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Make looking right sound right! < Back Gretsch G2622T Free Consultation Book Now Pick-up Upgrade An expensive Gretsch is a wonderful thing - an old White Falcon, a 6120-55 Chet Atkins and a custom-built Stephen Stern Penguin have impressed and challenged us in equal measure. Gretsches are also readily available with much lower price tags - they look right, but come with a specification that may underwhelm - especially the pick-ups. (Upgrade completed.) (Upgrade completed.) Maintaining and upgrading these lower order Gretsches is a proper nightmare - changing the pots and output jack makes the bench look like an operating theatre. But I am a sucker for these jobs and here are a couple that we have done recently: First up is a G2655T that has gracefully lost its Bigsby. It contained a pair of very mid-heavy Fidelisonic P-90s that despite having staples on the pick-up cover, are in fact ordinary round pole single coils underneath. Micro-budget mini-pots that fit through the f-holes are what Gretsch fit to meet the price. So, clear the room, fire up the coffee machine, Crosby Stills and Nash on the iPod Touch, and after more hours than I would admit to (or charge for!), this guitar now has a pair of TV Jones Magnatrons, each splitable with CTS push-pulls, and the master controls replaced with full size premium grade CTS pots. These Magnatrons are low output genuine humbuckers with plenty of "honk" and "twang" - the glassy jangly tones available when set to single coil. A titanium saddle piece and a set of remarkable DrBlues 011-050 completes this amazing upgrade. Secondly, enter a gorgeous blue G2622T with Broadtron humbuckers. When you have to check your volume controls are up on a Gretsch, you know there is a problem. Once again, TV Jones to the rescue; and a Powertron at the neck with a coil split function; and a Classic Plus at the bridge with a ‘coils in parallel’ option on the volume push-pull. The Powertron is the right pick-up for those heavier blues solos, and pulling up the volume pot (proper metal knobs now rather than those plastic slippery ones) gets you that sparkly DeArmond type of sound that you expect from a high end Gretsch at the neck. Flick the selector down to the bridge pick-up and the power and grit of the Classic Plus drives a valve amp beautifully, and without buzz. Pull up the volume control and the parallel setting nails that classic Gretsch clean bridge jangle. With the myriad of tones available in the middle setting, the versatility of this guitar is sensational. Neither of these projects were cheap, but both guitars would have cost 3 or 4 times more to buy new in this specification. What a smart way of getting a top-end Gretsch. I am not pretending to be Stephen Stern here, but without the lottery win, I’ll have to suffice! Gretsches are used for all sorts of different music styles, and after a chat with me, we can select the most appropriate pick-ups from the TV Jones range (or alternatives if necessary) to get you exactly where you want to be with it. Gallery ← Previous Next→

1973 Greco SE-430, Soulful vintage Matsumoku at its finest. < Back 1973 Greco SE-430 Pre Serial Number 1973 - 1975 are, for me, the most interesting years of Matsumoku's Stratocaster style . Seeing the scale length come right, seeing the bridge design evolve, yet somehow absolutely nailing the neck feel across all years. They all look similar from a distance, but get up close and the differences are there. The pick-ups in this model date the guitar to 1973, and as they tended to sell faster than they were made in those heady days, we can reliably assume this found its first owner in the same year. This has survived nearly 50 years remarkably well. It arrived here in a slightly sorry state - unplayed for many years, grimy and more fluff under the plate than there is in my Dyson. But, as usual with these, a perfectly straight neck. After a deep clean and rebuild, the nerves build as we add tension to the neck for the first time for many years. Of course, it remains dead straight and requires only a tiny bit of intonation adjustment to have it back on full song. The pick-ups are typical Maxon - love or hate, but celebrate the difference! All the really good talented players who regularly pass through here and give it a try almost instantly default to a load of Hendrix songs, smile and nod in appreciation; adjust the gain on the amp, then reel out their SRV repertoire. This may be all you want in an additional guitar for the collection, in which case the guitar can be stringed and made stage ready for you. Alternatively, we can use this as a basis for a DreamBuild - despite the non-standard construction, Gotoh still produces hardware to suit it with only minor modifications. We can make those run-in frets work perfectly for another few years of hard playing, or we can look at refretting. We can keep the patina of the original sunburst finish, or we can carefully strip it and refinish it. We're offering this old warrior as it is, fully serviced and set up for immediate use, or it could set the basis for a DreamBuild where the final price will be determined by the upgrades we make. We recommend spending the budget on the sounds and the hardware, but if a refinish is what you want, we will provide. In any case, it passes to you stage ready to your preferences. No DreamBuild leaves here without a luthier's final touches. They make the difference. Price £845 Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect example of the marque, or a fantastic donor for sensitive DreamBuild upgrade. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Original Vintage Board Maple Weight 3.57kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications None (yet!) ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Late 1974 Greco TE-600, A proper Fender-frightener < Back Late 1974 Greco TE-600 Pre-serial Number The TE-600 was the pinnacle of Telecaster offerings from Japan in 1974 - there are 2 distinct types of TE-600 during 1974 - the early ones had a slightly different neck profile - this late one has a typical slim-C neck profile that you may associate with much later MIJ Fenders, and other than just a few tiny signs of life, this one has been busy but cherished. Arriving with very worn frets, we have fitted new Jescar 45100 frets to give this amazing Tele a good decade of minimum maintenance - I would place it between Closet Classic and Journeyman in condition, but leaning towards Closet Classic; so a perfect blend of new guitar and old guitar feel. The electrics and hardware are well looked after and original - the 500k pots and DM30 switch are as they left the factory - periodic servicing will keep these going. The star-tuners are in magnificent condition. There is some graceful aging on the bridge plate - just discolouration. There has been some clumsiness around the neck pocket - but this is purely finish related - nothing remotely serious. The neck pick-up is nice and bright - it is the opposite of the earlier lower order Maxon Tele neck units. These are much more modern sounding with the volume and tone maxed out - back it all away and some more wooliness and jazziness appears. The bridge pick-up is a dead ringer for my 72 US Tele - it doesn't bite your head off, but it's all there, and again, with judicious use of the controls, you can be Keith Richards for a while. This is a serious guitar - a proper viable alternative to a modern US Fender at a much friendlier price, and a fraction of the price of 1974 Fender in this condition. It comes with its fitted hard-case complete with a Greco polishing cloth - more than likely the one that was sold with the guitar. Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy this as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Original Maxon Selector 3-way Bridge Original 6 saddle Board Maple Weight 3.5 kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Another perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and modern everything else < Back Matsumoku TE-280 Price £1,450 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I give the Harayama speech elsewhere on this site - it is worth a read - but this Tele gets you one of his supreme 3 piece necks coupled with a medium weighted body. Part of the trilogy, the upgrades follow the same basic concept - Evil Sheep electronics and Gotoh hardware. The odd shaped and sized Maxon pick-ups that came with this guitar are surprisingly good, but of a time where they don't stand up to modern equivalents. This TE-280 is equipped with Evil Sheep 5225 pick-ups - 5.6k at the neck and 10.5k at the bridge. That clever mixing of magnets delivers a remarkably good and useful set of tones - especially the bridge. Modernisation continues with a 4 way switch enabling a series connection of the pickups in the front position, then a standard Telecaster arrangement from there on. The Gotoh bridge piece is a cut-down ashtray for increased comfort, and features titanium saddles instead of brass. The effect this has is difficult to describe, but you may find yourself enjoying the bridge pick-up even more as a result. This is a pretty guitar, a comfortable guitar and most importantly, a great sounding guitar. All the original parts and components for this guitar are safely stored in our archive and would come with the guitar either stored with us, or with you. All are in working order and could be returned to the guitar at any point in the future. The bridge would require minor surgery, but nothing particularly difficult. Details The Look Part of the floral trilogy, and the scratchplate design aside, this guitar retains a lot of its original look. Shiney new chrome Gotoh hardware always looks good on these models. Headstock The tuners are rebuilt originals - in perfect working order. New string trees improve stability Neck An original Harayama 3-piece maple neck with beautifully dressed frets - ready to provide comfortable and free playing in every circumstance. Pick-ups 2 x Evil Sheep 5225 (Tele set) with mixed magnets to enhance what should be enhanced. Neck is 5.6k and bridge is 10.5k Bridge Gotoh Ti-TC1S semi-cutaway ashtray, new control plate and vintage knobs Controls 4 way selector to include a series option; standard volume and tone controls using the highest quality parts. Gallery ← Previous Next→

1978 Aria Pro II ST-500, A rare Olympic White and Rosewood combination. < Back 1978 Aria Pro II ST-500 F780745 This ST-500 is 45 years old so has a couple of scars on the bodywork, but if you can live with that, you could have a friend for life here. The small headstock, Olympic White and Rosewood combination is quite rare - rosewood was a pricey option back then. The 3 PU-100 single coils are bright and punchy and work well clean and driven. The 7.25 radius board and shallow C neck will be familiar to MIJ fans, and a large part of the popularity of these Mats/Fuji models. Not everyone needs the hallowed name on the headstock - and the prospect here is a simple one: a really well built Strat from the 1970s, from the extremely highly regarded Matsumoku plant, in a timeless white/rosewood combo. Price £795 Availability Sold out - Contact us if you want us to find one for you Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups 3 x PU-100 Selector 3 way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.7kg; 8lbs 3oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Massive versatility and inspiring tones < Back Matsumoku Greco HH Price £1,795 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This Matsumoku built white 1973 Greco SE-500 arrived in a fantastic condition - it had obviously been loved and cherished. Unusually, it was sporting a humbucker in the neck position with a little mini-switch to access a single coil sound. Having already been routed for one humbucker, and having a pair of new DiMarzios in the drawer, I did a little more routing and mounted them in a new plate. The tremolo routing had also been extended for a replacement unit, although the original one was present on delivery. The original finish was so nice, I complemented it with a shiny new Gotoh vintage style unit. The blocks on these Gotoh tremolos never fail to provide a glorious sustain and harmonic ring and this encouraged me to get a little creative with the wiring and tone options for this guitar. Keith and I used to talk about piezo pick-ups for electric guitars and often found ourselves with a Graphtech basket full of technology, only to bottle out at the check-out page - the cost had got ridiculous. And we don't like batteries in guitars unless absolutely necessary. We didn't want the electric guitar to sound like an acoustic - we had a room full of amazing acoustics - we just wanted that "sparkle"; that high frequency accompaniment to the guitars inherent tones. We just needed to hammer a Fender Mustang over a Strat somehow. The Mustang reverse phase tones are interesting but more often than not useless in a serious delivery requirement. Time to experiment... The second tone control is now replaced with a 6-position chicken-head. This is NOT a Vari-tone - no rats nest of capacitors and resistors here - just regular wire to configure the coils of the DiMarzio Air Norton in every possible way. Both individual coils can be voiced, they can be voiced together in series or parallel, and in phase or reverse phased. 6 tones in all - 4 that stand on their own as viable tones, an the reverse phase tones that are there to work together with the bridge humbucker. The Master Volume knob is a push pull that configures the Gravity Storm bridge humbucker in series as a regular humbucker when pushed down, and into parallel when pulled up. 2 distinct and characterful tones on their own - the parallel setting is our chosen alternative to the traditional coil split which more often than not does not complement the humbucker at all, and doesn't have the teeth of a regular Strat unit - certainly not the ones we use! In parallel, the tone is full of bite, but loses the compression that humbuckers deliver. Combining these two pick-ups together offers a myriad of tones as each individual pick-up is configured differently. This is where the reverse phase neck pick-up settings get really interesting and rather than a word-soup of subjective terms, just have a listen to the demo. The Master Tone knob is also a push pull that configures the 2 pick-ups into series with each other regardless of how they are individually configured. The pick-up selector needs to be in the neck position to enable this function - life starts at the neck pick-up with ut!!. Making them operate in series essentially turns them into one pick-up. This function delivers a whole new palette of tones - again, I urge you to persist with the full demo to hear how this sounds as no-one will take me seriously if I start talking about filtertron tones on your DiMarzio equipped Strat... I appreciate that there are many guitarists out there who worship simplicity and tradition - we love this too, but we just can't stop experimenting and trying things out with the condition that we don't fill the scratchplate with more knobs, buttons and switches. If you are a guitarist that feels that the capability of the guitar is important to the creativity and that different tones encourage a different sense of how you play or write, this is aimed squarely at you. The controls do require a fair amount of familiarisation, but I still think this is easier than a Jaguar, and there is a lot more in the drawer to play with. If you fancy the versatility and design philosophy here, but want a different style of guitar, or a different colour etc, we can repeat this basic specification in a Les Paul style guitar, or any other style of Strat - our stock of worthy MIJ donors is quite comprehensive, and we can quickly find the donor instrument of your choice. Or upgrade your own guitar - just talk to us. Details The Look Possibly unique to see 2 humbuckers on a 1973 Greco SE-500. Original white finish - totally timeless in all other apsects Headstock All original apart from our little decal Neck Sublime 1973 Harayama 5 piece - full C and as comfortable as they get. Pick-ups A DiMarzio Air Norton at the neck and a Gravity Storm at the bridge Bridge Brand new Gotoh GE-102 in Chrome for the vintage look and feel Controls Master volume with CTS push pull for bridge humbucker control, Master tone with CTS push pull for parallel / series option, and a chicken head to control the neck humbucker. CRL 3-way pick-up selector. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Gibson Marauder, A bit of Gibson history < Back Gibson Marauder 72308092 1978 Gibson Marauder The Marauder links Massive Attack, Pete Shelley, Queens of the Stone Age and was the sacrificial instrument of choice for Paul Stanley to sledge hammer the stage floor during Kiss encores. Produced between 1974 and 1982 in small numbers, this was Gibson’s response to huge competition from Japanese imports, and an attempt to claim more of the residual market from Fender. Bolt-on necks from Gibson is a little similar to a straight 6 in a Mustang to many, but this should just add to the appeal. Let the debates rage on regarding that bridge pick-up – ‘Hot Bill’ claims they are humbuckers, not singles – Gibson certainly told us this in their catalogues. We can let our eyes deceive us. Many of the guitars we have here at Matsumoku are the reason this guitar exists – it is fabulous to have them together to compare them. This example has the blender function instead of the earlier 3 position toggle – a trade-off between simple but limited tone selection, and near infinite variety between the neck and bridge tones. Swings and roundabouts… There is no Tune-o-Matic bridge here – Hot Bill Lawrence believed in the high quality of Schaller units, and so the Marauder features a Schaller Harmonica. This is never going to compete with a Les Paul, but would happily sit alongside one. It’s ideal for folk who sit firmly in the Gibson camp even when they need a Tele Deluxe – everyone needs a Tele Deluxe at some point. It’s as heavy as you’d expect a mahogany body to be – Gibson folk will be well used to this – Fender types may need a sturdy strap. How it sounds is so subjective it needs your own ears to determine – but again, it’s mahogany so expect a darker mood and a little boost on the amp’s treble control even at the bridge. The important fact is that it all works and looks as it should. It has a tiny bit of pitting on the harmonica, a little belt buckle and wedding ring evidence. It’s in better nick than I was in at 44 years old. It’s here at the KettHall studio undergoing a sensitive re-commissioning and will reside here with us until someone decides they can give it a new home. There is a slightly tragic reason for sale, and will be sadly missed by its owner of 40 years. It has been lightly used, it’s obviously perfect for a collector who has a Marauder shaped gap in the collection. Despite being one of the underdogs of 1970’s Gibson range, it will (in this condition) unlikely ever be cheaper. As well as the re-commissioning, it will have the highest possible quality professional set-up from the hugely talented Matsumoku tech-team. It will be ready to play, or can be made ready to store if that is the plan. Book a slot to try it with our amps, or bring your own – spend some time with it acoustically – whatever you need. These don’t come through here very often; given its condition, it may not hang around here for long. Price ££££ Availability Sold Recommendation Perfect for the collector, investor or those that just need to scratch an itch Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Bill Lawrence Selector Blend pot Bridge Schaller Harmonica Board Maple Weight 4.57kg; 10lbs 1oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Taylor 150c 12 String, No need to go up the range - this is the ideal workshorse 12 string. < Back Taylor 150c 12 String 2111274073 This Taylor 150c is a no-nonsense decent quality electro-acoustic that covers all bases from Wish You Were Here through to Love and Affection - the bass and treble controls covering just about all your glisten and shimmering needs. It's a lightly used example. Lots of acoustic volume, and when the 100 series is as good as they are, it seems unnecessary to venture up the range and spend a fortune unnecessarily. This one comes with a Taylor padded gig-bag. The video uses a Loudex Mini amp with gain at 3 out of 10 and a dab of reverb Price £695 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2014 Pick-ups Expression 2 Selector N/A Bridge Pin Board Ebony Weight TBC Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

1977 Greco SE-600, Sweet-spot of the range during MIJ's best ever period < Back 1977 Greco SE-600 F772471 By 1977, Grecos were being produced at Fujigen and by this time Fender had made up their minds not to beat them, but join them. Norikatsu Harayama had spent a few years at Fujigen developing their craftsmen to produce guitars to standards that would impress the Americans sufficiently to allow them to cater for the very hungry local market without the crippling import duties at the time. Early and mid-70s Greco Strats have their own individual character - by the late 1970s they were proper rivals for the USA products - a few years later these guitars had the famous decal on the headstock. This guitar was produced in the days when Japanese culture and discipline ruled the production lines - no interference or input from USA at all. This is why they are still so playable, and so capable of being excellent instruments for another 45 years. SE-600s changed in style from year to year - this one is a true 1970's character. Big headstock, pretty heavy, and very faithful sounds from the PU-100 pick-ups, and rosewood being a costly option over the standard maple. This is a nice thick slab too. The 600 had a 3-way switch (nice DM30 units - will last forever) and the parallel positions can be found with a bit of practice. The MH-80 tuners are great quality and continue to provide excellent service, as does the vintage style tremolo; which comes with its original arm. The white finish has faded gracefully to a creamy shade, and there are a few marks that remind you it is 47 years old. A no-nonsense vintage guitar that is easily as good to play as it looks. When an equivalent Fender is reaching £5,000, this makes a great deal of sense. Whilst obviously a very subjective matter, there are plenty of folk out there who would say there is every chance that a 1977 Fujigen product would be a superior instrument to the real thing. Controversial, but the late 70s saw the very best of the Japanese production quality, we can't say the same for USA. Price £895 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as is or upgrade Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3 way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 4.5kg; 9lbs 14 oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

1979 Greco Esquire, Timeless simplicity < Back 1979 Greco Esquire A793402 Most guitars that we find and ship over from Japan put healthy smiles on our faces and provide immense satisfaction whether we upgrade them to stellar specifications or leave them as they were when they were first built. Occasionally, a guitar can be unboxed and stun the room to silence. This is one of them. Simplicity as its finest, and a timeless aesthetic that will still appeal in precisely the same way in 45 years time. Even though in 1979, anyone could have walked into Ishibashi Music Store and asked the staff for a Custom Order form; sit in the corner and fill it in; pay a deposit and wait impatiently for a few weeks. As soon as the balance is settled, a canvas sack would be handed to you with your ideal guitar in it, and you would spend a few more Yen on a hard case instead of the canvas sack, which whilst being a nice-looking thing, was not the best way of getting your pride and joy back home. Greco did not formally offer an Esquire as part of their range. It would have to be a Custom order. A quick look under the control plate reveals contemporary components and wiring which seems to verify the Custom Order status. A close inspection of the lovely body reveals evidence that someone has removed a polyester finish – having done this myself with varying degrees of success, I know the signs. I doubt the guitar left Fujigen without paint, although we still haven’t found any clues to an original colour. Teles were available in Lacquered Natural, Blonde or Black. I suspect this guitar was a Natural guitar and someone has decided to remove the clearcoat. The Spacey Sounds Decal indicates this Esquire started life as a TL500 – these guitars are still very highly regarded today. If we manage to get one here, it tends to find a new owner before we even advertise it. This is a true Esquire spec – front position on the selector providing a jazzy boomy tone, the middle position brings in the tone control knob, and the rear position just allows volume control. The chances are that this (and most Esquires!) will stay in the rear position but it is nice to have – it is traditional. We can’t bring ourselves to mess with this guitar. We know its limitations tone-wise, and also that the Maxon pick-up is great for ice-pick punk; but not maybe as accomplished and suitable for any other styles of playing without a serious pedal board and an unaffordable amp. The idea of an Esquire is simplicity and obtainability. Maybe it is enough to look as good as this – everything else will be forgiven. If so, marvellous. If not, then we can make changes and bring this glorious guitar up to date. We really want to keep the single pick-up philosophy (there is routing for a Brad Paisley thing) and would look to upgrading the pick-up and building in versatility with the controls that already exist, or add an S-1 switch or push pulls. Either a carefully designed tapped Tele pick-up (we recommend Evil Sheep, Creamery, or Tony can wind one) with the two outputs either governed by the 3-way switch, or we ditch the switch and change gears with an S-1. If the budget can withstand, Harry can wind us an amazing dual rail Tele sized humbucker which we can offer in split, parallel and series modes either with the switch or push-pulls. We have to set limits to how far to go before we simply suggest producing a new body – therefore if we can’t manage to install a pick-up either into the original bridge plate, or a new Gotoh equivalent, we draw the line. P-90s, TV Jones, regular humbuckers we wouldn’t undertake. We can get the tones with appropriately sized pick-ups. We can offer this one as it is, or we can put it in the DreamBuild schedule. Or, as so often happens, offer it as it is, then see it again in 6 months for a DreamBuild upgrade. Price £795 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy as is or sensitive appropriate upgrade Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1979 Pick-ups Maxon Selector 3 Way Bridge Original Board Maple Weight 3.67 kg; 8lbs 2oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 07:40 Play Video Play Video 01:46 Play Video Play Video 07:27 Play Video Play Video 08:53 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 06:31 Play Video Play Video 05:36 Play Video Play Video 07:42

Our signature Sao Paolo Solution < Back 1995 American Standard Strat Free Consultation Book Now Full Electrics Upgrade In walks a chap with a beaten-up case and a conundrum. Always a good sign of an exciting project. This was a case of someone having a guitar they adore, have owned for years but as the musical tastes and styles evolved, the guitar couldn’t keep up. This is a frequent story. And as usual, single coil pick-ups can’t achieve the sonic brief of humbuckers. I lent him a couple of humbucker-equipped guitars to take away to explore and drew up a list of options for his beloved US Strat. A second meeting soon followed with his own DAW and set-up, and a line of guitars with different styles of pick-up to play through ready for him to explore the realities of the options. Many types and designs of single coil, P-90 and humbuckers fed his tracks and the nearest we could get to what he needed was a pair of VH-7 Fernandes dual blade single coil sized humbuckers. High powered ceramic pick-ups such as the VH-7 are ideal for the heavy distortion sounds but lose their advantage with softer clean tones, where the original Fender AmStd coils delivered that perfectly. What this chap really wanted was everything and all in between! A few conversations with some of the industry’s finest brains later and we draw up a plan that takes a few risks, but we think will deliver. A set of custom wound AlNiCo 8 blade single coil sized humbuckers was ordered from Harry Häussel – Germany’s finest pick-up winder. I will set them low in the plate and find that pick-up height that gets the “sweetness”, yet has all the power and definition expected from a hot ceramic. The pick-ups would be 4-conductor so he can obtain true single coil tones from all 3 – this guy uses all 5 positions on the selector but left the TBX control alone, keeping it just on the bright side. The upper tone knob had nearly seized up through lack of use. This gave me ample room to develop a wiring and control philosophy to really unlock the available tones from these pick-ups. A criticism of all the single coil guitars in the DAW experiment was the buzz – especially with saturated signal paths. A criticism of master coil split functions is the usual volume drop and essentially changing the whole guitar from one set of tones to another. A limitation of the traditional coil split function is a coil removed completely from the palette. A criticism of traditional designs to overcome all of this is a guitar full of switches and knobs – usually hard to identify in the dark, and a messy looking guitar. My control philosophy would therefore attempt to unlock as much of the tonal palette from 3 humbuckers as possible without changing the fundamental look of the guitar. The neck and bridge humbuckers are controlled by the lower tone control. At zero setting, the pick-up is a single coil with 15% of the adjoining coil in the circuit. Turning the knob increases the percentage of the adjoining coil until a true humbucker is reached at 10. This is a push-pull pot and the position of this determines which coil is permanently in the circuit. Pulling up the knob selects the coil nearest the bridge as the permanent coil; pushing it down swaps this to the adjoining coil. This does a decent job of migrating the humbucker tone towards a Tele or a Strat tone – not exactly emulating a Tele obviously, but the brightness of that coil gives it an extra treble edge. The middle humbucker is split in half by an S-1 switch on the master volume, and the upper tone knob is a master tone control with a Centralab PIO 0.022μf capacitor. The range of tones is vast, while still behaving, feeling and playing like a Stratocaster. As with all upgrades that take a departure from the original control philosophy, this takes a few hours to get used to, and probably a few months to discover what the guitar can deliver for you, but this achieved and exceeded the initial brief. A few raised eyebrows expected with the AlNiCo8 spec, but set them at the right height from the strings and you will be rewarded by the best of all worlds. This particular specification suited this project – but the fundamental design would be applicable to many others with different types of pick-ups and budgets. This was not a cheap project, but when the inspiration and thinking is taken to this level, this investment has saved the customer money in that he doesn’t need to buy another guitar. Gallery ← Previous Next→

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