LP-1 Upgrades List!

[keloooe]

Alright, just to clarify, I am going to use the stock parts, while I decide whether to use the upgrades or not! The main upgrades are the expensive ones, therefore give me enough time to make the final decision.

So... After sifting through all of StewMac's parts, I decided to create a list of all the upgrades I am willing to use on the LP when it's finished (in 2-3 months)!

Okay, here we go:

Black Pickguard
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Pickguar...Pickguard.html

Orange Drop Caps
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Components:_Caps_(capacitors)/Sprague_Orange_Drop_Caps.html

Black Speed Knobs
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Knobs/Speed_knobs.html

SwitchCraft Output Jack
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron...tput_Jack.html

RailHammer Anvil Pups (Got a friend who has them, they sound great!)
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron...il_Pickup.html

Alpha Pots
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron...trol_Pots.html

Knob Position Indicators
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Knobs/Po...ndicators.html

Bigsby Bridge (If it fits!)
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,...0_Vibrato.html

SwitchCraft Toggle Switch
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron..._Switches.html

And, there are a few other bits that are cheap (like switch plates and knobs, screws, etc)
Yep... Basically rebuilding the guitar....

Cheers,
Callum

[GlennGP]

Hey Callum, there really is no end to your enthusiasm, is there?! Keep it up!

I was considering a bunch of similar upgrades, and then I thought "you know, that's like adding salt to the dish someone carefully prepared for you without tasting it first". Given I can take it apart and make improvements after it's finished, I reckon I'll put my kit together as supplied and then start working out what I don't like or what could be improved, and see how deep my pockets are as I go along. The way I figure it, I could spend a bunch of money now and never know how little improvement I got for it - or I could have a series of experiences where I get ecstatic about dramatic improvements for very little outlay.

I could also be a giant tight-arse.

Anyhoo ... that's my 2c. In the end, we'll all have fantastic axes that we value because we built them, and that's the main thing.

GGP

EDIT: having re-read your initial post, it's possible you meant you intend to add these upgrades after finishing as well, but it's a bit ambiguous. In any case, no criticism intended, just an observation.

[keloooe]

Quote from GlennGP on January 25, 2013, 10:41
Hey Callum, there really is no end to your enthusiasm, is there?! Keep it up!

I was considering a bunch of similar upgrades, and then I thought "you know, that's like adding salt to the dish someone carefully prepared for you without tasting it first". Given I can take it apart and make improvements after it's finished, I reckon I'll put my kit together as supplied and then start working out what I don't like or what could be improved, and see how deep my pockets are as I go along. The way I figure it, I could spend a bunch of money now and never know how little improvement I got for it - or I could have a series of experiences where I get ecstatic about dramatic improvements for very little outlay.

I could also be a giant tight-arse.

Anyhoo ... that's my 2c. In the end, we'll all have fantastic axes that we value because we built them, and that's the main thing.

GGP

EDIT: having re-read your initial post, it's possible you meant you intend to add these upgrades after finishing as well, but it's a bit ambiguous. In any case, no criticism intended, just an observation.

Hey Glenn, yea, I was just thinking of what upgrades I would like, and my enthusiasm NEVER dies!

[Gavin1393]

I think Adam, DingoBass and myself would all agree that there are many imporovements that can be made to most guitars, from the simple to the expensive. I would certainly be cautious about spending money before finishing a guitar unless there is something specific you want. Usually these changes may be of a cosmetic nature such as gold, Chrome or black PUP's for example, or perhaps even a different colour scratch plate? There simply is no end to the variables, but regrettably our budgets may not stretch that far.
I would certainly agree with Glenn to give the Pitbull components a try as you may be surprised as to how good they are for the price you paid. Then if you really want to make changes save up for good quality components so that you don't have to continually fork out more and more money for minor upgrades for relatively indiscernable improvements in tone.

[keloooe]

Quote from Gavin1393 on January 25, 2013, 13:28
I think Adam, DingoBass and myself would all agree that there are many imporovements that can be made to most guitars, from the simple to the expensive. I would certainly be cautious about spending money before finishing a guitar unless there is something specific you want. Usually these changes may be of a cosmetic nature such as gold, Chrome or black PUP's for example, or perhaps even a different colour scratch plate? There simply is no end to the variables, but regrettably our budgets may not stretch that far.
I would certainly agree with Glenn to give the Pitbull components a try as you may be surprised as to how good they are for the price you paid. Then if you really want to make changes save up for good quality components so that you don't have to continually fork out more and more money for minor upgrades for relatively indiscernable improvements in tone.

Why would I change the components before trying them???

[Gavin1393]

Callum, remember that this is a forum, and your posts are read by a number of people. They may wonder why after just recieving your guitar you are posting so many planned upgrades. Others may be influenced by your post.

No-one is suggesting that you would change components before trying them.

However, your comment "Basically re-building the guitar" so soon after it has arrived gives some of us the impression that you might have had a quick look and decided that there are a number of changes you would like to make using StewMac components. I'm really at a loss to explain why you would post some of the planned changes without first trying out what you have and deciding if it is indeed necessary.
What you get from Pitbull for under $200 is remarkable. I can tell you that I put together a Tele using StewMac components and the cost blew out to almost $1,000. I could basically buy an equal quality guitar complete from Kozmic for less.
Remember those wise words from Dingobass - go slowly, take your time and you will have an awesome guitar.

[pablopepper]

Hey Callum,

Remember, eBay is your friend. I know stewmac is a great store, but a lot of these parts can be found a whole lot cheaper on eBay.

Also, Gavin and Glenn are dead right, put it together stock first. My tele was heavily modded from the get go and it was a bitch making sure everything worked together. I had to buy some parts twice and it still isn't working 100% (goddamn fiddly wiring, try 3 so far).