Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

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maverick927
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 8:00 am

Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by maverick927 »

Hello all.
I have a 2012 Legacy that I am considering converting to an HB model. I enjoy the stock pickups, but prefer to have a bit thicker tone in the bridge position for the music that I play. If I understand correctly, the Legacy models have a swimming pool rout. (I've not had a chance to pull my pick guard off yet to verify)
If this is the case, I would be interested in putting in the Duncan TB-4 humbucker that comes stock with the HB model. Obviously will have to replace the pick guard.

My question is: Will I need the coil tap switch in order to split the humbucker, OR can I use a push/pull volume pot for this?

Any insight is appreciated.

Mav
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astutzmann
Posts: 678
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:04 pm
Location: Niagara Canada

Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by astutzmann »

here's another option for you.

Image

This was my 2009 legacy, which I bought used. It came with a DiMarzio hum bucker in the bridge. Not sure of the wiring, no splitting. Worked and sounded fantastic, just enough extra punch and sounded great in the #4 switch setting as well, matched with the middle pup.

Just a thought, would be easier I think.

I sold this guitar and I wish I hadn't. Had the best neck I've played.....
Alf Stutzmann
Fumble fingers
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Joined: Fri Feb 15, 2013 12:11 pm
Location: Dayton , Ohio

Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by Fumble fingers »

if you want a coil tap your going to need a switch or push/pull pot ...... the SD's split are not a great single coil sound at best
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Craig
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Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by Craig »

maverick927 wrote:Hello all.
I have a 2012 Legacy that I am considering converting to an HB model. I enjoy the stock pickups, but prefer to have a bit thicker tone in the bridge position for the music that I play. If I understand correctly, the Legacy models have a swimming pool rout. (I've not had a chance to pull my pick guard off yet to verify)
If this is the case, I would be interested in putting in the Duncan TB-4 humbucker that comes stock with the HB model. Obviously will have to replace the pick guard.

My question is: Will I need the coil tap switch in order to split the humbucker, OR can I use a push/pull volume pot for this?

Any insight is appreciated.

Mav
Yes, the body is bathtub routed, so this conversion can easliy be done.
The Legacy Deluxe is wired with a push/pull volume pot. Look in the
Gallery's Album: Instrument Manuals and Wiring Schematics for the Album: Legacy HB Deluxe Picture Diagram.
You can get the pot from G&L's On-Line Store.
You can order the pickguard without the mini-toggle hole; use 612 pattern from Chandler (Pickguard Heaven).

Hope this helps.

:ugeek:
--Craig [co-webmaster of guitarsbyleo.com, since Oct. 16, 2000]
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maverick927
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 8:00 am

Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by maverick927 »

Craig wrote:
maverick927 wrote:Hello all.
I have a 2012 Legacy that I am considering converting to an HB model. I enjoy the stock pickups, but prefer to have a bit thicker tone in the bridge position for the music that I play. If I understand correctly, the Legacy models have a swimming pool rout. (I've not had a chance to pull my pick guard off yet to verify)
If this is the case, I would be interested in putting in the Duncan TB-4 humbucker that comes stock with the HB model. Obviously will have to replace the pick guard.

My question is: Will I need the coil tap switch in order to split the humbucker, OR can I use a push/pull volume pot for this?

Any insight is appreciated.

Mav
Yes, the body is bathtub routed, so this conversion can easliy be done.
The Legacy Deluxe is wired with a push/pull volume pot. Look in the
Gallery's Album: Instrument Manuals and Wiring Schematics for the Album: Legacy HB Deluxe Picture Diagram.
You can get the pot from G&L's On-Line Store.
You can order the pickguard without the mini-toggle hole; use 612 pattern from Chandler (Pickguard Heaven).

Hope this helps.

:ugeek:
Craig,

"IF" I were to take the suggestion of astutzmann and go with a stacked single coil "humbucker", do you have a suggestion as to what pickup would blend well with the stock Alnico pickups?
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astutzmann
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Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:04 pm
Location: Niagara Canada

Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by astutzmann »

I am no expert, but the DiMarzio sounded really nice.
Alf Stutzmann
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pauliewalnuts
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Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2010 2:08 pm
Location: Wantagh, NY

Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by pauliewalnuts »

I did this to a Legacy once. Not worth the trouble. The HB was so loud, it totally overtook the single coils. Do a Duncan vintage rail or some single coil size bucker. You'll get the drive you want at a level that will work with the other 2 pickups.
"Life's too short to play crappy guitars"
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maverick927
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 8:00 am

Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by maverick927 »

Anyone else have experience with replacing the bridge pickup? How about adding a base plate?
Would like to know opnions on what single coil sized stacked humbuckers would blend well with the G&L neck & middle pickups.
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MAP70
Posts: 81
Joined: Sat Nov 30, 2013 4:14 pm
Location: New York

Re: Convert Legacy to Legacy HB

Post by MAP70 »

Anyone else have experience with replacing the bridge pickup? How about adding a base plate?
Would like to know opnions on what single coil sized stacked humbuckers would blend well with the G&L neck & middle pickups.
You can try these.. I Love Bill's pickups and Becky can help you pick the right one... great quality at great prices.. If it were me I would just replace them all with Bill's stuff... but it can't hurt to try to mix them with the stock pickups

http://www.wildepickups.com/Wilde_Bill_ ... lades.html

Mark