Who has trouble fitting pickups?

[Tim]

I'd like to know how many of you find soldering in pickups or understanding wiring difficult?

[TwilightOdyssey]

I chose 'prefer not, but will have a go' because although I can solder, I'm basically lazy and would rather have my tech do it! :D

[adamr]

i put always go to a tech, i would assume its pretty easy to fit pickups but i dont have a soldering iron and have never used one.

[Tim]

Years ago I'd always go to a tech but these days I won't let anyone inside my axes and I actually enjoy doing the work-just as well I like making pickups too  :lol: !

[rsterren]

i do it myself, no problems yet ;-)
use a 40 watt small iron, and tin with a solution in it. (donno what its called)
did the sd's in the LP and the SD custom mini in the firebird (still not very happy with that one soundwise but thats another story, to be continued)

[aisuru]

i'm having difficulty at the moment, but this is my first time fitting pups. also, i'm an idiot so i will try anything myself, even when it's blatantly obvious i should just find someone who knows what they're doing. but it'll get easier i hope...


... or else i'll just take up playing the drums  :P

[Tim]

i do it myself, no problems yet ;-)
use a 40 watt small iron, and tin with a solution in it. (donno what its called)
did the sd's in the LP and the SD custom mini in the firebird (still not very happy with that one soundwise but thats another story, to be continued)

I do a mean rewind of Firebird p/ups-they're always wound way to hot and sound dreadfull. The SD one has a ceramic in it if memory serves me correct but it's way to hard edged for a Firebird.I've rebuilt with Alnico IV and V to much better results.

[rsterren]

ok, sound good, but lets first upgrade the burny, and then ill see what to do with the firebird ;-)
its way too bright for my taste, but a great looker.. (i know the Firebirds are not LP's)

[HJM]

Years ago I'd always go to a tech but these days I won't let anyone inside my axes and I actually enjoy doing the work-just as well I like making pickups too  :lol: !

Second that - can never find a good tech anyway!

[PhilKing]

Hi, I always fit my own (even in a 335!), but I did a course with Stephen Delft on guitar repair in the 70's and do all the set up work on my guitars.  I also like to do different wiring, just ask Tim ;)  I am using the new 4 pole 5-way switch which BKP sells to get series wiring on my h/s/s and strat sets.  This gives you some of the Brian May sounds that are almost impossible to get with standard wiring.

My only problem so far is fitting the Crawler and Nailbomb as they are overwound a bit and require the pickguard opening up a bit.

I use a 40 watt iron, keep the tip clean and use a desoldering pump when taking off the old wires.

Cheers
Phil

[Tim]

When fitting wide spaced Nailbombs or Crawlers to a precut guard it's always a good idea to sand the edge of the guard first as both pickups have a healthy amount of wire on them  and the fit can be tight otherwise.

As always, if you experience problems call me up and I'll talk you through.

Welcome to the boards Phil-you deserve a medal for wiring up semis! :D

[R/2e]

A word of warning when soldering push/pull or push/push pots - it's very easy when soldering the earth wire to the switch to actually melt the plastic inside so the switch either doesn't work or sticks.

Please don't ask me how I know that  :oops:

[chris o'donnell]

I fitted both my Stormy Monday and The Mule to my Les Paul. I found it a bit tricky but managed without to much difficulty. Have to say that I quite enjoyed it. The cavity on a LP seem quite big to me, so this made the job a bit easier.

[rsterren]

its easyer to solder everything outside of the cavity.
and put the fully soldered pots in and only solder the switchwires and jack wires inside the cavity. IMHO.

[chris o'donnell]

Never thought to do that :roll:But thanks any way,might come in handy in the future.
I also forgot to say that I found getting the pickup screwed into the pickup ring quite difficult. That little spring caused all sorts of colourful language to be heard by the neighbours.