Recommendation on basic electronics instruction for electric guitar..

[Billyzoom]

I'm hoping some of you have a electronics background or enough knowledge to guide me in the right direction.

I play electric guitar and am tired of paying $50 or so every time I want to have pickups installed, etc.  All I really want to know is basics such as how to read guitar schematics, understanding basic electronic terms and issues like grounding, soldering, etc.  I'd like to be able to install pots, swap pickups, etc.

I have no background but it doesn't seem it would be that difficult.  Any tips on where to start?  Thanks!

Joel

[Grampa]

Contact scott at harmonic designs..... he's a buddy here locally and a fellow monster owner

http://www.harmonicdesign.net/

[superjohn]

I learned first hand from some other guitar players, but also from Craig Anderton's articles in a magazine (I think it was Guitar Player at the time). Anderton is the guitar electronics guru.

http://www.craiganderton.com/

Also do a search on Amazon for some of his books.

[booger]

Installing pickups and general wiring isn't difficult at all. The internet will provide all the help you require. If you play an awesome expensive guitar(s) and tone is important to you, then you will have to put more research into what parts you use. Beyond that it's basically just knowing how to use a soldering iron.
Google search electric guitar wiring and begin the learning process

[Billyzoom]

Contact scott at harmonic designs..... he's a buddy here locally and a fellow monster owner

http://www.harmonicdesign.net/

You are the devil.  I may as well just sign a couple of checks over to him now.   

Thanks!  Looks awesome.

Joel

[Buckethead]

Every pickup I've ever bought came with a color-coded schematic included. From there it's just a matter of getting the wires stripped and soldered where they need to be and keeping the solder from getting crazy and causing shorts.

In addition to having all of the supplies you could ever need to re-wire a guitar, Stewart MacDonald has quite a bit of info on their website. I'd say browse through their Understanding Guitar Wiring page and let us know if you have any specific questions.

It might be worth looking around at local pawn shops or on craigslist to find a cheap beater guitar that you can practice on. No better way to learn than by doing, and if you eff it up, at least it's not your vintage Les Paul.