SE Cu24 Mods, mini toggles

[shimmilou]

Tried a set of SD Alnico II pickups, and didn’t care for the sound compared to the stock 85/15 S. Putting the stock 85/15 S pickups back in, but wanted to add covers, both for looks and for the subtle sound difference the covers add, slightly less edgy, just a bit smoother sound. While changing pickups, decided to add a couple of mini toggle switches for the coil splitting. Previously changed the stock 3-way pickup selector switch for a better one when the pickups were changed, and both pots are functioning well, so everything else is good. Before:

 

[shimmilou]

I really prefer the mini toggles compared to the push/pull pot, for both ease of use and more versatility, especially for coil splitting. The mini toggles are great in my Cu24-08, and should be great in the SE Cu24 too, because they allow independent splitting instead of only both with the push/pull. Mounting the toggles touching each other, some duct tape added for spacing between the two toggles.

 

[shimmilou]

Installed the Nickel/Silver covers on the 85/15 S pickups, and removed the SD pickups. No pictures because there are lots of videos on the internet about putting covers on, using masking tape and silicone under the covers, soldered in place. Stock push/pull wiring.

 

[shimmilou]

Using a template to locate the holes after studying the desired positioning is a must for precise placement, but still a little guesswork involved. The holes are slightly closer to the tone pot than I wanted, but it is so close that I can’t really complain, looks good. Pilot holes drilled from the back, carefully to not chip the finish.

 

[shimmilou]

Using masking tape on the front, drill turning backwards through the finish insures no chipping, then finish the hole with the drill turning in the forward direction, very slowly and at low speed. The final holes are 1/4”, which is slightly larger than the toggle threads.

 

[shimmilou]

Toggles mounted, and wired up, using the push/pull casing for ground. Leaving the push/pull pot in place for possible future mod, like maybe a “blower” switch that will put the bridge humbucker directly to the output, wide open, bypassing all controls.

 

[shimmilou]

And some after pictures. The sound is now improved over the stock configuration so much that it seems like a new/different guitar. This has been one of my favorite guitars since I got it new on clearance, and it is even better now, really love the toggles. So much so, that now I really want to add toggles to my S2 Cu24 also.

 

[TheDoktor]

Really clean work! I do like the covers on the pickups, might have to consider that with mine...

 

[SinSir]

Awesome job!!!

 

[bodia]

That's awesome. Way to be an owner!

 

[frankencat]

Good job. I prefer the toggles to the pull pots myself.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Nice work. Mini-toggles rule.

 

[Glide-bpm]

$weetaliciou$ne$$!!!

Might have to convert my Violet SE quilt CU24! I'm not real fond of a push pull. Push-push I can handle, but prefer mini toggles!

 

[shimmilou]

My 24-08 got me hooked on the mini toggles, now I want them on all my guitars
This one is being considered next

 

[aphantomvaper]

Very nice work good sir! The toggle placement in relation to the blade switch is very nice!!!

 

[SinSir]

I appreciate this write up. Ive come back to this thread a few times. I've been looking at doing it myself, and there's a couple guitars on the short list to buy. Just to do this project. Yes, I have a tweaking problem

 

[shimmilou]

Tell me about it. This guitar has added: locking tuners, Carling pup selector switch, pup covers, mini-toggles. I just decided this morning to put new strings on, and didn't realize until after I changed the strings that they were 9s and I put on 10s. I first noticed when I saw the bridge tilted way up when I went to tune the new strings. But that was ok, now I get to add the 4th spring, tweak the truss rod and adjust the claw screws! Man it sounds sweet!

 

[dogrocketp]

I had mini toggles put in my Blue SE roasted maple neck, of course with pickup covers. I’m also a huge fan of the mini toggles over the pull up.

 

[Prina]

Great work. Agree that it's so much better having control over individual coil splitting.

I put some covers on the stock pups for an SE245 they seemed to sound a little sweeter in addition to looking way better.