If you've got an electric guitar you love to play but aren't in love with its sounds, upgrading pickups can be a game-changer. That's why I do it and the effect can be dramatic for a reasonable amount of money – I installed Sunbear P-90-size 'Soapbird' Firebird humbuckers in the Mexican Fender Player Mustang I bought on eBay and it's now my favourite guitar. Total cost: £550.
But it took a while for me to convince myself I could change pickups in my own guitars without some calamitous damage occurring. I needn't have worried: It turns out it's logical and not actually that difficult at all if you simply follow the process and keep your soldering steady (semi-hollow guitars often being an exception to that rule because the wiring access can be fiddly). This tutorial video from Gibson Master Luthier Jim DeCola (via Gibson Gazette) is a great place to start.
