npaflas
Rookie Solder Flinger
Posts: 8
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Post by npaflas on Jan 3, 2007 13:10:18 GMT -5
I've got a Mexican James Burton Tele from '96 and I think the neck PUP is weak. I'd like to put a Humbucker in there. I'm thinking of a Gibson Burstbucker or suchlike. I know squadoosh about electronics and wiring (Ive just swapped out my stock Strat PUPs for Texas Specials), and I know there will be a router involved (which does make me a little nervous), but I like to mess with stuff.
So what advice can anyone offer, particularly on the routing of the body? What do I need to know to avoid turning my Tele into a 1 pickup Esquire (and not a really cool vintage one)?
I'd love any advice anybody has to offer.
Thx
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Post by ranchtooth on Jan 3, 2007 13:32:17 GMT -5
Clamp it down securely. Can't stress that enough. And hold on damn tight, even a small router has a lot of pull and a light touch can turn a work of art into a disaster in the blink of an eye.
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Post by sumgai on Jan 3, 2007 13:35:59 GMT -5
npasflas, Somehow "1996" and "Vintage" do not go in the same sentence, at least, not for me.  Since your axe is MIM, I don't foresee that it'll command a great amount of respect that will drive up the value in the next 20 to 30 years. Hence, popping a 'bucker of some sort in there is a good idea, IMO. Seek the opinion of others here as to which one will most likely do what you want. Rather than re-hash a lot of ground we've previously covered, let me suggest that you search this forum on the term "router", and by the member "fobits". Also, set the time limit back about 200 days, this all took place last summer. See what that gets you, then feel free to ask specific questions. We're here to try to help you, but it's difficult to 'write a tutorial' that covers the whole thing, I'm sure you'll understand.   BTW, have you been properly  ed to these forums yet? Consider it done now! ;D sumgai |
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npaflas
Rookie Solder Flinger
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
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Post by npaflas on Jan 4, 2007 9:44:38 GMT -5
I now feel welcomed. Thanks. The vintage reference was intended to be sarcastic and refer to my fear of ending up with a 1 pickup tele with a large hole in it. Hence, the Esquire.
Thanks a lot for the tip on the routing posts- I found them and I think I'm just stupid enough to try this out. Now I will have no excuse if I destroy the thing. I'll let you know how it turns out.
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Post by ChrisK on Jan 5, 2007 23:01:25 GMT -5
Push down on the pickguard near the neck pickup (if you haven't taken the pickguard off already). You may find that many Fender bodies are already routed for humbuckers.
If you don't want to use a router, use a Dremmel tool.
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Post by antiquodian on Oct 21, 2007 0:30:37 GMT -5
For me, routing a pup hole is the scariest thing I've ever done with a git fiddle. It's noisy, the whole mess shakes, wood flies everywhere, and you can't see a thing. BUT, if you clamp the thing down, make sure you have a GOOD template and it's clamped on, make sure the router is set up properly (depth, bearing surface, etc.), go slow (you can always stop to unclench your, you know where...the wood aint' going anywhere), and make sure you are totally sober (no aspersions there), then it actually works. Go for it.
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Post by andy on Oct 21, 2007 17:25:54 GMT -5
I routed a hole for a pickup just recently, and was terrified, too! It has only taken one go to feel totally comfortable with the whole thing though. Even with a bit of re-adjustment for a slight mis-measurement it went very easily, and as stated above, the right template with some sturdy clamping actually makes it very difficult to go wrong. Once you've broken the 'fear barrier' of actually tearing a hole into the wood of a guitar, it really is just part of achieving what you want with the instrument, and quite a fun one too. So long as you know what it is you are aiming for, and that you definitely want it done, then fire away! I found that physically altering my bass to fit my needs was enjoyable and satisfying and ummm, gave me an extra pickup that I wanted in my bass.
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Post by sparkotronic on Oct 23, 2007 19:14:00 GMT -5
If you know anyone who works in an engineering workshop, see if they have a milling machine.
I fitted a Sustainiac to one of my guitars and it involved a bit of routing.
It was very easy on the milling machine, you have total control over what you cut.
I don't think that I would have had the courage to do it with a router.
Scary indeed!
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Post by ChrisK on Oct 23, 2007 19:57:46 GMT -5
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Since your axe is MIM, I don't foresee that it'll command a great amount of respect that will drive up the value in the next 20 to 30 years. Hence, popping a 'bucker of some sort in there is a good idea, IMO. Seek the opinion of others here as to which one will most likely do what you want.
