Changing Pickups on a Sheraton

[MLD88]

Considering changing the pickups on my Sheraton. What's the easiest way to do this? Would I have to take the pots etc out of the F hole and connect outside of the guitar, or could I use the existing pickup wires attached?

 

Thanks

[Whitmore Willy]

MLD,

 

In a word..yes, you can just change the pickups and use the old wires.

I will also tell you that I personally do not approve.

(On the other hand, that doesn't make it wrong)

 

 

At very least, I would be using shrink wrap tubing instead of electrical tape.

You would also need to protect your guitar from the heat gun if you use shrink tubing.

I would also change out all electronics so as to get the most out of my new pickups.

 

Also, consider the stock wiring. If your new pickups come with braided vintage wire there could be issues.

It is however, possible.

 

Willy

[MLD88]

MLD,

 

In a word..yes, you can just change the pickups and use the old wires.

I will also tell you that I personally do not approve.

(On the other hand, that doesn't make it wrong)

 

 

At very least, I would be using shrink wrap tubing instead of electrical tape.

You would also need to protect your guitar from the heat gun if you use shrink tubing.

I would also change out all electronics so as to get the most out of my new pickups.

 

Also, consider the stock wiring. If your new pickups come with braided vintage wire there could be issues.

It is however, possible.

 

Willy

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

I have in fact replaced the pots and wiring, and in hind sight wish I changed the pickups at the same time as it was an absolute nightmare changing the pots, switch and jack, and don't fancy doing it all over again.

 

If I was to use the existing pick up wire, would this effect the sound of the new pick ups?

 

Cheers

[Blueman335]

I've changed PU's on several dozen F hole guitars; I always take the pots out thru the F holes. It's not hard, in spite of what anyone says. Set the guitar on a stable surface with good lighting, and put a towel on the guitar to set the parts on. Use a wash cloth to pull up the 4 knobs (that way you won't crack them or damage the finish). I use a set of T nut drivers to loosen the nuts on the pots. Two other tools: a stiff plastic-coated wire to pull the pots back into place (usually only needed for the neck tone pot), and a 6" curved forcept to hold and move the other pots around. Take your time and use common sense. The average 12-year old can do it. I can get all 4 pots back in a guitar in about 5 minutes. Also, I rewire the pots so that I get independent volume controls (with the stock wiring turning down one volume turns them both down); that way I can blend the PU's together. I usually put a pair of 250K's on the bridge PU, and leave the 500K's on the neck.

[jcwillow777]

Thanks for the reply.

 

I have in fact replaced the pots and wiring, and in hind sight wish I changed the pickups at the same time as it was an absolute nightmare changing the pots, switch and jack, and don't fancy doing it all over again.

 

If I was to use the existing pick up wire, would this effect the sound of the new pick ups?

 

Cheers

 

In a word, no. But when splicing the wires together use shrink wrap on the connections. Since you have already replaced everything else and were satisfied by your soldering job you should be okay. Personally I wouldn't do it that way, but that's just me. Many others have and were happy with the outcome.

 

I don't know if you are planning on using Gibson pups with the heavy shield braided ground wire. If you are, personally I would take out the volume pots and solder that to the back of the pots.