Archtop Overhaul

[amosrides]

Hello all, I have an Ibanez Ak85 that I figure I'm going to put some money into since it plays so nice and I got it for such a cheap price.

It looks old, so I want it to sound old, yet refined. I just got some Antiquities HB though I haven't put them in yet. Now I'm planning on taking her in for an electronics overhaul (I don't trust myself). Thinking of all new pots, and caps, but I need some direction, what would you do? Also anything else you guys would do, would a new toggle switch or input jack effect the signal at all? I know these artcores tend to have cheaper electronics in them.

I play old ragtime country blues, and stand blues type tunes if that helps.
Thanks!

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

Sounds like you are on the right track with the Antiquities....I think they will sound great in your archtop. In addition to new pots and caps I would have a nice bone or Tusq nut cut, frets crowned and leveled and have the bridge looked at. Maybe new saddles or a new bridge if the old one is worn or suspect. You could also look at new tuners if the old ones are cheap or if you have any tuning issues.

Post a pic of your guitar and maybe some of us will have more suggestions, but the pickups, electronics and a fret level will have the greatest impact on tone and playability, IMO.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

Sounds like you are on the right track with the Antiquities....I think they will sound great in your archtop. In addition to new pots and caps I would have a nice bone or Tusq nut cut, frets crowned and leveled and have the bridge looked at. Maybe new saddles or a new bridge if the old one is worn or suspect. You could also look at new tuners if the old ones are cheap or if you have any tuning issues.

Post a pic of your guitar and maybe some of us will have more suggestions, but the pickups, electronics and a fret level will have the greatest impact on tone and playability, IMO.

just so you know what he's talking about:

 

[amosrides]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

Thanks astrozombie. I have taken off the pickguard, and am looking for another tailpiece that will fit, not a fan of the one on it, too modern for the rest of the guitar.

 

[Bass_Medic_05]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

Sounds like you are on the right track with the Antiquities....I think they will sound great in your archtop. In addition to new pots and caps I would have a nice bone or Tusq nut cut, frets crowned and leveled and have the bridge looked at. Maybe new saddles or a new bridge if the old one is worn or suspect. You could also look at new tuners if the old ones are cheap or if you have any tuning issues.

Post a pic of your guitar and maybe some of us will have more suggestions, but the pickups, electronics and a fret level will have the greatest impact on tone and playability, IMO.

+1...Right on man.....Congrats and good luck!

 

[amosrides]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

what caps and pots would you go with for a vintage sound. from what I read pots are pretty equal once you get good quality, as for caps (affordable ones) orange drops seem to be popular. Anyone done 50's wiring on a hollowbody?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

I think CTS pots are just fine. You can buy more expensive pots, but I don't really see the need. As for caps, I will spend a little more money on them. A lot of guys won't spend money on anything more than orange drops, but I like some of the vintage and specialty caps (I'll have to look up some names and post back....it's been too long since I bought any).

When we get down to caps, it's probably splitting hairs anyhow as far as tone goes. It's not going to make as big a difference as good pots, new pickups...ect.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

It all comes down to personal preference, but Wes Montgomery's early 1960-something Gibson L-5 would have had 500K audio pots for both the volume and tone pots and a .02 tone cap, and it's hard to imagine an archtop guitarist with a better tone than Wes had. That's the tone I prefer: all 500K pots and a .02 tone cap.

Gibsons from around the year 2000 used 300k linear taper volume pots and 500K audio taper tone pots and .02 tone cap. The tone is warmer overall and if I want the vintage tone it is not there and I miss it.

Gibsons with all 500K pots can get the warmer tone of a 300K volume Gibson by just turning down the volume control a little - plus they can get the slightly brighter tone of the vintage Gibsons Wes Montgomery, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Green, Eric Johnson, etc., etc. play or played.

I especially like using the vintage values of 500K volume and tone with alnico 2 humbuckers like the Antiquitys which have a warmer tone than alnico 5 humbuckers.

I believe Gibson has now gone back to using all 500K pots again and is not currently using 300K pots for the volume control.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

Those things look so good with black pickup rings, switch tip and knobs.

 

[amosrides]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

Those things look so good with black pickup rings, switch tip and knobs.

I have been debating on whether or not to keep the black SD rings or stay with the cream on the current pu's. As far as knobs go I think I am going to get some top hat amber ones and add some feux ivory tuner buttons.

So as far as pots and caps, and in particular make. I have been convinced by many posts to go with 500k pots and .2 caps.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

I have been debating on whether or not to keep the black SD rings or stay with the cream on the current pu's. As far as knobs go I think I am going to get some top hat amber ones and add some feux ivory tuner buttons.

So as far as pots and caps, and in particular make. I have been convinced by many posts to go with 500k pots and .2 caps.

.02

Not .2

Big difference!

 

[amosrides]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

anyone tried these?
Gibson Historic 500K Audio Taper Potentiometer
http://accessories.musiciansfriend....65438&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=658040465

Not cheap, but not too expensive.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

The Gibson pots will work just fine and I'm sure the quality is good too. I couldn't remember the name before, but I used to buy all of my electronic parts from RS Guitarworks. Below are the links for caps and pots. They have complete wiring upgrade kits as well, which save you some money. They aren't the cheapest, but I have never had any issues with their products or customer service....FWIW.

http://store.rsguitarworks.net/Loose+Electronic+Parts/Capacitors.html

http://store.rsguitarworks.net/Loose+Electronic+Parts/Potentiometers.html

http://store.rsguitarworks.net/Electronic+Upgrade+Kits/Vintage.html

 

[amosrides]

Re: Archtop Overhaul

The Gibson pots will work just fine and I'm sure the quality is good too. I couldn't remember the name before, but I used to buy all of my electronic parts from RS Guitarworks. Below are the links for caps and pots. They have complete wiring upgrade kits as well, which save you some money. They aren't the cheapest, but I have never had any issues with their products or customer service....FWIW.

Thanks for the research Jeff!

I guess I'd have to call to see what the specs are on the pots and caps in the complete sets.