How To Change Your Guitar's Pickups

This is a complete step-by-step guide on how to replace a humbucker pickup using a Les Paul guitar as an example.
▶ Visit the Gibson Pickup shop HERE: bit.ly/4aHhpVr
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Is it time to try out a new pickup in your favorite guitar? Gibson’s Master Luthier Jim DeCola is here to help. In this episode of “Gibson’s Guide to Guitar Setup and Maintenance,” Jim takes you step-by-step through the process of swapping your pickups with advice, tricks, and MacGyver tech tips to get you rockin’ in no time.
Watch as Jim walks you through each step of replacing a humbucker pickup in your guitar, including how to solder a guitar pickup and which pots you need to wire and solder on your guitar. Jim also shows you why you should use a soldering iron instead of a soldering gun when soldering guitar pickups and how much wattage you need to solder guitar pickups safely. In addition, Jim shows you how to test your guitar pickups to make sure you’ve installed them correctly, how to test the polarity and phase of pickups and what to do if you find your pickups are out of phase.
If you need a step-by-step guide on replacing Les paul pickups or swapping out humbucker pickups on your guitar - this is the tutorial for you!
For more detailed information on guitar setup and maintenance, or more complicated DIY repairs, be sure to check out Gibson’s FREE Virtual Guitar Tech service at www.gibson.com/en-US/Support/...
Chapters:
0:00 Do you need to adjust your pickups?
0:57 Preparing your guitar
2:14 Soldering and installing pickups
9:55 Testing the pickups
11:14 Phase and testing polarity
13:48 Replacing QuickConnect Pickups
#gibson #gibsontv #guitarmaintenance 
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[@gibsonguitar]

▶ Visit the Gibson Pickup shop HERE: bit.ly/4aHhpVr ▶ Get all the tools you need to clean and care for your guitar HERE: bit.ly/3yJSNhP ▶ Get the T-shirt Jim is wearing: bit.ly/3yM0aFr ▶ Shop Your Gibson Guitars HERE: bit.ly/4e29QLX

[@musicsucks5843]

Can we get a rundown and demo of all the different pickups Gibson offers? Tone comparison, history lesson etc. That would be really cool

[@MashaT22]

Agreed! Great idea!

[@musicsoundgear]

Another great video from Gibson. I don't own a Gibson, but I appreciate these videos. -- Every time I do any work on a guitar, I get frantic and think that I ruined it. Nice to see a calm and cool guitar mod :)

[@AvnerRosenstein-ULTRA-LXV]

I have a Solomon SR-965 Soldering Iron that I live by. I have used that thing for so much and it's an amazing Soldering Iron. It's 40 watts, heats quickly and does a fantastic job overall.

[@john564holloway]

Splendid vid, Jim! Always look forward to this tutorials!

[@arustydodge2111]

Thank you Jim! Always appreciate these informative lessons. I truly learn from you. Please reveal what type of solder and flux (if used) that you use. With all of these lead free solders and different types of flux out there, things get tricky. Thank you.

[@BXGuitars]

Thanks Jim & Gibson! Although I already gutted one of my quick connect Gibson's, I do wish that you all offered a wider range of your actual pickups in the Quick Connect format on your site.

[@mst646]

Hi Jim, let me tell you first that you're the man! I really appreciate these videos and the time and effort you put into doing them, so thank you very much. I have a question: You talked about soldering irons wattage and that's really good but I was just wondering what kind of solder Gibson uses or you would recommend/suggest? Any brand/diameter? Thanks in advance!

[@guyprovost]

Love that guy. His passion is contagious.

[@thelemonones_band]

I've changed pickups dozens of times but I somehow found myself watching this video all the way through haha

[@jvboy401]

haha same

[@mohammedrashidt9903]

Great and helpful video!

[@michaelpeterson4406]

Jim. Very nicely done sir! Your technique is smooth and no wasted movement. You could probably do this with your eyes closed with muscle memory. I look forward to the next video. Thanks.

[@TheSoulsandRevive]

Very informative! Cheers for this!

[@larryburwell8550]

Jim you always do such a good job on these how to videos. I know your a master Luthier but still nice to watch. If I come to Nashville how do I get a factory tour. I always wanted to do that. I've been a les Paul player only since 1976

[@PhoenixGuitars]

Good pro tip on pickup height and wire channel. I’m a firm believer of experimenting with pickup height.

[@stevenohata8494]

I think this is a great series. The MacGyver tips are helpful. I think you should have included a tip on installing the pickup ring. All the pickups I’ve installed did not have pickup rings and those are a pain in the butt to install. Also maybe show how to solder quick connect to new pickup since they don’t come with them.

[@ny7294]

They make a nifty little tool just for that purpose .. Stewart Mcdonald and other luthier supply houses sell them , and probably Amazon too

[@dante316a]

about the quick connect thing, too bad that no one sells pickups with quick connect molex connectors

[@kevinmartin4787]

Thanks ! 👍👍👍 watching from Killeen Texas

[@Guithulhu]

Great video! I would also be very interested in a Gibson pickup shootout under different settings (clean, crunch, high gain). I've always been an aftermarket pickup user.....but have found my two unaltered Gibsons (U2 superstrat and Vampire Bloodmoon Explorer) sound the best in my recording mixes so are used the most....makes me think maybe I should be swapping in Gibson pickups in my guitars.

[@hangtite87]

Great tip on the soldering iron.

[@TheMrLoucrazy]

Just Amazing!

[@StevenJarrett1961]

Excellent video thank you

[@linheitzig9227]

Thank you.

[@RICHARDCARPENTER7]

EDUCATIONAL

[@user-vm4sc7on9j]

Thanks for the good video The Gibson guitar has a circuit board, and the pickup is a jack type. Please also let us know if the pickup you want to exchange is a regular wire type. The circuit board type has 5 wires, but the general wire type (eg Duncan passive pickup) has 3 wires, so I don't know what to do with it.

[@devilsguitaristmusic]

Thanks Jim. I would really like to see Gibson come out with replacement Quick Connect pickups again. You talk here about how to change them, but the hard part isn't changing them, it's finding them. I know that I could rip the whole pcb out and put a new wiring harness in, or cut the quick connects off and solder them into a new pickup, but I really don't want to do either of those. I would really like to just be able to get a set of Burstbuckers with quick connects and pop them in.

[@ericchin79]

I want to know about some of the topics you mentioned. How to rotate the magnet of the quick connect pickup. How do adjust the height of the pickup to get different tones

[@dennismullins4930]

Jim DeCola, my hero😎☮️

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

The rhythm pickup in my Gibson 50s Les Paul standard, sounds so good, that I would never change it 😂 I don’t even know why am watching this. I think I just love Jim.

[@randyheath8566]

Great Video for people that don't know how to do a pickup swap.

[@Randy-ul5hy]

This man knows what he is doing!

[@kryptic9056]

really really great video. Im facing an issue with my epiphone prophecy flying v, where sometimes theres no sound when its plugged in. I think the wiring is loose. only suggestion: more close up shots throughout the video:)

[@rzh3443]

What is the solder formulation you used? Love these videos.

[@sharkman4928]

Wow! GREAT DEMO!!!!!!!!!! =)

[@davidtownend8984]

Good luck trying to find pickups with a quick connect! Especially the 2 pin versions.

[@nathanielpersohn600]

Decola is the man!! Helluva history!!! Peavey, Fender and now Thank goodness Gibson!! And worked with EVH!!!

[@honourrolle]

Beautiful Les Paul Studio

[@nielsabianrozendaallopez1007]

this man is a genius

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Nice

[@SimonHaestoe]

awesome, again! about organizing your parts: get something like a "project mat", which is a magnetic mat made from plastic which has "painted" lines that divide into different compartments. your screws etc will stick to it. it's dirt cheap.

[@Separade]

Jim did a nice job and shared great tips. But sorry why aren’t you able to do some closeup shots while he explained something about the solderjoins?

[@spookybaba]

Possibly the worst camera work, ever!

[@DanielJenkins123]

Yo Gibson can you bring back the Flying V faded it would be awesome

[@philfrank9226]

I`m looking for a original looking V around 2000 Euro. I love the faded look and feel and sound. Have more than gloss guitars.

[@gh87716]

Hey! I need help! My electric guitar strings feel too loose and are uncomfortable to play. Any advice is appreciated!

[@bluesthing7490]

What about putting aftermarket pickups in a guitar with the PCB and Quick Connects? Is Gibson going to offer those connectors to be able to attach them to other pickups? We would like it if you did.

[@TheTrollMastah]

Do they still make guitars either quick connect thing?

[@leea5123]

That's different my Les Paul Studio has push pull pots for coil splitting not coil tapping. When did they make one with coil tapping on a humbucker pickup ?

[@iknowyouarh]

It's really a partial split thru a cap, but they call it a tap. :(

[@indiegoo]

I don't know who Gib is but he has a hell of a son !

[@RBFR01]

Does pick up heights cause the string to play notes sharp if not set at the correct height with the intination correct?

[@johnk5994]

More demos on custombucker unpotted pickups please

[@thorstenfriedrich]

I like that neck support very much. which brand is it?

[@charlesbranch4120]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWrEaYKQfLJ6bqs Cheaper options... than the script capital R on Jim DeCola's specialized work table. My work tables are generalized.

[@alexcaddel117]

I just want to know how to get the new Gibson guitar smell back once it's worn off on my Les Paul standard. Or make an air freshener with it 😋

[@davidallen346]

Gibson Burstbucker Pro for all my Gibson guitars

[@Mar33322]

Jim they could sure use you in the QC department being that by my brand new Mustaine did not have the ground wire soldered .

[@lonelysamoans]

I own a Gibson Flying V 1976. I am having a tone issue with the pickup angles that are mounted on the pickguard. How can I make the pick-up parallel to the strings?

[@thorstenfriedrich]

It is necessary to cover the lacquer of the body while soldering. The solder or rather the flux inside tends to sprinkle. You don’t want to let the hot sprinkles burn the lacquer

[@preston2636]

I wouldn't expect less from gibbons quality control. When it comes to qc Gibson is bottom of the barrel

[@sixslinger9951]

@@preston2636 oh look another Gibson hater . yawn

[@bob-eu1jq]

I remove the pickup from the frame, to examine it , and then put them both back in the guitar . Problem is now humbucker is loose, how do you make it less wobbly ?

[@donjohnson7550]

If a have a 30w iron pencil will still work?

[@ashleyjohansson230]

When will gibson make purple or pink les pauls so I can buy 3 of them

[@williamsporing1500]

How about a wiring diagram to get rid of the PCB?

[@glennkaefer6716]

I have a 1995 Les Paul Studio. I would like to find out which pickups it has. Original should be 490 R and 498 T. How can you identify them? I took them out and they just have Gibson USA stamped on them.

[@lawrencedevere2242]

I do think it's cool that gibson are showing how to mod your guitar and acknowledge not everyone is going to keep them stock I personally enjoy the 61r and 61t in my les paul 60's as it's not mega high output clarity is decent and they have bite to em but may not be everyones cup of tea

[@Namron2422]

In my Les Paul is a Quick Connect System and i want the Custombucker. What now?

[@GerryBlue]

Please show how to change pickups on a hollow body, 335, that seems daunting

[@robinfawcett7973]

That would be a longer video and may contain expletives!

[@gokhanayvazoglu6295]

How can I clean pickups or bridge rust ?

[@themixmusicandmore6280]

I have a 120th anniversary les Paul traditional and it has 59 tribute pickups. I heard that they only came out that year because Gibson realized that they were too good and they essentially changed them to the custombucker. Any truth to this?

[@silky2916]

That guitar definitely fell asleep with such a nick pillow keeping it up 😂

[@markmcclellan1316]

All modern guitars should be quick connect. Why Sauder if there are easier options?

[@brendanellis785]

What type of analog multimeter is a great one to get?

[@fenderlead1]

I have been using digital metres for about 25 years now. The same trick works, or at least has worked on all six of my digital metres over the years. You don’t need an analogue meter. Let’s say you’re measuring the DC resistance of a pick up and it’s 9K. When you tap the magnets the resistance might temporally jump up to 11 K and then drop down to nine. If you change the phase the resistance when you tap it will go from 9K temporary down to 6K and then back. And for the magnetic polarity you can use a compass,

[@brendanellis785]

@@fenderlead1 Thanks!

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

When are we going to see Scott Lewis over at the Qingdao Epiphone facility? Rather listen to him than a Gibson person..Scott Lewis and Epiphone please

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

Would never change out my pro buckers or Alnico classic vintage pickups in my Epiphones for Gibsons..

[@mingmarsherpa1854]

Gibson😎

[@TheMrLoucrazy]

Master tips in 00:27 and 02:55

[@KeithKemp]

It would help if the camera were remotely close to the pickups, the pots, the assembly, etc...

[@luke-xz1gb]

ITS SOLDER.

[@jamesp7709]

It's probably great, if I could see what was going on. 😄

[@kennethweigand4600]

Soldering looks as easy as peeling potatoes when done by this guy. Wauw…

[@timetraveler1281]

How about a Fix for the Les Paul G string always sounding out of Tune , especially on second fret . My 2003 Supreme Les Paul has always sounded off on the G String , had several Luthiers ( even replace Nut cause they thought that was the Problem ) Nothing works and this is a well known problem ??/ How about a Fix for this !

[@sixslinger9951]

I have 3 LPs and each stay in perfect tune other than when I really play them hard like any guitar.

[@rareform6747]

Thank God Strings are priced well today ...

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

Walked away from Gibson in 2019 and never looked back..I'm a loyal Epiphone Man now..

[@ileutur6863]

That's like walking out of a store and going in the back entrance again

[@sixslinger9951]

nice story bro.

[@sixslinger9951]

@@ileutur6863 Epis are nothing like the real deal.

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

@@sixslinger9951 learn the history of Epiphone before you open your mouth..

[@erikpaterson1404]

Next time, get some close ups. of the job. Please guys

[@paulwilson3154]

Interesting - the American pronunciation of the word solder is sarder.

[@RayC234]

Very nice Studio you got there but not as nice as mine lol.

[@agusg.t.8950]

There was no needed to cut the strings🫨

[@bobbybergdoll4377]

Put better nuts on the Standard LP's. Slots are too deep!

[@shredhed572]

That metal plate makes for quicker installation at the factory And I know it's a great shield. But to change out a pot don't you have to unsolder everything and remove the whole thing? I've never attempted it bc it looks like it would be a giant cluster fluck. Gibson is quite different than Leo, who used player feedback to give the musician what he needed, instead of the way Gibson operates. Like, "We'll tell YOU what you need!"

[@doronharry2857]

Why tha fuck are all guitars not quick connect

[@floridapunkarchivist]

I think it's nice you'll use lesser tools to get the job done but I'm sure you have better tools....your video should include the best tools possible to inspire folks to get the best job done with the best set of tools to make the job as easy as possible....nitpicking yes but you're doing everyone a disservice...just my 2 cents

[@craig9605]

Show how to do it for a LP with a PCB…. To my knowledge most of the LPs Gibson sells have PCBs in them and this video doesn’t cover them. Thanks!

[@user-sz1hw3ou2i]

im first!

[@thiagoandes2951]

Can't really see what you are doing.

[@Alfredo78666]

First things first, make sure you convince your son/daughter of the importance of selling his/her kidney...

[@sixslinger9951]

🤣

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

the mahogany makes a whole different tone. (i use ash , maple. ebony. ) bright tone woods. got a svt 7 pro (selectable mids). the eb5 position 4. the lpb-2 pisition 5. hook up the boss eq 200. 4 different tones for 4 different basses 2 carvin 6 strings ,lb76. ,bb76. and a gibson eb5. ,gibson lpb-2. oh 1,000 watts with a 4 ohm 4x10 cab on detachable wheels have a good day.

[@sqidvishus]

You should check out the Jim Lill channel. He did a whole study on where the tone comes from!

[@Hell_Inc]

tonewoods are just fantasy. This is an electric instrument with a magnet to capture sounds. The wood makes absolutely no difference unless it’s an acoustic instrument.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

@@Hell_Inc ok but if you live near huntington beach i can show you. ,why do you think the acoustic sounds good.