How Do I Install Pickups?

andrew_over · #1 12-06-2007, 04:12 PM

I just got a new Fender p/j, and I'm switching out the p-pickups tonight. Does anyone know of any good websites that have easy enough instructions for a first timer or a link to a similar thread? thanks a million

mntngrown · #2 12-06-2007, 08:16 PM

I just did the same as the old pickup. Practice with your soldering iron on old junk electronics if you are new to soldering. Heat up the wire and the pot or jack part the wire goes into then touch the solder to it. Worked for me.

RandomEvent · #3 12-07-2007, 01:28 AM

Er, if anyone could detail this more (as in, online tutorial with tools needed, etc), I'd appreciate it. I'd like to give it a try on my P-Bass also.

maurilio · #4 12-07-2007, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew_over

I just got a new Fender p/j, and I'm switching out the p-pickups tonight. Does anyone know of any good websites that have easy enough instructions for a first timer or a link to a similar thread? thanks a million

Hello,
google is your friend!

Don't overheat the pot's casing...

M

kozbass · #5 12-07-2007, 01:47 AM

Hi, I've only switched out eletronics and pickups once but its pretty easy to get the hang of.

You'll Need:

Soldering Iron (at least 30 watts or so)
Some 60/40 rosin core solder
A screw driver to take off the pick guard and pickups
Scissors or better, wire cutter/stripper to cut the wires and make fresh ends

So, take out the old pups by cutting the wires that run from pick up to pots in a suitable place leaving enough room to have a solder joint attached to the pot end (>5 cm?).

Strip the end of that wire still on the pot and strip the wires on your new pickups leaving enough bare wire to make a knot (2cm)

Hook tie and twist the two leads together.

Then heat up this knot with your soldering iron for 8-10 secs. ( On the tip of the soldering iron you could dab a little solder on to make it transfer heat easier).

Touch some solder to the joint. Use just a little, touch it gently.

And Taa Daa!

Thats probably the easiest way to do it. You could also take off the old pup wire completely but it is a little harder to do it that way IMO.

Also a little electrical tape on the joint may not hurt. Just make sure to be gentle and just use a little.

You should probably practice on some other wire at least once.

It worked for me. I hope this helps. Maybe I missed a few things?

RandomEvent · #6 12-07-2007, 01:52 AM

Thank you very much for all of this info! I'm actually thinking of replacing everything in my P-Bass now. Well, I'm pretty much set on getting new pickups, and getting a new wiring kit so that I can replace the tone/volume controls. I just feel like doing this would help me feel more comfortable with bass customization in the long run.

Can you just go to Home Depot and pick up a Soldering iron? If someone could recommend which one they have, I'd appreciate that.

kozbass · #7 12-07-2007, 02:22 AM

Soldering Irons run from the cheapest 10 dollar 30 watt iron to a 200 dollar variable temp variable watt solder station. I just use the cheapest cause its all you need and its all I can afford.

RandomEvent · #8 12-07-2007, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kozbass

Soldering Irons run from the cheapest 10 dollar 30 watt iron to a 200 dollar variable temp variable watt solder station. I just use the cheapest cause its all you need and its all I can afford.

+1

I'm cheap as crap too. I'm gonna grab one of those then, and get some of the cheaper DiMarzio pups, since if I mess up (and I probably will) I won't lose out on a ton of cash. Plus the local music store will probably give me a discount on em.

NorCal Dog · #9 12-07-2007, 04:18 PM

it really amazes me that people here just ask the same questions here over & over & over & over.... are people here just too lazy to do a search... or do they just want people to hold their hand too....

RandomEvent · #10 12-07-2007, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Dog

it really amazes me that people here just ask the same questions here over & over & over & over.... are people here just too lazy to do a search... or do they just want people to hold their hand too....

It happens all over the Internet. Live with it, I guess.

Anyway, how do you shield your bass when you are working with electronics? I get the whole idea behind shielding, but I don't know if there are certain parts of the bass in particular I should watch for.

EDIT: I read a topic earlier about doing direct swaps, which didn't involve soldering, just using wirenuts or something like that. Are DiMarzio DP122's a direct swap(I think they are)? If so, does anyone know how to do this method? I can't find the topic anymore.

Infernal Affair · #11 12-09-2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomEvent

It happens all over the Internet. Live with it, I guess.

Anyway, how do you shield your bass when you are working with electronics? I get the whole idea behind shielding, but I don't know if there are certain parts of the bass in particular I should watch for.

Try the FAQ, which is at the top of the forum.

All your answers and more are answered here.