6. Installation Procedure
Is installing a pickup difficult?
How complex it is to install a pickup depends largely on the circuit layout used. Generally though it should be possible if you already have a little experience in soldering, the ability to read a diagram and color codes, and are pretty good at working with your hands.
The easiest option is to just replace a pickup with one of the same design. So a 2-wire with a 2-wire or a 4-wire with a 4-wire.
What do I need to install a pickup?
In addition to the appropriate soldering equipment you'll need a small standard and Phillips screwdriver. A pair of needle nose pliers and stripping pliers are also needed. But you could also use a razor blade to strip the cables. If you want to install new pots at the same time you'll need sandpaper to polish the casing. This helps the solder make a firm connection to the metal of the pot enclosure.
General instructions
If you are unfamiliar with the circuitry of a guitar you should only replace your pickup with one that has identical connections. A 4-wire humbucker in a complexly wired guitar should only be replaced by another 4-wire humbucker with the same cabling for instance. Otherwise it is extremely important for you to note which cables from the old pickup were wired where before you disconnect them. In this case it's easiest to just draw a quick schematic for yourself. The functions of the cables can be found on our color code table. If you're going to use some no-name product though there's only one option: measure!
Use a soldering iron with a small tip to solder. This is especially important when soldering more complex 5-way switches or small mini-switches because the short distance between the connectors can lead to short circuits if they are accidentally soldered together.
Tip:
At the end of the guide we've covered some of the most common issues you'll run into while working. If you get stuck we hope that will help, otherwise manufacturers usually offer tons of diagrams for download on their websites.
If you are feeling completely unsure, just take it to a professional. You won't mess anything up if you don't try and install in yourself.
But you can also keep reading and learn a lot more about pickups along the way!
