Got some nut files, deepening the slots properly.
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Got some nut files, deepening the slots properly.
And no, didnt pay the astronomical prices out there. Went to ebay and grabbed them for pence, heh.
I did some sanding at the pocket and neck heel and got it to a playable point where I can fret everything at a passable action. Still not in love with these magnets... now that the fretbuzz is out of it, theyre alright, but not great. The neck minihum is def better than the bridge though... I think I may just have to admit that I hate all single coils. :)
Still working on the nut slots. Theyre not quite on the zero fret yet. But at least I got a preview of what to expect.
Oh, neck is sitting at a much better angle as well. There was still a slight "pinch" happening at the pocket.
Glad you worked it out REV. I am on the same task with the nut slotting files :o
Lol, well, at one point I was filing the slots and thought "Am I making a notch in the nut or in my finger?"
Nut slots are filed properly. I suppose I should file down the top of it as it sits high on the bass side, but honestly unless you're sighting down the neck its not that obvious.
Action on the high strings is really good, though one saddle needs a little more notching to get the string closer to the right place.
Lowest string buzzes or gives me the china sound on all frets. Gotta address that soon.
Intonated. Waiting to test on my good amp at the practice space. Not fully sold on my setup job, but we will see...
A Key indicator for that is, if you scream every file stroke, it's your finger. You will also notice the file getting redder as well as red appearing on the nut.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rev
I have to have a crack at this for the EXA-1 build, I have the files but they've never been used in anger.
What, you mean the nut isnt supposed to turn red?? :)
Seriously though, theyre all sounding proper except the lowest string. Still working on that one, that string just hasnt leveled out yet.
Havent been able to get over to the practice space and test this thing on my halfstack due to a family emergency, but maybe in a few days.
Just as well, though, as its given me time to plan my next move if I dont like the sound. The only question mark in my mind is whether I want to match the cap value of the Varitone setting I like on my Mockingbird, and how to wire that into this comparatively simple circuit. But who knows, maybe I wont have to go there. :)
Hey Rev, hope all is well with the family.
I'd see how it sounds how it's wired up now and if you don't like it have a tinker. I'm sure wiring guru Weirdy can help you out with an alternative wiring diagram
Its funny, when I got the Bird, I was dubious about that varitone switch. A lot of online commentary was negative. But there are two settings on it that are quite useful and a third that comes in handy when recording. Not about to put a Varitone on the MK-2, but I'm not against using the best cap on it if needed.
You can always use a push/pull pot for the tone so you can switch between two different caps.
Tested on my Mesa head. The minihum performed about as expected without too much squeal. Bridge single was definitely anemic though. Going to try some adjustments before scrapping the pickup.
Weirdy, the problem is that the Varitone is always on. That cap isnt connected to a pot. The output just runs thru it. Think I can just connect it at the volume pots middle lug for same effect?
Yep, you can do something like that. Or, have a push/pull that gives you a normal tone when down and just your varitone cap of choice (no pot) when up.
Ooh, thats a good idea. Regular output on one side of switch and the capped on the other.
Tested it at practice. Kit pickups are definitely weaker than my usual ones, but the overall sound isnt bad.
Wanted to grab a quick vid to show you guys, but one member was absent. Anyway, aside from pickup gain, I didnt notice a lot of issues. Thinking about filing some of the bridge notches a bit deeper so I can flatten the neck a little more.
One unexpected issue was that the clear coat on the side of the neck tended to reflect a lot of glare under the lights in the practice space. That made me mess up a few times, so I may have to mark the frets a little more distinctly if it happens under venue lighting (unlikely, but it would be good to have a plan).
You could always give the back of the neck a light sand or rub-down with some wire wool. Should make it feel smooth and you'll get less reflections.
We'll see. We have overhead lights in the practice space (which, being a TV guy, I hate), but venues usually have cans on flood and maybe some fills in the back. So I doubt I'll have the same problem.
Attachment 20177
From practice.
Really tempted to do another one based on what I learned/relearned here, but I think Id better practice my finishing on scrap wood a bit more before doing that (my job isnt bad at all, but I think theres room to improve).
very very nice Rev, starting on mine today :D
looks great Rev, how does it sound and play ? Don't stress about the paint job, takes years of practice and expensive equipment and paint booth to get a smick paint job
Well, to be exact, the paint work I did turned out pretty nice. My buffing leaves something to be desired though - I thought I did a pretty good job at the time, but the polish isnt quite as glossy as it should be. But thats less noticeable with a bright color, so I've got no plans to attempt going over it again.
Otherwise, once I worked on the neck and bridge setup a little more, it became nicely playable. The pickups are weak and somewhat dull sounding, but boosting my overdrive a little harder than normal helped somewhat in that area. Enough for live work anyway. Ill probably still drop something with more power into the bridge pickup slot. Its not imperative at the moment, just something I should check into down the road and see if its an improvement.
Good see it finally finished. Know what you mean about weak stock kit PUP's but any better would push kit prices out of reach for some folk plus it allows for some personalised customisation.
The funny thing, Waz, is that my fussy bandmates actually like the sound of the neck minihum a LOT. Though it has its limits, theres a warmth to it that mixes well in a live situation. Theres a couple of tracks in our set that it doesnt perform well on, but I always have two guitars with me at a show anyway. Hardly an inconvenience to switch out here and there. :)
BTW, I found a really good deal on a used DiMarzio SDS1 and put that in at the bridge. Its a darker-sounding pickup, but it allows just enough of a power boost that I can switch it on for those moments when I need the extra gain.
The Dimarzio was probably all it needed to get rid of the whimpiness.
Pretty much. Gave it a good gain boost. I ran both pickups on for most of the last show to blend them both.
Just read your build diary, love the colours and look, and would love to hear a sample of your playing when you have time to post a vid. Well done.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rev