Guitar Upgrades - Opinions?
Discussion
Picked up one of these on Friday and as it came in well under budget at £150 I'm considering a few upgrades.
Not looking at spending too much but I'd like to make the guitar as versatile as possible so looking at a full new set of pickups from Wilkinson ( Zebra Humbuckers + Hot Single) and replacement push-pull volume pots to take anvantage of the coil splitting on the buckers.
I'll also be adding locking tuners (Wilkinson EZ Lock?) and strap locks (Fender F style)
Any thoughts on the above and any ideas how much of a job it would be to fit them (the electronics that is)?
Not looking at spending too much but I'd like to make the guitar as versatile as possible so looking at a full new set of pickups from Wilkinson ( Zebra Humbuckers + Hot Single) and replacement push-pull volume pots to take anvantage of the coil splitting on the buckers.
I'll also be adding locking tuners (Wilkinson EZ Lock?) and strap locks (Fender F style)
Any thoughts on the above and any ideas how much of a job it would be to fit them (the electronics that is)?
I think the pickups will be fine, and easy to fit if you have a soldering iron (and some solder). I expect there will be some kind of wiring diagram with the pickups but if not I will be happy to talk you through it.
I don't think different tuners will be needed (they are really for heavy tremolo use). But careful attention to the nut and a good set-up can be very beneficial. I suggest you get some of that ultra-slippery lubricant that has a dispenser like a pen and apply it to the nut slots, it can make quite a difference.
I don't think different tuners will be needed (they are really for heavy tremolo use). But careful attention to the nut and a good set-up can be very beneficial. I suggest you get some of that ultra-slippery lubricant that has a dispenser like a pen and apply it to the nut slots, it can make quite a difference.
It's not rocket science replacing pick ups, so long as you can manage a decent soldered joint and follow a wiring diagram. However, you might find that you don't necessarily end up with an improvement, just 'different' so it's a bit of a gamble. I bought some upgraded pickups for my cheap Affinity Tele a few years back, but I'd had a play of another guitar with these pick ups installed so had an idea of what the improvement can bring.
Modifying Teles seems quite prevalent though, as was being discussed only today on the TDPRi website (which is dedicated to Telecasters). What you have to be aware of though is ending up spending so much replacing parts that you could have bought a better example in the first place: I've been debating buying a 'vintage' neck for my Tele as the Affinity neck is flatter than I like and thinner too (I prefer the one on my '57 reissue Strat). In the end though I reckon I'll be better off selling the one I have and just buying one with the neck I like (and some other upgrades) having played one last week.
The upgrades don't really add anything to the value (and can put other buyers off), so go into it with your eyes open (or at least keep the original parts to put back on if you sell it later).
Modifying Teles seems quite prevalent though, as was being discussed only today on the TDPRi website (which is dedicated to Telecasters). What you have to be aware of though is ending up spending so much replacing parts that you could have bought a better example in the first place: I've been debating buying a 'vintage' neck for my Tele as the Affinity neck is flatter than I like and thinner too (I prefer the one on my '57 reissue Strat). In the end though I reckon I'll be better off selling the one I have and just buying one with the neck I like (and some other upgrades) having played one last week.
The upgrades don't really add anything to the value (and can put other buyers off), so go into it with your eyes open (or at least keep the original parts to put back on if you sell it later).
Strange you should say that. The setup was really good other than a slight fret buzz on the low E around the 12 fret. I adjusted the height of the saddle slightly but was surprised at how soft the metal of the bridge was and how easily the grub screws popped out of their channels.
It's a hardtail string through with 6 individual saddles BTW. Any pointers for a supplier of a better quality one, everything I come across seems to be USA based?
Also, and apologies for all the questions, is there a manufacturer I should look for when sourcing the 500k push/pull pots?
It's a hardtail string through with 6 individual saddles BTW. Any pointers for a supplier of a better quality one, everything I come across seems to be USA based?
Also, and apologies for all the questions, is there a manufacturer I should look for when sourcing the 500k push/pull pots?
Looked down the fretboard to make sure there isn't a proud fret around the octave? I've seen that on a £5k custom shop strat, so well worth checking.
As for mods, it's a good point that changing pickups can be a lottery. Tone is a personal quest & it's always a a quest, I've a very heavily modified strat that is my main gigging guitar. It started out as a USA standard I picked up 2nd hand. I added a roller nut, S1 switching, Jeff Beck noiseless hot pickups, Gotoh locking tuners & graph tech carbon saddles.
Out of all of that lot, the things I like without end are the roller nut & the locking tuners. The Graph tech saddles are gimmicky but don't hurt, the pickups are ok, but have a slight hollowness to the tone & certainly aren't worth the price but what I could do is throw that guitar at the wall & it would still stay in tune & for it's purpose, that's valuable to me.
On the subject of pickups, it's a tricky subject. Apart from the myriad variables of sticking new pups in a guitar, you're up against the reality that whilst your local guitar shop will doubtless carry a dozens flavours, they won't have many of them installed in your guitar, so it's usually a leap of faith to a degree handing over cash & picking up a soldering iron.
Youtube can be your friend with that, but be sure to sit through a few vids before parting with cash unless your local rock pedlars are very understanding about burnt wires.
P.s. S1 switching is rubbish.
As for mods, it's a good point that changing pickups can be a lottery. Tone is a personal quest & it's always a a quest, I've a very heavily modified strat that is my main gigging guitar. It started out as a USA standard I picked up 2nd hand. I added a roller nut, S1 switching, Jeff Beck noiseless hot pickups, Gotoh locking tuners & graph tech carbon saddles.
Out of all of that lot, the things I like without end are the roller nut & the locking tuners. The Graph tech saddles are gimmicky but don't hurt, the pickups are ok, but have a slight hollowness to the tone & certainly aren't worth the price but what I could do is throw that guitar at the wall & it would still stay in tune & for it's purpose, that's valuable to me.
On the subject of pickups, it's a tricky subject. Apart from the myriad variables of sticking new pups in a guitar, you're up against the reality that whilst your local guitar shop will doubtless carry a dozens flavours, they won't have many of them installed in your guitar, so it's usually a leap of faith to a degree handing over cash & picking up a soldering iron.
Youtube can be your friend with that, but be sure to sit through a few vids before parting with cash unless your local rock pedlars are very understanding about burnt wires.
P.s. S1 switching is rubbish.
OldSkoolRS said:
It's not rocket science replacing pick ups, so long as you can manage a decent soldered joint and follow a wiring diagram. However, you might find that you don't necessarily end up with an improvement, just 'different' so it's a bit of a gamble. I bought some upgraded pickups for my cheap Affinity Tele a few years back, but I'd had a play of another guitar with these pick ups installed so had an idea of what the improvement can bring.
Modifying Teles seems quite prevalent though, as was being discussed only today on the TDPRi website (which is dedicated to Telecasters). What you have to be aware of though is ending up spending so much replacing parts that you could have bought a better example in the first place: I've been debating buying a 'vintage' neck for my Tele as the Affinity neck is flatter than I like and thinner too (I prefer the one on my '57 reissue Strat). In the end though I reckon I'll be better off selling the one I have and just buying one with the neck I like (and some other upgrades) having played one last week.
The upgrades don't really add anything to the value (and can put other buyers off), so go into it with your eyes open (or at least keep the original parts to put back on if you sell it later).
Thanks for that. I've read quite a few good reviews of the Wilkinson Zebra's, and they are setup for coil splitting which is the primary reason for the upgrade. They obviously aren't in the same league as a set of SD's, but at a 1/4 of the price that's to be expected.Modifying Teles seems quite prevalent though, as was being discussed only today on the TDPRi website (which is dedicated to Telecasters). What you have to be aware of though is ending up spending so much replacing parts that you could have bought a better example in the first place: I've been debating buying a 'vintage' neck for my Tele as the Affinity neck is flatter than I like and thinner too (I prefer the one on my '57 reissue Strat). In the end though I reckon I'll be better off selling the one I have and just buying one with the neck I like (and some other upgrades) having played one last week.
The upgrades don't really add anything to the value (and can put other buyers off), so go into it with your eyes open (or at least keep the original parts to put back on if you sell it later).
I only paid £150 for the guitar, which a couple of months ago would have cost nearly £400, and the quality of the important components (neck, body, frets, fingerboard) is genuinely fantastic, as is the overall finish and build quality so I'm happy to spend a few £ on improving the rest. I'm not one for selling things on anyway so that isn't really a concern.
Hoping that another £100-150 spent wisely will leave me with a very versatile, playable and good quality guitar for <£300 all in. I already can't walk past the thing without picking it up and having a quick play, which is always a good sign.
Justin Cyder said:
Looked down the fretboard to make sure there isn't a proud fret around the octave? I've seen that on a £5k custom shop strat, so well worth checking.
As for mods, it's a good point that changing pickups can be a lottery. Tone is a personal quest & it's always a a quest, I've a very heavily modified strat that is my main gigging guitar. It started out as a USA standard I picked up 2nd hand. I added a roller nut, S1 switching, Jeff Beck noiseless hot pickups, Gotoh locking tuners & graph tech carbon saddles.
Out of all of that lot, the things I like without end are the roller nut & the locking tuners. The Graph tech saddles are gimmicky but don't hurt, the pickups are ok, but have a slight hollowness to the tone & certainly aren't worth the price but what I could do is throw that guitar at the wall & it would still stay in tune & for it's purpose, that's valuable to me.
On the subject of pickups, it's a tricky subject. Apart from the myriad variables of sticking new pups in a guitar, you're up against the reality that whilst your local guitar shop will doubtless carry a dozens flavours, they won't have many of them installed in your guitar, so it's usually a leap of faith to a degree handing over cash & picking up a soldering iron.
Youtube can be your friend with that, but be sure to sit through a few vids before parting with cash unless your local rock pedlars are very understanding about burnt wires.
P.s. S1 switching is rubbish.
Cheers JC.As for mods, it's a good point that changing pickups can be a lottery. Tone is a personal quest & it's always a a quest, I've a very heavily modified strat that is my main gigging guitar. It started out as a USA standard I picked up 2nd hand. I added a roller nut, S1 switching, Jeff Beck noiseless hot pickups, Gotoh locking tuners & graph tech carbon saddles.
Out of all of that lot, the things I like without end are the roller nut & the locking tuners. The Graph tech saddles are gimmicky but don't hurt, the pickups are ok, but have a slight hollowness to the tone & certainly aren't worth the price but what I could do is throw that guitar at the wall & it would still stay in tune & for it's purpose, that's valuable to me.
On the subject of pickups, it's a tricky subject. Apart from the myriad variables of sticking new pups in a guitar, you're up against the reality that whilst your local guitar shop will doubtless carry a dozens flavours, they won't have many of them installed in your guitar, so it's usually a leap of faith to a degree handing over cash & picking up a soldering iron.
Youtube can be your friend with that, but be sure to sit through a few vids before parting with cash unless your local rock pedlars are very understanding about burnt wires.
P.s. S1 switching is rubbish.
I did go along the board using a hastily fashioned fret rocker and TBH everything looked spot on, I think the action was just a hair too low. Its fine after a tiny adjustment and the action is still very good so happy with that.
Happy to take my chances with the pups, its unlikely I'd have thought that they would sound worse than the standard Squier pickups (which are OK) and they will at least allow me to add coil splitting to the list of options.
I've watched a few vids on various 'budget' pickups and TBH a lot seem to be more aimed towards the metal crowd and heavy distortion, which isn't what I'm looking for. The Wilkinson's at least seem to offer a decent amount of versatility.
Justin Cyder said:
It's always individual, but given it's a tele, a bright, pungent tone should be in there as an aspiration I reckon.
Now don't start me on uppity Liverpool fans.
Also, turning the control plate round on a tele should be done, you know, because you can!
Uppity? Me?Now don't start me on uppity Liverpool fans.
Also, turning the control plate round on a tele should be done, you know, because you can!
Not sure if you've had a look at the link for the model I bought, but it's not a traditional tele in any sense.
HSH
Satin maple neck
12.5 Rosewood fingerboard
68 strat style headstock
Kill switch
Rotary pickup selector in place of 2nd tone pot.
The body is tele shaped, but that's about it...
Yes,it couldn't be further from the Tele I'm considering; single coils, maple 7.25" radius neck and vintage (thin) frets, but that's part of the attractions of Teles to me anyway, they can be so varied. I'm also toying with the idea of a short scale 'reverse esquire' with a P90 pick up as a little project, so I'm as guilty as anyone wrt to upgrades/modding.
It's great that the basics are so right for you and picking it up every time you walk past it is a good sign, I know I'm guilty myself. (I just had to have a play of my Strat just now when my OH went to bed earlier as it's in the living room, so it's hard to ignore shining at me as it does.).
As you say the price is a killer deal compared to what you might have paid only a few months ago, so that helps with buying upgrades for it as you're well in pocket even with the price of the mods you plan. I've compared lots of pick ups on Youtube myself (was considering better ones for my Epiphone LP at one point) and it does give you some idea of the flavour, but unless they compare the original ones it's hard to get a reference. A bandmate lent me a spare DiMarzio pick up which I fitted to my LP and it sounded quite different to the original (in a good way) but I wouldn't have guess from the Youtube videos, but it cost me nothing to try other than 5 minute with a soldering iron. Maybe try looking for used pick ups on Gumtree/eBay then you might get more for your money and if it doesn't work out then you'd get your money back if you sell them on?
It's great that the basics are so right for you and picking it up every time you walk past it is a good sign, I know I'm guilty myself. (I just had to have a play of my Strat just now when my OH went to bed earlier as it's in the living room, so it's hard to ignore shining at me as it does.
).As you say the price is a killer deal compared to what you might have paid only a few months ago, so that helps with buying upgrades for it as you're well in pocket even with the price of the mods you plan. I've compared lots of pick ups on Youtube myself (was considering better ones for my Epiphone LP at one point) and it does give you some idea of the flavour, but unless they compare the original ones it's hard to get a reference. A bandmate lent me a spare DiMarzio pick up which I fitted to my LP and it sounded quite different to the original (in a good way) but I wouldn't have guess from the Youtube videos, but it cost me nothing to try other than 5 minute with a soldering iron. Maybe try looking for used pick ups on Gumtree/eBay then you might get more for your money and if it doesn't work out then you'd get your money back if you sell them on?
Justin Cyder said:
I just looked & saw that the controls are more Gibson than Fender. And that was a reference to the poster whose usernames thread... 
I know mate, I've been waiting for a retort TBH. TBH, I think you've proven me right anyway by how helpful you're being on another thread started by a 'noob' in the music forum.
OldSkoolRS said:
Yes,it couldn't be further from the Tele I'm considering; single coils, maple 7.25" radius neck and vintage (thin) frets, but that's part of the attractions of Teles to me anyway, they can be so varied. I'm also toying with the idea of a short scale 'reverse esquire' with a P90 pick up as a little project, so I'm as guilty as anyone wrt to upgrades/modding.
It's great that the basics are so right for you and picking it up every time you walk past it is a good sign, I know I'm guilty myself. (I just had to have a play of my Strat just now when my OH went to bed earlier as it's in the living room, so it's hard to ignore shining at me as it does.).
As you say the price is a killer deal compared to what you might have paid only a few months ago, so that helps with buying upgrades for it as you're well in pocket even with the price of the mods you plan. I've compared lots of pick ups on Youtube myself (was considering better ones for my Epiphone LP at one point) and it does give you some idea of the flavour, but unless they compare the original ones it's hard to get a reference. A bandmate lent me a spare DiMarzio pick up which I fitted to my LP and it sounded quite different to the original (in a good way) but I wouldn't have guess from the Youtube videos, but it cost me nothing to try other than 5 minute with a soldering iron. Maybe try looking for used pick ups on Gumtree/eBay then you might get more for your money and if it doesn't work out then you'd get your money back if you sell them on?
Agree with you on the YT vids, almost impossible to get any real feel for the tone so I normally go by the comments of the uploader rather than what I hear on the vid.It's great that the basics are so right for you and picking it up every time you walk past it is a good sign, I know I'm guilty myself. (I just had to have a play of my Strat just now when my OH went to bed earlier as it's in the living room, so it's hard to ignore shining at me as it does.
).As you say the price is a killer deal compared to what you might have paid only a few months ago, so that helps with buying upgrades for it as you're well in pocket even with the price of the mods you plan. I've compared lots of pick ups on Youtube myself (was considering better ones for my Epiphone LP at one point) and it does give you some idea of the flavour, but unless they compare the original ones it's hard to get a reference. A bandmate lent me a spare DiMarzio pick up which I fitted to my LP and it sounded quite different to the original (in a good way) but I wouldn't have guess from the Youtube videos, but it cost me nothing to try other than 5 minute with a soldering iron. Maybe try looking for used pick ups on Gumtree/eBay then you might get more for your money and if it doesn't work out then you'd get your money back if you sell them on?
The Wilkinsons seem to get decent reviews from what I've seen and at £30 for the humbucker set and £12 for the SC it's not much of a loss if it doesn't work out TBH.
TBH, I went looking for a humbucker equipped guitar as we already have a SC loaded strat and expected to end up with an Epiphone LP or something similar. As soon as I picked up the Tele it just felt right though and TBH is a more manageable guitar for my lad (he's only 10). I genuinely felt like I was robbing them at £150, not a feeling you get often nowadays.
I'm sure I'll end up picking up a more 'authentic' tele at some point though. Love that 'pungent' sound, as JC describes it.
SWoll said:
It's a hardtail string through with 6 individual saddles BTW. Any pointers for a supplier of a better quality one, everything I come across seems to be USA based?
It's really only the moving bridge saddles you need to change, not the whole bridge. You would be lucky to find one on which all the holes lined up anyway. I suggest the Graph Tech saddles. Otherwise folded steel saddles which are available from Allparts and I daresay many other places. It may well be cheaper to buy a whole bridge and just swap the saddles.Justin Cyder said:
One point on saddles; there's various different geometries on Fender saddles depending on model & year. I've come unstuck in the past buying saddles that didn't line up with the guitar, so it's always worth checking what you have in mind will fit the guitar.
This is a very good point, and I should have mentioned it earlier. String spacing on Fender type guitars does vary quite a bit, usually 2 3/16" (55.5mm) or 2 1/16" (52.4mm), and anyone replacing saddles should check what they need first. There's some good info here
http://www.jhs.co.uk/stringsaver/index.html#standa...
Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
Had a quick measure up and the spacing at the bridge is 55.5mm. Based on the other measurements I've got a choice of any of the 8002 models with a 20.70mm length.
I can only seem to find them on EBay from US suppliers at a cost of approx £30. Are they worth the investment? Everything else I find appears no better in construction than what I already have?
Had a quick measure up and the spacing at the bridge is 55.5mm. Based on the other measurements I've got a choice of any of the 8002 models with a 20.70mm length.
I can only seem to find them on EBay from US suppliers at a cost of approx £30. Are they worth the investment? Everything else I find appears no better in construction than what I already have?
SWoll said:
Are they worth the investment?
That's a difficult question to answer for somebody else. I think they are excellent and if I liked the guitar I would buy them for it. However, the folded steel type can be very good too although the strings are inclined to dig in a little and form notches which can lead to a weak point which can lead to string breakage if the player likes to hit the strings hard. Also, of course, the steel ones rust- how much they will rust will vary hugely from one player to another. Some people sweat quite a bit when they are playing.Another problem with the folded steel type is the way the allen bolts extend above the part where the strings rest, and the hex holes can get filled with human skin gunk. When I was repairing full time I used to keep a stock of steel saddles and if a Strat came in with a really manky bridge I would change the saddles rather than waste time trying to clean them up and free the screws.
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