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Guitar Gaf |OT| Fingerpickin’ good

People don't like it cuz it does that phase shifting in the middle position (which I don't quite understand).

It's certainly not phase related. If you are getting out of phase sounds in the middle position (like Peter Green), then you put it back together wrong (or right-- it is a distinct sound that you might like-- I have it on a push-pull on one of my Les Pauls).

Installed orange caps too, but the difference is more subtle. Slightly more trebly maybe?

Possible! A lower value cap has a higher frequency cut-off (so less of the spectrum will pass through for the tone pot to shunt to ground).

Common guitar values are 22nF for humbuckers and 47nF for single coils. I use lower values for the bridge pickups on one LP and my Tele and Strat because the defaults were too much for those guitars/pickups. YMMV.

I need to figure out how to fully shield it.

Should be straight forward-- there are lots of guides. Maybe I will do my Strat someday.

Truth be told I don't know much about how they work at all.

The pot has three connections-- a terminal on either side and a sweeper in the middle. When you rotate the control, you move the sweeper along a resistor, from one terminal to the other.

When the volume is all the way up, the sweeper and terminal are touching so there is no added resistance, but as you roll the volume down more resistance is put in series.

The tone pot works the opposite way, so that when it is 'up' all of the resistor is in the circuit, but as you roll it down resistance is removed and more high frequency is allowed through-- to be shunted to ground.

I'm just a tinkerer and like modding things.

Buy a soldering iron and a cheap multimeter.
 
It's certainly not phase related. If you are getting out of phase sounds in the middle position (like Peter Green), then you put it back together wrong (or right-- it is a distinct sound that you might like-- I have it on a push-pull on one of my Les Pauls).

I haven't noticed anything weird in my middle setting, but it's just some of the complaints I've heard about 50s rewiring, but yeah maybe they were installed incorrectly - I don't know too much about the Peter Green out of phase setting. I think the orange caps did clean up my muddy Epi stock pickups though to a degree.
 
I haven't noticed anything weird in my middle setting, but it's just some of the complaints I've heard about 50s rewiring, but yeah maybe they were installed incorrectly - I don't know too much about the Peter Green out of phase setting.

phasing— how combined waveforms interact— in-phase, and the waveforms reinforce each other— peak to peak, trough to trough. Out-of-phase and they are exactly misaligned— peak to trough, trough to peak, cancelling them out.

Because the pickups are sensing the string at different points the waves aren't the same so being out-of-phase doesn't perfectly cancel the signal out, but it is a dramatic change in sound and reduction in volume.

To achieve out of phase, you can either take the pickup apart and flip the magnet or just flip hot and ground wires in the control cavity. Same effect (though with a vintage style humbucker lead where the braided shielding is the ground this is not a great idea).

Note that the two-pickup positions on a Strat are not out of phase as is commonly stated.

Anyway, looked up the complaints about '50s wiring— the tone control reacts differently depending on where the volume is set.
 
phasing— how combined waveforms interact— in-phase, and the waveforms reinforce each other— peak to peak, trough to trough. Out-of-phase and they are exactly misaligned— peak to trough, trough to peak, cancelling them out.

Because the pickups are sensing the string at different points the waves aren't the same so being out-of-phase doesn't perfectly cancel the signal out, but it is a dramatic change in sound and reduction in volume.

To achieve out of phase, you can either take the pickup apart and flip the magnet or just flip hot and ground wires in the control cavity. Same effect (though with a vintage style humbucker lead where the braided shielding is the ground this is not a great idea).

Note that the two-pickup positions on a Strat are not out of phase as is commonly stated.

Anyway, looked up the complaints about '50s wiring— the tone control reacts differently depending on where the volume is set.

Yeah I figured that had something to do with out of phase setting. Yeah people want to do those special volume tones like the "woman tone" and I guess 50s wiring would prevent that. I like to tinker but I'm no tech-head. Been trying to study more of this stuff lately though.
 
Most anything Fender that's made in the USA or Mexico is pretty good quality these days. I like both of those guitars... they've got a bit of character.

That's for sure. I grabbed a MIM cabronita a few years back, and I like playing it more than some of my guitars worth 3-4x the price.
 
Yeah people want to do those special volume tones like the "woman tone" and I guess 50s wiring would prevent that.

"woman tone" is a cranked amp (with no headroom left) fed from the neck humbucker with the guitar's volume all the way up and the tone all the way down. The volume pot all the way up means there's no electrical difference between '50s wiring and "modern".

It's been linked before in the thread, but here's a great video featuring Joe Bonamasa demonstrating Les Paul controls through a cranked Fender. Here's a 5-part video series featuring Jack Pearson that puts this on display without calling attention to it— he changes the tone just with his attack and the guitar's controls.
 
"woman tone" is a cranked amp (with no headroom left) fed from the neck humbucker with the guitar's volume all the way up and the tone all the way down. The volume pot all the way up means there's no electrical difference between '50s wiring and "modern".

It's been linked before in the thread, but here's a great video featuring Joe Bonamasa demonstrating Les Paul controls through a cranked Fender. Here's a 5-part video series featuring Jack Pearson that puts this on display without calling attention to it— he changes the tone just with his attack and the guitar's controls.

Ah ok. Yeah I've seen that Bonamassa tone video. It's very cool. I'm a crank it all the way guy so it's not really my thing. But I do like the 50s wiring for volume swells.
 
I didn't start out to have a theme, but here we are.

34048712660_18bb738bef_b.jpg



Anyone seen the Mustang GT amps? Looks pretty cool, the GT40 isn't much more than my $200 budget.
 
Lots of Les Paul love in here lately. I don't know why, but I just can't get into LPs. I like the look, but they feel so awkward to play to me. I'm more about the SG and Strat.
 
Lots of Les Paul love in here lately. I don't know why, but I just can't get into LPs. I like the look, but they feel so awkward to play to me. I'm more about the SG and Strat.

For me it started back in 1995 when I went to my first Hard Rock cafe. You know the guitar pins they sell (or used to)? Les Paul. I loved the look of it, to me that's what a guitar shape always was. When I bought my Strat the next year or so, it was probably because I couldn't afford one. I honestly don't remember why I came home with the Strat. It was still probably $4-500. But I wanted an LP ever since.
 
For me it started back in 1995 when I went to my first Hard Rock cafe. You know the guitar pins they sell (or used to)? Les Paul. I loved the look of it, to me that's what a guitar shape always was. When I bought my Strat the next year or so, it was probably because I couldn't afford one. I honestly don't remember why I came home with the Strat. It was still probably $4-500. But I wanted an LP ever since.

I can understand the love for a specific guitar style. It's weird how it changes too. I used to be an Ibanez pointy guitar guy but I've taken to SGs lately, and I used to hate them when I was younger. I recently played my nephew's Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro through his Orange amp (pictured) and I was pretty impressed. I wouldn't mind having a Les Paul around, but lately I'm avoiding heavy guitars with my aging back. I really do like their appearance though, especially with a nice finish.

 
Lots of Les Paul love in here lately. I don't know why, but I just can't get into LPs. I like the look, but they feel so awkward to play to me. I'm more about the SG and Strat.

Same for me. I never really liked the feel of them. Which sucks because when you walk into any music store, the gibson section is like 80% les pauls. That and the other models rarely get all the cool colors and options that LP's get.
 
I can understand the love for a specific guitar style. It's weird how it changes too. I used to be an Ibanez pointy guitar guy but I've taken to SGs lately, and I used to hate them when I was younger. I recently played my nephew's Epiphone Les Paul Custom Pro through his Orange amp (pictured) and I was pretty impressed. I wouldn't mind having a Les Paul around, but lately I'm avoiding heavy guitars with my aging back. I really do like their appearance though, especially with a nice finish.

I'll have to do a comparison weight between the LP and the Strat, because the one thing I really noticed bringing it home was that the box was way lighter than it had any business being.
 

Syncytia

Member
Not a fan of LPs ever since I grew out my first guitar which was an Epi LP. Too heavy, neck is too fat for my preference. I got an LTD EC-1000 a year or so ago and really like it, so I guess those are a nice alternative for a similar body shape. I played an EC-256 and was pleasantly surprised at how nice it played, if it weren't for my love of the matte black finish I would be regretting going for the EC-1000. I still might grab a 256 anyway if I see a good deal pop up.

Edit: I just looked them up again, wow this years new finish in blue is beautiful. I'm practically sold on it right now.
 

forrest

formerly nacire
Speaking of the SG and since this is a guitar thread in a primarily video game centric forum I thought I'd share these.

I love Cream era Clapton and his SG "Fool" and during the popularity of Rock Band / Guitar Hero, I decided to make a RB/GH inspired Clapton and Fool. It's a shame he wasn't included in Guitar Hero Legends.

clapton_ghstylec5ux6.jpg


clapton_ghstyle1103uy8.jpg


clapton_ghstylefoolenuco.jpg
 
Weighted the guitars, the LP is 8.1 lbs and the Strat is 7.1 or so. You can tell the difference, but not overtly so.

Speaking of the Strat, I wasn't fully aware of the history until just now, or I had forgotten it. Nice to have my memory refreshed on the Fender Squier Series. May go about upgrading some of the lesser parts with this knowledge.

For the person asking about the use of the soldering iron, I just used it last night. Have this really nice 20 foot braided cable (from Mars, member Mars?) that was giving static. Cut off the last six inches or so, and resoldered the lead back on. Much better. Not perfect, but much better.

Think I'm going to start a board. Got a Crybaby, a Boss Distortion, and next up I think is a Monoprice tuner. Ideas are welcome for the next pedal.
 

Yen

Member
Have my eyes set on a Gretsch Streamliner 2655. Really light and plays well. Just need to scrimp up the change first
 
What do you play? And what is your amp? A delay and/or reverb is always fun.

Nothing right now. I'm thinking really long term and in general terms. I woodwork, so I was thinking more in terms of designing a board that would work for awhile.

I'm still evaluating amp options.
 

Tater Tot

"My God... it's full of Starch!"
Since getting my electric guitar I found I am really bad at bends...

Anybody know some good exercises for vibrato/string bending or developing my ear in order to bend to the desired note?
 
Speaking of the Strat, I wasn't fully aware of the history until just now, or I had forgotten it. Nice to have my memory refreshed on the Fender Squier Series. May go about upgrading some of the lesser parts with this knowledge.
Oh, you have a black logo Fender Squier Series! I have a 1995 version; I upgraded my pickups and replaced the tone pots with a Deaf-Eddie Chromacaster switch and a TBX pot, and gave it a black pickguard and backplate. You essentially have a Fender American Standard Stratocaster body and neck, with Mexican components. It's a unique bit of Fender history, I think.

Here's a Squier Strat family photo (it's the black pickguard):

 
Oh, you have a black logo Fender Squier Series! I have a 1995 version; I upgraded my pickups and replaced the tone pots with a Deaf-Eddie Chromacaster switch and a TBX pot. You essentially have a Fender American Standard Stratocaster body and neck, with Mexican components. It's a unique bit of Fender history, I think.

I have the 95 as well. My 16 year old self made a pretty good decision, probably the only one I made back then. I need to decide if I want to replace the yellowing knobs and such as well.



Found a cheap Line 6 Spider IV 1x8 amp that I can practice on until I settle on something abbot more permanent.
 
Nothing right now. I'm thinking really long term and in general terms. I woodwork, so I was thinking more in terms of designing a board that would work for awhile.

I'm still evaluating amp options.

unless youre doing metal or something a fender clean amp (blues jr or hot rod deluxe) is the ideal pedal platform. easier to dirty up a clean amp than clean up a dirty amp.
 
Speaking of the SG and since this is a guitar thread in a primarily video game centric forum I thought I'd share these.

I love Cream era Clapton and his SG "Fool" and during the popularity of Rock Band / Guitar Hero, I decided to make a RB/GH inspired Clapton and Fool. It's a shame he wasn't included in Guitar Hero Legends.

clapton_ghstylefoolenuco.jpg

Very cool! Nice job! A company called Vintage in the UK put out a limited number of The Fool SG replicas.

UxNPKul.jpg
 

forrest

formerly nacire
Very cool! Nice job! A company called Vintage in the UK put out a limited number of The Fool SG replicas.

UxNPKul.jpg

Thanks!

I've looked into various places over the years and seen quite a few attempts, but no one and I mean no one has nailed it as well as this particular artist.

http://moonblossomsignworks.blogspot.com/2013/08/painting-eric-claptons-fool-guitar_15.html

She blogged the process on her website. You should check it out sometime, as its really cool to see the different phases.
 
Thanks!

I've looked into various places over the years and seen quite a few attempts, but no one and I mean no one has nailed it as well as this particular artist.

http://moonblossomsignworks.blogspot.com/2013/08/painting-eric-claptons-fool-guitar_15.html

She blogged the process on her website. You should check it out sometime, as its really cool to see the different phases.

Wow crazy detail! Amazing that the original was all hand-painted. Something in that fashion would be airbrushed today.
 

DeviantBoi

Member
Can someone please remind me of a site that used to host guitar tabs that was very popular in the early 2000s?

I think it was shut down.
 
Thanks!

I've looked into various places over the years and seen quite a few attempts, but no one and I mean no one has nailed it as well as this particular artist.

http://moonblossomsignworks.blogspot.com/2013/08/painting-eric-claptons-fool-guitar_15.html

She blogged the process on her website. You should check it out sometime, as its really cool to see the different phases.

That looks awesome, she made an incredible work and nailed the feel. On this topic, I remember seeing this painting and made me drop my jaw.

11987215_427282830794414_6398762131449775813_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/telepaint
 
Played around with the new Mustang GT 40, it's really cool. Probably a bit too advanced for me right now though.

At the same time, I picked up my Line 6 Spider IV 15w. It's good, particularly for the price, but it left me wanting more. Found a LNIB Marshall CODE 25 for a good price and ordered it.
 

III-V

Member
Well I did it, Gaf, I pulled the trigger on a new 2017 LP Studio deluxe IV (Guitar center exclusive).

Came with nice hardshell leather type Gibson case, Grovers, and burst bucker 2 at the neck and BB3 at the bridge. Vintage tone pups are critical for me, so I was happy to see these. Right at the top end of what I wanted to spend though.

Also features dual coil taps and a 10dB boost, which I am really liking. It is built like a freakin tank, super heavy. I really love the color, it looks unorthodox and quite easy on the eyes.

Cons: I do not like the high gloss feeling on the neck, just a bit more sticky than I am used to. Almost too heavy. I tested all of their sub $1000 range LP's, and feel that the build quality was on par or better than the rest. Tat being said, 'the feel' is nowhere near my similarly priced G&L comanche I purchased 10 years back. Even the 2017 studio's don't feel as nice. I didn't want to try a standard, can't justify that price point.

Anyway, I have 30 days to decide. Let me know if you have any Q's
 
So I'm on the market for a new fuzz pedal and overdrive pedal, and JESUS CHRIST there is so much choice that my brain has burnt out.

For overdrive i'm thinking the Strymon Sunset, and for fuzz either the JHS Muffaleta or the DOD Carcosa.

Anyone want to share any thoughts on those choices or have any other recommendations?

Much obliged!
 
So I'm on the market for a new fuzz pedal and overdrive pedal, and JESUS CHRIST there is so much choice that my brain has burnt out.

For overdrive i'm thinking the Strymon Sunset, and for fuzz either the JHS Muffaleta or the DOD Carcosa.

Anyone want to share any thoughts on those choices or have any other recommendations?

Much obliged!

for big muff style fuzz that doesn't sound like shit in a band context, the way huge swollen pickle is where it's at.

as for od, personally i'd never pay strymon money for something like that. ehx soul food for transparent drive, otherwise a tubescreamer gets the job done.
 

ExMachina

Unconfirmed Member
2 new pickups for me...

Got a deal on a delay (DigiTech Obscura) to complete my pedal board:


And a J Mascis Squier Jazzmaster from the Guitar Center sale:


I'd never actually seen an offset guitar in-person before, but I played with this and a Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster for a few hours. I preferred the Squier by far despite being a third of the price of the Fender - biggest differences were the satin neck instead of glossy and hotter pickups. For only $300, I had to take it home with me. :p Crazy nice instrument for the money.

It's been a good guitar weekend.
 
for big muff style fuzz that doesn't sound like shit in a band context, the way huge swollen pickle is where it's at.

as for od, personally i'd never pay strymon money for something like that. ehx soul food for transparent drive, otherwise a tubescreamer gets the job done.

Reason I'm looking at the Sunset is it's essentially 2 OD's which you can stack both ways or run in parallel. I want something that essentially satisfies all my OD needs in one pedal.. but yeah it is a fuckton of money.
 

trebbble

Member
Reason I'm looking at the Sunset is it's essentially 2 OD's which you can stack both ways or run in parallel. I want something that essentially satisfies all my OD needs in one pedal.. but yeah it is a fuckton of money.

There's a nice EHX Germanium Big Muff that has an overdrive and fuzz in one unit. I used it for a couple of years in my last band and was pretty happy with it. Nice and affordable too, might be worth a look. Consider getting on the list for a KOT too.
 
Picked up another Epiphone G-400 off Craigslist yesterday for $120 (talked him down from $150, it was up there forever). It was a rust bucket. I cleaned the shit out of it. Took it all apart, changed out all the screws, polished the rust off the frets, cleaned out all the cat fluff (yuck!), washed all the parts, oiled the neck, blasted the pots, added some parts I had lying around like knobs and tail piece. Finally got it revived! Plays and sounds super! Only thing is the neck is thick as all hell - like an oak tree! I'll see if I can get used to it or I'll just sell it as a flip project.

 

zbarron

Member
Well I tried shielding my guitar. I used this tape.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3LOKPG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I misread it and thought the adhesive was conductive. It's not. Not a big deal, I just fold a corner down. I was part way through the project and learned that I don't have enough tape to fill the entire cavity. I tried plugging it back in and got no sound. My problems was the output jack was touching the shielding. Easy fix. Now I have to order more tape and finish the job.
 

Kite

Member
Sup Guitar-gaf, dunno if you guys answer very basic bass questions as well.

My little cousin has always wanted to play bass for years and my family is going to surprise her with a electric one for her bday. I'm a little worried cus she is is very petite.. barely 5 ft tall. Some googling brought up short scale basses.. are these things legit instruments or should she learn on a full size? Also any suggestions on what to get and all the basic extras she needs with around a $350ish limit? I've heard that Rocksmith is pretty legit for learning so I'm planning on gifting it to her on Steam.

Thanks.
 
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