Pickup Replacement - Non-Hamer Content

[rugby1970]

First things first - I apologize for the non-Hamer content.

I have a recent Eastman model T386 that I considered selling. The stock guitar comes equipped with Kent Armstrong designed humbucker pickups, the equivalent of the Seymour Duncan designed pickups on the import Hamers. They're functional but nothing to write home about. I have the guitar listed for $600 or so but it's not moving. And no, this is not a sneaky ad for the sale of the guitar. Folks that like these guitars recommend changing the pickups and I happen to have a paired set of authentic Gibson Classic '57 pickups lying around.

I dropped the guitar off at my local guitar tech; he is very competent and his prices are reasonable. His assessment is that the pickup cavities on the Eastman would require to be rerouted larger and deeper. I like the guitar; it plays well, is constructed well, I bought it basically new at a very reasonable price. I think it would be a good answer to a Gibson ES 335 with the pickup replacement

The question is: would you do it? Would you have the guitar irreversibly altered? Or is this just a fool's errand?

Thanks for your input.

[RobB]

Are Kent Armstrong USA pickups the same dimensions as the imports? If so, buy/install a new set and sell the Gibsons.

I wouldn’t have a problem with routing a $600 to make it bend to my will, but you never know when having that guitar unmolested will be to your advantage if you decide to sell it down the road.

[Teh]

I go through this process a lot with low end guitars in the collection -- That is, going through the <upgrade & keep> vs. <sell then reinvest> route. Common questions i ask myself:

1. Do I like the guitar's general looks, tone and playability?

2. Do I think I will feel the same way a year from now? Two years from now?

3. What is it going to cost to bring the guitar up to desired performance/appearance level?

4. Is that upgrade money better spent on another guitar or project?

5. How much can I realistically get for the project guitar today?

From a financial aspect, the last two questions are most important, as you will NEVER get back the money you invest in a cheap guitar project. So, either make the repairs/upgrades based upon your planning on keeping and playing the guitar, or understand going into the project that you are never going to recoup your investment. An Eastman isn't a Hamer/Gibson/Fender/whatever big traditional brand. If the new install is clean and professional, IMHO it wouldn't impact the resale price one iota. However, keep in mind any money you spend on the job is gone.

That being said...

I do stupid shit all the time. I waste way too much money on parts and way too many hours on install and repair of low end guitars that I end up selling or trading shortly after. Reasoning -- It's my hobby. I love tinkering, trying, changing, simply for the sake of doing it. I consider the money I waste on parts and time is the same as money other people spend on booze/cars/sporting event tickets/expensive vacations/fancy clothes.

At the end of the day, don't overthink it. If it brings you pleasure and makes your life a little better - even if it's only for a little while, go for it.

[cynic]

Is there something wonky about your Gibson pickups? Is it as simple as them having long legs v. short legs? I've never owned a Eastman, but have lots of imports and never ran across a pickup cavity too small for replacement pups.

If it can be made something worth keeping with the swap, I say rout away.

[rugby1970]

I go through this process a lot with low end guitars in the collection -- That is, going through the <upgrade & keep> vs. <sell then reinvest> route. Common questions i ask myself:

1. Do I like the guitar's general looks, tone and playability?

2. Do I think I will feel the same way a year from now? Two years from now?

3. What is it going to cost to bring the guitar up to desired performance/appearance level?

4. Is that upgrade money better spent on another guitar or project?

5. How much can I realistically get for the project guitar today?

From a financial aspect, the last two questions are most important, as you will NEVER get back the money you invest in a cheap guitar project. So, either make the repairs/upgrades based upon your planning on keeping and playing the guitar, or understand going into the project that you are never going to recoup your investment. An Eastman isn't a Hamer/Gibson/Fender/whatever big traditional brand. If the new install is clean and professional, IMHO it wouldn't impact the resale price one iota. However, keep in mind any money you spend on the job is gone.

That being said...

I do stupid shit all the time. I waste way too much money on parts and way too many hours on install and repair of low end guitars that I end up selling or trading shortly after. Reasoning -- It's my hobby. I love tinkering, trying, changing, simply for the sake of doing it. I consider the money I waste on parts and time is the same as money other people spend on booze/cars/sporting event tickets/expensive vacations/fancy clothes.

At the end of the day, don't overthink it. If it brings you pleasure and makes your life a little better - even if it's only for a little while, go for it.

All of that makes perfect sense and I thank you for the input. I'm not looking for any resale value, just my own preferences on what I want out of the guitar. I do stupid things all the time, with and without guitars. I buy, sell and trade to get to where I think I want to be, where my budget allows to be (right now it's anemic) and just when I think I have it nailed, I start all over again.

Long story short, I spoke to the guitar tech today and told him not to do the route. I'll leave the guitar the way it was originally designed and built. Thanks for the insights.

[Caddie]

FWIW, I have only changed pups one time. Pulled the Seths out of a Newport Pro Custom and put in PhatCats. It did indeed improve the performance of that guitar and thats a tall order considering that guitar. It made it a touch snappier. I liked it with the Seths. I really liked it with the PhatCats. Then as many of us do I sold it in a moment of insanity.

Isn't that why we are all here at the HFC? Enablers. It should be the HEC. H.amer E.nablers C.lub. Why the HEC are you selling that one?! I don't know? I have this strange compulsion.

Cheers!

caddie