Adjusting Your First Act Fuel: Changing Guitar Pickups

Changing the pickups on your guitar can be a great way to improve its sound and make it more suited to your needs. If you're looking to modify a First Act Fuel guitar, there are a few things you should know. First Act was a manufacturer of musical instruments, including guitars, that was acquired by toy manufacturer Jazwares in 2016. Their products were marketed towards beginners and children, so you may want to upgrade the pickups for better sound quality.

Before you begin, it's important to gather the necessary tools, such as a soldering iron and solder, a Philips head screwdriver, and an X-acto knife or sharp blade. You should also find a good workspace and take photos and notes of your guitar's current setup in case you need to refer back or change it back to its original state.

The process of changing pickups involves removing the strings, cleaning the guitar, de-soldering the old pickup wiring, and removing the pickups. You will then need to mount the new pickups, figure out the wiring configuration, and solder the new wires into place. Finally, you can test your guitar and restring it.

It's worth noting that changing pickups may not always be the best option. In some cases, it may be more beneficial to upgrade to a better guitar, especially if it is a low-end model. Additionally, the cost of new pickups may outweigh the value of the guitar itself.

Soldering iron and solder

A soldering iron is a tool that uses heat to melt solder, a fusible metal alloy, to join two pieces of metal together. In the context of guitar pickup replacement, soldering is used to connect the electrical wires of the new pickups to the guitar's wiring harness.

• Prepare your workspace: Before you begin, ensure you have a clear and well-ventilated workspace. Soldering produces fumes, so it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in the fumes. Have all your tools and materials ready, including your soldering iron, solder, wire cutters, and a cloth or rag to protect your guitar's body.
• De-solder the old pickup wiring: Remove the back plate of your guitar to access the wiring. Place a cloth or rag over the guitar's body to protect it from the soldering iron. Heat up the soldering iron and press it against the points where the pickup wires are connected. Hold it there for a few seconds until the solder melts. Then, gently pull on the wire to remove it from the solder joint.
• Mount the new pickups: Feed the wires of the new pickups through the holes towards the back cavity of the guitar. Carefully pull the wires from the back as you place the pickups into position. Secure the pickups in place with the appropriate screws.
• Figure out the wiring: Different guitars will have different wiring setups, so it is important to understand how your guitar is wired. You can refer to wiring diagrams available online or create your own diagram by taking photos and making notes of the existing wiring. Identify the colour codes of the wires of your new pickups and match them to the correct positions according to your diagram.
• Connect the new wires: This step requires careful soldering to ensure a secure connection. Heat up the soldering iron and melt a small amount of solder onto the tip. Touch the soldering iron to the point where you want to make the connection, then feed the solder into the joint. Be sure to protect your guitar from the hot soldering iron at all times.
• Test your work: Before reassembling your guitar, test the new pickups to ensure they are working properly. Connect your guitar to your amplifier and use a screwdriver to lightly touch the pickup screws/poles. You should hear a light 'thud' on the inactive pickup and a louder 'thud' on the active pickup. Test all pickup settings, including volume and tone knobs, to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Philips Head Screwdriver

When changing the pickups on a First Act guitar, you will need to use a Phillips-head screwdriver. It is important to ensure you are using the right size screwdriver. The tip should fit snugly into the screw head. If it is too small, it could mangle the head and make the screw impossible to drive. Never use slotted-head drivers for Phillips-head screws, as this will damage the screw and the driver.

To identify the correct Phillips-head screwdriver for the job, check the size of the screw head. The tip of the screwdriver should fit snugly into the cross shape on the screw head. If you do not have a Phillips-head screwdriver that fits perfectly, you can purchase one from a hardware store or online.

Once you have the correct screwdriver, you can begin the process of changing your guitar pickups. This will involve unscrewing the current pickups and replacing them with your chosen alternatives. Ensure that the replacements are compatible with your guitar and that you have all the necessary tools and equipment before you begin. Take your time and be careful not to strip any screws or damage any parts of the guitar.

When using a Phillips-head screwdriver, it is important to apply firm and even pressure. Hold the screwdriver straight and avoid applying force at an angle, as this can damage the screw head. If you are having difficulty driving the screw, check that you are using the correct size screwdriver and that the tip is properly aligned with the screw head. If the screw is stripped or damaged, you may need to use a screw extractor to remove it.

By following these instructions and taking your time, you can successfully change the pickups on your First Act guitar using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Remember to choose compatible replacement pickups and to handle the screwdriver and screws with care to avoid any damage to your guitar.

X-acto knife or any sharp blade

To change the blade on your X-acto knife, start by twisting the knurled metal collar to loosen the blade. Be sure to pay attention to the direction you are twisting in, as some models require you to twist in a specific direction. Once the blade is loosened, carefully remove it and dispose of it properly. This can be done by wrapping the blade in tape and throwing it away, or by using a blade dispenser.

When you are ready to insert the new blade, take it out of the packaging and slide it into the metal collar. Make sure that the blade is facing the right way and that it is secure. Once you are happy with the placement, tighten the metal collar so that the blade cannot move.

It is important to be careful when changing the blade on an X-acto knife, as they are very sharp. Always pay attention to what you are doing, and never cut towards yourself. If you are working with children, ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they understand how to handle the knife safely.

A large cloth or rag

Additionally, a cloth or rag can be used to protect your guitar during the soldering process. When de-soldering and soldering the pickup wiring, it is crucial to be cautious to avoid accidentally damaging your guitar with the hot soldering iron. By placing a rag or cloth over the guitar's body, you create a protective layer that safeguards the guitar's finish. This is especially important if you are working on a guitar with a delicate finish or one that you want to keep in pristine condition.

Furthermore, a cloth or rag can be used to clean your guitar during the pickup replacement process. With the strings removed, you have easy access to the fretboard and body for cleaning. Use the cloth or rag to gently wipe down the fretboard, removing any dirt or grime buildup. You can also use it to polish the frets, improving the playability of your guitar. A clean and well-maintained guitar will not only look better but can also enhance the tone and overall performance of the instrument.

Lastly, a cloth or rag can be useful for wiping your hands during the process. Changing guitar pickups can be a delicate task, and having clean, dry hands is important for a secure grip on tools and to prevent leaving fingerprints or smudges on the guitar. Keep a cloth or rag nearby to wipe your hands as you work, ensuring they are free from sweat, dirt, or any substances that may affect your ability to work effectively and safely.

Take photos and make notes

Taking photos and making notes is an important step in changing your guitar's pickups. It is a good idea to know how to revert your guitar to its original state, in case you want to sell it with the stock pickups or change back to the original pickups in the future.

Take photos of the wiring from multiple angles so that you have a record of the current setup. You should also measure and take a photo of the current height of your pickups, as this plays an important role in your tone.

Additionally, create a quick diagram of the wiring. Note the colours of each wire and where they came from (e.g. neck or bridge pickups). This will be useful if anything goes wrong during the upgrade process, as you can easily refer to your diagram to undo what you've done or figure out what's wrong.

By taking these photos and making notes, you'll have a detailed record of your guitar's original setup, which will make it easier to revert the changes if needed.

Frequently asked questions