What to do, What to do?

BillStickers · 06-18-2010, 01:48 PM

I plan on modding my VM Tele Custom II.
Modify the Vintage Modified, Customize the Custom etc.

I definitely want to replace the Bridge P90 with a PAF HB for a LEAD tone that really feels as such. I suspect my disfavour is due to both pickups being EXACTLY the same .
More on that probably a long time from now...

[EDITED]
I can't decide wether to go easy or got nuts.
1-Keep it stock and just squeeze the PAF into it.
2-Use a Tele HB bridge to mount the PAF and cut it some space. [May
3-PAF+Bigsby. [Somehow...]
4-PAF+crazy new colours and knobs and bits and and and and

What do you folks think?

Feel free to got NUTS with suggestions esp. with some KISEKAE piccys
I mean NUTS, show me ANY suggestions even stripping it or changing colours... jus 4 fun stuff...

[DELETED]

Decided I prefer it with the Open Black PAF.
I kinda like these two...

BTW, yes, I did add a RHYTHM/TREBLE Ring. It's on it right now... Makes it look like an Eyeball

kinda why I named it "Emily".

AllroyPA · 06-18-2010, 01:58 PM

Sure you have this right (your wording)? The Double Bucker Custome has two PAF-covered humbuckers in it stock.

BillStickers · 06-18-2010, 02:16 PM

Tiz the Custom II... :S
It has Duncan Designed P90s... I wish to add a Black PAF in the Bridge Position.

"I plan on modding my VM Tele Custom II.
Modify the Vintage Modified, Customize the Custom etc.

I definitely want to replace the Bridge P90 with a PAF HB for a LEAD tone that really feels as such.

AllroyPA · 06-18-2010, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillStickers

Tiz the Custom II... :S
It has Duncan Designed P90s... I wish to add a Black PAF in the Bridge Position.

"I plan on modding my VM Tele Custom II.
Modify the Vintage Modified, Customize the Custom etc.

I definitely want to replace the Bridge P90 with a PAF HB for a LEAD tone that really feels as such.

Routes should be the same underneith, just get the double-bucker pickguard off the other Squier Tele Custome and put your select bucker in it and and get a bucker sized P-90 for the neck, will do the same thing if you're not worried about it looking a certain way.

BillStickers · 06-18-2010, 02:37 PM

???
I don't want to buy another PUP

. I'm just wondering wether it might look better with a little extra done than just popping a HB in the Bridge. e.g like using a different Bridge like a HB-accommodating Modern Tele-style Bridge.

All I know is it's getting changed to a HB/P90 Config. much-like the BFG Les Paul, or that illusive Black Studio Model.
http://michellasatik12.blog.com/file...udio-black.jpg

AllroyPA · 06-18-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillStickers

???
I don't want to buy another PUP

. I'm just wondering wether it might look better with a little extra done than just popping a HB in the Bridge. e.g like using a different Bridge like a HB-accommodating Modern Tele-style Bridge.

All I know is it's getting changed to a HB/P90 Config. much-like the BFG Les Paul, or that illusive Black Studio Model.
http://michellasatik12.blog.com/file...udio-black.jpg

There ya go, you need a mount ring and a way to fill up the sides from underneith so you can mount the humbucker. Of course if you want a new bridge you wil have to cut the guard anyways to accomadate the humbucker bridge maybe even some framing suport for the front edge if need be.

BillStickers · 07-08-2010, 02:51 PM

Perhaps... I could drill another two holes into a HB accommodating Tele bridge so it uses the original holes... That way the HB will basically be suspended in the routing. i'd just cut the scratchplate to allow it to fit. Maybe the bridge might reach the wood that runs between the pickups (that bit that keeps it from being categorized as a swimming pool rout). But yes.

I wondered:
Could I get an Ash Tray Cover on it?

Does the Strat Ash Tray cover fit on more than just the Strat bridge? I would think in theory that it would clip/slide onto any bridge with similar dimensions. I'd love to think I could grab a thing like this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-TELE...a#ht_883wt_913
And whip a Strat Ash Tray on it's end.
I think it's possible, could anyone confirm... I'd love to see some pics of other Teles with ashtrays as well to se what's cool

edandis · 07-08-2010, 04:57 PM

I say do what you think is right. And if your finances permit it just throw in the Bigsby.

peskypesky · 07-08-2010, 06:20 PM

ooh....now i want to put a Bigsby on my Telecaster!! it'd look something like this:

edandis · 07-08-2010, 06:30 PM

That looks like a Squier-holics weapon of choice.

BillStickers · 07-09-2010, 08:18 PM

It's beauty blinds me!!!!

ARGHURGHVAHAAFYUYYYYYYRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUURGH!!!

BTW "Predators" came out yesterday! HELL YEAH!!!!

AllroyPA · 07-09-2010, 09:56 PM

Some upgraded pickups would always be the first thing that can make the biggest difference, I like Dimarzio personally. Are you really 16 billstickers?

wickedtools · 07-10-2010, 11:21 AM

The ash tray is good for one thing, holds your cig from burning the top of your amp but looks great. The bridge your looking at won't clip the cover.

BillStickers · 07-10-2010, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllroyPA

Some upgraded pickups would always be the first thing that can make the biggest difference, I like Dimarzio personally. Are you really 16 billstickers?

Yup. I think I'm probably the 2nd youngest or the youngest person on this forum

LOL everyone else my age is chasing girls whilst I'm playing Girl-shaped instruments

Bill Stickers is my internet alias and hopefully my future alias in the world... but I've yet to know wether that is a feeble dream from a fevered mad man or a feasible reality for this so-called "unique" teen.

"Christ, we didn't ask for your biography"

Alright, alright...

I was thinking of throwing in a PAF HB to better achieve some crunch when distorted* and to get a bit more of a Treble sound when playing clean. I do like the P90 in the Neck though. I just think both pickups are too similar so one has to go.

INNOCENT.

*OK, yes, I like Distortion, a very stereotypical Guitar-playing teen thing I know. I enjoy Grunge and old R&B. But really, I'm a Blues man as well as a big Pink Floyd fan. My Guitar Heroes are Hendrix, Beck, Gilmour and Buddy Guy. That's my tone with Grunge influences along with Middle Eastern music from centuries back.

AllroyPA · 07-10-2010, 08:48 PM

billstickers, a friend did some comparisons of pickups and the PAF actually got muddy with extra distortion, so you may want to look at other pickups designed to articulate it, the vintage PAF just fails for this application.

ledet · 07-10-2010, 09:27 PM

May I suggest you get a cream open PAF and a cream cover for the P90? That would look amazing!

And when are you turning 17? Who is the youngest guitar modifying bastard of us?! :P

calleummm · 07-11-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillStickers

Yup. I think I'm probably the 2nd youngest or the youngest person on this forum.
.

Not the youngest, that would more than likely be me.

Teleblooz · 07-12-2010, 03:50 PM

Bill, I LOVE your two mock-up pics! Either version would look great - all depends on whether or not you want to install the Bigsby. Keep it black-on-black in either case IMHO. And I fully support your HB/P90 combination I have a similar setup on one of my Teles. It makes for a nice tonal contrast between the two pups.

The bridge you're looking at will not support an ashtray. The 'tray needs the sides of the "vintage-style" bridge to hold onto. I haven't seen a "vintage" bridge cut for a 'bucker, but you never know what's out there.

BillStickers · 07-13-2010, 05:46 PM

With the ashtray, I was wondering wether it might actually be possible squeeze it on the end just to cover the saddles. I'm glad you like the mockups

I'm not 100% on what you mean by black-on-black though. I don't plan on changing the scratchplate at all, it will be made to work. I'm really digging the idea of using a Tele style bridge for the extra Chrome contrast as well as echoing Fender's Tele Customs. The tonal contrast you mention is EXACTLY what I'm hoping for!

It's nice to hear of other young ones here

I was born 6th Feb 1994, ledet, hopefully that cures your query.
Cool, calleummm, maybe we should make a club here called "The Young Ones"

I'm cool with muddy, AllroyPA, I'm looking at something that plays nicely clean with that classic PAF sound I've been reading about; Fat but still retaining some Single coil character. But gets real Grungey with Distortion or like Clapton's SG Fool in the days of Cream with some Drive/Fuzz. I'm looking at buying this:
http://axetec.co.uk/axetec%20guitar%...ickups_102.htm
If I can trust my ears and my imagination, this Blues Engine will still reflect the current P90 sound I have but add a good load more Punch and Spank that I feel I'm lacking in the "Treble" position.

Just looking for better contrast. BTW I'll getting on this sometime in the future, the Guitar itself is still under warranty which will end soon and that'll signal modding season open. Unless I feel the warranty is pointless or not as useful as purported, in which case this baby is getting Hot Rodded sooner.

I also plan on carving an eye shape around the pickup selector as the Black Toggle Tip and the Switch Ring really resemble an Eye ball!

Teleblooz · 07-13-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillStickers

With the ashtray, I was wondering wether it might actually be possible squeeze it on the end just to cover the saddles. I'm glad you like the mockups

I'm not 100% on what you mean by black-on-black though. I don't plan on changing the scratchplate at all, it will be made to work. I'm really digging the idea of using a Tele style bridge for the extra Chrome contrast as well as echoing Fender's Tele Customs. The tonal contrast you mention is EXACTLY what I'm hoping for!

The ashtray clamps to the bridge at the front end (where it narrows, towards the pickups), so I don't think you'll be able to use a sawed-off version just over the saddles.

By black-on-black I mean black scratchplate on a black guitar. Very elegant.

BillStickers · 07-13-2010, 07:07 PM

Oh, definitely keeping the scratchplate, yup.

I was thinking about the Strat Ashtray actually, I figured the Tele version was specified for Vintage "Fish Can" bridges anyway. My logic was that the shape is similar at that point and that the Tremolo doesn't relate into the equation. I've looked at photos and I'm still unclear as to how it stays on but I wonder if it'd attach anyway.
I'm not seriously contemplating it, I'm more curious about the aesthetic and wether I could work it in. I very much enjoy an artistic approach towards my Guitars. I design wiring diagrams that reflect the actual and physical functions of other Guitars that inspired the design. I also sneak in functions that echo certain Fender models but not replicating them exactly e.g The Esquire, Broadcaster and NOScaster. Essentially all my Guitar business involves a quote from B.B. King:

"You don't wanna play like B. B. King. You want to be you. So what you do is listen to players you like, and try to "borrow" a little bit from each guy. You don't try to sound exactly like the other guy, you just add bits to your vocabulary. It's like learning to read or write."

So, in this case, just word that differently so it refers to "borrowing" from Famous Guitar models and adding them to my own Axes. It, of course, inspired my approach to my playing. Which is starting to really stand out. A strange mix of:
-David Gilmour
-Johnny Marr
-Jerry Cantrell
-Kurt Cobain
-David Bowie
-Buddy Guy
-Lots of really Old R&B (catalogued in my iTunes with David Holmes, DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist)
-Middle Eastern Music from Centuries ago... I forget all the specific names; my Step Dad plays them all the time, really good stuff and very inspirational.

BillStickers · 09-02-2010, 07:28 PM

...I'm going crazy with it:

Replacing the entire wiring is optional and I'll see how I feel but...

-I'm going to rout out a space for the Bridge P90 to move into the Middle.
-Modify a Modern Tele Bridge with HB mount by drilling it, there by making it fix on via the stock screw holes. I'll make space on the Scratchplate as well.
-Stock wiring or similar but with a 3-way slide switch* (used on Mustangs I believe) recessed and wired for the (now) Middle PUP to switch with the Neck as Neck Only/Parallel with Neck/Series with Neck.

Should be crazy!!!

*pictured however is a mini toggle switch, which isn't possible so it's more just a visual tease... which is screwed onto the wood under the Scratchplate following the "canyon" rout beneath.

edandis · 09-02-2010, 07:39 PM

Bwah,ha,ha. You're insane Bill Stickers, insane!!

BillStickers · 09-02-2010, 07:55 PM

You will see the Project conclusion of this thread under the title:

Project Hyatt-TeLes Pool

BillStickers · 09-05-2010, 02:26 PM

This looks better...

Semi-stealthed P90... I do wonder what the two P90s with sound like in Series this way...

tjnugent · 09-06-2010, 01:37 PM

Ok, this may be off beat, but what about keep the holes the same and put the new TV Jones P90 in the bridge position. Their new P90's are the bomb.

Here is a sample of the look and sound. Eat this up folks.. lol

http://www.tvjones.com/pickups/p90.html

Roccobagadonuts · 09-08-2010, 12:11 PM

Here's a few pics of my Custom II with Bigsby... Original pickups were replaced with "Vintage Vibe" chrome covered P90's. A jazzmaster bridge chrome replaced the original bridge and the old tuners got replaced by Planet Wave locking tuners. The guitar is awesome... And its almost impossible to get it out of tune. Even with tons of Bigsby use. Its rather nice...

BillStickers · 09-10-2010, 02:10 PM

TV Jonesy is awesome but not got the Punch, I prefer P90s in the Neck position...

That Tele is a very awesome Deluxe! Definitely a High Ranker, that Jazzmaster Bridge is a really nice touch, I very much like that...

I likes Chrome too, but another Project of mine has plenty of Chrome so I'm going for a near Blackout with this one!

Roccobagadonuts · 09-11-2010, 11:07 AM

Thanks Bill... Figured id put up some pics since you were talking about a Custom II with bigsby... From what I can tell "57' Jimi" is the baddest Squier Custom II on the planet... Ive seen tons and tons of pics of Custom II's that have been modded but have yet to come across one that can compete with this bad boy. In both quality of parts and "looks"...

Originally my plan was to get the yellow Custom II and just add some locking tuners to it and call it a day... I spent about 4 weeks waiting for a yellow one in top rate condition to come up on Ebay when all of a sudden this bad boy came up for sale on the local Craigslist listings here in Denver... The guy only wanted 400 bucks for it... Quite a bargain since the pickups alone run 175 bucks. The Planet Waves Auto Trim locking tuners are really nice as well. And the Bigsby is like the cherry on top. I gotta give the guy who put it all together props. I still havent seen another Custom II that even comes close. The thing is just straight up bad a$$...

horax · 09-16-2010, 05:09 PM

It needs a KISS logo on it somewhere.

BillStickers · 10-03-2010, 05:50 PM

Jimi is a badass and your guitar is nice too... nah, they're both most awesome and badass.

A KISS logo would be fun... if only a Henry Rollins KISS joke could be applied in tandem...

I have actually started modding and have carved out the rout for the "semit-stealthing". I'll start a thread soon...

"Project Hyatt-ETV. Coming to a computer near you..."

Twangstick · 10-09-2010, 09:35 AM

Defo do the Bigsby thing.

BillStickers · 10-09-2010, 06:56 PM

Too pricy...
In the future though... I gotta have a Bigsby eventually