Precision pickup for a Guild

[kristo]

I have a Guild Starfire 1 bass that I love, however I’ve begun to speculate over if a pickup/wiring upgrade would make it sound even better. I have a KiOgun loom I’m planning to get fitted as I imagine it’ll be an improvement on the current wiring, plus stock it has a push/pull volume pot that I never use. However, I was wondering if people would recommend changing the pickup too? I play old soul and funk so was looking at a Fender Custom Shop ‘62 pickup. Does anyone think it’ll make a big difference? Another consideration is the pickup can only really get to within 4mm of the strings when setting up, so would another pickup be better suited…. These are just thoughts so any input/advice would be helpful. Cheers. 

[Pea Turgh]

Not familiar with the bass, or what you want out of it, but I’ll share my thoughts anyway!

A decent loom will open things right up, so see how that fares firstly.

A set of P pickups will likely be a different size, and any attempts to disguise that will look shite.

I’d suggest a nice set of flats (LaBella low tensions) and maybe try a block of foam under the strings by the bridge - thud it up a little.  Play closer to the neck and that , I assume, would get you closer to where I assume you might want to be.  Cheaper than a new set of pups, anyhoo.

[PaulThePlug]

Don't know the bass or set up but... if 'Custom Shop 62' maybe checkout the TonerRider P as a more cost effective option to trial... and 'prolly all you need 😉

[BassApprentice]

Agreed, change one bit at a time. Seem if the loom and altered controls help you get what you want from it first.

 

Pickups might be slightly trickier, but there are plenty of independent pickup makers in the UK who I am sure could rewind - or make something to fit that pickup shape and style.

[kristo]

Thanks for the replies. I'm pretty sure from reading the Guild forum that the pickups are standard precision size under the covers. Being fairly green to all of this, I did wonder if the loom would change much, so I'll probably get that done first and see how it goes. I'm using TI Jazz Flats (I tried Labellas too) to get closer to the sound I'm after. 

Edited September 22, 2023 by kristo

[Jonesy]

Sounds like you have it planned in the right order - the loom should make a big difference and that'd be the first thing I'd look at. I haven't played one, but a lot of the videos I've seen can get that old school thump, so I'm sure you can get that with a bit of eq'ing rather than needing new pups. Good to hear the pups are a standard size if you do want to replace them - I really like the chrome covers they have so your new set might just slide straight in.

[grenadillabama]

I have that bass except with mahogany wood and "walnut" finish. Mine is OK but less highs than a Mustang . It cuts well enough with a pick. Let us know- I might go with a Fender P pickup if it fits. Finding a case is next .

[squire]

How did this work out in the end?

[kristo]

On 30/01/2025 at 08:36, squire said:

How did this work out in the end?

I never did it in the end. Been gigging the Guild and happy with it stock (although intrigue will get the better of me one day……..).

[Obrienp]

I just found this thread. Funny; I have been wondering about replacing the pickups in the Starfire 1. In my view it is crying out for a great big humbucker like the Bi-Sonic Guild put in the original and the previous reissue. Unfortunately, that would mean significant surgery that could not be reversed and I would need to make up a pickup surround to hide the gaps (the existing set is wider than a bi-sonic, or mudbucker). It could devalue the resale value big time.

 

 I then thought about an alternative P bass set that would get closer to the humbucker sound. Up to now, the size of the covers has been putting me off trying but I was looking at it carefully today and came to the conclusion that there are standard P bass pickups underneath (as per the comments on the Guild forum mentioned above). I am going to take one side out tomorrow to have a look. If they are standard, then I might order a DiMarzio DP-127 Split P set to replace the stock parts. The DP-127 is essentially two humbuckers in a split P bass pickup configuration. As far as I am aware, this is the only humbucker replacement set for P bass…..unless of course, someone knows of another one out there?

[kristo]

9 hours ago, Obrienp said:

I just found this thread. Funny; I have been wondering about replacing the pickups in the Starfire 1. In my view it is crying out for a great big humbucker like the Bi-Sonic Guild put in the original and the previous reissue. Unfortunately, that would mean significant surgery that could not be reversed and I would need to make up a pickup surround to hide the gaps (the existing set is wider than a bi-sonic, or mudbucker). It could devalue the resale value big time.

 

 I then thought about an alternative P bass set that would get closer to the humbucker sound. Up to now, the size of the covers has been putting me off trying but I was looking at it carefully today and came to the conclusion that there are standard P bass pickups underneath (as per the comments on the Guild forum mentioned above). I am going to take one side out tomorrow to have a look. If they are standard, then I might order a DiMarzio DP-127 Split P set to replace the stock parts. The DP-127 is essentially two humbuckers in a split P bass pickup configuration. As far as I am aware, this is the only humbucker replacement set for P bass…..unless of course, someone knows of another one out there?

 

Very interested to hear how that goes...... 

[neepheid]

If anyone does swap out the split pickup in their Starfire and is willing to sell me the stock one, please let me know...