My New Guitar Project

[John BNY]

I have this beautiful Carvin that I had custom made several years ago. I've used it for one gig, and for the most part, it's been nothing more than eye candy. Truth is, I didn't particularly connect with the tone this guitar produced.

So, rather than ignoring it, I've decided to cut the pickups and pots, and install new electronics. I'm waiting for the new parts to be delivered. This will be fun.

 

[Adieu]

Niiiiice

How much did the custom job run you?

 

[John BNY]

Niiiiice

How much did the custom job run you?

All in, it cost $2500. Trying to make it sounds as good as it looks.

 

[Trumpet Rider]

What new PU's, etc. will you be putting in?

 

[KraftyBob]

Nice looking guitar! Hopefully the hardware will work out for you.

 

[steveb63]

I have this beautiful Carvin that I had custom made several years ago. I've used it for one gig, and for the most part, it's been nothing more than eye candy. Truth is, I didn't particularly connect with the tone this guitar produced.



So, rather than ignoring it, I've decided to cut the pickups and pots, and install new electronics. I'm waiting for the new parts to be delivered. This will be fun.

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Congrats, Beautiful guitar mang, that is some top shelf woodworking.

If you can mod that to sound half as good as it looks you def have a winner.

Is that U.S. made? Not that it matters, just curious.

Also what type of tones are you looking for? Re: electronics replacement .

Again, sweet looking axe, keep us updated on your modding.

Steve

 

[paul-e-mann]

All in, it cost $2500. Trying to make it sounds as good as it looks.

What was in it that you took out and what do you plan to put in it? Nice looking guitar, eye candy for sure.

 

[stringtree]

Just to throw this out there...

Ever think of these options for tone....

PMS from Fu-Tone.com and or the FRX tremolo system by Floyd Rose.

 

[JeffMcLeod]

Just to throw this out there...

 

[Mitchell Pearrow]

That ax is bar none the most beautiful instrument I have seen in that color ever! Cheers Mitch

 

[stringtree]

Everything effects tone.

This trem can be done without messing up the guitar, now whether it can be done with his guitar would need to be checked out.

 

[John BNY]

Thanks guys. Here are my responses to the various questions in no particular order:

1. The guitar is made of Koa body and Koa neck with maple strips. It has a solid flamed maple cap. It was made in the USA. It has rosewood fretboard and stainless steel frets, Carvin locking tuners, mother of pearl inlays and mother of pearl volume and tone knobs.
2. The guitar came with C22B and J pickups. I felt they had no real character, and sounded a little nasally and thin.
3. I tend to like hotter pickups. I'm a big fan of Bare Knuckle Pickups. I also like the various Gibson pickups -- 57s, 498T, 500T, Burstbucker. I'll be installing these Bare Knuckle Pickups that I picked up used. I don't know which specific model this is, but I've never heard a Bare Knuckle Pickup that I didn't like:



4. I've never been a tremolo fan. I never use them, and find them to be a pain to keep in tune.

Still waiting for the tone pots. I'll update this thread when I put everything together.

 

[John BNY]

Progress update. I replaced all of the pots and soldered in the Bare Knuckle pickups with chrome rings. I'm just waiting for delivery of shielded wires to connect the three way toggle switch to the pots and the output jack.

 

[Trident]

Holy $&#*........What a nice guitar John.....

That is just one awesome rig......
Congrats and keep us posted on it....

It just jumps out and says PLAY ME NOW!

 

[stringtree]

Nice touch with the Chrome!

 

[stringbender11]

I always liked Carvins, sed to really drool over them as a teenager in the 70's. I've never seen one in person though. That one is a beauty, I bet with the Bare Knuckle PUs it will finally sing/scream.

 

[John BNY]

So I connected everything, but I must have done something wrong, as I get serious humming when the guitar is plugged in. It's going to a tech today.

 

[67Mopar]

Beautiful!

 

[Adrian R]

I have this beautiful Carvin that I had custom made several years ago. I've used it for one gig, and for the most part, it's been nothing more than eye candy. Truth is, I didn't particularly connect with the tone this guitar produced.

So, rather than ignoring it, I've decided to cut the pickups and pots, and install new electronics. I'm waiting for the new parts to be delivered. This will be fun.

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View attachment 55686

Don't wanna be downer, but in my experience if a guitar doesn't sound right to you at it's core, it's not going to change. All you'll get is variations of that same voice.

 

[KraftyBob]

So I connected everything, but I must have done something wrong, as I get serious humming when the guitar is plugged in. It's going to a tech today.

Did you remember the ground wire to the tailpiece? Don't want to over simplify, but as you know there isn't a lot to guitar wiring. Maybe doublecheck all your grounds before you bring it in?

Guitar looks great!