You Guitar guys!! I have a question.....

[Charger1970]

I am a guitar tech and earn my living on repairing, setting up and even selling guitars.

Hey Jim,
I'm hot rodding a P-bass and want to install an active EQ. (I've already installed a Seymore Duncan Quarter Pounder.) Where do you suggest I could look at some onboard EQ's? Thanks.

Doug the bass player

[JimShine]

I am not really up on basses. My spacialty is actually vintage guitars. But I have installed some EMG EQ's in the past. Ofcourse they were with full EMG pickup rigs. Note sure what the options are . Does Seymour make a EQ setup?

[Ponch ®]

"i need to set up a mexican tele that im lending to a friend. Im having trouble adjusting the height and tension of the bridge(s) (im not sure if thats the term...i mean adjusting the screw behind the bridge that moves it back and forward - each string has one). any tips?"

Moving the saddle back and forth is to adjust intonation. It has nothing to do with feel. Mess with them and not know what you are doing and the guitar will not play in tune. The up and down adjusters are to adjust the action. No tips there except adjust where you want, retune, then fret the string all the way up and be sure there is no buzzing.

thanks...I wouldnt touch them, except theyre already messed up. Im thinking about grabbing my tuner and then adjust them until I hit the same note with the open string and then on the 12th fret. Does altering the action after that affect the intonation?

[73dodge]

73,  I picked up a guitar/amp/bag/cord/string/picks package deal at a place around the corner from HQ.

It's not a package deal in a box, though. The store did their own bundling after I told them what I was looking for.

It was meant for my daughter and she did take lessons, but never played at all in between.
So, now, it's basically mine. (Good thing I picked a blue finish.)

It's a Peavey Raptor Plus EXP guitar with a Peavey Rage 158 amp (small practice amp that's perfect in the house. )

I didn't expect a LOT out of this setup, but, darn it, it turned out to be pretty good. Her instructor even commented on how well the guitar played and sounded.

I've added a Zoom 707II to give me that "ready to tour" sound and to generally add some fun to my "noise-making" sessions.

DCfan

How much was your setup?  this sounds like something I would be interested in if the $$ was good? In real money not that funny canadian money lol j/k


Hey man did you get your new company car??

What a bummer you are not allowed to get the HEMI or the SRT 8 option??  just the measly little 2.7L
What does it look like parked next a real Charger?

[dodgecharger-fan]

About $450 in our funny munny. So, with the exchange rate the way it is now, about $400 in US.


Not yet on the car, I've been working from home a lot this year and haven't been racking up the kms on the Ferd Tortoise.
I'm only at 76,000 Kms. Although December should be the end of the third year. So, maybe then. I did hear that they were just going by mileage now instead of 3 years or 90K which ever comes first... Sigh.. They just better not change the program again before I get mine.

Yeah, it sucks that they don't allow us to purchase upgrades anymore. I did it with my Intrepid and I really miss that car. I should have bought it out at the end of the lease. 

As for ever parking it next to the real Charger. Some day, I hope. Right now there's no room in the garage. 
But I'm working on it. This past weekend, I was actually able to close the lid on my tool chest. First time in 2 years. 
I scored a good deal on some resin cabinets at Home Desperate. that's helping cleaning things up nicely.

[73dodge]

I was in Key West last week working with MM the SE out of Tampa and he has a new Charger nice car, oops can't say that here. I mean it sucked big time ,any way no guts with the 2.7 he stomped on it a few times and off the line, nothing. Once you get cruising and hit it it has some gitty up and go but you can't do that much in Key West any way since it is only like three miles across and 4 miles long. Nice color combo tho apparently that's the only choice you get for the car.

My advice get it, and trade it in right away for the HEMI......   

[JimShine]

"i need to set up a mexican tele that im lending to a friend. Im having trouble adjusting the height and tension of the bridge(s) (im not sure if thats the term...i mean adjusting the screw behind the bridge that moves it back and forward - each string has one). any tips?"

Moving the saddle back and forth is to adjust intonation. It has nothing to do with feel. Mess with them and not know what you are doing and the guitar will not play in tune. The up and down adjusters are to adjust the action. No tips there except adjust where you want, retune, then fret the string all the way up and be sure there is no buzzing.

thanks...I wouldnt touch them, except theyre already messed up. Im thinking about grabbing my tuner and then adjust them until I hit the same note with the open string and then on the 12th fret. Does altering the action after that affect the intonation?

You have the concept down for intonation adjustment. It may take lots of adjusting, but you can get it. No, raising the saddles should not mess with intonation. Changing string guage does though.

For the intonation, here is how to get started using the Fender factory method. Measure from the bearing edge of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret. Then take that measure ment and shift it up to the 12th fret. Place the saddles at the same measurement line (it will be around 12 3/4"). Find out what guage strings you have. Start at the A string saddle. Take the string diameter size and adjust the saddle back that amount from the D string. Then move onto the low E and adjust that one back the equivalent of that strings diameter. Then move up to the B saddle, do the same as the last two. In the end they will have a stepped down appearance. That will be the factory default starting point

[dodgecharger-fan]

I was in Key West last week working with MM the SE out of Tampa and he has a new Charger nice car, oops can't say that here. I mean it sucked big time ,any way no guts with the 2.7 he stomped on it a few times and off the line, nothing. Once you get cruising and hit it it has some gitty up and go but you can't do that much in Key West any way since it is only like three miles across and 4 miles long. Nice color combo tho apparently that's the only choice you get for the car.

My advice get it, and trade it in right away for the HEMI......   

One of the sales monkies here in Brampton got one in Blue. Is that the color combo?


Key West, huh? Nice gig.

[is_it_EVER_done?]

73dodge,  Don't fret (no pun intended) over which is best, holds it's value better, or if any one guitar is going to be the absolute perfect one for your son.

Let him (your son) be the judge of what he likes best, as every guitar is going to be different, play different, and sound different from even an identical model. Plus name brands are not necessarily better than their economy lines - i.e. Gibson = Epephone, Fender = Squire, Takamine = Jasmine, etc. I guarantee you that if he has the musical "gene", that he will own a long list of guitars over the coming years.

I absolutely agree with you to upgrade now that he has shown an interest in playing, as a poor quality instrument can inhibit the learning curve, but understand that his playing preferences and style will change as fast as his improvement does, and if he pursues, he will have a around a dozen instruments over the next few years.

My advice is to educate yourself on what problems to look for, such as humming pickups, straight neck (an eyeball down the length is the best measurement), loose "buzzing" frets, poor quality "loose" tuners, and the all important "ACTION" of the guitar. Pickups/strings can (and will) get changed over time, but the "Action" shouldn't.

Even if you can't play a lick, if you just finger the strings like an air guitar, you will notice that some instruments are like silk, while others feel stiff or "just not right". Your son should be able to recognize this intuitively, however some young kids get sucked into appearance over action, so you should at least have a working knowledge of this. My suggestion is to ask his guitar teacher to give you a crash course in instrument qualities.

Each and every guitar is going to be different, In fact I don't know of anything that is as "personal" as the right guitar, and there is no way you (or anyone else) can pick out what your son likes. Neck thicknesses, tapers, radiuses, fret board materials, etc., will affect the action and sound. Also the density and grain of that particular piece of wood, plus the body material/density, method of attachment, and size and shape will affect sound and sustain even if you have two instruments that are "appearance wise" indistinguishable from each other. It's actually much more complex that that, and that is why there is NO best brand, model, or country of production.

I myself prefer a used instrument that is at least three or more years old that comes from your immediate area. The reason for is that it is seasoned to your specific environment (temperature/humidity) and won't change over time. I don't care if you could buy Jimmy Page's personal guitar. By the time it settles into your environment (from the English cold and damp), it will need major work, or may not even be playable. That's why a new unit from a dissimilar environment is not usually a good choice (my opinion). Plus a used guitar has generally "burned in" the electrical/electronic components so you won't get any changes in those. -- Again I stress that this just my opinion, let your son decide!!!

In any event, I applaud that you are supportive of your sons musical interests (I finally talked my parents into one, and ended up with a "gift" "classical" guitar, and I can promise that you can't play Black Sabbath on a Goya . Even though I continued on from there, my own son never had much interest, so I envy your opportunity and situation. Make the best of it! – Just remember that your job is to provide an instrument that will not be a limiting factor and not the "perfect instrument". - Jimmy Hendrix bought his guitar out of a pawn shop for about $20.00 bucks, Hank Williams learned on a $2.00 used guitar, and Stevie Ray Vaughn learned by sneaking his brothers guitar and playing without an amplifier, so if you provide a decent instrument, you have done pretty much all you can do.

[Ghoste]

There you go.  What he said.

[69charger383]

Epihone or Jay Turser

[mopar_madman]

One not mentioned was the economy brand of paul reed smith, (se i think) I worked in a music store for a while, also do guitar tech and have been playing for 27 years. I was more impressed with them then the lower  line fenders and BC riches. Hamer also makes a good guitar for a lower price. also got a web site called harmony central they have user reviews on all instruments and gear. Take him in and find him something he will like and be comfortable with, have it set up properly (the store should do it for free when you buy ) Stay away from ebay or mail order cause you don't always know what your getting and this way he can feel it and see how it fits him. As much as i hate the store you might want to go to guitar center they have a 30 day return policy if he's not happy (just a thought, I personaly prefer a mom and pop place) Where are you located? maybe someone from the board that plays can help pick one out. Good Luck.

[JimShine]

'low line' PRS guitars are imported and made by factories that produce guitars under many other names. It is best to shop those around as you can find the same quality for a better price due just because one name fetches more than the other.

[Brock Samson]

 yeah i have a PRS and for a factory built guitar the finish and tolerances are pretty damn good,.. the neck is a nice slick piece of work very accurate with a great overall tone and sustain.

so has any purchase or decision been made?..

[moparsons]

I like an Ibanez or a Jackson.

[69charger383]

I like an Ibanez or a Jackson.

The Jackson Randy Rhoads V!!!!!

[Ponch ®]

"i need to set up a mexican tele that im lending to a friend. Im having trouble adjusting the height and tension of the bridge(s) (im not sure if thats the term...i mean adjusting the screw behind the bridge that moves it back and forward - each string has one). any tips?"

Moving the saddle back and forth is to adjust intonation. It has nothing to do with feel. Mess with them and not know what you are doing and the guitar will not play in tune. The up and down adjusters are to adjust the action. No tips there except adjust where you want, retune, then fret the string all the way up and be sure there is no buzzing.

thanks...I wouldnt touch them, except theyre already messed up. Im thinking about grabbing my tuner and then adjust them until I hit the same note with the open string and then on the 12th fret. Does altering the action after that affect the intonation?

You have the concept down for intonation adjustment. It may take lots of adjusting, but you can get it. No, raising the saddles should not mess with intonation. Changing string guage does though.

For the intonation, here is how to get started using the Fender factory method. Measure from the bearing edge of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret. Then take that measure ment and shift it up to the 12th fret. Place the saddles at the same measurement line (it will be around 12 3/4"). Find out what guage strings you have. Start at the A string saddle. Take the string diameter size and adjust the saddle back that amount from the D string. Then move onto the low E and adjust that one back the equivalent of that strings diameter. Then move up to the B saddle, do the same as the last two. In the end they will have a stepped down appearance. That will be the factory default starting point

Ok...another question. The Tele is now officially gone, but I just got a new axe.

It needs new strings, but I want to go from the from the .10's it has now to the Ernie Ball .9's I always use. It has a stop tailpiece and tune-o-matic bridge (Les Paul - style). I don't have to have take it in for a new set up, do I?

[Harlow]

I started out with a cheap "kay" brand guitar that I bought used. After playing that for about a year I noticed a nice mexico made strat at a yard sale. I picked that up with a decently sized fender practice amp for 30 bucks. I then got into effects pedals etc... so I could change my sound. A cool set I would suggest is "Guitar port". It comes with a port to plug your guitar into the computer. You then can search their online program and find lessons on how to play almost any famous song you want. You can also slow down the song (I used it for learning solos) to 1/2 speed, but not change pitch or notes...VERY cool. When you choose a song to learn it automatically sets up your digital amp to the exact specifications that the real song was recorded with...so you sound exactly the same. You also can choose to play the lead guitar part (the lead is edited out of the song) and you get to play the lead...VERY fun. Its an awesome program. It has a HUGE database of amps and effects to choose from if you just want to mess around and not play along with a song.

[69bronzeT5]

Well I perfer Jacksons but Im really wanting to get a Gibson LP. My Jackson RR3 cost $740CAD, my Jackson JS30 Warrior cost $320CAD and my Jackson JS1 Dinky cost me $220CAD

So a Jackson JS Series (Warrior, RR, Dinky, King V etc) would be a great next guitar!

Like here are my 2 JS Series guitars. 1st one (the Warrior- $320), 2nd one (the Dinky- $220) 3rd pic (all of my guitars----sorry I just had to add it in )

[Brock Samson]

Ponch just put the suckers on 

[Ponch ®]

Ponch just put the suckers on 

I used to do that, but now I'm a little more cautious. I just don't want to put the new strings on and then have it not stay in tune. If it needs a set-up, might as well do it now.

[Brock Samson]

they will go out easyier thinner strings do that perhaps the action can be lowered slightly approx a 20th of an inch... but with out the whammy of a strat screwin with stuff you should be fine, be aware your loose some heft in the sound and getya gerneral lee reedier sound and the bass will suffer as a result but you'll gain flexability in bending and some softness in feel,.. you might also raise the pickups height to get closer to the strings to gain back a bit 'o volume... oh and they'll break ezer too..  worth experamenting with though... it's only a ten minute swap of ya dont get distracted... teles are easy... i'[ve had two custom ones built... traded one for a PRS and a four ten Cab.
cause my gigging buddy coudn't live without my custom tele..  and then had another built and painted Mopar light blue for my GF who never plays it,..  prefering a cheap acoustic i bought from a homeless guy for five bucks,... the action on that thing is a full half inch off the fret board and the high E tuner is compleatly stripped... it's impossible to play ut she says it has "soul".... 

     
anyhow my blonde strat has 9s as does my les Paul.... very responsive that way,..  the LP is maybe too slinky... everything else  has the deadario meds "orange" sets...

[73dodge]

holy resurrected threads batman this one is old!

I did get my son a decent guitar to answer the original question

I got him a Fender Squire I got for 125.00 used. I know it's not the greatest guitar but the one it replaces it is infinitely better because the difference for my son was night and day and after he got his hands on better guitar he really started playing it and I don't have to yell at him to get him to practice.

He will go online and look up music and will practice the first few cords of the song until he gets it down in his head.

he does like SRV, AC/DC, Led Zepplin the police and even some kiss songs. So getting him a better guitar has had a good affect on him and he is enjoying playing the guitar.

He also has started to save his money to buy a decent BASS guitar because he is playing BASS for his youth group.

So thanks to all the guys who helped me out when I first posted this thread.

73

[Ponch ®]

they will go out easyier thinner strings do that perhaps the action can be lowered slightly approx a 20th of an inch... but with out the whammy of a strat screwin with stuff you should be fine, be aware your loose some heft in the sound and getya gerneral lee reedier sound and the bass will suffer as a result but you'll gain flexability in bending and some softness in feel,.. you might also raise the pickups height to get closer to the strings to gain back a bit 'o volume... oh and they'll break ezer too..  worth experamenting with though... it's only a ten minute swap of ya dont get distracted... teles are easy... i'[ve had two custom ones built... traded one for a PRS and a four ten Cab.
cause my gigging buddy coudn't live without my custom tele..  and then had another built and painted Mopar light blue for my GF who never plays it,..  prefering a cheap acoustic i bought from a homeless guy for five bucks,... the action on that thing is a full half inch off the fret board and the high E tuner is compleatly stripped... it's impossible to play ut she says it has "soul".... 

     
anyhow my blonde strat has 9s as does my les Paul.... very responsive that way,..  the LP is maybe too slinky... everything else  has the deadario meds "orange" sets...

I got the new guitar (which I will unveil later, as soon as i get around to taking some pics) from my brother. I traded him the Squier tele and my 100W Fender Performer Amp for it. I think I got the better end of the deal, but he didn't really like the guitar anyway. I'm gonna miss my Fender amp, but I could never even turn it up beyond "2" without every neighbor within a 2 block radius complaining that it was too loud - it's even more of a hassle now that I live in an apartment complex. For now I'm stuck with a 30W Marshall (no reverb!), which I guess is more than enough considering my current housing situation. I can always get another amp, but I felt this guitar was too good to pass on (he was about to sell it way, way too cheap).

Anyway...guess I'll stop by Sam Ash after work and pick up a set of 9 Super Slinkys, put 'em on,  and see how that goes. Hopefully I'll be jamming to some Budokan-era Cheap Trick tunes by tonight. 

BTW - I'm not worried about the sound loosing heft...that's why God (through Seth Lover) gave us humbuckers.

[tkkruzer]

I bought my son a fender squire, he still has it . he also has a gretch. he taught him self of the internet and now he and his brother, ( a drummer) are starting up a christian rock band, and even though i'm biased , they ROCK . music is the best thing you can gget kids into. both my boys were in band in school, and caried it on from there. you did well with the squire they are great beginners. look for a GUITAR CENTER in your area. they have the best prices on name brand instruments anywhere.  from one OLD MAN to another,,,,ROCK ON DUDE  TK