Does changing the pickups...........

[Mike M]

Does changing the pickups in a Historic guitar decrease the guitars value? I have heard so many great things about the Burstbuckers, I was wanting to try them. But, I don't want to have the situation when I try to re sell the guitar and am offered thousands of dollars less because "I have broken the solder joints." I really value the years of expertise on this board and don't want to make a mistake on my 59 Murphy. Thanks for all of the info.

 

[allenkaatz]

It's not a vintage guitar... if the work is done cleanly there is no devaluation and if the pickups are an improvement then the guitar is probably easier to sell.

Al

 

[58flame]

If you change pickups, I'm pretty sure you will void the lifetime warranty. Are you the original purchaser? If not, then it might be worth a try if you are looking for a change.

As for value, I don't agree with the previous post. If you alter your guitar in any way, it is no longer all original. It may not be a vintage guitar right now, but it may someday. If you buy guitars to play, then don't worry about it. If you buy guitars as investments, then your best bet is to leave it in the case. In a vault.

I buy guitars to play. I also like the lifetime warranty that came with my R8. I am completely satisfied with the '57 classic pickups, so I don't have to worry about anything at all.

 

[plaintop]

Warranty. :lol

What could possibly happen that hasn't already?


Let's put some burstbuckers in that LP. :dude

 

[Luke Gibson]

Yea, Go For it!

 

[Kevin_FL]

I install Iommi's in all the bridge of my Historics, I like a bit of kick in the bridge position. I use a new Volume pot & save the original '57 Classic & vol. pot in the case. I dont touch the neck position '57's though, I love that sound.

 

[Jim Barth]

Hmmmm.....first thing I did when I got my Murphy-aged 59R home was remove the aged 57R pickups and put in Antiquities with some original nickel covers that I found.

Sold the original pickups to boot!!

:lolspin :lolspin :lolspin

 

[Riffmonger]

Change em' dammit! I did and it's been well worth it. Why live with a tone you don't necessarily like just because you "might" sell it one day and are worried of a supposed decrease if value.

As far a broken solder joints go.....my solder joints turned out 100% better than those boogered up blobs Gibson put on mine.

Warranty? Why wouldn't the guitar still have a warranty? If something happens outside the pups you changed why wouldn't it still have a warranty? If the pup goes it'll be covered regardless of who installed it and the pots and shit ain't worth a warranty claim.

 

[fl_799]

Do what makes you happy! The improvement a good pickup change over the stock '57's in unbelievable. Value is always second to great tone!

 

[Chad]

I asked Gibson about this warranty issue awhile back. It was difficult to get a clear answer, but when all was said and done they advised that if a person messes with the electronics, it would void the warranty on the electronics, but the rest of the guitar would still covered under warranty. Of course, if you botch up the wood or something while messing with the electronics that wouldn't be covered.

I would recommend taking the guitar to somebody who knows what they are doing. Soldering skills are valuable to learn if you plan on tinkering with guitars, but I wouldn't want a Historic to be my "learner" guitar. Learn on a yardsale special or something, then go from there.

 

[58Lover]

The warranty issue is pretty straightforward - you wouldn't get anywhere trying to hold Chevy accountable for the new mod to your car's engine done by the garage down the street, you'd have to hold the garage accountable for the work. Same with electronic work done by yourself or a store. The person/entity doing the work has to stand by it.

 

[Ed Rafalko]

The warranty issue is pretty straightforward - you wouldn't get anywhere trying to hold Chevy accountable for the new mod to your car's engine done by the garage down the street, you'd have to hold the garage accountable for the work. Same with electronic work done by yourself or a store. The person/entity doing the work has to stand by it.

Dangit. Does this mean the Nissan dealer isn't responsible for the warrantee work on my Toyota? How can they get away with THAT?

 

[60burst]

Man, make the guitar personal to you. By all means, change the pickups. If you are that worried about resale you have your priorities wrong. ;\

 

[58Lover]

Ed, how ya doin?
Busted the chops of some Al-Queda mofo whilst in Firenze. Had it coming!!!

You know, I'm blowing off playing on the 23rd just to come see you guys - this better be worth it!!!!! LOL....

 

[Ed Rafalko]

58lover, if you bring your 58 we'll think about letting you hang out with us. But man, at the first sign of checkerboard - unless it's on Mister Neilson himself- yer outta there, ye get me?

 

[RW Foster]

Man, make the guitar personal to you. By all means, change the pickups. If you are that worried about resale you have your priorities wrong. ;\

Amen!! One caveat, your are NOT allowed to put Strat PUP's on your Lester. It WILL be confiscated by the Paul Patrol. ;\

 

[lpnv59]

I wouldn't think twice about whether the warrenty is void. To use the damn thing is a major pain but if its a major fix, I'm sure if you had Burstbuckers in there, they wouldn't say much about it.

Value wise it wouldn't matter much if you kept the original pu's for reinstallation. I wouldn't bother keeping 57 Classics, but if its something of a concern to you.

Do whatever makes you want to play it more :dude

Play it loud:dude

 

[58Lover]

Aye, Ed - the checkerboard stays at home!

Might have to bring one from the trailer..... and let it follow me home like the last one!!!

 

[Ed Rafalko]

Hey, 58- try and get another postcard ! That would give me such a kick to see this guy spasm out in glee!