Tommy's Non-Reverse Firebird/Jazzmaster/??? hybrid dream guitar build

[tommycarlos]

Interesting. Yeah, pickup height is still yet to be adjusted with any real consistency.

I even need more foam in there if I want them higher. They vary from 3-5mm from the strings with the last fret fretted. I need to try some different heights. The bridge one is the furthest unsurprisingly.

Here’s another curious point... the GFS pickups didn’t come with either springs or foam. I guess they are usually used as replacement pickups so some existing hardware is expected. I had to cut up some of the foam left over from installing the Toneriders in the JZ-1.

[Simon Barden]

With P90s, Gibson's have a metal base plate that the height adjustment screws screw into, with springs fitted on the screws shaft. Other P90 users normally have a foam block stuck to the base of the cavity. But it is a bit unusual not to have al least some screws and springs or foam.

But a look at the GFS website confirms that you should have some. "We ship the pickup in a GFS box with wiring instructions, foam mounting pads and mounting screws". So double check the box(es), then get on to them and moan.

[tommycarlos]

Hah. Well, there were screws but no foam. The JZ-1 had screws and springs, but I was glad of the foam that came with the Toneriders. It made for much better adjustment.

[tommycarlos]

Also, pickup update: Simon was right... pickup height was key.

I actually lowered them and it lost some of that intense treble also leading to less feedback when I hit the Muff. They now sound more like a best of both worlds between my Jag and the p90s in the JZ-1. I actually really like it.

I am so in love with this guitar it's ridiculous.

Practice tonight is gonna be awesome.

Sucks I have to use a crappy old bass case I have laying around with a T-Shirt rolled up at the end to get it there. It's just such an odd size!

[VonScott]

That’s great that you got em sounding so good, and congrats on the dream guitar - enjoy playing it and making your bandmates jealous!

[DrNomis_44]

You should record a sound demo for us so we can hear what it sounds like, I have to admit that it's turned out to be a cool looking guitar.

[pablopepper]

Didn't you only spray this a couple of days ago? Did it get a clear coat?

[tommycarlos]

Hah. It got some clear on it. Mostly to protect it a bit... but I don’t go for shiny, much less a mirror finish.

I don’t do “patience”, and I like guitars that are hacked together, reliced, etc.

[pablopepper]

Lol, fair enough. I'd be more worried about the hardware melding itself to the paint.

[tommycarlos]

The only pieces that are really touching paint are the vibrato and the pickguard.

The JZ-1 has been modified and rebuilt a few times since it was an impatiencecaster, heh. It was fine.

I go by the old adage: “good enough for EVH...”