Can you replace a single pickup in an SE Custom or SE McCarty

[cmich722]

Ok kind of a stupid question, but can I replace only the bridge pickup on one of these? If I get a Custom 24 I'll be looking at an SH-4, or an SH-5 if I get the McCarty. I don't care about the neck pickup.

Will I lose push/pull functionality if I do this?

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

As long as the new pickup has the proper wires for splitting you shouldn’t lose anything.

 

[Jim85IROC]

Of course you can replace just one pickup. Any 4 wire humbucker can be installed with no loss of functionality, as Bowtiefanatic said. Just don't pick a vintage-style 2 wire pickup.

 

[frankencat]

Yep. Get a 4-conductor pickup and you are good to go.

 

[dogrocketp]

Use the original for a month before you change a pickup. Raise it or lower it if you don’t like the sound. Then play a guitar with a 57/08 or a 59/09 before you make up your mind. Different doesn’t mean better.

 

[cmich722]

Thanks for the replies.

Quick question- I've been told by several people that I need a 4-conductor pickup (which the SH-5 is). So why does the PRS Metal pickup say "3 wire plus braided shield"? Is that the same thing?

 

[SinSir]

Thanks for the replies.

Quick question- I've been told by several people that I need a 4-conductor pickup (which the SH-5 is). So why does the PRS Metal pickup say "3 wire plus braided shield"? Is that the same thing?

Three wire works too. PRS also uses a braided wire with another wire to split.