Author Topic: help changing pickups? (Read 3915 times)

matteo · « **on:** October 08, 2006, 10:41:23 PM »

just got a new yamaha rgx420dz ( alder body, maple bolt on neck, 24 fret rosewood board floyd rose) and want to replace the pickups with the VHIIs i got in my ibanez rg220dx (basswood floyd etc). i have 2 questions though:

the VHIIs sounded awesome, much better than the stock ibanez items, im just wondering how much difference the alder body will make? VHIIS dont seem to be a popular choice for this sort of guitar. am i better of gettin somethin hotter?

also, how hard is it to change the pickups? im good with a solering iron and a screwdriver, im just worried all the wires are going to be different colours when i strip it down!!!

any advice would be greatly appreciated :D

thanx

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2006, 11:09:39 PM »

I would think the VHIIs would work well in your alder guitar - it should be a great rock strat sound!

Changing pickups is easy. Just make a not of where everthing is originally should you ever want to swap them back, plus it will also be handy reference for the BKPs. BKP wiring colors are standard across the range so it's easy to work out what goes where. Just take your time and it'll be fine!

Dakine · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2006, 11:42:45 PM »

It will be great improvement and not difficult to do yourself.

However, NOT all BKP wiring is same as other manufacturers.
What pups are in it now? The white and green on BKP's often correspond with 'other' colors, black and red on DiMarzio's if I remember. Anyway, Tim will know for sure. Just ask when ordering.

matteo · « **Reply #3 on:** October 09, 2006, 04:09:07 PM »

the stock items are just yamahas own pickups. ive tried finding out more about them coz they arent bad! but nowhere near as good as the VHIIs! i already have the VHIIs so i dont need to order more!!

also the guitar has a direct switch which bypasses all the internal circuitry and just gives the bridge flat out!! :twisted: should be interesting!!

Dakine · « **Reply #4 on:** October 09, 2006, 04:11:16 PM »

then a multi meter may come in handy, or an email to Tim.
I am not familiar with Yamaha pups but know that the DiMarzio's I changed were diff. wiring to BKP's.

matteo · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2006, 08:59:21 PM »

thanks for the input guys! im filled with confidence and am goin to give it a go at the wkend!!! :D

matteo · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2006, 10:43:55 PM »

just noticed something strange? on the ibanez (with the vh11s) the screw side of the humbuckers are towards the bridge, and on my yamaha the screws are on the outside if you know what i mean :oops: does it matter which way round they go???

Dakine · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2006, 11:22:00 PM »

general rule
look at the underside and pretend you are looking through the guitar (neck skywards) you should be able to read the BKP script.
However, being different is NOT wrong :), just slightly diff. tone/sond.