Changing Pickup in a Carter

Ollin Landers · From: Willow Springs, NC

I just ordered an LXR-16 for my Carter U12. I usually leave anything other than simple adjustments work to the pro's. I'm thinking I'll try this myself. I know there is probably a thread somewhere on the forum about changing a pickup but I'm specifically interested to hear about Carters.

I have a couple of questions. Other than using common sense to take my time. Document and diagram everything before doing the work etc.

1. I just changed strings. Do I need to completely remove them again or is it possible to just get enough slack to slide the pickup out.

2. I have only soldered a few times. Is the connection soldered at the output jack or somewhere in line between the pickup and the jack.

3. Any idea if I will need spacers or isolate the pickup. In a Carter is it better to mount directly to the body.

4. Any gotcha's I should look out for.
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Zum SD-12 Black, Zum SD-12 Burly Elm Several B-Bender Tele's and a lot of other gear I can't play.

I spent half my money on gambling, alcohol and wild women. The other half I wasted. W.C. Fields

Rick Barnhart · From: Arizona, USA

I wasn't able to find the post, but someone either sells or uses a short fat length on PVC pipe to slide underneath the strings, near the pickup. This holds them up and out of the way, allowing you to change out the pickup...of course it depends on how much length you have at the keyhead.
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Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe.

George Macdonald · From: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Ollin, I have changed pickups several times in my Carter U12 and found it to be much easier with the strings removed. It is possible to do the job by "tenting" the loosened strings with a bent piece of cardboard or a 2" plastic tube that Telonics supplies but it is more difficult. For me, the best method is to remove the strings, turn the guitar upside down on a bench, remove the nut from the jack and take the jack out of the end plate so you can un-solder the existing pickup wires. Then, sit the guitar upright and remove the 4 screws holding the pickup down and pull the pickup and wires up. Then feed the new pickup wires through the hole in the cavity and push the pickup down on the two springs. You may find that the XR-16 is a very tight fit due to the smaller cavity in your Carter, and you may have to file a little off the end of the base plate. Once the 4 screws are in place, turn the guitar upside down again to solder the wires to the jack and re-insert the jack through the end plate and put the washer and nut back on. Now all it needs is new strings and you are all set. If you have any questions just send an email and I'll try to help.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I put a soda bottle under the strings. And a piece of soft cloth to protect the pretty wood neck.
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Ollin Landers · From: Willow Springs, NC

George,

That was very helpful. I found the Telonics instructions after I posted. I appreciate the specific instructions on the Carter and your offer to help.

I'll have the new pickup some time later this week. I'll probably do it over the weekend.

Thanks to all.
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Zum SD-12 Black, Zum SD-12 Burly Elm Several B-Bender Tele's and a lot of other gear I can't play.

I spent half my money on gambling, alcohol and wild women. The other half I wasted. W.C. Fields

Ollin Landers · From: Willow Springs, NC

I just changed the pickup in the Carter today. I was surprised I was able to do it. I'm not particularly mechanically inclined and I have only soldered a few times in my life.

I did manage to change it out without removing the strings. Of course I dropped one of the mounting screws and it rolled up into the neck so I had to take it out and start over. But it wouldn't be one of my projects if I didn't lose a screw or have to fish one out of something.

It just proves that almost anyone can do anything if they take their time go slow and pay attention.

Now the pickup...... I love a good single coil sound but the hum is really bad in some of the places I play. The XR-16 gives me almost the same tone as the Wallace Truetone that was in the guitar.

I really have a hard time telling the difference except it's dead quiet.

Old Bill sure knew how to design a great pickup.
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Zum SD-12 Black, Zum SD-12 Burly Elm Several B-Bender Tele's and a lot of other gear I can't play.

I spent half my money on gambling, alcohol and wild women. The other half I wasted. W.C. Fields

Dustin Rigsby · From: Parts Unknown, Ohio

I just started to learn how to do electronics work. Taking your time is paramount,as well as documenting your work. I always take pictures of the the project before I start tearing it apart so I'll know how it goes back together. I'm so glad we have camera phones these days. So much cheaper than using a Polaroid camera....remember those ?
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D.S. Rigsby

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