Author: Scott

So you have a strat or one of the many other humbucker-single-coil-humbucker guitars with a five-way pickup selector switch and three control knobs. Here’s a very inexpensive set of mods (assuming your humbuckers have the four/five conductor leads) you can make to blow the top off your tonal palate. And the best part is that the whole process results in ZERO cosmetic alterations to the instrument. No one will know you’re packing monster tones until their faces are already melting. Bwa-hahaha!

In this example (my from-parts HSH “strat” type guitar) I’ve used push-pull potentiometers (anywhere from one to five USD each) to turn the knobs on each end into coil taps for each of the two humbuckers. Now, with both knobs in the up position, I can play through the traditional SSS pickup configuration found most commonly on these guitars. That raises the total possible pickup combinations to nine. So how did I get to 17?

The middle knob is also a push-pull pot. In the up position it turns the neck pickup on no matter what position the five-way switch is in. Now, with the middle knob in the up position, I can also play with only the two humbuckers (switch position one) or with all three pickups at once (switch position two). Considering that the two humbuckers now also double as single coils, I counted up the possible pickup configurations and ran out of steam at seventeen.

For more details and answers about this inexpensive mod, comment below!

I’m very saddened today to learn of the passing of Gary Richrath, original lead guitarist of the band REO Speedwagon. I was a huge fan of the Speedwagon in the 80’s, and even into the nineties as I discovered their lesser known albums from the seventies. REO was one of the first rock bands I followed, and Richrath was largely responsible for their sound. He wasn’t a “noodler.” His solos served to reinforce the chord structure and melody of the songs. I remember reading once that when he auditioned for the band, he impressed them not because his playing was flashy, but because he always was the one who worked hardest to craft a good song. To my knowledge, he played a Les Paul exclusively. At least I never saw him play anything else. Once I decided to learn the guitar, he was the reason I decided I wanted a Les Paul. Though he was never considered a “guitar god,” he’s one of the biggest influences on me, not just in the instrument I chose, but in my playing style. I was lucky enough to see him play live twice.

Rest in peace, Mr. Richrath. Thanks for the songs, the memories, and all those tasty guitar licks. The rock world is less rockin’ without you.

Thanks to my buddy Carlos who came through with an iPad for me to use. This makes a whole lot of things a whole lot easier!

¡Gracias, bro!

Those of you who know me personally know that I’ve been wanting to get my own guitar repair and rebuilding business going for a long time. Now that I have a website I’d like to continue building my contacts and internet sales of parts, etc. Doing that from my smart phone is slick, but a lot of things would be a lot easier if I had a tablet. Which is not in any budget. So I was wondering if any if you have an old “Wi-Fi only” tablet (Android, iPad, or otherwise) that you might be willing to donate to my incredibly noble cause: making money at what I love to do. If so, just email me: Scottmilligan73@gmail.com

Thanks in advance.

Shout out to my three eBay buyers so far this week. I’ve sold two pickups and some tuners. Special shout out to masterdebradwick5150, who is going to put those tuners into a sick rebuild of a 98 Epiphone Les Paul. Sounds like a man after my own heart.

Also, how cool is it when you sell a part for more than you paid for it ten years ago? Very.

This is a great little guitar, but I am looking to turn it into cash. Take a look!

Craigslist: Ovation Celebrity CC11 acoustic guitar with hard case http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/msg/5203419153.html

Is your guitar not playing quite right? Does it just need some new strings? Want to replace or upgrade parts but don’t know how, and can’t afford a professional luthier? Do you have a pawn or music shop, but don’t know anyone who specializes in guitars? I’m your man. I have ten years experience rebuilding and modifying guitars. I can do everything from restring your Stratocaster to completely rewire your Les Paul. I have my own tools, and can consult with you about designing and executing your own custom wiring modifications. And if you own a shop, I can even advise you regarding resale value of potential instrument purchases. Contact me with any questions and we can discuss examples of my work, and itemized quotes for your particular project.