[Guitar gear]

My guitar DIY modification project part 3: circuitry

Posted by Martin  [Tags: DIY projects]

Now I’ve decided to go for a Fender Jazzmaster circuit and pickups, I’ve begun to sort out the electrical components required. Since this is a first-time project I’m not very confident in my own skills; furthermore I have a smaller Squier Stratocaster body to work with, and don’t really feel the need to have the full Jazz circuit with all those separate rhythm and lead controls. It’s going to be a configuration of two pickups, a master volume and tone, and a three-way selector switch; similar to the Telecaster I suppose, but with those distinctive pickups (which will be the most expensive and therefore will probably be the last parts I’ll buy). With the structural aspect of the instrument up to a satisfactory standard (that annoying bridge screw exempted) I now feel ready to start the wiring.

[1 Comment]

[Guitar gear]

My guitar DIY modification project part 2: replacing the bridge

Posted by Martin  [Tags: DIY projects]

Here’s a healthy tip for anyone who is thinking about replacing a guitar’s vibrato bridge: before you start, for your own sake check the dimensions of the trem block, string spacing and positions of bolt/screw holes. Not all companies’ parts are made to the same specs which I’m sure is obvious but even bridges made by the same company can vary. That’s right: my “All Fender’s parts are standard size and shape, from guitar necks to cutlery in the factory canteen” assumption was a bit optimistic. It’s a simple enough design but they can’t resist making variations on the theme…

The positions of the six screws that hold the bridge plate in place on my Squier Strat are actually a tiny bit closer together than the replacement, which I’m guessing is made to fit the bona fide Fender instruments. This made fitting the bridge plate a nerve-wracking experience, which I hope won’t affect the sound or tuning stability; fortunately everything else went (more or less) JUST AS PLANNED but it’s something I’m quite annoyed at myself about.

[No Comments]

[Guitar gear]

My guitar DIY modification project part 1: Before

Posted by Martin  [Tags: DIY projects]

I was all geared up to write another guitar review but I’m currently planning something that is hopefully interesting enough to be worth sharing. I’ve decided that the second-hand ‘98 Squier Affinity Stratocaster that has been my ‘second guitar’ (read: my backup when my main one goes out of tune/breaks) is the ideal subject for screwing up modifying to be better suited to the music I’m playing. I’m a complete novice to this sort of thing, beyond the regular changing of strings and a recent pickup switch repair to my old Ibanez (more on the latter at a later date) so I’m deliberately working on an inexpensive and mainstream instrument. Because it’s such an average ‘off the shelf’ guitar the replacement of parts will be affordable and relatively straightforward too.

This is roughly what it looks like, before the onslaught

[1 Comment]