How to change a pickup

[Executivos]

I have a 79 les paul standard with dimarzio paf pickups (they were in it when i got it) I like them but 6 months ago I bought an epiphone les paul as a backup guitar and it has real gibson reissue paf pickups which i really like.

I'm selling the epiphone now but I want to switch the pickups and see how it sounds. The repair guy I take my guitar to is amazing but he's so backed up that it would take forever (plus I might end up putting the old ones back)

How hard is it to change a pickup? I know how to solder etc. Is it pretty tough? Any websites that feature tutorials?

 

[M.Brane]

If you know how to solder then a Les Paul is pretty easy. Only two pickups and three positions on the switch. You'll want to check to be sure the mounting hardware is all the same size. I've run across some mounting bezels that are different sizes.

Like doing a brake job do one at a time so you can look at the other if you get lost. Also draw yourself a map of where everything goes before you take anything apart.

That said I doubt the pickups sound that different if they are all PAF's and I would bet the DiMarzio's sound better.

 

[Aaron Cheney]

The soldering part is a breeze. Just pay attention to where everything goes, draw yourself a map, and go for it.

There are other complications to consider though: Sometimes different brands of pickups are phased opposite each other. I ran into this problem when trying to replace the bridge position on my strat. Sometimes other things will come up, like the cavities not being deep or wide enough to accomidate a different pickup. Sometimes your new pup won't fit through the stinkin' pickgaurd hole.

MOst of these problems are easily over come, but just thought I'd mention some things you might not have considered.

Aaron
http://www.voodoovibe.com

 

[matty_boy]

It shouldn't be too hard. Just remember where it all goes (a map was a good idea) and do it one step at a time.

Matty