How to Install First Act Guitar Pickups
First Act is a manufacturer of musical instruments based in Massachusetts. The company makes guitars for players of every skill level, from small children to professionals such as Adam Levine of the popular band Maroon 5. Installing a pickup in a First Act guitar involves steps similar to those used when installing or replacing pickups in any other electric guitar.
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Instructions
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1
Lay the guitar flat on an unobstructed work surface. Loosen and remove the strings from the guitar. Unscrew and remove the pickguard, if any.
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2
Remove the plate on the back of the guitar to allow access to the pickups. Disconnect all power sources and remove any batteries from the guitar. If you are replacing a currently installed pickup, remove the bezel or casing around the top of the pickup. Locate the wires connecting the pickup to the volume control, tone control, and pickup selector switch. Desolder the connections and disconnect the wires. Unscrew the pickup and remove it.
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3
Place the new pickup gently into the slot on the guitar. Replace the bezel and screw the pickup into the guitar to hold it in place. If the holes on the new pickup do not line up with the holes on your guitar, drill new starter holes in the guitar to align with the holes on the pickup before attaching the pickup.
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4
Connect the appropriate wires to the volume control, tone control and pickup selector switch. Solder the connections. Because proper wiring varies depending on the make and model of pickup, consult the wiring guide or diagram from the manufacturer of your new pickup to ensure accuracy.
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5
Reattach the back plate and pickguard. Restring and tune your guitar, and test the pickup by playing through an amplifier.
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Tips & Warnings
Before installing a pickup, consult your guitar's manufacturer to ensure compatibility of the pickup with your guitar. Soldering irons produce a great deal of heat, and solder can cause severe burns. Handle solder and soldering irons with care and always wear eye protection. Keep liquid away from your work area at all times, as liquid can ruin the components of your guitar or pickups. Some guitars require an adjustment to the bridge after removing all strings. Before removing the strings, consult your guitar's manufacturer for instructions regarding any necessary adjustment of the bridge. An improperly adjusted bridge will result in poor sound and damage to the guitar. When drilling starter holes, consult the manuals of the guitar and the pickup to determine the appropriate maximum depth. Drilling holes too deep can ruin the body of your guitar.
