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Topic: Quick pickup change idea |
Ron Hogan
From:
Nashville, TN, usa
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 3:04 pm |
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Quick Pickup change
I always wanted to have a guitar that you’d be able to change the pickup out relatively fast. Let’s face it, the perfect situation is what MSA does with their modular pickups. This would allow you to experiment with different pickups instead of being stuck with the one you originally ordered in the guitar.
Normally when switching a pickup, you have to un-solder the pickup wires from the switch. Most players don’t want to go through that hassle. So, I thought of a way you could easily to change pickups. This is where the mini lever connector comes in, that is about as big as a dime.
Click here
I also got the idea from Telonics about not having to take your strings off. Sliding a round PVC 2.5†under the strings as you loosen them. Now don’t laugh. Instead of going to the store to buy some PVC, I found a Campbells soup can that was the same dimension!
I cut the pickup wires halfway between the pickup and the guitar switch. Stripped the ends of the wires and tinned them with solder for future use (BTW…Harbor Freight has a great adjustable stripper that will first take the outer covering off, then strip the wire).
Once they are tinned, you’ll never have to do it again, as those ends are inserted into the mini lever connector that connects both the pickup wires and the switch wires.
So, when ever you want to change out a pickup for experimenting with your tone, just plug them in to the mini lever connector.
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 3:23 pm
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That's a great idea, Ron! Another alternative is to use Fahnstock* clips. They're a very old-tech, but they still work well for this type of stuff. They were typically used for connections on electric model train accessories.
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John McClung
From:
Olympia WA, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 4:01 pm
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Those are both good ideas to get around this common problem and obstacle to trying out different pickups more easily. Well done, Ron and Donny!
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Ron Hogan
From:
Nashville, TN, usa
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 4:10 pm
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I've got three pickups to experiment with, so I wanted something easier.
Good idea is to dip your bare wire into solder paste. It will still work without the paste.
Ron |
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Dan Robinson
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 7:36 pm
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Ron, you and Andy Warhol, lol.
Dip bare wire into solder paste is especially important when you're connecting the "flux" capacitor. 
Double shot of great ideas. |
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Johnie King
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 26 Feb 2019 10:03 pm
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| Campbell’s soup Mmm Mmm good grate idea Ron |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 5:57 am
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This is what I use. The only thing I found is, on my Carter, I had to drill out the hole going from the pickup cavity through to the undercarriage area to allow the plug I put on the pickup to fit through. My Mullen was no problem as this is what was used on my Mullen from the factory. Works great.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
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Ron Hogan
From:
Nashville, TN, usa
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 6:32 am
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| Richard I saw those for sale as a pack of 20 on the internet. It’s also a great idea. |
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Ron Hogan
From:
Nashville, TN, usa
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 6:33 am
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Johnnie,
I’m saving that Campbell soup can so we can have lunch together here in Nashville. |
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Ron Hogan
From:
Nashville, TN, usa
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ajm
From:
Los Angeles
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 8:35 am
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I'm in the process of assembling a Stratocaster with multiple pickguard assemblies.
For connecting the wires I'm planning on using wire nuts (I think that's the right term). |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 4:38 pm
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Yup. That's where I got them.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
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Richard Sinkler
From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 4:45 pm
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| ajm wrote: |
I'm in the process of assembling a Stratocaster with multiple pickguard assemblies.
For connecting the wires I'm planning on using wire nuts (I think that's the right term). |
I would use the connectors like Ron or I posted. Wire nuts are too bulky, and after twisting the wires enough times, the wire starts to break off. If using the ones I posted, I would just solder a female end to the Jack, and Male ends to the pickguards.
_________________
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting. |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 27 Feb 2019 6:01 pm
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I like these ideas.
I just used this method to change a pickup in a Sho-Bud, and, while it fit good and sounds great, I am still using Alligator-Clips to go from the pickup leads to output jack. |
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Ron Hogan
From:
Nashville, TN, usa
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Posted 28 Feb 2019 5:14 am
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Pete,
I use the alligator clips too so I can test things before final steps.
Ron |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 2 Mar 2019 6:13 am
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Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a good time to change strings.
You’ll be “ A/B ing “ the sound of old vs new strings into the equation of which pickup sounds better.
It might be a nice feature for a builder to add something similar to what the OP pictured. A low tech, almost modular system.
I imagine a downside for the builder would be fielding tech calls when some of us messed it up somehow, or if this inexpensive piece failed.... |
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Tom Campbell
From:
Houston, Texas, USA
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Posted 2 Mar 2019 6:52 am
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All you really need is a simple (small) terminal block...held in place by two wood screws. Most electronic stores have bins full of them.
Sizes are usually 2 terminal, 4 terminal, etc. |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 2 Mar 2019 7:21 am
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| Another idea I had while looking at things I have around the house... the two spring-loaded speaker-wire connectors on the back of speakers might make another easy solution. |
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Dick Wood
From:
Springtown Texas, USA
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Posted 2 Mar 2019 8:31 am
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Wow,I could've saved $5,840
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Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night. |
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