Members HamsterSandwich Posted March 16, 2010 Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 I have a stock Peavey Reactor (Tele copy) that I have been considering upgrading with some better pickups. I figure while I'm at it, I may as well put some good pots/caps in it, and since I'm going that far, why not throw in the 4-way Tele switch mod too. I have never done any wiring on a guitar but I'm reasonably patient and can read instructions and follow diagrams. I have a little soldering experience thanks to a Heathkit alarm clock my uncle gave me for my birthday decades ago. Is it reasonable to think (assuming I do proper research and preparation) that I'll be able to pull this off, by myself, without ruining anything? I like tinkering and would get a kick out of improving the guitar with my own hands, but would feel like a real jackass if I damaged the guitar or some perfectly good new pickups in the attempt. I guess my basic question is whether this is as easy as it appears or are there potential landmines I'm not aware of. Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mustaine-who? Posted March 16, 2010 Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 You can do ittttttt.... Honestly...I do all my own guitar. Take your time. Review your wiring diagrams many times. Solder correctly...test your connections...don't mis-advertantly get sloppy and make connections you don't intend to. Make sure all your pots/switches/out-put jack/trem (or PuP plate) are grounded to each other. Your pots might need some scuffing on the back to get the solder to adhere. Make sure you have good solder and a proper heating tool. If you have problems post on here. There are a bunch of tutorials on the net. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HamsterSandwich Posted March 16, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 You can do ittttttt....Good luck. The answer I was hoping for! Thanks for the reassurance. I'll pick out some parts and give it a go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jelloman Posted March 16, 2010 Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 dive in... ...careful not to burn your fingers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hjcooper Posted March 16, 2010 Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 Avoid cold solder joints. Or avoid soldering all together and just use wire twist connectors. Easier to use and to change things up later. And especially for you if you're just starting out and experimenting with what goes where. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HamsterSandwich Posted March 16, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 Or avoid soldering all together and just use wire twist connectors. I'm not familiar. I've used wire nuts for installing light fixtures, ceiling fans, etc., but I haven't seen twist connectors for a guitar wiring type of situation. Tell me more please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hjcooper Posted March 16, 2010 Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 same thing they're just smaller made for much smaller wire. You still have to solder leads to the pots and and switches if they don't have any but then you connect them all up with the twist connectors. I have some at home. I can check them tonight and give you the size and brand. Edit: nevermind, here's the link: http://www.posi-lock.com/twist2.html. Check them out. Engineered to stay on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members HamsterSandwich Posted March 16, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 here's the link...Extremely helpful. Thanks to all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members alphamarquis Posted March 16, 2010 Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 Make sure to keep your iron at a balmy ~720F if you can. It permits you to work quickly as not to damage components (I've worked slowly before too and never damaged anything), and as said before you might have to scuff the back of pots to get something to work. ie: use a piece of sandpaper to take the shiny finish off of them Pots will take longer to solder, be patient with them, sometimes flux is useful too, you should be able to give your part a good tug and the solder should stay on. Try to use less solder than more...it will come with time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RufusFussbuster Posted March 16, 2010 Members Share Posted March 16, 2010 Make sure you keep your soldering iron far enough away from it's own darn power cord while marveling at your work. This one knot-head I know got sloppy with that last weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members revans513 Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 Learn how to tin. It saves time and pots. You'll get better joints without over heating the pots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members trashedlostfdup Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 i dont think there is anything reasonable that you could do to wreck it. worst case senario you have to cut some wire and unsolder the wire out of the terminals. a small scissors clamp always helps me out. i dont know where you can find one, but i got one from a friend that works in a hospital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BamaKramer Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 Learn how to tin. It saves time and pots. You'll get better joints without over heating the pots. yes, tinning the wires before you solder really helps get the solder flowing. Wiring a guitar is really easy once you get the diagram down and get into it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PanaDP Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 It's easy. Just do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members twotimingpete Posted March 17, 2010 Members Share Posted March 17, 2010 yes, you can do it -- if you can follow instructions and study diagrams, then yiou're set. maybe practice soldering spare wire to spare stuff a bit first to get a feel for what goes into making a good connection. can't hurt. basic soldering iron wisdom -- keep the tip tinned (keep solder on the tip) and get a wet cloth or wet sponge to wipe it off on, keep it smooth and with solder on it. this preserves the life of the tip. oh and don't burn yourself. especially if you use the one I use, which is this 80 watt beast. this will solder anything to anything but it burns like a mofo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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