Peavey HP (Wolfgang) pickup replacement

[crankyrayhanky]

Anybody out there replace the pickups on a Peavey HP Special? It is the follow up to the Wolfgang, so I'll take tips from Wolf owners too.

I've had a few BK pickups and feel certain that I know what I want on this one; I'm going for an uncovered  Juggernaut set.
Based on emails with  BK, it looks like I may need the feet modified to "tri-tabs". I am supposed to check my pickups to see if they more triangle in shape, but to be honest I'm on a 3rd grade level when it comes to tech stuff (i'll be paying my local guy for the install).
Can anyone confirm, I need the tri tabs?

Also, I read conflicting info on this forum over the years. If I want zebra pickups with on the outside (screws) and black on the inside (poles)- is that zebra or reverse zebra?

Any experience you'd like to share with any BK>Wolfgang or HP appreciated!
Thanks in advance

[Yellowjacket]

You have THIS beast!!??

http://www.guitarworld.com/peavey-hp-special-ct-usa-electric-guitar

Basswood body, maple top, maple neck and board.  I think the Juggernauts would take well to the guitar and if that picture is telling the truth, you will need triangle tabs to mount the pickups. 

[crankyrayhanky]

Yes, that is it! I actually have a few of them, I fell in love with the neck and the carved tops and grabbed a few, including that cherryburst that is pictured. The stock pickups are solid, but my cherryburst has a big brass block  in it blocked off. It makes the sounds phat, but the attack gets a bit soft. I think some BK will be perfect in that scenario.

Which zebra do I need here? It would drive me nuts if I bought the wrong one, lol

[Yellowjacket]

Juggernauts have an incredible thumpy sort of pounding attack, like a jackhammer.  The pickups are also very articulate so you really get the scratch from the pick as well as the thump from the low mids.   I have them in one guitar and they're a lot of fun to play!

As far as I know, Zebra is a cream screw coil and black slugs while the reverse zebra is black screw coil with cream slugs.  Hope this helps.

[crankyrayhanky]

^Thanks!
I have Juggernauts in an all mahogany Gutierrez Juggernaut. It's my favorite so far in comparing to Aftermaths in a LP Gothic and Miracle Mans in an Epi 7 string gothic. Not exactly a great scientific comparison as the Gutierrez just resonates, but I think the Juggernauts deliver the sound that most inspires me. Excellent cleans too, for the few times I dial that up, lol
That hollow mid sound is intoxicating, the clarity and attack is fantastic. I hear the neck is based on the VHII, and in general they lend themselves to basswood, so this should be a good match for my Peavey.

[darkbluemurder]

Zebra has a cream screw coil while reverse zebra has a black screw coil.

Cheers Stephan

[crankyrayhanky]

Juggernaut ordered ! 

[darthphineas]

Can anyone confirm, I need the tri tabs?

Also, I read conflicting info on this forum over the years. If I want zebra pickups with on the outside (screws) and black on the inside (poles)- is that zebra or reverse zebra?

did you get it all sorted out on the tabs and whatnot?


also, I went back over it a time or two....you have a Wolfgang and made a reference to a VH tone...so were you looking for a VH themed pickup?  it also looks as if you have the Juggernaut in another guitar....what are the differences in the guitars and how do you think it will translate?

[crankyrayhanky]

Yes, I hope I have it right. I ordered 50 zebra with tri tabs.
I love VH, but actually have a playing style that is more modern and aggressive, so I'm not specifically aiming for authentic VH tone. I do love the Juggs in another guitar, so I'm thinking this will be a success in the HP. The Jug neck is described as an enhanced VH pickup, so that sounds perfect!
I may grab a big block and brass claw to go in with the pickup swap. I'm also thinking about skipping the tone altogether and wiring it up as 2 volume pots. Is it a good idea to get the BK pots? I'm happy with the stock HP pot, but I imagine I will need to change out the tone pot for volume. I hear Bourns is a good choice, but IDK, any insight appreciated!