Just realized how little I know about pickups

[Godbody]

Let me start that I did a search and didn't turn up anything interesting, and there's no introductiry sticky for this particular forum.

I've never replaced any electronics on an instrument, but I can solder and have experience with other electronics and such (car stereo and home electrical setups).

I just got an Essex PJ, and I'm thinking about replacing the pups. Now I realize I don't know what to look for, what's out there, what I need to do to get things done...

What I need is a beginner's guide to pups. Can someone link me to resources/offer advice? I'm adrift at the moment.

[BigOldHarry]

That would be a good sticky...

[millsbass5]

Are you wanting to install active electronics,or,go passive?Active pickups(EMG's,not the HZ Model),or,turn a 180 and go w/Dimarzio's.Please be more specific.

[Godbody]

Originally Posted by millsbass5

Are you wanting to install active electronics,or,go passive?Active pickups(EMG's,not the HZ Model),or,turn a 180 and go w/Dimarzio's.Please be more specific.

I would be more specific, but I don't know enough to know what I want, if that makes sense. I think I'll be staying passive, for the sake of simplicity. Aside from that, I just don't know. If someone can tell me what does what, and how it all works together, I'll definitely get more specific. Right now I'm at square zero.

a few questions I have:

Do i want a matched pair of PJ pups? Is it perfectly safe to mix and match brands/types, or will I run into issues? What kinds of pups are even out there these days??? Are they easy to solder, or a pain? What Kind of pricing ranges are there?
Searching sites that sell the goods doesn't really give me an informed opinion on pups.

And then there's getting into the pots, jacks, added capacitors, etc. What will changing those do?? I can't find a conglomerated resource, so I'm hoping I can make one here.

/cry for help.