you havent itll be a learning experience and dont be supprised if you make a mistake or two and need to redo part of it.

i believe that there are wiring diagrams on the ibanez website

 

[Toenail-Tommy]

Re: pickup installation help

Don't heat up any of the parts too much... you'll know you've gone too far when the plastic wire shielding melts inches away from your solder point. Don't cook the capacitor (on the tone pot). Maybe for now just desolder one join at a time, and putting the new connection in it's place. Also be sure to patiently make a drawing of the untouched layout. And if any changes, have a new drawing at hand too. General rule: If the solder join looks dull - it's probably a poor connection. If it's shiny and flowed nice, it's probably a goody.

PS: Nothing worse than a blister on your hand when you're trying out some exciting new pups... Have fun - it's a joy.