Recent content by Chris Pile

Love, love, love the Antiquities in my Ibanez AS-73. They are a sweet delight.

I've been dealing with messed up specs since the late 70's. Brand doesn't matter - if your tolerances are loose, expect them to swing from low to high. Detroit is no different.

Problem solved, but not without more frustration. Drove down to the specialty tool store, and they had 3 of the wrenches in stock. Bought all 3 for less than five dollars. Good brand - Bondhus. If they worked I would save one, give one to the client, and give the last one to a friend in the...

Agreed. This is the first guitar I've had on my bench that used one. I've got a bunch of tools I've only used once or twice in 45 years - but they are sure handy to have when I need them. One high dollar tool that leaps to mind is an extra long truss rod tool for Rickenbackers. Had it since...

First I need the 3.5 wrench. Good call, though - I used to buy cheap wrenches at the pawn shop to cut up and have welded into new shapes, etc. to fit into tight places. If you can't buy it - make it.

Looks like an 80's Aria Pro, modded ala steampunk designs.

2.5mm is common. I checked multiple tool store websites, and none have a 3.5mm in a set. I can order one from Kobalt (Lowes) for $8, but it doesn't provide the lengths of the legs. I am going to a specialty tool store south of town tomorrow... They have all manner of offbeat, rare, and unusual...

I have MULTIPLE sets of allen wrenches. NONE have a 3.5mm.

I had a J-50 for awhile that came from an estate. The deceased chain smoked tobacco and weed incessantly, and took months to get the brown goo off the finish. I would watch TV with my dad and just polish and polish and polish. Went through a lot of cotton diapers and a bottle of BOSS guitar...

I've used kitty litter (Fresh Step) in guitar cases to remove the stink. It smells vaguely of laundry soap afterwards. The only stink that will not come out (science even proved it) is cat urine. The ureic acid contains a compound that is impossible to break down. The only thing to do then is...

It's probably available online. The stuff I bought years ago came from the local science education center. I think it generates or emits ozone, which is a purifier.

I have a new Squier Jaguar on the bench and the truss rod nut is deep in the neck. It requires a 3.5mm allen key, but the normal L-shaped ones won't work. I have some specialty wrenches which each leg the same length, but they are SAE. Anyone know a source? Would Fender service have one?

Time in bright sunlight will work, or storing the guitar in a case with some ozite I think it is? It's volcanic rock that purifies air. Buy a small bag and toss in the case.

Essentially, TruOil is a wiping varnish. And the material safety data sheet on TruOil mentions NO health hazards.

If you want a smooth finish - fill the grain using your choice of materials and methods. Alder, maple, and the like require no grain fill. Ash, mahogany, etc. would require it for a smooth finish.