Easy change pickup wiring for semi-hollow.

[StrummersOfThunder]

Hi.
Does anyone think this is a good idea/and or know the best way to do it??
I am going to install new PUPs in my yamaha semi hollow. As you know that will involve taking the pots out of the f hole and messing around.
I was wondering, while I have the pots out, can I solder on some wires to the pots hot lug with a wire connector on the end and another from a ground, then put corrosponding wire connectors on the pickup wires and join em up. Then, in future If I want to change pickups I can easily just fish the wires out of the f hole, disconnect to wire connectors and change pups rather than have to get the pot back out?
What connectors would i use? just any old wire connectors and heat shrink??

Is this madness?
Will I put the earth off its geophysical axis?
Will candyman appear behine me??

[jeremyb]

I used this method on my Gretsch last night:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p29QN4ycHMU[/youtube]

Buy some 5mm internal diameter tubing from bunnings and I grabbed a piece of ~5mm dowel from my shed and wrapped a layer of tape on it to grip the output jack tightly

[GrantB]

What if you want to change pots in the future?

If you're stuck with one type of pot spec (eg 500K) then I'd just cut the existing wire to the p/ups and add a connector as someone else here recently described.

I've done a lot of hollow body electric work and it can be maddening. If the guitar isn't WOWREARCOLLECTABLE then slice them wires.

[StrummersOfThunder]

What if you want to change pots in the future?

If you're stuck with one type of pot spec (eg 500K) then I'd just cut the existing wire to the p/ups and add a connector as someone else here recently described.

I've done a lot of hollow body electric work and it can be maddening. If the guitar isn't WOWREARCOLLECTABLE then slice them wires.

Cheers,
Well its all original right down to the case and is 'vintage' (and lovely) so I kind of want to preserve the original wiring right down to the pot solder if I can.
I though of desoldering that and just adding in a short length of insulated wire I have in its place and then putting a connector on that.

So tempted to slice wires.....

[Conway]

[Jay]

So tempted to slice wires.....

Don't.

The Yamaha SA1000 original pickups have the wires soldered onto to lugs on the pickup. All you need to do is unsolder the original wiring AT THE PICKUP end. Then solder the DiMarzio wiring onto the original wiring. I have done it with my SA60 and it is easy. Will take less than an hour to do it.

Happy to do it for you if you bring some beers

[StrummersOfThunder]

Yep, thats what im leaning towards. Or something crimpable. Or a barrel.

[Conway]

Only because I don't know one end of a soldering iron from the other. And that could be dangerous.

[StrummersOfThunder]

So tempted to slice wires.....

Don't.

The Yamaha SA1000 original pickups have the wires soldered onto to lugs on the pickup. All you need to do is unsolder the original wiring AT THE PICKUP end. Then solder the DiMarzio wiring onto the original wiring. I have done it with my SA60 and it is easy. Will take less than an hour to do it.

Happy to do it for you if you bring some beers

Haha! awesome. That is so much easier. I think I can handle that task..... But I can still bring you beer
I must bring you that tele to measure up for your next project....

[handlefras]

I have used these for pickup swapping and found them a bit of a pain. The ones I had did not easily clamp down on the fine wires you normally find on 4-conductor pups e.g Duncan and Dimarzio, plus they can be a bit heavy and tend to move around in the cavity wiggling the wires loose. You may be ok with 2-conductor wiring though. If you can find some, I recommend the T-plugs I used here: http://nzguitars.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=26458
I got mine from eBay (link in the other thread), but apparently they are used in remote-control cars so you may find some at your local hobby/model shop?

[StrummersOfThunder]

Thanks mate.
Think I have a hot date with a soldering iron tonight.

[Conway]

Think I have a hot date with a soldering iron tonight.

Make sure you don't grab her by the wrong end...

[Slowy]

Only because I don't know one end of a soldering iron from the other. And that could be dangerous.

It's easy Bro!
1. Plug in iron.
2. Wait 5 minutes.
3. Observe which end is burning a hole in your expensive dining room table.
4. Pick up other end.

Sorted.