keversley Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 Hello all, I am looking at replacing the P-90s in my 1960s tribute les paul with Alnico 2 Pros. Looking to get a fatter sound while still keeping an awesome high end. Also I like the hum canceling. Only problem is I would have to go through some routing in order for them to be installed. Here's a pic What kind of process is routing? How is it done and are there any negative side effects? Any and all help would be much appreciated!!! Thanks!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 I think the first thing to think about is that the routing is irreversible and may lower the value of your guitar should you go to sell it later. Have you thought about trying some mini humbuckers first? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Good advice by Searcy .You should consider buying a guitar with Humbuckers and selling this one original if need be. It looks like a nice LP. It will definitely devalue it....IF that is a concern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfox14 Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Personally, I wouldn't do it. Not worth possible damage and devaluation of the guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmoney Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 I think you might make an argument either way in this case, given that it's an almost new guitar. If it were vintage or even approaching what some MIGHT call vintage, I'd say don't do it. If you like the sound of the guitar but not the pickups, changing the pickups can make sense, even with the routing. Yes, it's irreversible but you've not made something no one will want and the amount of material routed out isn't likely to change the sound of the guitar appreciably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 I don't rule out routing it for humbuckers. I just wouldn't start off there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 There is also the COST of routing the guitar. It is not really a job for the average DIY. The rings for the humbuckers would BARELY cover the holes. You also have to add a little wood for the rings to mount to. It's a real easy job to mess up. If you have the skills and know what you are getting into, it will take some time and more than just taking a router to it. If you find someone who will do it, and is competent and can do it RIGHT, I think it would be cheaper to sell the guitar and buy one with the pups you want. For the cost of the pups and the mod work, you might be able to buy a whole new guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 There is also the COST of routing the guitar. It is not really a job for the average DIY. The rings for the humbuckers would BARELY cover the holes. You also have to add a little wood for the rings to mount to. It's a real easy job to mess up. If you have the skills and know what you are getting into, it will take some time and more than just taking a router to it. If you find someone who will do it, and is competent and can do it RIGHT, I think it would be cheaper to sell the guitar and buy one with the pups you want. For the cost of the pups and the mod work, you might be able to buy a whole new guitar. True. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 I don't rule out routing it for humbuckers. I just wouldn't start off there. I didn't mean to put words in your mouth. I have seen too many hack-jobs on perfectly good guitars that it makes me nervous when people start talking about routing. I believe that there is a perfectly good guitar already built for every tonal desire.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Lang Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 oops - sorry - I misread your post - it's a nearly new reissue guitar? sure I suppose mod away - maybe try and find humbuckers that fit tho first? (as Searcy suggested). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 I had a luthier take a router to one of my axes once. He was a reasonably good repair guy, but he dorked up the routing something serious. He tried to repair it, but, it was never right again. I got over it and all but I vowed I would never do that again. If you don't like the p90s (I love them!) I would find a bucker to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 I had a luthier take a router to one of my axes once. He was a reasonably good repair guy, but he dorked up the routing something serious. He tried to repair it, but, it was never right again. I got over it and all but I vowed I would never do that again. If you don't like the p90s (I love them!) I would find a bucker to fit. ROUTING a guitar body is permanent.....Any repair is just that...a repair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 ROUTING a guitar body is permanent.....Any repair is just that...a repair amen, some things you only need do once, this was one of those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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