Once upon a time we just used to fix guitars when we needed to, remembers Dave burrluck. Now we’re modding perfectly good guitars. are we nuts?
Many of our long-time readers will remember, back in the 70s, we didn’t exactly ‘mod’ guitars – we fixed ’em. There was very little in the parts ‘aftermarket’, especially if you were a penniless teenager. My parents bought me an all-mahogany Dan Armstrong with a sliding pickup. State of the art. After some considerable playing, I asked my dad if the neck was supposed to, not exactly slide, but move as well as the pickup? We took the guitar into his workshop and, yes, the neck joint had failed and was only held in place by the tenon… just. My father carried out an invisible repair that included adding a couple of brass rods to the neck joint. I sincerely hope that neck is still on the guitar wherever it might be.
Fast forward to today, however, and many of us are modding perfectly good guitars almost as soon as they get them. Why?
Now while pickups are the easiest way to change the sound of your guitar, I’ve noticed from reader emails and checking forums that putting in new tuners, nuts, bridges and electronics parts is just as popular. Back in the day these parts were rarely changed, unless there was a problem.
Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Guitarist.
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Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Guitarist.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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QUICK CHANGE
As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar
Return Of The Rack
A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.
Pure Filth
This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.
Reptile Royalty
From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion
Tradition Revisited
Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more
Ramble On
Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?
Redrawing The 'Bird
A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.
Boss Cube Street II
Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.
STILL CRAZY
One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more