How to install an Aguilar Precision Bass Pickup Set

In our next edition of our How-to video series Best Bass Gear tech Max will demonstrate how to install an Aguilar 4P-60 Mid ’60s P Bass pickup into a bass guitar. The guitar we are working with here is a SX bass.

For this installation we will need:

• set of Aguilar 4P-60 Mid 60s P-Bass 4-String Pickups
• pickup screws
• pickup foam
• soldering iron and tin
• screw driver
• scissors

 

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Step 1 – Removing the pickguard

Remove the screws from the perimeter of the pickguard. Put those screws aside in a safe place so you have them to put the pickguard back on after the install. The only thing worse than having screws left over after an install is not having enough screws. Put them somewhere safe so they don’t run away.

Now carefully lift the pickguard over the pickups and slide it out from under the strings.

 

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Step 2 – Removing the old set of pickups

Take a good look your set-up. What you want to do is cut the pickup leads about 1/2 inch away from their connections just so they’re free.

Now remove the pickup screws and slide the pickups out.

For this installation we were able to work on the bass with the strings at full tension. This may not always be possible. Assess your situation, and go with what works. If you have the space to get the job done with the strings at full tension, great for you, less work. But if things are tight take the extra step to loosen the strings and give yourself the room to work.

 

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Step 3 – Placing pickup foam

Previously our bass used springs to maintain string height. For this install we are going to put in pickup foam. Cut the pieces to size, remove the backing to expose the adhesive, and place them into the pickup cavity.

For more information check out our previous tutorial How to set pickup height using foam.

 $1 – 8″ pieces of Pickup Foam available from Best Bass Gear

Dimensions: 1/2″ Thick X 1/2″ Wide X 8″ Long.

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Step 4 – Installing the new pickups

On a P-bass pickup set you have two leads – typically black and white. Place them into the bass with the wires running nicely into the preamp cavity.

Now we are going to put the pickup screws in by hand. Yes, you have that powerful electric screw driver that saves you tons of time and is a kick to use. That’s not the tool for this job. Use your good ol’ screwdriver and work slowly to make sure you get the screws back directly in their holes, and to get the pickup at the desired height.

 $109.99 – Aguilar 4P-60 Mid 60s P-Bass 4-String Pickup Set  available from Best Bass Gear

Your search for that classic ’60s vibe and feel in your precision bass pickup has come to an end. With the 4P-60 Aguilar created a Fender Precision bass replacement pickup with the same big, round tone you’ll hear in almost any hit song from the decade. 

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Step 5 – Solder your new pickups

Now get your soldering iron warmed up and good to go. When soldering remember that it is important have good tin on the tip of your soldering iron. You’ve got old cut wires to show you exactly where you’re soldering your new wires.

Our black wire from the pickups goes to ground, which on the back of the potentiometer. It helps to have a good amount of heat because it tend to take a little more heat from your iron when connecting to potentiometers.

At the same time remove that old cut wire from the previous pickup.

Repeat the same steps with your white wire.

 

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Step 6 – Testing

Plug it in and see how it works. If everything is good, replace the pickup guard, find those screws you put aside, and install the pickguard back to the bass.