Pickup change - Is it sacrilege to go from SC to HB in my Hollow Classic?

[geoangus]

I haven't looked at this too deeply, yet, but I'm considering changing the bridge pickup in my Hollow Classic from an single coil SA2+ to a full size humbucker, Anderson of course. I haven't looked to see if there is even room, so it may not even be possible. I wouldn't cut the body for anything. I just wonder if I'm potentially diminishing the value of the guitar, not that I'm looking at selling.

The reason I'm thinking of changing is mainly because I'm playing for my own amusement, and would really like to have that fatter/fuller HB tone. Something about playing at low "home" volumes - humbuckers seem to sound better to my ears.

Maybe the day isn't so far away that I can pick up a Cobra and have the best of both worlds, but in these times, I'm glad (and extremely fortunate), that I have the guitar I do.

[guitarzan]

I think it's routed as a HSH.

http://andersonforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=4510&highlight=routed

http://andersonforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=4250&highlight=routed

[tom]

yes it is routed for hsh, so all you need is a pg and some minor wiring changes.

[csd]

when i got my hollow classic, it had three sc's. i changed the bridge to an H2+, with a bit of wiring alterations. it sounds awesome now, before i was feeling the same thing you are.:D

[geoangus]

If I decide to pursue this, what would be the best route to determine the "best" (for my ears) fit tonewise? Contact Roy? Recommendations here?

The guitar is Ash on Ash, Rosewood board on rock maple. Neck pup is a SA1, middle SA1R. When coupled with my TopHat Club Royale, I can create a very bright sound if I'm not careful. I'm a 60's-70's classic rock plus some 80's new wave player, so I don't think I need a real high gain bridge 'bucker. I would like to be able to split as well. How would the H2+ blend with the neck/mid pups?

Tom, would you please offer your thoughts? How would this adapt to the 5 way, vintage voicing, push pull wiring I have now? If it's too much to detail here, that's okay, I'll track it down when I get serious. Guess I'm just asking if it is a relatively straightforward mod.

Thanks,

geo

[tom]

an h2+ is a great splitter, and is a pretty hot humbucker so it won't be too bright for you for sure. there will be a slightly weird wiring so you get humcancelling in the combinations, but we can sketch that out for you.

[geoangus]

I guess this is part of my quandry regarding changing pickups. Would an H2+ fit nicely with the SA1's or would I end up having a very unbalanced tonal pallette? From the website, you feel the SA series are best suited with the hollow classics. I'm sure, in web dialog and advertising, generalities are often stated to generate interest and discussion. Is what I'm considering something that would make you and your staff cringe and offer the suggestion of telling this nut that he's asking for trouble? Or is it common?

I just ask, because I've never swapped out pups before, and some deep rooted insecurity is questioning whether or not I know what I'm asking for. This guitar plays like a dream for me, I just want to change its tone a little.

Thanks

[Janine Doubly]

Another option, although a bit more money, would be to have Anderson build you a whole new complete pickguard assembly with SA/SA/H2+ so that you could swap back to your SC's if your tastes/needs changed again. I.E. You'll have two complete assemblies available. All you'd need to do to swap would be soldering the jack. Just a thought...

[Pietro]

If you're going to make a new pickguard assembly, do something fun and different. Like H2+ and two Ms. and a kickback!

[geoangus]

I've contemplated both having a second complete assembly, as well as a second completely different assembly. I'd need to do some more research about TAG pickups before I ventured too far.

I think that what would be the wisest move for me is to be patient, save some money and look for a used Cobra to come along. This would give me the best of both worlds.

What I REALLY like about my HC is the neck, 1 5/8 in nut, heavy frets, smaller V. It is extremely comfortable for me to play. On a Cobra, would the Happy Medium, 1 5/8 in nut, be similar?

[tom]

all the neck shapes translate over between scales. they are the same, just longer or shorter. we used to call things different names for the different scales, but a while ago i just went in a programmed all the stuff for both scales. thought it would make it simpler.

[geoangus]

Now that is nice.


all the neck shapes translate over between scales. they are the same, just longer or shorter. we used to call things different names for the different scales, but a while ago i just went in a programmed all the stuff for both scales. thought it would make it simpler.