This document serves as a companion workbook for the Seymour Duncan Tech Pickup Install Course, specifically focusing on "How to Swap Passive for Active Pickups" in a 2-humbucker style guitar. It provides a detailed guide for guitar enthusiasts and technicians on the process of upgrading their guitar's pickups from passive to active humbuckers.
Function Description:
The primary function of this guide is to facilitate the installation of active humbucking pickups, such as the Seymour Duncan Blackout™ Active Humbuckers, into a guitar that previously housed passive humbuckers. This upgrade typically results in a higher output, lower noise, and a different tonal characteristic compared to passive pickups. The course covers the complete process, from preparing the workspace and documenting the existing setup to wiring the new active pickups, installing new potentiometers, and connecting a 9-volt battery for power. It also includes steps for testing the new electronics and setting up the pickup height for optimal performance.
Important Technical Specifications (as implied by the guide):
- Pickup Type: Active Humbuckers (e.g., Seymour Duncan Blackout™).
- Potentiometers: Requires 25k potentiometers (four included in the set for a 2-volume, 2-tone setup). This is a crucial difference from passive pickups, which typically use 250k or 500k pots.
- Output Jack: Stereo output jack (included) is necessary for active pickups to switch the battery on/off when the cable is plugged in/out.
- Power Source: 9-volt battery (included) to power the active electronics.
- Wiring Configuration: The guide details a "2 Volumes | 2 Tones | 3 Way Toggle" wiring scheme for the Blackout™ Active Humbuckers.
- Capacitor: .47 Capacitor for tone pots (included).
- Potentiometer Shaft Diameter: 3/8" (4.3mm) for the new 25k pots. This is an important measurement as some guitars may have smaller potentiometer holes requiring reaming.
- Recommended Tools: Philips head screwdriver, flathead "slotted" screwdriver, shop ruler, small electronics-style wire cutters, guitar string cutters (heavy-duty dikes), small needle-nose pliers or tweezers, wire strippers (20-30 gauge), solder, solder station (40-85 watts), sponge or brass pad for cleaning soldering iron, cloth for protecting guitar's finish, safety glasses, blue painter's tape, shrink tubing, pen/pencil pad of paper, camera phone for documenting, trays or cups to hold parts, Allen wrench for knobs, reamer 3/8" (4.3mm) diameter (if needed), 9-volt battery, socket set 3/8" (4.3mm) for pots.
- Optional Tools: Helping hands, solder sucker or solder braid, neck rest and mat, fan/ventilation, guitar winder, contract cleaner, electric screwdriver, guitar polish, new strings.
Usage Features:
- Step-by-Step Installation: The workbook provides a clear, sequential guide for the entire installation process, making it accessible even for those with limited experience.
- Documentation Emphasis: Strongly recommends taking photos at each step ("before and after") to aid in reassembly and troubleshooting.
- Workspace Preparation: Advises on setting up a clean, well-lit workspace and organizing parts to prevent mix-ups.
- Safety Precautions: Highlights the importance of eye protection and careful handling of hot soldering irons.
- Pickup Height Measurement: Guides users on how to measure current pickup height and provides a starting point for active pickup height adjustment (approximately 3/32” or 2.38mm for both treble and bass sides).
- Troubleshooting Section: Offers solutions for common issues like "no sound," "buzz or hum," and "no output."
- Pro Tips: Includes practical advice such as leaving protective plastic on pickup covers, cutting mounting springs if necessary, soldering outside the cavity, creating an electronics template, and wrapping the battery in foam to prevent shorts.
- Reaming Instructions: Detailed guidance on how to widen potentiometer holes using calipers and a reamer, ensuring a proper fit for the new pots.
- Compatibility: Notes that Seymour Duncan active sets are compatible with EMG quick connect systems, simplifying upgrades for guitars already equipped with EMG quick connect.
Maintenance Features (as related to the installation process):
- Cleaning: Suggests taking the opportunity to clean the guitar's finish before installing new strings.
- String Replacement: The installation process necessitates removing and reinstalling guitar strings, making it an ideal time to put on new strings.
- Battery Management: The need for a 9-volt battery implies ongoing maintenance for active pickups, as batteries will need to be replaced periodically. The guide emphasizes careful placement of the battery within the guitar's cavity to avoid shorts and ensure the back cover fits.
- Wiring Integrity: The detailed wiring instructions, including soldering techniques and the use of shrink tubing, contribute to the long-term reliability and maintenance of the guitar's electronics.
- Pickup Height Adjustment: The guide provides initial setup recommendations for pickup height, which can be fine-tuned by ear to balance output and tone, allowing for personalized maintenance of the guitar's sound.
- Grounding: Emphasizes proper grounding of pots and connections to the output jack to prevent noise and ensure reliable operation.
- Documentation for Future Reference: The recommendation to document all steps and measurements serves as a valuable maintenance record for future adjustments or repairs.
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