Can you install guitar pickups without a soldering iron

Question

Or if i must take them to a guitar shop, how much would that cost? It should just take a few seconds as long as i have taken off the pick guard in advance right?

Answer 1

You need a soldering iron (to do it in a way that will last and function reliably). If it's a fender-style guitar with single-coil pickups, installation is easy according to everything I've read (it's a few solders only). I always take my guitars to a store to fix. You could buy a soldering iron and some solder, and there are books on repairing guitars at Barnes & Noble etc. Unless you are electronically inclined, you're best off having someone do it for you. Cost: I don't know, but not a lot. If they say $150, you're being cheated. It's a matter of pulling the plate, soldering, and putting the plate back on, maybe an hour's work unless you have other work to be done. Should be something like $35 --$60, but that's a loose guess.

If i were you, I'd put the plate back on carefully, then take it to your local music store and tell them what you want, and ask how much it would cost. You don't have to use the first store you go to--though that would be easiest. If you're young, bringing a parent (dad) might help keep whoever you speak with more honest, or might not. It's a learning experience. Don't worry about it, and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Answer 2

You can, but I don't recommend it. It's like begging for trouble.

Do you have a friend who is good with a soldering iron? As long as you remove the pickguard and just tell them what circuits to join, it should be very easy. If you take it to a shop though, there will be at least a minimum charge. I'd try a friend first, then a shop.

Kabum