parts upgrade on guitars.

Maccattack

Just thinking about how i can upgrade my guitar. Is it hard to change things like the nut and bridge?

What are the common upgrades people do?

Karl Hungus

I'd say the most common upgrade for guitars is the pickups and electronics. No idea about changing the nut and bridge, but I do have that planned for my Tokai, so I'll get back to if I ever manage to do it.

Beecher

Ive actually just finished refinishing a neck with tung oil and I must say the neck is smoother and faster than all the rest of my guitars. Just something you might consider. :v:

Edit: Nut changing doesnt tend to be too hard, the hardest part is getting the nut out do to it usually being glued in. Generally I put something blunt and small against it (only against the nut, not the neck) and give it a small tap with a hammer. I find Rollernuts if you can get one are great upgrades for guitars

feylya

Graphtech nuts, saddles, new pickups, electronics, strap locks, roller trees, locking tuners. They're the usual and simplest upgrades you can do.

Maccattack

Can I show you my guitar?
Its this one here.

If you look at the specs they are pretty ok. Which of these are worth upgrading? If any.

feylya

Graphtech saddles and locking tuners would do you well.

Beecher

Aint too much you can do with that, its a real nice guitar. Maybe look at a piezo system or a killswitch (whenever I see a tele I always think of killswitches!)

68 lost souls

If you really want to upgrade it I say you put in these http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_bridge_parts/Graph_Tech_Tele_Style_Saddles.html maybe strap locks, and sperzel locking tuners.

But honoustly it doesnt need any upgrades.

Maccattack

well the saddle is starting to tarnish already. i rest my palm there sometimes and its affecting it. i guess its nothing to worry about but i thought there might be some higher quality stuff i could get.

68 lost souls

Honoustly there is no need unless your not happy with the sound or something as that is already a beautiful.

Maccattack

no im very happy with the sound. i love this guitar just thought that maybe i could enhance it somehow...

Doctor J

If you love it then leave it as is. Only change if you have to, never do it for the sake of changing. I'm just finishing off a guitar where I've done a full refret, nut, pickups, all electronics and installed a Floyd Rose in place of a standard trem. It almost broke my bleedin heart but I'm almost finished. Never again though

Maccattack

... but if the metal on the saddle is tarnishing, doesnt that mean its not great quality?

Doctor J

Not at all. I just means you play the thing, which is a good sign. Have you ever seen Rory Gallagher's strat?

The finish will come off any piece of metal if it's played and you sweat. Depending on the acidity of your sweat, it might come off quicker than if someone else played it. Personally, I like a guitar with a bit of character, that looks like it has been played, than something that's 10 years old and looks like it just rolled out of the factory.

If you like the guitar as is, then let it be, I say

Maccattack

yeah, know what yr saying. Im not sure the worn look would suit this one though. It has that PRS kind of finish, you know kinda polished.

saying that i treat it well -like all my gear - but Im aware that she has to be played too.

Ok. ill leave it as is for now. maybe in a couple of years...

feylya

Doctor J wrote:

Never again though

Ah, that's a good one Doc!

Ancient1

Doctor J wrote:

I'm just finishing off a guitar where I've done a full refret, nut, pickups, all electronics and installed a Floyd Rose in place of a standard trem. It almost broke my bleedin heart but I'm almost finished.

High-res pics, Doc, or i'll have to ban you.

Doctor J

Ancient1 wrote:

High-res pics, Doc, or i'll have to ban you.

There will be a Boardsumentary, don't worry. Got to finish it first

feylya

The pictures, they are good!