Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Tech => Topic started by: Skybone on October 01, 2005, 10:59:07 AM

Title: Changing Pickups with PCB Mounted Pots?
Post by: Skybone on October 01, 2005, 10:59:07 AM

Howdy folks,

I've just bought a(nother) Tokai Love Rock, except this one is from the early 80's, when they used a PCB to mount the pots and caps. Now I wouldn't mind changing the pickups to a set of BKP's (set No. 3), but this PCB has thrown me a bit.

As far as I can see, there's 2 options open:

1) Suss out the PCB layout, desolder the pickups (carefully!), and fir new BKP's.

OR

2) Desolder the original pickups, remove the PCB altogether, fit 4 new pots, caps & wiring along with 2 new BKPs.

What do y'awl think?

I'm favouring option 2 at the moment, as I don't want to ruin the original features of the guitar, but I also want to use and enjoy the guitar.

I think I've just answered my own question... :?

Title: Changing Pickups with PCB Mounted Pots?
Post by: _tom_ on October 01, 2005, 11:19:30 AM

I dont know much about this kinda stuff but I'd take out that PCB and put in "normal" stuff. Seems like the logical thing to do really  :D

Title: Changing Pickups with PCB Mounted Pots?
Post by: PhilKing on October 01, 2005, 01:26:43 PM

+1 on option 2.  If the PCB is from the 80's you I would leave it alone and fit a set of CTS pots.  It will be a lot less hassle I think.

Title: Changing Pickups with PCB Mounted Pots?
Post by: R/2e on October 02, 2005, 10:19:43 AM

Option 2 also has the benefit of retaining the original parts in original condition. When those sad folks with no lives known as 'collectors' decide your guitar is an 'investment', you'll be glad you did!

Title: Changing Pickups with PCB Mounted Pots?
Post by: Skybone on October 02, 2005, 10:46:41 AM

My thoughts exactly! ;)

Title: nice one, R/2
Post by: Drac on October 02, 2005, 04:25:02 PM

Take Some pics of the axe 'as is'...
Sketch or Download an original wiring diagram,
remove and safely store the original electronics...

If you do sell the axe in the future,
 it will be worth more in original condition,
and ye'll probably want to keep those BK's for yer next project,anyway...

This is assuming yer new PUs are drop-ins, and yer not altering yer axes lumber, or drilling any new holes.

Is this a "strat"-thing?- A new pick guard may facilitate more than the original electronic configuration, and then you can mothball the original pickguard & electronics/pickups completely wired up...
 Congrats!-enjoy yer new axe!
-Drac

Title: Changing Pickups with PCB Mounted Pots?
Post by: Skybone on October 02, 2005, 05:37:26 PM

Drac,

It's your bog standard Les Paul "replica", so no carving and no scratch plate (I took that and the Treble/Rythym ring off). The original wiring is soldered to the PCB, so I'm going to have to desolder the pickups, selector switch and output jack anyway to get the PCB out, as all the pots and caps are PCB mounted.

Thanks. I intend to... ;)