The Guitar Player's Resource
Hello there, guitar slingers!
Installing new pickups on the guitar is the most common upgrade one can make. Is it worth it, though?
In most cases, this is not a great idea. Let me explain a little more. For starters, why would someone want to install very expensive pickups on a cheap guitar?
Maybe you are a beginner and you want to do something to upgrade your guitar in some way but, you do not want or cannot afford to buy a new, more expensive guitar. So, an expensive set of quality pickups sounds like the easiest way to make your guitar sound better. Or, maybe you really, really love the guitar you already have, even if it is a cheap one and you do not want to change it for sentimental reasons.
Another reason to install expensive pickups on a cheap guitar, is that you might have found those pickups by second hand at a very low price. If that is the case, yes, get them and put them on the guitar!
With the new pickups, the guitar will definitely sound better but not as good as a more expensive guitar would. The reason is that the physical construction of the guitar plays a major role in the sound of the instrument. From the quality of the woods used for the guitar to the actual metals, as well as the quality of the included electronics, all these components are going to affect the tone a lot, in some cases as much as the actual pickups!
All in all, getting an expensive set of pickups and putting it on a cheap guitar is NOT an optimum solution. You are much better off waiting a few months, saving some extra money on the side, and then buying a decent electric guitar. Most preferably a used one because you are going to find a much better quality instrument for your money. You will end up with a much better playing and sounding guitar, which is the whole point!
I hope this was helpful. You can watch the video below, where I explain this topic in more detail. If you’re interested in developing your guitar skills and reaching your music goals, please check the different Elite Guitar Coaching Academy packages and how you can get private coaching from me.
Ioannis Anastassakis is a guitarist from Greece who has produced recordings in a variety of moods and styles, including flamenco and fusion.
His CD is entitled "Suspension Of Disbelief", his long-awaited rock/fusion instrumental album.
