Jefe’s Custom Guitar Shop
Custom Guitar
Custom guitar are becoming more and more popular. Just take a look at the new guitar lines that the big name manufactures are putting out and you’ll see what I mean. Fender, in particular, has taken a new guitar and roughed it up to look like it has been played for decades. This is not exactly my idea of a custom guitar – it might be a custom way to get your money but it is not a custom guitar. If that is the kind of custom guitar you’re looking for then save yourself some cash – buy some sandpaper and start sanding back the decades. For me it has to pass the “Hot Rod” test. The guitar not only has to look better than a production model it has to perform better also.
Of course what is considered “better” is left up the owner and that is the best part of customizing your guitar. The guitar will reflect your personality in the way that it looks and sounds. If you have a less expensive guitar (and there is nothing wrong with them I own many) this is a perfect way for you to do a little bit of upgrading that will have a big impact. In this article I have put together four things you can do to customize your guitar.
Custom Guitar Parts
Pick Guard
Changing the pick guard on most electric guitars is a fairly easy task. You can find a replacement online – all you need is the make and model. There are a few websites that specialize in custom guitar pick guards that have tons of styles to choose from. They come in almost any color, with many different styles of graphics or material – chrome, stainless steel, gold or copper. Depending on the model all you will need is a regular and Phillips head screw drivers to remove and replace the pick guard.
Guitar Knobs
Like the pick guard, control knobs are also easy to replace. They come in many different styles and materials and can dramatically change the look of your guitar. Most of the control knobs that you get as standard equipment on a new guitar are more for functionality. So almost any style that you decide to change them to will improve the look of the guitar.
Guitar Tuning Keys
The tuning keys are one of the most over looked areas on the guitar. A lot of us take them for granted and don’t think of how important their function is. With malfunctioning or cheap tuning keys it becomes virtually impossible to keep the guitar in tune for a very long period of time. If you have been experiencing these problems then the tuning keys might be your problem. The best way to check your tuning key is when you are changing strings. Jiggle each tuning key to see how much play you have on them. If the mechanism is sloppy and moves from side to side easily then they might need to be replaced. Try to find a tuning key that is incased and in one piece. These are usually of better quality and will last a lot longer than the less expensive ones.
Guitar Pickups
The guitar pickups are the heart of the electric guitar. Just a minimal upgrade in the guitar pickups can make a noticeable difference in the sound of your guitar. Most of the guitar legends developed their own unique sound through the customization of their pickups. Upgrading your guitar pickups can cost you $100 up to a $1000 depending on how much you want to spend. You might not need to change out your pickups if you are happy with the sound, but if you have stock pickups you would definitely benefit from an upgrade. In later posts I will be getting into the different styles, sizes, models and the differences between them and also how to change them out. I will also be demonstrating other ways you can build yours into a custom guitar.
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