"Ask Bud!"

Question:

I have a Vintage XL MSA D-10. I have a Peavey Session 400 Amp, and Multiverb effects with Jeff Newman's programs. Would it change my sound if I put George L's E-66 pickups in my MSA?

Answer:

Yes, changing to George L's E-66 pickups on your MSA would be a big improvement in sound.

First, make sure that the George L's E-66 pickup is the type with screws sticking out of the bottom (since that is the way MSA mounted their pickups to the metal plates on your guitar).

Second, and this is important: ALWAYS make a diagram or drawing of the existing wiring connections BEFORE you start the following procedures. You will be disconnecting wires and later connecting other wires. So, make sure you have a drawing of how to connect the new wires.

To remove the old pickups, follow these instructions:

1. Remove the strings.
2. Unsolder the old pickups.
3. Remove the metal plates from the MSA and pull the pickup wires through the holes.
4. Remove the pickups from the plates.

To mount the George L's E-66 pickups, follow these directions:

1. Break off all 7 tabs (use pliers or side cutters) on each of the George L's E66 pickups.
2. Remove the nuts on the 2 screws sticking out of the bottom of the pickup.
3. Attach the pickups to the plates with the 2 screws & nuts on the bottom of each pickup.
4. Push the wire through the hole and reattach the mounting plates to the MSA.
5. Connect and solder the wires per your wiring drawing. Good solder connections are important for good sound. Remember that good solder connections require that you:
   • make a good mechanical connection;
   • heat the post and wire together;
   • apply solder to the wire (not to the iron); and
   • make sure that the resulting connection is shiny (not dull).
   Note: the red lead from the pickup goes to "HOT" lead. Black & bare guard wires go to "GROUND".
6. Re-string the guitar.
7. That's it!