Frankenstein Westone Thunder 1A

[von Braun]

I'm currently working on my winter project; fixing up a slightly battered Matsumoko Westone Thunder 1A. Bridge and tuners are taken care of but I'd like to drop in a replacement (hotter) PUP, probably a SD Quarter Pounder. Bearing in mind this is the active model, can I do a straight swap or do I need to take the cut switches etc. into account. Be handy to know if I need to dig out the trusty multi-meter or not!

If anyone has a good internet link I can follow, I'd be most grateful.

Thanks all.

v. Braun

[geoffbyrne]

I'm assuming this has the standard-looking P-style pup?

If so, it's a standard passive pickup wired to an active pre-amp.

It should be OK to de-solder the leads of the original & attach the leads of the new (passive) pup to the same places. Everything remains the same, except, hopefully, the output & tone.

G.

[fatback]

Interested in trying this myself.

Let us know how you get on, and especially if you find the mod was worthwhile.

A very playable bass.

[Mr. Foxen]

The pickup that comes in them is pretty hot and good sounding, might not be that much of an upgrade, so hang on to it. Or I'll give you a tenner for the old one.