Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

wntbtw

wntbtw

New member
Hi--I have a `99 Gibson 'Flying V' and I want to replace the bridge '500T' pickup w/ a SD `59 Model'. I would like to know how long it will take to remove the '500T' and replace it w/ the SD pickup as i will have to pay a 'guitar tech' to do the work. Thank you for any help you can give me.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

shouldn't take more than about 20 mins, but most techs have a minimum charge of either 1/2 or 1 hour. THe techs around here charge about 35 bucks to change one.
It isn't that hard to do, if you have basic knowledge and a decent soldering iron.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

My friend who does all my pickup swaps can do a pickups change in about 10 - 15 minutes, a tech will most likely charge you a flat fee.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

jimlp said:
My friend who does all my pickup swaps can do a pickups change in about 10 - 15 minutes, a tech will most likely charge you a flat fee.
Click to expand...

Yup, standard bench fee usually applies...:wave:
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

welll take into account, removeing strings and replaceing. then i useualy do a setup. all in al its about an hour. but just for a pup change i'd have to agree with the 20 min.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

It really depends on whether you are just doing a straight swap or if you are adding new functionality for split/series/parallel/phase.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

idsnowdog said:
It really depends on whether you are just doing a straight swap or if you are adding new functionality for split/series/parallel/phase.
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yeah this true too. nothing like getting into your guitar and think hey, i want to try this, or you know what this thing would be nice with some new 500k pots. or, i think i might just put a 5 way in here.
then it can go for days.(part willing)
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

karpathion said:
yeah this true too. nothing like getting into your guitar and think hey, i want to try this, or you know what this thing would be nice with some new 500k pots. or, i think i might just put a 5 way in here.
then it can go for days.(part willing)
Click to expand...

5 way switches are for three PU's. Does your V have 2 or 3?
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

Thanks for all the quick replies--I really appreciate it! I just want to swap the 2 pick-ups w/ no other work at this point. Just bought the 'V' and don`t like the high output ceramic bridge pickup that`s in it [500T]. And the guitar has the basic 2 pickups [a `67 RI]. Thanks again for everyone`s help!
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

If you are good, 10-15 minutes. Most folks probably 30-45 minutes.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

If your anything like me, usually about 6 months.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

I would recommend you try changing the pickup yourself. It's really not that hard - as long as you don't damage anything (why would you?) you have nothing to lose.
If it works, then you saved some cash and learned a new skill - if you fail, well you just take it to the tech like you plan on doing anyway.

Give it a go!
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

Only it only takes 20 minutes for a normal pickup swap sometimes it will take a few days before someone has the time to look at your guitar. Make sure you ask how long it will take if you're going to drop off you guitar somewhere.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

Diocletian said:
I would recommend you try changing the pickup yourself. It's really not that hard - as long as you don't damage anything (why would you?) you have nothing to lose.
If it works, then you saved some cash and learned a new skill - if you fail, well you just take it to the tech like you plan on doing anyway.

Give it a go!
Click to expand...

Plus, once you've learned how yourself, you don't ever have to pay someone else to do it again...:27:
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

I can swap and change strings in 10 minutes if the guitar doesn't have a pickguard.

BTW, you can use a 5 way switch with 2 pickups too.

Ever play a PRS, Hamer Mirage, or Fender Big Apple Strat?
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

do it youself, the worst case scenario is that you ding the paint with solder iron, which is easily avoided by covering the body with a towel for examble.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

Definitely DIY and it's not very hard at all.. Learn to do it and you will wonder how you got along all this time without this skill.
 
Re: Question: How long does it take to change a pickup?

wntbtw said:
Hi--I have a `99 Gibson 'Flying V' and I want to replace the bridge '500T' pickup w/ a SD `59 Model'. I would like to know how long it will take to remove the '500T' and replace it w/ the SD pickup as i will have to pay a 'guitar tech' to do the work. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Click to expand...

About 20 min. How much are they charging you? It shoul not cost more than about 25.00 either.
 
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