A simple way to improve your guitar tone that anyone can do

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Bad Boys
Photo by Steve Cox Illustration

Many people wonder how they can improve the sound of their kit guitar. One of the best ways to achieve this is by installing a new pickup system, which is available from various retailers where guitar kits are sold. When selecting a pre-configured pickup setup, it’s important to prioritize quality in both the electric wiring and components used. Installing a pre-configured pickup system typically requires a few common tools and some soldering. These tools will help you remove the old pickup system and install the new one in your guitar.

To begin, you’ll need to remove the strings from the guitar to ensure they are not in the way and don’t get damaged. You should also remove the screws that hold the pickguard onto the guitar body . Additionally, remove the two screws that secure the output jack plate to the guitar body. To prevent the loss of any screws or small parts during the process, it’s advisable to have a container to hold the necessary components for later. There are three wires connected to the pickguard that run into the guitar body. The first wire is the ground cable, which should be clipped as close as possible to the casing using diagonal cutters. The next set of wires that need to be clipped are located underneath the output jack plate, which is why you removed the screws earlier. Set the output jack plate aside where it won’t get lost.

Next, remove the plastic hardware from the existing pickguard system. You will need these items for the new guitar kit you are installing. Then, use a wrench to loosen and remove all the control nuts on the new pickup assembly. Afterward, use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the pickup selector switch. Make sure to store the nuts and screws in a place where they won’t be lost.

Release the screws that hold the pickups on the pickguard plate and lift the guard. Repeat this step for the existing pickup assembly in the guitar. If you don’t plan on using the old pickguard, you can skip this step. Now, you’re ready to rewire the pre-wired pickups onto the guitar body. It’s recommended to lay a piece of cloth down to protect the guitar’s body from scratches during the process. There are three wires to connect, the same three that you clipped earlier. These include the wires for the output jack and the cable from the tremolo arm to the grounding casing. Solder the ground wire and connect the wires to the output jack.

At this point, all you have to do is replace all the screws and hardware and restring the guitar. Well done! You have successfully installed the pre-wired pickup onto the electric guitar kit.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME