The switch on my Epi has finally given up the ghost, and if I'm getting that replaced then I may as well get the pots etc done at the same time. I'm also thinking that, as I'll be getting it done rather than doing it myself, I might also get the pickups done as well. I love the guitar and I won't be selling it so I don't mind splashing out a bit (within reason!), but I need some suggestions on what exactly to go for on all the above.
I don't think I'd want the pickups any hotter than standard, but I would like a bit more... what's the word... sparkle? Clarity? Basically just a better version of what I already had when it worked properly. I'd also want to keep the coil splitting options I have (both split).
Any ideas?
Comments
OilCity or Mojo
Both do harnesses and pickups that'll transform your instrument. Chat to Ash or Marc (respectively) and they'll see you right. You'll be supporting brilliant small businesses too.
If there is enough slack in the stock harness and you have the correct switch collar tightening tool, it might be possible to manoeuvre the dogbreath selector switch across to the wide section of the F hole and get after it with a soldering iron.
Something PAF-like with an Alnico 4 bar magnet for the neck/Rhythm position.
A slightly hotter than stock bridge/Treble pickup, set lower in the mounting surround should deliver the goods - especially if you will be coil splitting.
Leftfield pickup suggestion - humbucker-sized Filter'Tron clones à la Chris Cornell signature Gibson.
Two other ways to get more coil permutation options with a more robust wiring loom.
1) Seymour Duncan Triple Shot mounting surrounds.
2) Freeway 3x3-03 six-position toggle switch.
I'll be farming this job out, my soldering skills lie somewhere between "shit" and "really shit" and I don't fancy trying to do everything through the f-hole. I'll probably go to John at Noiseworks in Cov unless anyone here is competent and wants the work.
Thanks everyone!
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Everything is as above apart from the CTS push-pull pots. He used CTS for the 2 tones, but the CTS push-pull volume pots wouldn't fit through the f-hole. He's put in some USA spec, Mexican made mumble mumble can't remember what brand he said instead.
The guitar sounds amazing now. Both pickups feel hotter, especially the bridge, but they both clean up really nicely with the volume. Split sounds are great too. Overall it's a fair bit darker than I remember, but that might also be due in part to me only having played single coils for a good while now. Anyway, a tweak on the eq on my amp soon brought the brightness back.
Overall I'm really happy with the upgrades. I'll never sell this guitar (not that I sell guitars that often anyway!), and even though it owes me far more than its actual value I don't think I could replace it with anything as good for what I've spent on it.
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Over the years I've done a lot of mods, mostly on a tele and a strat. Pickups make big changes, but tbh I am not convinced at all on replacement looms. Yes, different rating of caps and pots will alter sounds of course (thinking treble bleeds, 500k vs 250 etc), but like for like replacement is IMO just burning a hole in your pocket.
From my experience, a clean switch or pot is no different cheap or expensive.
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I love the neck on the epi, that's why I didn't mind spending a bit on the guitar.
electric proddy probe machine
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