Replacing pickups in the DOT

[winterland]

I am sure this question has been answered previously, but I couldn't find a thread for it ... I just picked up a new DOT (very nice natural, blond color). I have a pair of Seymour Duncan '59s that I would love to use to replace the stock pickups; however, I am not sure how to go about it on the semi-hollow. My other Epis are solid body and have plates on the back that can be removed - no such thing on the DOT.

 

Does anyone have a link or document explaining how to replace the pups on the DOT ? Or do I need to send it to luthier ?? I was hoping to do it myself to spare the time and expense of a luthier.

 

Any guidance is greatly appreciated ... Thanks

[Dennis G]

It's not a Dot, but you'll get the idea. BTW, you're gonna love those Seymour's in there. While you're at it and have stuff out, I'd recommend changing the pots, switch, etc. as well. Have fun!

 

[winterland]

It's not a Dot' date=' but you'll get the idea. BTW, you're gonna love those Seymour's in there. While you're at it and have stuff out, I'd recommend changing the pots, switch, etc. as well. Have fun!

 

[/quote']

 

Thanks Dennis .. That's exactly what I needed. That's a beautiful guitar in the video !!

[TP]

It's not a Dot' date=' but you'll get the idea. BTW, you're gonna love those Seymour's in there. While you're at it and have stuff out, I'd recommend changing the pots, switch, etc. as well. Have fun! [/quote']

 

I just had all the electronics redone in my Casino and it made a huge improvement. I am keeping the stock P90's in for sure now.

 

Let us know how it goes for you...

[jcwillow777]

I recommend swapping out all the electronics and wiring too. CTS pots, or Alphas from Stewmac, not GFS. Switchcraft long shaft 1/4" jack and switch, and Orange Drop caps. Use shielded wire. If you use CTS pots you will need to ream the holes out a little for them to fit. I can't remember, but I think I had to ream out the hole for the new switch too.

 

It is a job that can be done, with patience. I did it to my Dot and Sheraton, and I had never done a semi-hollow body before. It took me a lot longer than a pro, but I got it done. Fishing everything through the F-hole was a trip and it took me more than one try, but I got and you can too.

[Sklivas]

Just out of curiosity, what are you switching them for?

I'm looking at a dimarzio bluesbucker for my neck on my dot, because (apparently) it splits really well.

 

Also, does anyone know what value the stock volume pots are on a dot? One would think 500k, but ive heard 300k in some places is sometimes used... Also how close are they to true audio taper?

 

Thanks everyone, and sorry for semi-hijacking ur thread

[elixxrx66]

I have a natural Dot that I replaced the stock pickups with Gibson p-94s. I've changed out everything else as well and I can say the two things that made the biggest difference were replacing the pickups and the bridge. I was able to get the volume pots out through the f hole and I solder the pickups to them.

 

 

[winterland]

I have a natural Dot that I replaced the stock pickups with Gibson p-94s. I've changed out everything else as well and I can say the two things that made the biggest difference were replacing the pickups and the bridge. I was able to get the volume pots out through the f hole and I solder the pickups to them.

 

 

 

We have the same DOT, minus of course the changes you have made to yours ... I am putting Seymour Duncan '59s in mine since I have a pair that aren't being used, and I think they would be a perfect compliment to that guitar. That said, if I was going to buy new pickups I would probably go with P94s like you - I think they sound great in the DOT.

 

Looks like you added a Bigsby (type) bridge ... I think it looks brilliant on the DOT, but are the posts for the strings on the under side of the bridge ? I have a Bigsby on my Gretsch and hate changing the strings !!

 

I do plan to swap out all the electronics besides the pickups ... And as someone mentioned previously, I will NOT use GFS parts. I think they are a good value for the money, but they do not stack up against their higher end competitors.

 

One last thought .. My Gretsch 5122 was my first hollow body, and as much as I enjoy playing it, I love the sound and feel of the DOT even more - even with the stock electronics it's more twangy than the Gretsch.

 

Thanks

[TP]

I recommend swapping out all the electronics and wiring too. CTS pots' date=' or Alphas from Stewmac, not GFS. Switchcraft [b']long shaft[/b] 1/4" jack and switch, and Orange Drop caps. Use shielded wire. If you use CTS pots you will need to ream the holes out a little for them to fit. I can't remember, but I think I had to ream out the hole for the new switch too.

 

It is a job that can be done, with patience. I did it to my Dot and Sheraton, and I had never done a semi-hollow body before. It took me a lot longer than a pro, but I got it done. Fishing everything through the F-hole was a trip and it took me more than one try, but I got and you can too.

 

That is pretty much exactly what my local tech did for my Casino including the CTS pots, braided wire, Orange Drop caps and a "Long Shaft" Switchcraft pickup selector. Just curious as to why you bolded the long shaft part?

 

I was looking at that through the F hole and saw that the shaft on my new switch was much longer than the stock Casino switch (which was driving me NUTS with buzzing when in middle position or bridge position.) The new switch is great and works silently, but is there a reason anyone would prefer the long shaft over a short shaft if given the choice?