Pacifica Project.

Funkfingers

Paging @ICBM for instructions on how to place a resistor in circuit so that single coils "see" 250k and humbuckers "see" 500k.

CeeJay

Funkfingers said:

Paging @ICBM for instructions on how to place a resistor in circuit so that single coils "see" 250k and humbuckers "see" 500k.

I really should know how to work this out. Slightly embarrassing as I work with Fire alarm systems, which are full of resistors!
 I am also muting the idea of adding a tone pot, so one for each pick up. A 500k push pull for splitting the humbucker, and a 300k pot for the P90. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea. There's room for another pot with minimal routing.

ADP

Wouldn't it just be a switchable resistor between the centre lug (output) and the earth? You'd need a push/pull pot or a mini-switch, but it'd be pretty simple to do.

ICBM

Funkfingers said:

Paging @ICBM for instructions on how to place a resistor in circuit so that single coils "see" 250k and humbuckers "see" 500k.

ADP said:

Wouldn't it just be a switchable resistor between the centre lug (output) and the earth? You'd need a push/pull pot or a mini-switch, but it'd be pretty simple to do.

You can easily do it without any additional switching, using the pickup selector switch since there is only one tone control. Connect both rotors of the selector switch together - this will be the two middle terminals on the type of switch usually used in the Pacifica - and a 470K resistor to ground from both of the unused switch terminals which are active in the neck and middle positions.

CeeJay

ICBM said:

Funkfingers said:

Paging @ICBM for instructions on how to place a resistor in circuit so that single coils "see" 250k and humbuckers "see" 500k.

ADP said:

Wouldn't it just be a switchable resistor between the centre lug (output) and the earth? You'd need a push/pull pot or a mini-switch, but it'd be pretty simple to do.

You can easily do it without any additional switching, using the pickup selector switch since there is only one tone control. Connect both rotors of the selector switch together - this will be the two middle terminals on the type of switch usually used in the Pacifica - and a 470K resistor to ground from both of the unused switch terminals which are active in the neck and middle positions.

That's genius. I assume that works by virtue of it being in parallel with the 500k pot?

ICBM

CeeJay said:

I assume that works by virtue of it being in parallel with the 500k pot?

Yes.

robinbowes

An interesting project. I have the same guitar, and I've replaced the pickups with a Gibson humbucker (with A3 magnets) in the bridge position, and a pair of Fender single coils of some description in the middle and neck. They are very well balanced.

My current problem (I say current - I'm not actively working on this guitar) is getting the bridge to work properly. I fitted a custom-made steel block but I can't get the bridge to work properly. It sticks in two positions.

Meh, one day I'll get round to fixing it.

R.

Fretwired

steamabacus said:

Upgrading the bridge can be problematic as the stock unit is narrower than most replacements (both in string spacing and fixing screw spacing).

Wilkinson does one ... Yamaha used Wilkinson bridges on its higher-end Pacificas.

robinbowes

Fretwired said:

steamabacus said:

Upgrading the bridge can be problematic as the stock unit is narrower than most replacements (both in string spacing and fixing screw spacing).

Wilkinson does one ... Yamaha used Wilkinson bridges on its higher-end Pacificas.

Do you happen to know what model?

R.

CeeJay

Fretwired said:

steamabacus said:

Upgrading the bridge can be problematic as the stock unit is narrower than most replacements (both in string spacing and fixing screw spacing).

Wilkinson does one ... Yamaha used Wilkinson bridges on its higher-end Pacificas.

I'm struggling to find one with the required 52.5mm spacing between the outer mounting and string holes

Fretwired

CeeJay said:

Fretwired said:

steamabacus said:

Upgrading the bridge can be problematic as the stock unit is narrower than most replacements (both in string spacing and fixing screw spacing).

Wilkinson does one ... Yamaha used Wilkinson bridges on its higher-end Pacificas.

I'm struggling to find one with the required 52.5mm spacing between the outer mounting and string holes

@robinbowes ;

The 52.5mm is used by Fender's Mexican Strat .. here's a video which answers your question at 5.50

robinbowes

Fretwired said:

@robinbowes ;

The 52.5mm is used by Fender's Mexican Strat .. here's a video which answers your question at 5.50

Thanks.

R.

CeeJay

He's contradicting himself in the video. He quotes a Wilkinson Part number WVP6 as a direct replacement for a Pacifica. The WVP6 has a 56mm hole spacing, then says you might need to drill a hole?

I think this is the kiddie, but seems cheap for a Fender Part?
 https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Fender-Vintage-Style-Standard-Series-Strat-Tele-Tremolo-Assembly/QWU

robinbowes

I've ordered one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LB1020E

I'll be interested to see if it makes any difference to the stock trem.

R.

CeeJay

robinbowes said:

I've ordered one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LB1020E

I'll be interested to see if it makes any difference to the stock trem.

R.

Looks like the same thin block as the stock item. I'd be looking for something a bit chunkier before I part with the dollar.
Crikey. Just noticed it comes with all the bits! For less than 20 quid........Dubious.

robinbowes

CeeJay said:

robinbowes said:

I've ordered one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LB1020E

I'll be interested to see if it makes any difference to the stock trem.

R.

Looks like the same thin block as the stock item. I'd be looking for something a bit chunkier before I part with the dollar.
Crikey. Just noticed it comes with all the bits! For less than 20 quid........Dubious.

I'm not too worried about the block - I have a rolled steel one from Kev Hurley. I just want the trem to work

R.

CeeJay

So I decided to document the process in a Blog. It's my first ever blog, and my first attempt at guitar modifications, so excuse the unprofessional approach on both counts. Just putting it out for anyone that's interested.


https://wcg666.wixsite.com/pacifica-upgrade

RustySpanner

I like the blog. 

I liked the guitar too until you set fire to the poor thing!

Quite fancy doing something similar, but with a Strat neck pickup, P90 in the middle and something Tele-ish at the bridge. 

Of course, I'll let you do all the hard work first then blatantly copy your ideas. 

CeeJay

RustySpanner said:

I like the blog. 

I liked the guitar too until you set fire to the poor thing!

Quite fancy doing something similar, but with a Strat neck pickup, P90 in the middle and something Tele-ish at the bridge. 

Of course, I'll let you do all the hard work first then blatantly copy your ideas. 

That pick up configuration had crossed my mind, as I can easily open out the middle hole for a P90, and I'm having trouble sourcing a scratchplate minus the middle hole, short of getting one made, which is quite expensive. They are 10 a penny in the old (pre 2007) shape). I am now leaning towards making a timber one myself, and setting fire to it of course.

CeeJay

More progress added to the blog

https://wcg666.wixsite.com/pacifica-upgrade