Help a newbie??

[coloradoman25]

Okay so venturing into my first wiring job. I can handle soldering if I have a basis to start, but what I need to know is pot selection and set up advice for my project axe.

Here is my idea.

2 cool rails and a screamin Demon....Looking for good sustain, sharp highs, and a decent growl (dream theater, meets Yngwie, meets pantera) Does this set up sound like it would get me there?

Body is a former charvel 375 refinned.

What pots would everyone suggest?

And is it possible to get a wiring diagram to start as a basis. I appreciate your patience with my newbieness. I have redone a handful before but this is still new to me when it comes to pickup selection and fresh wiring.

[Burn]

Well, for diagrams, you can go to seymourduncan.com, they have pretty good stuff. You'll probably want a 5 way switch since you've got a hum/single/single setup. Everything is pretty straight forward, I'd grab a few extra pots just in case you burn one up(I have never done this and I consider myself a hot solderer). Only thing I think you should consider is a stacked single in the neck to give you a humbucker sound up there, thats important for say, dream theater lead tone.

[Bengal65]

Yep, SD and also www.guitarelectronics.com for more diagrams.

I'd go with 500K on the pots.

[Spivonious]

I'd go with a higher wattage soldering iron. I'd say at least 25W, preferably closer to 40W. I used to solder with a 15W iron and it was the hardest thing ever. Also, get something to be a third hand, be it a stand with a clamp on it, or your buddy.

[Dred]

+1 on the third hand. I use combination pliers (if that's what they're called) with a rubber band on the grip. Very DIY but for most pickup work, they're invaluable.
Also, use a few crocodile clips as heat shunts, very helpful too.

[coloradoman25]

Thanks for the help, which Stacked single would you suggest for the neck?

[Burn]

I've had good experience with the JB Jr., and they also put out a Lil' Screamin Demon that I haven't heard yet. There are a few others too.

[coloradoman25]

So does my pickup combo sound somewhat like itll get me the sound I want?

[Spivonious]

The Demon will give you plenty of bite, but I don't know about growl...maybe look at the Distortion instead.