Professional Pickup Installation Service Melbourne

Quick Answer

Pickup installation at Angkor Music Melbourne costs $70 per pickup, plus mandatory setup at $155 (or Floyd Rose setup $185), pickups sold separately. Total examples: single humbucker replacement = $70 installation + $155 setup + pickup cost; two humbucker installation = $140 + $155 + pickup costs; HSS Stratocaster (3 pickups) = $210 + $155 + pickup costs. Why setup required: proper pickup height adjustment impossible without establishing correct string action first. Pickup height measured from fretted string to pole piece - meaningless without proper action already set through setup. Pickups too close create magnetic interference (wolf tones, sustain loss), too far produce weak output and thin tone. Setup establishes baseline (neck relief, action, intonation) from which pickup height scientifically determined. We stock comprehensive electric guitar pickup inventory: Seymour Duncan (industry's largest manufacturer - JB, '59, Hot Rails, countless models), EMG active pickups (EMG 81, 85, 57/66 set, others), and Fishman Fluence modern active (multi-voice active pickups). Electronics upgrade strongly recommended: pickups provide 50% tonal improvement, quality electronics (CTS pots, CRL switches, Switchcraft jacks) provide remaining 50%. Signal chain only as good as weakest link - premium pickups with cheap stock electronics create bottleneck. Complete electronics upgrade $60-120 parts depending on guitar configuration (Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul different requirements). EMG active installation requires battery box mounting, 25K pots (vs 250K/500K passive). Fishman Fluence requires battery, rechargeable or 9V. Mail-in service Australia-wide. Location: 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Turnaround: 3-6 days including setup. Call (03) 8360 7799 for pickup selection guidance and booking.

At Angkor Music Melbourne, our professional electric guitar pickup installation at $70 per pickup combines expert mounting and wiring with mandatory setup at $155 or Floyd Rose setup at $185 ensuring optimal pickup performance through precise height adjustment. Located at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona, properly installed pickups demand setup because pickup height relative to string action cannot be determined without complete action and intonation adjustment. We stock comprehensive electric guitar pickup inventory including Seymour Duncan (industry's largest pickup manufacturer offering hundreds of models like the legendary JB, '59 Model, Hot Rails, and countless specialized options), EMG active pickups (EMG 81, 85, 57/66 sets, and others), and Fishman Fluence modern active pickups (multi-voice active technology). We strongly recommend electronics upgrade using quality CTS potentiometers, CRL switches, and Switchcraft jacks capturing remaining 50% tonal improvement beyond pickups alone. Pickups sold separately. Turnaround 3-6 days. Call (03) 8360 7799 or book online.

[PHOTO: Pickup installation workspace - new pickups, soldering station, quality wiring components]

Why Setup Cannot Be Skipped:

• Pickup height measurement requires established action: Measured from fretted string to pole piece - meaningless without proper action already set
• Pickups too close = magnetic interference: Wolf tones (unnatural overtones), sustain loss, potential string contact
• Pickups too far = weak output: Thin tone lacking harmonic richness, poor string-to-string balance
• Setup establishes baseline: Neck relief, action height, bridge adjustment, intonation must be correct first
• Scientific vs guessing: Pickup height determined scientifically after setup, not arbitrarily guessed

Signal Chain Quality Comparison

[PHOTO: Premium vs stock electronics - CTS pots, CRL switch, Switchcraft jack compared to cheap components]

[PHOTO: Pickup height measurement - ruler measuring distance from fretted string to pickup pole]

Systematic 6-Step Procedure

[PHOTO: Completed professional wiring - CTS pots, quality switches, neat solder work visible]

How much does pickup installation cost?

Professional electric guitar pickup installation costs $70 per pickup (passive or active), plus mandatory setup at $155 or Floyd Rose $185. Pickups sold separately. Example totals: single humbucker = $70 + $155 = $225 + pickup cost (Seymour Duncan JB approximately $100-120). Two humbuckers = $140 + $155 = $295 + pickup costs. EMG 81/85 set = $140 + $155 = $295 + approximately $200-250 EMG set. Electronics upgrade strongly recommended adding $60-120 parts. 3-6 days turnaround. Call (03) 8360 7799.

Why does pickup installation require setup?

Pickup installation requires professional setup because proper pickup height adjustment impossible without establishing correct string action first. Pickup height measured from fretted string to pole piece - meaningless without proper action already set. Pickups too close create magnetic interference (wolf tones, sustain loss, string contact). Too far produces weak output, thin tone, poor balance. Setup establishes baseline (neck relief, action, intonation) from which pickup height scientifically determined. Call (03) 8360 7799.

Should I upgrade electronics when installing new pickups?

We strongly recommend electronics upgrade because pickups provide 50% tonal improvement while electronics provide remaining 50%. Signal chain only as good as weakest link - premium pickups with cheap electronics create bottleneck. Cheap pots vary ±20% creating inconsistent loading, wear quickly causing crackling. Cheap switches suffer intermittent operation. Quality CTS pots (±10% tolerance), CRL switches (reliable heavy-duty), Switchcraft jacks (legendary durability) eliminate problems. Complete upgrade $60-120 parts. When investing $200-400 in pickups, electronics upgrade captures full improvement. Call (03) 8360 7799.

What pickups do you stock for installation?

We stock comprehensive electric guitar pickup inventory for immediate installation. Seymour Duncan - industry's largest pickup manufacturer with hundreds of models including legendary JB (SH-4), '59 Model (SH-1), Hot Rails, Custom series, Invader, Jazz, and countless specialized options covering every musical style. EMG active pickups - popular models like EMG 81, 85, 57/66 sets for metal and high-gain plus jazz and clean tone options. Fishman Fluence modern active - multi-voice active technology with 2-3 distinct voices per pickup. Immediate availability eliminates weeks waiting for special orders. Our technicians provide selection guidance based on musical style, tone requirements, guitar specifications. Visit 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona to browse or call (03) 8360 7799.

How long does pickup installation take?

Pickup installation with required setup typically takes 3-6 days ensuring proper installation procedures, complete electronics assembly, thorough verification, comprehensive setup allowing pickup height optimization after action and intonation adjustment. Actual installation takes several hours though multi-day timeframe ensures optimal scheduling. Rushing risks poor solder joints, incorrect wiring, improper grounding, inadequate setup. Electronics upgrade requires same 3-6 day timeframe. Priority servicing available adding 50% rush fee. Call (03) 8360 7799.

Can I bring my own pickups for installation?

Yes, you can bring your own pickups though we stock comprehensive inventory ensuring immediate availability. If bringing pickups, ensure they match guitar specifications (humbucker-sized for humbucker routes, single-coil for single-coil routes). Installation fee remains $70 per standard passive or $120 per acoustic regardless of pickup source, plus required setup $155. Purchasing from our inventory ensures compatibility, eliminates defective pickup delays, allows technician guidance. We stock at competitive pricing. Call (03) 8360 7799.

What makes CTS pots better than stock pots?

CTS potentiometers (USA-made) provide superior construction. Tight ±10% tolerance (vs ±20% cheap) ensures consistent loading - cheap pots varying ±20% means identical pickups in different guitars produce different tone. Heavy-duty carbon element provides noise-free operation, extended lifespan. Audio taper creates smooth even volume sweep vs abrupt shifts. Solid brass shaft, threaded bushing provide smooth rotation without slop. Industry standard used by professional builders. When investing in premium pickups, quality pots ensure signal path integrity. $20-30 each. Complete Strat electronics upgrade (CTS pots, quality switch, Switchcraft jack) approximately $80-100 parts. Call (03) 8360 7799.

What is Fishman Fluence and how is it different?

Fishman Fluence represents modern active pickup technology offering multiple distinct voices in single pickup. Unlike traditional pickups using copper wire coils, Fluence uses printed circuit board technology creating different tonal characteristics. Typical Fluence Modern humbucker offers 2-3 voices selectable via push-pull pot or switch: high-output active voice (EMG-style), vintage passive voice (classic humbucker tone), and sometimes additional voice. Installation $70 per pickup plus required setup $155. Requires battery or rechargeable lithium pack, specific Fluence wiring harness different from both traditional passive and EMG active systems. Popular with players wanting tonal versatility without changing pickups. Call (03) 8360 7799 for Fluence installation and voice selection guidance.

Do you install EMG active pickups?

Yes, we install EMG active pickups at $70 per pickup plus required setup $155. EMG installation includes battery box mounting in electronics cavity, battery connection wiring ensuring proper polarity, preamp circuit (integrated into EMG pickups), specialized wiring using EMG quick-connect solderless system for pickup connections. We stock popular EMG models: EMG 81 (high-output bridge), 85 (alnico bridge/neck), 57/66 set (moderate output), and others. EMG systems require different pot values (25K vs 250K/500K passive) typically necessitating complete electronics replacement. Installation usually includes EMG wiring harness with 25K pots, Switchcraft jack. Pickups sold separately. Example EMG 81/85 set: $140 installation + $155 setup + approximately $200-250 EMG set. Low impedance output reduces noise. Call (03) 8360 7799 for EMG installation and model recommendations.

Do you offer mail-in pickup installation service?

Yes, our mail-in guitar repair service accepts electric guitars from anywhere in Australia. We provide detailed packing instructions ensuring safe shipping, complete same professional pickup installation ($70 per pickup) plus required setup $155, ship guitar back with comprehensive insurance coverage. Popular with interstate players needing expert installation of Seymour Duncan, EMG active, or Fishman Fluence pickups plus electronics upgrades (CTS pots, CRL switches, Switchcraft jacks) unavailable locally. Same pricing and turnaround (3-6 days once received). View packing instructions online or call (03) 8360 7799.

Where can I get pickup installation in Melbourne?

Book professional electric guitar pickup installation at Angkor Music Melbourne, 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Installation $70 per pickup plus required setup $155. We stock Seymour Duncan (industry's largest - JB, '59, Hot Rails, hundreds of models), EMG active (81, 85, 57/66 sets), and Fishman Fluence modern active pickups. Electronics upgrade strongly recommended (CTS pots, CRL switches, Switchcraft jacks) capturing full tonal improvement. Book online or call (03) 8360 7799. Walk-ins welcome for pickup browsing. 3-6 days turnaround.

Electric Guitar Pickup Installation From $70 + Setup Required

Expert installation, quality wiring, precise height adjustment. Seymour Duncan, EMG & Fishman Fluence in stock. Electronics upgrade recommended. 3-6 day turnaround.

Angkor Music Melbourne | 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 | Professional Pickup Installation