Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

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blackfalcon
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Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by blackfalcon » Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:09 pm

Hi folks.

I have an 87 Peavey Falcon (maple fretboard, 8" radius, chrome hardware) I've been playing for over 20 years. Most people here probably agree with me that Peaveys are seriously underrated guitars, and although this model has the printed headstock, and not the more sought-after script, I find this to be one of the most playable axes I've encountered. I also like how it is a bit smaller and lighter than a traditional Strat. I am not much of a trem guy, so I put all 5 springs on the Kahler and removed the locking nut long ago. (BTW, it stays in tune very well).

I've mostly played bass in bands but recently have started playing lead guitar in a 2-guitar band, and now I'm not too happy with the tone I'm getting. The Falcon has an aggressively bright tone which is pretty sweet for clean tones but I'm not entirely happy with when I step on the distortion (and I have several distortion options). The sound I'm after is not metal, more of a classic rock warm, thick tone. The band does a lot of soft/heavy stuff, so the clean sound is equally important.

So I'm thinking of replacing one or more pickups, probably with a humbucker, and I have a few questions.

Mainly, I'd appreciate input from anyone with experience modding a Falcon or other Strat-type in a similar manner--what position pickup(s) would you replace (I'm guessing bridge), and which brand/model do you suggest?

Do single-coil sized humbuckers sound decent, or should I have it routed for a full-size?

Also, would it be worthwhile to replace the wiring(no obvious issues there), do I need to replace the pots if using a humbucker, and will there be volume issues between the new and old pickups? Should I go ahead and replace all three or should I just save the cash and buy a new guitar?

Obviously, I have some thinking to do. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

BTW, I don't have a pic of the guitar, but it looks just like this one (except for the locking nut).

Image

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PVplayer
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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by PVplayer » Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:38 pm

I have an 86 non trem model I love. Do a search under my name and you should see detailed mods for the pickups. I had mine routed for 2 buckers with a mini togle for coil tap. I like it tons better than my USA Strat. I had a good friend make the pickguard and do the routing. He still has the template. I could put you in touch with him if you decide to go that route.

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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by Classic30inCincy » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:21 pm

Seymour Duncan has a set of humbucker pickups built in single coil size.

They will give you strong aggressive tone without modifying wood body and pickguard.

Check out the JB Jr (bridge) and believe the neck PUP is called the Lil' 59.

Personally using the JB Jr as neck PUP in my Cropper Classic.

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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by PVplayer » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:24 pm


Classic30inCincy
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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by Classic30inCincy » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:31 pm

New SD single coil size humbucker PUP's plus new 500K volume pot (Or 1,000K for Xtra Oooomph).

Research info on high capacity pots at Torres Engineering (California).

Body and neck excellent ------> worth PUP & Electronics upgrade.


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blackfalcon
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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by blackfalcon » Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:39 pm

Thanks for the responses, guys.

While PV's mod is very nice (as well as the offer to provide assistance), the idea of just dropping in a new pup and avoiding routing/replacing pickguard is appealing.

I was looking at the SD's earlier, Cincy. If I were to replace only one, would you go with the bridge or neck? Is the 500k pot necessary or just advisable?

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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by Classic30inCincy » Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:46 pm

With three single coil guitar to change all PUP's I would go for three PUP kit -----> Lil' 59, Dimbucker, JB Jr.

I use the JB Jr in neck position and would not use less than JB Jr in bridge position.

500K pot @ $4 - $5 at Torres.

Consider Torres 1000K for volume and 500K for tone pots.

Read input on Torres Website.

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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by PVplayer » Tue Mar 15, 2011 4:17 pm

If I were to replace only 1, I would do the bridge. I find the stock Falcon neck and middle pickups are nice and smooth. I put my Falcon pickups in my daughters USA Predator.

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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by Classic30inCincy » Tue Mar 15, 2011 6:12 pm

blackfalcon--

When you finish upgrade

Write back with results

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blackfalcon
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Re: Replacing pups on 87 Falcon -- opinions?

Post by blackfalcon » Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:56 pm

Classic30inCincy wrote:blackfalcon--

When you finish upgrade

Write back with results
Will do, thanks. Might be a couple of weeks before I get to it. For now, I'm going to back the bridge pup off the strings a little--it's pretty darn close.

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