Need advice on Epi Elitist - new pups etc.

[andy007]

I've only been playing for a year so don't laugh at my questions!

For the last year I've been playing on what I would call a "starter guitar" only because when I started I didn't know what I liked/disliked about a particular guitar so I just got a Gibson SG Special because it was light. Now that I'm at my one year anniversary I have a much better idea what I want. I just bought a new condition Epi Elitist off eBay for $600.

I love the GnR stuff from their AFD album and I have been working a lot on that type of music. So I thought I would put SD Alnico II Pros in the neck and bridge of the Epi since that is what Slash uses. Now, before I go any further, I have to say that I know that putting these pups in my guitar isn't going to make me sound like Slash. I'm not that naive. So no wise cracks about that.

My guitar teacher said I should put in an Alnico II Pro and a Pearly Gates for more versatility. OK that's fine but my #1 goal is to get that hard rock/blusy tone like Slash. So here are my questions:

1) Which position should I put the Alnico II pro? Bridge or neck for that Slash like lead tone?

2) While I'm in there installing new pups, should I look at replacing the pots, caps and wiring harness? I'm and EE so soldering and changing a few pots is no big deal. This Elitist is new, straight from a dealer's old stock so it has all factory parts right now. Not sure of the quality of wiring they used. I figure while I'm in there I might as well replace everything if I have to.

Definitely will replace the plastic jack plate and put a gold plated jack in there. So... those are my two questions. If anybody has any additional advice I'd appreciate it. Not sure what I'm going to do with that SG once I get my new rig set up.

--
Andy

 

[zplapplap]

First, Congrats on the Elitst. Those are great guitars and it looks like you got a great deal. My brief thoughts:

Wow! That alot of mods. Is all of that really necessary?

1) Alnico II in the neck and Pearly in the bridge

2) Sit on it for a while before deciding. Why drop the money on this stuff before your ear recognizes a need for it.

 

[andy007]

I think half the reason I want to do this is just to tinker with the electronics side of it. You are right in that I'm so new to this guitar stuff that I don't know my head from a hole in the ground yet. However I do know that I haven't been able to get that tone out of my SG with 490R 490T pups.

 

[Alligatorbling]

your best bet is to find a set of Alnico II's with a sound you like, do some research on youtube to get an idea... then try a guitar out in person with them if you can before you buy... but then again, you might be after a different vibe than Alnico II's ... they just seem to be a majority favorite. if youve never tinkered i wouldnt make this your first attempt lol. just installing the pickups might be ok, but if your going for a full rewire id hold off on doing it myself. there are a lot of great tourorials and videos out there though... if you were to rewire, go all out. shielded braided cable, 50s wiring, treble bleed, nice PIO caps... switchcraft jack/switch. It'll be niiiiceeeee =D

 

[mdr40z]

I say go for it, my Elitist came with upgrade pups and I swapped out the guts. It made a huge difference for only $100 or so. I'll put my Elitist sound right there with most Standards and even a few Customs. Look up Jonesy for a good harness if you want.