Practicing wiring?

[sonnos]

hey, ive recently come into a bit of work for some friends who are just getting into guitar or bass like changing strings etc. but also have a friend who wants to see if i can fix his amp for him, and another who wants me to install a pickup and possibly a midrange boost to his guitar, but i dont want to ruin their things seeing that the reason im doing it is to make a little extra $$. so does anyone have ideas for practicing wiring pickups/electronics?

 

[line6man]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...=solder+practice&sprefix=solder+pract,aps,276

 

[Toptube]

Get some cheap jazz pickups and pots. Solder away.

As for the amp: I would not recommend opening up/working on high energy power units like that, unless you know exactly what you are doing, have guidance from someone who does, or have a good tutorial, at the least. Many power supplies and electronics like that hold a charge which can kill you.

 

[RobbieK]

the reason im doing it is to make a little extra $$

yeah practice on some op-shop/ebay cheapies. But don't take money from your friends untill you really know what you are doing. I often have to completely re-do a job that some one has done as a favour for a mate. If one mate has taken money for another mate's work that needs to be completely redone at a cost by a pro, the two guys won't be mates for long! Until you have chalked up some experience, perhaps just do it as a favour or for your name on the door at their next gig.

As for the amp. If it's mains voltage, just don't touch it unless you have a trade qualification. If your work starts a fire, or harms someone or worse(!), you are going to gaol... Here in Australia, it's illegal to change a mains fuse unless you are a qualified electrician.

 

[iiipopes]

I looked wrong through my bifocals, and ruined a Blues Jr amp by accidentally switching the B+ with another terminal. And this is after over 40 years of tinkering with electronics, working in a radio station, classes in school, personal study, a proper workbench and tools, etc.

Tinkering with the guitars? OK. Tinkering with the amps? No. As set forth above, the voltages can kill a person.