Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

[ledzepp29]

What do you guys think I should do I still have alot to learn on soldring and wiring but if someone has a very decent article on it, preferably with pictures because I will probably get lost, then I will do it myself. I would have someone do it for me but there isn't anywhere do get it done unless I cross the ditch (our term for goin to town) which would be a hassle to drop off and pick up not to mention the charge. So should I do it myslef or have someone do it????

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

It's really much more intimidating than it sounds. The schematics on the Duncan site are some of the best and eaisest to follow I have found. Once you do it, you'll wonder why you ever considered having anyone else do it for you.

Just take it slow, and remember....the less solder you can use the better. Just enough to get a good bead....that's it.

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

thanks, any links for help?? o ya, JeffH I wanted to thank you for the clips you posted on sound click. I listened to them and it helped me make up my mind for my new pickups, PG/PG, thanks again

 

[y2stevo]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

No links but id definitly recommend doing it yourself, i find it to be the easiest mod you can do to a guitar..dont get scared if you wire it wrong i did that the first time coincidentsally with pickups i bought from Jeff H ..all i did tho was mix up two wires so i just had to reverse em...Go for it..

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

This is the best schematic on the Duncan site. Not sure why there isn't a 2 Vol, 2 Tone and a 3 way option>

http://www.seymourduncan.com/website/support/schematics/2hum_2vol_2tone_3way-w-spl.html

Essentially, just ignore the humbucker lead that goes to the 3 way switch. Just solder red and white together, and tape off like the neck humbucker. Everything else is the same. Were you see the grey arrows comming from the pot tabs...that just means you bend that tab back up until it's touching the top of the pot and solder it there.

I know it looks hard....but it's really simple. Also, I'm glad the clips helped you out...that's what they're for!

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

I want to do it myself but I just looked at the control cavity of my guitar and very confused on, how to remove solder when replacing a pickup. and very many other things if I got my new pickups now I would be completely clueless of what to do, technique, etc. thats why I desperately need help, links thanks

 

[rspst14]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

I think you're better off paying someone else to do it this time around. Practice your soldering and desoldering on some scrap parts, so that next time you can do it on your own.

Ryan

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

How much does it usually cost to have someone solder some in?

 

[rspst14]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

$25 or so

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

thats not bad, maybe the person doing it would let me watch. for those of you who have had someone do it for you in a shop like an instrument repair shop, do they usually take your guitar and have you pick it up the next day or do they do it while you wait in the shope??

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

by the way, anyone veiwing this thread that is from the jacksonville, jax beach area, please tell me where you think the best place is to get this done. ICS is the only one I've heard of.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

hmm, I don't want to make it sound like I'm volunteering him, but Artie lives in Jacksonville. Maybe if you could get a ride to his place, he could help you out.

Ryan

 

[RACER X]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

If your not sure in your ability just spend the 30 bucks and let a pro do it, but its allways good to learn how too. Good luck.

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

I just disected my old squier, its neck was warped and it sounded horrible. I puled wires out and soldered them onto different things and I think I could do it but I don't think it would be a good job tho, so I will have someone do it this time.

 

[RACER X]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

A good soldering job is key to a good or great job.

 

[Frantic_Rock]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

When you're soldering, just remember - cover every component with solder before trying to connect them together. They'll stick easier this way. Some ppl just touch 2 components and try to flow the solder on top of them, but thats wrong. You should have both leads covered with solder before trying to connect them - then just melt and they'll come right together.

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

I'll practice some more, and if I can fully understand the schematics and I solder good then I will do it myself. thanks frantic rock for the tip about putting solder on each component that sounds like it will be much easier that way

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

one thing I got confused about was, when I looked at my les paul the whole braided wire was soldered onto the back of the pot??? what is the reason for doing this, it doesn't appear to be making any kind of electrical connection? it is just solder on with a buch of solder. and how do you remove the solder from the back of the pots or do you just melt it and put in the new wire, no new solder?

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

That might just be a ground. I know very little about electronics, but using the schematics at this site, I installed the Dimebucker myself and it was pretty easy.

The first time I had pups replaced, I paid to have it done and with the DB I decided
I'd try it and if I mess up I'll just pay to have it redone.

It does look intimidating, but what I found is you're not working with all the wires in there, just a few. There are wires from pot to pot and such that you don't touch.

I say go to Home Depot and buy a cheap iron and electric solder and give it a try!

 

[Kent S.]

Re: Should I install my pickups myself or have someone do it.

I say go to Home Depot and buy a cheap iron and electric solder and give it a try!

I still say Radio Shack has one of the best beginner's kits around, iron, simple solder stand, *some* solder ... Buy an extra tube while your there, the sales guy should be able to pick that out for you, heatsink, some various tools that you'll use (screwdrivers, wire cutters, that sort of thing) I think it has some simple instructions as well, for about $21 bucks total is memory serves ... but i imagine the HD has a beginner's kit as well, but I would go with a small kit over just the iron and solder.