Pickup Install Basics 01: The right tools for installing electric guitar pickups
Here are some basic tools you need for installing pickups. We’ll try and recommend some tools that are cost effective so you can do the job for a reasonable price, or at least cheaper than getting them installed at a music store. We’ll also provide links to buy the items we talk about online as well as a total cost of the materials. This article will only go over the tools needed, and not the installation of the pickups. We’ll have an article on that very soon, and you can visit our wiring help page for installation help. If you have questions about this topic or suggestions for other topics, email us at info@porterpickups.com
Tool List- All Tools can be found at a radio shack or electronics supply store
Wiring Diagrams: FREE
Not really a physical tool, but important to know what you are doing! Most diagrams are easy to follow and yield good results if you take your time. We recommend the wiring diagrams at www.guitarelectronics.com
Soldering Iron: $10-$15
30 watt is recommended for most solder jobs, small tips are preferred.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062730
Solder: $3-$7
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062713
De-soldering Braid: $4
You May want this for sucking up unwanted solder
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062744
Wire Stripper: $5-7
Small Size Needed, for most pickups height screws, some pickups with vintage or braided push back wire do not need to be stripped
Small Screw Driver: $3
Phillips head for taking out pickups and getting to the electronics, you can usually buy a mini set for really cheap. it's good to have different sizes on hand
Wire:
22 gauge wire is good if you need to replace any connections, but for pickup replacements, it’s usually not needed.
All the tools should run you around $20-$30 at most, still less than having someone install it for you. Most pickup replacements are a few solder joints per pickup. Don't let it intimidate you, it's a pretty easy job with not much investment in the tools to do it right. Look for more articles soon!