New pickups for S-500

[dlewins]

Hi guys,
I own a S-500 tribute series and I am interested in changing the pickups for a Seymour Duncan California ’50s SSL-1 Set link (http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/e ... ornia_50s/). I have a couple of questions:
1-Do I need to change the whole circuit and pots in order to make the pickups sound as designed or just changing the pickups would be enough? Here is the suggested wiring diagram http://www.seymourduncan.com/images/pro ... 10-100.pdf and here is the S-500 wiring diagram http://www.glguitars.com/schematics/S-5 ... iagram.pdf
I would like to keep the treble and bass pot configuration that the S-500 has.
2 - Have any of you tried this before?
3- Any opinions, suggestions or audio clips?
The main reason behind the pickup change is that I like better how the guitar sounds naturally – without plugging it – compared to how it sounds plugged in and I think those Seymour Duncan sound like what I am looking for.
Thank you!

[Elwood]

Welcome,
I've used the PTB system with other p'ups...works without complications.
It'll be up to your ears to see if any other mods are needed to get you where you want to be.

FWIW, It was with CS69's in the neck and middle and a SSL-5 at the bridge in a china strat...worked fine.

There is a recent thread discussing seymour p'ups in a G&L ,
http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=7984

I'm sure other s will offer up some good info as well.

Elwood

[Craig]

Hi guys,
I own a S-500 tribute series and I am interested in changing the pickups for a Seymour Duncan California ’50s SSL-1 Set link (http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/e ... ornia_50s/). I have a couple of questions:
1-Do I need to change the whole circuit and pots in order to make the pickups sound as designed or just changing the pickups would be enough? Here is the suggested wiring diagram http://www.seymourduncan.com/images/pro ... 10-100.pdf and here is the S-500 wiring diagram http://www.glguitars.com/schematics/S-5 ... iagram.pdf
I would like to keep the treble and bass pot configuration that the S-500 has.
2 - Have any of you tried this before?
3- Any opinions, suggestions or audio clips?
The main reason behind the pickup change is that I like better how the guitar sounds naturally – without plugging it – compared to how it sounds plugged in and I think those Seymour Duncan sound like what I am looking for.
Thank you!

Before replacing the S-500 MFD pickups, I'd like to suggest you work with them with your amp(s) first.
Here's a couple of posts which might help you dial in these pickups or at least get a better understanding of what they are capable of:

Re: Is my PTB circuit faulty?
Comanches For Dummies Redux by BoogieBill (note that this post also applies to the S-500, too)

If they still are not for you, make sure to keep the original MFD pickups so you can return it to it's original form should you decide to sell/trade it.

Just my $0.02.