Are you looking to upgrade your guitar pickups without the hassle of soldering? Guitarfetish.com (GFS) offers a solution with their innovative Kwik Plug system. These solderless connectors allow for a quick and easy pickup swap, even for beginners. If you’re curious about how to install Kwik Plug pickups and whether they live up to the hype, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the simple process and explore the benefits of this user-friendly system.
Understanding GFS Kwik Plug Pickups
GFS Kwik Plug pickups are designed for guitarists who want to modify their instruments without needing soldering skills or specialized tools. The Kwik Plug system is an optional add-on available for most GFS pickups. It consists of small, headphone jack-style connectors pre-installed on both the pickups and compatible wiring harnesses. This plug-and-play design simplifies the installation process dramatically, making it accessible to anyone looking to change their guitar’s tone. For those whose guitars aren’t already equipped with a Kwik Plug compatible harness, GFS offers affordable pre-wired harnesses to complete the solder-free setup.
Close-up of a worn Les Paul Special guitar body, highlighting the potential for upgrades with Kwik Plug pickups.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Kwik Plug Pickups
Installing Kwik Plug pickups is remarkably straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Prepare Your Guitar: Begin by removing the strings from your guitar. Then, carefully unscrew and remove the existing pickups and control knobs. It’s a good idea to take photos of your current wiring setup before disconnecting anything if you are unfamiliar with guitar electronics.
- Install the New Wiring Harness (If Necessary): If your guitar doesn’t have a Kwik Plug compatible harness, you’ll need to install one. Carefully remove the old wiring harness, including pots and the input jack. Mount the new Kwik Plug harness in its place, securing the new pots and input jack into the guitar body. No soldering is required for this if you use a complete GFS pre-wired Kwik Plug harness.
- Mount Your New Pickups: Screw your new GFS Kwik Plug pickups into the guitar body in the same manner as your previous pickups. Ensure they are seated correctly and at the desired height.
- Connect the Kwik Plugs: Locate the Kwik Plug connector extending from the volume pot of your new harness. Take the corresponding connector from your new pickup and firmly plug them together. The connection is similar to plugging in headphones, ensuring a snug fit for a secure electrical connection.
- Test Your Installation: Before fully reassembling your guitar, plug it into an amplifier and gently tap on the pickups with a screwdriver or similar tool. You should hear sound if the pickups are correctly installed and connected. If everything works, proceed to the next step.
- Reassemble Your Guitar: Carefully put back the control knobs, and restring your guitar. Tune it up, and you’re ready to experience your upgraded tone!
GFS Kwik Plug connectors, showcasing the solderless connection system for easy guitar pickup installation.
Connecting a GFS Kwik Plug pickup to the wiring harness in a Les Paul guitar, demonstrating the simple plug-and-play installation.
Sound and Performance of Kwik Plug Pickups
While the ease of installation is a major advantage, the sound quality is equally important. GFS pickups, including those with Kwik Plugs, have garnered a reputation for providing excellent value for money. Many guitarists find them to be a significant upgrade over stock pickups, offering improved clarity, output, and tonal characteristics. The reviewer in the original article highlighted a positive experience with a dog ear P90 Kwik Plug pickup, noting its punchy and clear tone, ideal for achieving classic rock sounds. While personal preferences vary, Kwik Plug pickups provide a convenient and sonically satisfying option for guitarists seeking tonal improvements without complex modifications.
Benefits of Using Kwik Plug Pickups
- Solder-Free Installation: The most significant advantage is the elimination of soldering. This makes pickup upgrades accessible to everyone, regardless of soldering experience.
- Speed and Convenience: Installation is incredibly fast, often taking just minutes to complete once the old components are removed.
- Affordability: GFS pickups are known for their competitive pricing, and the Kwik Plug option doesn’t add extra cost to the pickups themselves. Pre-wired harnesses are also reasonably priced.
- Reversibility: If you want to switch back to your original pickups or try different sets, the Kwik Plug system allows for easy swaps without damaging components or requiring re-soldering.
Conclusion: Is Kwik Plug Right for You?
If you’re looking for a straightforward and affordable way to upgrade your guitar pickups, GFS Kwik Plug pickups are definitely worth considering. They simplify the modification process, eliminating the need for soldering and making it easy to experiment with different tones. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player seeking a hassle-free upgrade, the Kwik Plug system offers a user-friendly path to enhancing your guitar’s sound. Give your guitar a new voice with the ease and convenience of Kwik Plug pickups.
