Introduction
Welcome to the instruction manual for your mLaval Guitar Parts A21 SSS Single Coil Pickup Set. This guide provides essential information for the proper installation and use of your new pickups, designed for Stratocaster-style electric guitars. Please read this manual thoroughly before proceeding with installation.
Package Contents
- 3 x SSS Single Coil Pickups (Neck, Middle, Bridge) with cream covers
- Mounting screws
- Springs
Note: Please inspect all components upon receipt. If any parts are missing or damaged, contact mLaval Guitar Parts customer support.
Specifications
- Pickup Type: SSS Single Coil
- Cover Color: Cream
- Approximate Resistance:
- Neck Pickup: 6.5k Ohms
- Middle Pickup: 6.2k Ohms
- Bridge Pickup: 6.5k Ohms
- Tone Profile: Fast attack, great balance, smooth
Image: A set of three cream-colored single coil pickups, viewed from above, showing the six pole pieces on each pickup and the colored wiring extending from the base.
Image: An angled perspective of the three cream single coil pickups, highlighting their design and the texture of the pickup covers.
Setup and Installation
Installing guitar pickups requires basic soldering skills and familiarity with guitar electronics. If you are unsure about any step, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified guitar technician.
Tools and Materials Required
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Multimeter (optional, for checking resistance and continuity)
- Shielded wire (if extending existing wires)
- Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
Installation Steps
- Prepare Your Guitar: Carefully remove the strings, pickguard, and existing pickups from your Stratocaster-style guitar. Document the existing wiring configuration with photos before desoldering.
- Identify Pickups: The pickups are typically labeled for their position: Neck (N), Middle (M), and Bridge (B). Refer to the labels on the back of each pickup.
Image: The underside of three single coil pickups, clearly showing the labels 'N' (Neck), 'M' (Middle), and 'B' (Bridge) along with their respective wiring.
Image: A close-up view of the back of one single coil pickup, highlighting the 'N' label, indicating it is the neck pickup, and its wiring.
- Mount Pickups: Place the new pickups into the pickguard. Use the provided screws and springs. Ensure the springs are correctly positioned to allow for height adjustment.
Important Note: Some users have reported that the provided mounting screws may be sharp or too long for certain pickup cavities. Exercise caution during installation and ensure screws do not damage the guitar body or wiring. If necessary, use alternative screws of appropriate length.
- Wiring: Connect the pickup wires to your guitar's existing wiring harness (volume and tone pots, 5-way switch, output jack).
- Each pickup typically has two wires: a hot wire and a ground wire.
- The hot wire connects to the appropriate lug on your 5-way switch.
- The ground wire connects to the common ground point (e.g., back of a potentiometer).
Important Note: Wire colors may vary from standard conventions or images. If you are unsure about which wire is hot or ground, or which pickup corresponds to which position, it is recommended to test continuity with a multimeter or consult a wiring diagram specific to your guitar's electronics. Some users have also noted that the pickup wires may be shorter than ideal for certain installations, potentially requiring extension with additional shielded wire.
- Solder Connections: Securely solder all connections. Ensure clean, strong solder joints.
- Test Functionality: Before reassembling, temporarily connect your guitar to an amplifier and test each pickup position and control knob to ensure proper operation and sound.
- Reassemble: Once confirmed, reattach the pickguard, restring your guitar, and adjust pickup height.
Operating and Adjusting
Pickup Height Adjustment
Adjusting pickup height significantly impacts tone and output. Use the mounting screws to raise or lower the pickups.
- Initial Setting: A common starting point is to set the pickups so that the top of the pole pieces are approximately 2.5mm (3/32 inch) from the bottom of the strings when fretted at the last fret.
- Fine-Tuning:
- Lowering Pickups: Reduces output, increases clarity, and allows strings to vibrate more freely, often resulting in a more "airy" tone.
- Raising Pickups: Increases output, adds punch and sustain, but can also lead to excessive string pull (magnetic interference) causing intonation issues or "strat-itis" (warbling sound).
Adjust each side of the pickup independently to balance string volume.
Tone Characteristics
These pickups are designed to provide a fast attack, great balance, and a smooth tonal response, characteristic of classic single-coil sounds. Experiment with your amplifier settings and guitar controls to explore the full range of tones.
Maintenance
Your mLaval A21 SSS Single Coil Pickups require minimal maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
- Cleaning: Periodically wipe the pickup covers with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and grime. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the plastic covers.
- Inspection: Occasionally check wiring connections for any signs of corrosion or loose solder joints, especially if experiencing intermittent sound issues.
- Protection: When not in use, store your guitar in a case to protect the pickups and other components from physical damage and environmental factors like extreme temperature changes or humidity.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues after installing your pickups, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- No Sound or Weak Output:
- Check all solder connections for cold joints or breaks.
- Verify that the hot and ground wires are correctly connected for each pickup.
- Ensure the output jack is properly wired and functional.
- Test pickup resistance with a multimeter to confirm they are functioning (refer to specifications).
- Excessive Hum or Noise:
- Ensure all ground connections are secure and properly soldered.
- Check for proper shielding within the guitar's control cavity.
- Single coil pickups are inherently susceptible to some hum; this is normal. However, excessive hum may indicate a grounding issue.
- Uneven String Volume:
- Adjust pickup height, paying attention to overall height adjustment.
- Ensure strings are properly seated in the bridge and nut.
- Physical Fit Issues (e.g., pickup covers, screws):
- As noted in the installation section, some components may require minor adjustments or replacement with compatible parts if they do not fit perfectly with your specific guitar model. This is common with aftermarket parts.
If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, consult a professional guitar technician.
Support
For further assistance or inquiries regarding your mLaval Guitar Parts A21 SSS Single Coil Pickup Set, please contact mLaval Guitar Parts customer support through their official channels. Refer to your purchase documentation or the mLaval Guitar Parts website for contact information.
Disclaimer
mLaval Guitar Parts is not responsible for any damage to your instrument or personal injury incurred during the installation or use of this product. Installation should be performed by individuals with appropriate technical skills. Always exercise caution when working with tools and electronics.