Tom's Guitar Service

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Let's Talk Pick-Ups!

Hey Y'all!

Getting ready to attend the SEGAS guitar show in Raleigh, NC this weekend. http://guitarandampshow.com/

Kind of excited about meeting up with "Tom Brantley" who is now joined forces with my buddies at "Mojo Musical Supply".

"Tom has over sixteen years of experience repairing and refurbishing pickups with a premier boutique winder. He has rewound some of the most collectible guitars in the world for some of the most well-respected guitarists in the world - and virtually every type of pickup that exists."

Now you can throw any ad out there and with the right endorsements you will sell product!

But, I'm all about the product itself.

Now let me tell you a story. A couple of weeks ago, I had a really good client bring me in a "PRS Santana".

He brought her in for some new "pups" to be installed. (that would be guitar slang for pick-ups)

The pick-ups were in a "non-decrypt" box that I was not familiar with. There are so many boutique winders out there that I didn't even really pay much attention to the maker. Just another job on my desk.

Well I got them in and did a full set-up on the guitar and started my bench test. WOW, The new pick-ups made me feel good and fuzzy!

The minute I plugged in I knew something special was speaking back!!! Better said by the man that owns the guitar............

Hey Tom,

Took the PRS Santana to rehearsal last night with my R&B band and it just sounded amazing. And it plays *SO* much better than before. Both pickups are so fat and clear - even with the coil tap. Thanks again for the tip on the MOJO pickups - they really are the bomb. You know it's good when even the drummer says, "Man, your guitar sounds frickin' awesome" - I have to agree!

You're the man! See ya again soon..take it easy.

When a pick-up winder makes my job this easy, I give praise!

Pick-up construction is an art, lot's of wanna-be's out there, this guy's got it down!

But Tom, how does a pick-up work?

I'm gonna rip this apart so you all can see whats inside! Oh Boy!

After popping the top cap, I yanked the coil off.

Lots and lots of very fine wire that's wrapped around some magnets.

Here we have what's left after disposing of the wire.

Six pole magnets mounted in a base.

Here's how it all works!

The magnets produce a field that the guitar strings vibrate in.

When the strings vibrates, it stirs this magnetic field and makes the electrons move in the wire path.

The electrons produce a current with this movement of the field. Kind of like paddling water and watch it circle out.

This is the output of the guitar.

How much wire, size of wire, how's it wound, type of magnets, physical structure, there's so much that makes the difference between a sweet sound or not!

Tom Brantley has got this down!

"VERY IMPRESSIVE"

Now go to MOJO http://www.mojotone.com/ and have a look for yourself.

Or come on down this weekend and check out all the wonderful exhibitors at this years SEGAS!!!

http://guitarandampshow.com/

Sure to be a good time!!!!!!!

Peace, Tom

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Nashville Style Bridge Rebuild

Well, I've done a miserable job of posting and updating this blog.
Gonna try real hard to rectify that!!!
Here's a tutorial on rebuilding a Gibson Nashville Bridge.
First of all let's talk about the two different styles of Gibson
bridges used through the years.
ABR-1

The original bridge that Gibson used on the first guitars produced.

Saddles drop in from the top. A retainer spring was added soon after this production to prevent loosening saddles when strings break.

This is a modern version of the ABR-1 still in use today.

Nashville Style

The Nashville style bridge has saddles that are locked in by the intonation screws. The saddles can't be removed without destroying the retaining spring!

However you can change them out with a rebuild kit that has new springs provided.

But Tom, how do you do that? Here we go!!!

First thing we need to do is get the old saddles out.

(click on pics to enlarge)

You can see the new set of saddles and springs here. I've also removed one saddle and intonation screw.

OK, let's flip her over!

Find the ends of the retaining springs and pry them up with a small screwdriver, they will bend and stay in this position.

Push the ends up and grab the top of the spring with a pair of pliers and yank that sucker out!

Once you get the spring out, you can back the intonation screw all the way out and remove the saddle.

Installing a new retaining spring.

Now take the new retaining spring and with the curved section down, push it into the bottom front of the saddle slot. The two clips (ends) should line up with grooves pre-cut into the base.

Now it gets a little tricky! While pushing down on the retaining spring from the bottom, you're gonna take the intonation screw and pass it through the bridge and catch the loop of the spring.

Perfect! The screw will hold the spring in position. You may have to angle the screw to get it to the spring, then just push straight.

Once you align the screw onto the spring, push it through with your fingers, you may have to keep pushing up from the bottom side to accomplish this. Push it until you are 1/2 way through. Then drop the saddle in and insert the tip of screw into the threaded hole.

Now take your screwdriver and tighten the saddle all the way back, to set new intonation spring onto screw lip.

WARNING!!! Always drop the saddle in before you begin to check fit. Sometimes the plating on the saddle will make it too snug. You can tap them in or file them down a little.

Make sure you have the saddles angled the way you want them before you drop them in, because once the spring sets, you're done!

There you have it! One rebuilt Nashville bridge. These rebuild kits are available in nickel, chrome, and graphite. You can find them online from many sources. Good Luck and Stay Tuned!

Peace, Tom