Electronics Swap

[GSFV]

So I took my only guild (NS Starfire V) in to my favorite shop because the pots were a little scratchy. It was like that when I bought it a few years ago (I’m just now realizing that I’ve had it for 3 and a half years! Wow!!) But I used some contact cleaner and they were mostly fine. So I moved on. Now, however, I am over it. Lol. So I took it in last week to do a complete electronics swap. Kept the PU, but all new wiring, toggle switch, caps, input jack, etc. I also requested that whatever pots they put in, the original guild shield knobs had to fit. I was very clear about that part.

Anyway, it has been a week. And I’m getting antsy. Shipments have been delayed, and I miss my favorite guitar. Has anyone done this? What kinds of results did you get? I meant to record a quick before Sample so I could compare, but got busy and didn’t. I’m quite upset about that. I’m sure I’ll be able to hear it as I am quite familiar with it and he said it would make a world of difference, but I am curious what results y’all have had.

Regardless of any tonal changes, I needed the pots to function properly as I am constantly playing with the volume controls. look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[GAD]

Depending on how outside of spec the original parts were, replacing the caps and pots can have anywhere from a negligible to an absolutely huge impact on tone.

Rewiring a semi-hollow is not a small task, especially if done right, but I can't speak for the shop's backlog or parts stock so I couldn't say what's normal for them. Maybe call them and politely ask when you might get your guitar back?

 

[fronobulax]

There have been reports of scratchy pots that improved with better quality replacements.

And then there is the work on this bass...

 

[DThomasC]

What GAD said. And I'll say again, the shop could easily have more than a week's backlog. So if you contact them be polite. If you make a PITA of yourself they might push you to the front of the queue, but they will likely also rush the job. Just be patient.

 

[GSFV]

Oh definitely being patient. These guys are the best in town. So if they say it’s a week, then I’m waiting a week and a half before calling. Lol. Speaking of, got the call today. She’s ready. I’ll be picking up tomorrow and will report back if the difference is huge. Or what I find. Glad to know it’s a worth while investment.

that bass story is NUTS! But what a creative solution. Definitely not something I’d be able to try just yet. I’m getting better at wiring up basic stuff in solid bodies though. So that’s a plus.

 

[GSFV]

Just wanted to come back and report on my thoughts after having it back for a little while. I picked it up from the shop and played it through an older AC30. And I thought "man...I really missed it. I should have bought this amp. It sounds incredible!" I went home and played through my Helix Lt (which is my main set up) and realized that I wasn't hearing an awesome amp (though it was awesome), I was hearing a DRAMATIC change in electronics! HUGE change. There is more clarity and less mud all around. The lows are cleaner, the higher are clearer. I am absolutely thrilled!

I am definitely sad that I don't have a clear A/B recording of it. I was worried that I might have put it all in my head. So I asked my friends/bandmates when we played. And they all agreed that there was a huge difference! The sound guy even asked me if I had done something different. So it's clearly a noticeable difference that isn't just in my head.

I am very pleased! I wish I had done it sooner. The knobs and such stick up a little higher than they used to. But that's a TINY price to pay. I think I'm already used to how it feels/looks. Definitely no problem there. And I got to keep my original guild shield knobs (may not be important to some, but HUGELY important to me!)

If someone stumbles upon this thread later, I think it's absolutely worth while if this is a main instrument. And it was beforehand, but I enjoy it even more. More articulate and responsive. I just love it. Totally worth it in my book!

 

[Nuuska]

Hello

Congratulations for a success story. Do you have - or can you make - a list of the parts that were in vs new parts ?

If yes - then we all could speculate and learn more about what works and why.

I have one hunch - pot ohm values may be higher now ? ? ?