Recent content by micp33

Acquired a HSS Strat with a Slash PUP in the bridge recently. Had a pro tech add a toggle and convert to a 4 conductor/splittable. Sounds ok, but a little thin/trebly for a Strat. Looking to beef up the bottom a bit and get a more even split sound so thinking a 59 bridge like a I have in a 335...

Got a Tele with a Harmonic Design Super 90 with a 250k pot (they recommend 500k so that could be part of the problem) I'm considering replacing it with a moderate output pup (maybe APTL-1). The HD seems to sound more 'overwound' to me than it used to. Not sure if swapping out the pot with a 500k...

Currently looking to replace a hi-output Tele pickup with something less "overwound" sounding. Play both Country and Rock and want a solid all around pickup that'll cover both bases with clarity and punch (thinking Stones, Crowes) but clean up nice while rolling back the volume. Any thoughts...

Hi, (Still) debating the combo to upgrade my Hamer Echtone/335 copy. I'm torn between a 59N/59B combo or a 59N/Pearly Gates B combo. Using it in a power-pop/Brit-pop type gig though my Mesa Boogie 5:50 Express. I just don't want the bridge to be too trebly or harsh. I tend to like the Alnico...

Looking to ditch the Duncan Designed HB- 102 & 103 that came stock with this guitar and was looking for a few thoughts. Initially I'm thinking of a Phat Cat Neck and Pearly Gates bridge, though I'm torn between the PG, Alnico II and '59 for a bridge. Looking to get a clear, clean sounding neck...

Looking to get a compressor for lead/slide work and thinking of going with the tried-n-true Dynacomp. Proven tone, great bang for the buck. Would love to get the Keeley but they're kinda pricey... Haven't tried many others (Boss, Line 6, BBe, VooDoo LAb, etc.). Any recommendations? I'm...

I just installed a Custom 5 in my Les Paul and it squeals and I can talk through it. I'm assuming it's microphonic or are they just noisy like this??? It doesn't seem like a major deal to re-pot/re-wax it but I was looking for any feedback or suggestions from anybody who may have done this...

I've had too many bridge pickups in my Les Paul from a Duncan JB and SH-3, Dimarzio Tone Zone and Fred, Lollar Imperial and the obvious Gibsons. I have a relatively new amp that all of my guitars sound great through, but my Paul just doesn't sound right. I currently have a Duncan Distortion...

So I recently scored a Korean-made Hamer Echotone off eBay for just over $200. Remarkably, it doesn't play like a $200 guitar! The pots, and switches are weak, the stop tail and tune-o-matic could use an upgrade and the pickups are passable for now but will eventually need to go. Currently...

I am looking to give the pedal steel a try and wanted to see what anybody thought as far as preferences (number of levers, strings, etc.), makes and models. Looking for a good beginner or intermediate that won't set me back too much but I won't have to upgrade or will outgrow within a year...

I'm interested in tips/thoughts in achieving great slide tone that doesn't sound harsh. I'm looking for a Warren Haynes-type of fluid sound. I'm using a metal slide on a Tele and Les Paul through a Mesa combo (no effects per se' other than a volume pedal). Great tone but for that extra sustain...

I've got a Korean made Hamer '335' copy (I believe it's called the Echotone). It plays really cool though the nut isn't quite right and is in need of attention. All in all, it plays/sounds great but could use an electronics and hardware upgrade to really be a keeper. Can't swing $2500.00 for a...

Help me identify these PUP's please! I pulled them from a 1989 Gibson Les Paul Standard. They say "The Original" on them followed by 'HB-L' on one and 'HB-R' on the other. To the best of my knowledge, these guitars came with 490R and 498T but the markings throw me. Any thoughts please???:scratchch

Not sure which pickup to put in my Les Paul Standard. I've got a Lollar Imperial in it, and though it sounds great and is sacrilege to swap out a "boutique" pickup, it still doesn't suit my playing. Play through a Mesa Single Recto head in a modern rock project and need more grit than the Lollar...