To mod. or not to mod.

Re: To mod. or not to mod.

No, the guitar wouldn't be the same anymore cause it's been tampered with. It's like taking back a spouse who has cheated on you; physically the person is the same but the innocence has lost and you know something has happened. Life will never be the same again.

Besides, tampering with it would dispel Buddy's magic touch, which realistically only exists in your head but hey, god doesn't exist but if you want to believe then so be it.

And don't forget, there is always risk involved in pickup chagning: screwdriver falls on the body, accidental scratch, tip of soldering iron burning the wires or worse the finish, etc. etc.

We view this differently.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

No, the guitar wouldn't be the same anymore cause it's been tampered with. It's like taking back a spouse who has cheated on you; physically the person is the same but the innocence has lost and you know something has happened. Life will never be the same again.

Besides, tampering with it would dispel Buddy's magic touch, which realistically only exists in your head but hey, god doesn't exist but if you want to believe then so be it.

And don't forget, there is always risk involved in pickup chagning: screwdriver falls on the body, accidental scratch, tip of soldering iron burning the wires or worse the finish, etc. etc.

What's the difference between some guy installing whatever pickups on a guitar and you doing the same later on? If it had different pickups previously, I don't really understand how it would affect the way guitar feels now, especially if it sounds better. In fact if you're made it better by yourself, rather than just bought it, shouldn't it feel better then?

That sounds like a issue of insecurity rather than thought out opinion. Nothing personal and I mean no offense. Just responding on what I read.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

What's the difference between some guy installing whatever pickups on a guitar and you doing the same later on? If it had different pickups previously, I don't really understand how it would affect the way guitar feels now, especially if it sounds better. In fact if you're made it better by yourself, rather than just bought it, shouldn't it feel better then?

That sounds like a issue of insecurity rather than thought out opinion. Nothing personal and I mean no offense. Just responding on what I read.

I view it from collector's perspective, not a player. It's not about making it better, but keeping it as pristine and original as possible. Similar to collecting cars, if it's original, it's commands higher value, eventhough the interior or paint for example, is rusty but if it's original, it IS ORIGINAL.

Regardless of what people say about 80s guitar, this Blaze is a collector's item, like the 30th Anniversary Jem, Universe. People buy stuff like this not to play, but to look at, to brag about, a form of self actualization. Why the f do you think people buy Steve McQueen's car, 60s Cobra, gull wing Merceds from the 50s. They just sit there in their garage for show.

You probably don't understand. Collectors are weird. We love to buy stuff and let it sit without providing any benefit. There is a joy of just having stuff, without ever using it. But this is not hoarding. Hoarders keep stuff that are junk and broken, without caring for it. Collectors take care and take pride in their collection.

Again, if you are just a player, you would think I am irrational. That's okay. We are just different.
 
To mod. or not to mod.

I view it from collector's perspective, not a player. It's not about making it better, but keeping it as pristine and original as possible. Similar to collecting cars, if it's original, it's commands higher value, eventhough the interior or paint for example, is rusty but if it's original, it IS ORIGINAL.

Regardless of what people say about 80s guitar, this Blaze is a collector's item, like the 30th Anniversary Jem, Universe. People buy stuff like this not to play, but to look at, to brag about, a form of self actualization. Why the f do you think people buy Steve McQueen's car, 60s Cobra, gull wing Merceds from the 50s. They just sit there in their garage for show.

You probably don't understand. Collectors are weird. We love to buy stuff and let it sit without providing any benefit. There is a joy of just having stuff, without ever using it. But this is not hoarding. Hoarders keep stuff that are junk and broken, without caring for it. Collectors take care and take pride in their collection.

Again, if you are just a player, you would think I am irrational. That's okay. We are just different.

The problem with the collector point of view in respect to this guitar is that it isn’t a vintage Nightswan. The op had this one made by Buddy Blaze, yes....but for all intents and purposes it’s a replica.
 
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Re: To mod. or not to mod.

If it's made by custom order as a replica I don't see the collector's value in it. I can certainly understand it's value to the dpaterson and his reluctance to mod it.

To the other side of things. I don't think it's going to be that big deal in the future though. Since it is one off, I seriously doubt it will have any real effect in it's value. Pickups in it are not historic or anything really special.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

The problem with the collector point of view in respect to this guitar is that it isn’t a vintage Nightswan. The op had this one made by Buddy Blaze, yes....but for all intents and purposes it’s a replica.

Please, the problem is through your eyes. Don't impose it on other people.

It's subjective. For example, I see a lot of guys put money on 80s shredsticks despite the scratches and dings and sometimes crack. Some guys choose the original RG550 from 1987 over the reissue for whatever reason. They must see some value in it.

We are not talking collectability here of course, but to me it's a dumb move. I will never be the next idiot to spend my hard-earned cash on ancient history relic with scratches and dings. But if some guys want to exercise their prerogative to be a dumb ass, be my guess.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Dudes!!!

Never got email notifications for all the interesting posts above!!!

I really do appreciate the different schools of thought. But I have to agree with Obsessive Compulsive. This in spite of my feeling totally different when starting this thread (and apologies for wasting everybody's time here). I'm not a collector and never intended to be one. This guitar was actually ordered for practical reasons (shorter scale length and ultra thin neck). The connection to Kramer, Buddy, Vivian, and the rest obviously played a part in the decision making process. Not to mention the connection, to me (in my mind only of course), to the '80's (my first attempt at this). And yes: I was disappointed in the tone but there's nothing wrong with the guitar etc. It's just that it doesn't sound like Vivian's Charvel of 1983/1984. That's a mistake I made i.e. I just ASSUMED that it would sound something like that bearing in mind that up until now I've never bothered with things like pickups and wood types and stuff like that and didn't know enough about things at the time. I've always just had stock Charvels and Jacksons and although their tone is "right" for me (subject to some pending mods. to at least one of my Jacksons as everyone is no doubt aware) I've always had a hard time getting anywhere because I have small hands. I only learned of the Jackson Dinky range (thinner necks) because I had to wait a few months for the Blaze build. So have ended up with two Jackson Dinkys which I absolutely adore too and those are my "players". Now if I were not as fortunate as I am to have more than just this guitar well, maybe, things would be different and maybe modding it wouldn't seem like such a bad idea. But I really don't NEED to mod. it let's face it. I say this but maybe the same thing would have happened regardless i.e. it really did "take my breath away" when I saw it for the first time. Maybe I would still have felt the same way EVEN IF it was my only guitar and THEN gone out and bought another Jackson as my "player". I'll never know I guess. Then again: I guess the answer lies in the fact that I cannot ever see myself taking this guitar to a club or something i.e. I'd be a nervous wreck and not be able to enjoy myself.

So I guess to summarise (the way I see things anyway):

Is it a collector's piece??? It's debatable let's face it. It's not "one of a kind" but it is indeed one of only twenty five that will ever be made (not quite sure which number it is but I have that on the Certificate of Authenticity I think).

Is it a pristine instrument??? Hell yeah!!! You cannot begin to compare this with any stock guitar in terms of craftsmanship and quality (obviously myself and others have compared it to similar priced, but stock, guitars including, but not limited to, Ibanez Artist Custom and Jackson Pro Series both of which are sold by our biggest retailer here and they have them in stock).

Is it going to appreciate, or depreciate, in value??? I know not. And it doesn't matter (to me now and after all this discussion). One thing I'm pretty sure of though: my mucking about with it (even if I'm careful and nothing untoward happens) even by simply changing pickups is sure not going to be doing it any favors in the value department let's face it. I mean to say let's get practical here. Let's say for the sake of argument that Vivian's white Charvel did indeed become available and I HAD to sell this to fund that purchase??? I'm pretty sure that it'll make a big difference to any potential buyer that it's in original condition as opposed to my saying "well it's original but the only things that I've changed are... (spares are in the case)". And actually as I typed this: good case in point!!! If by some magic I managed to get my hands on that white Charvel of Vivian's??? Would I play it??? Probably not!!! LOL!!! And you can be sure that's got more than a few scratches and dings on it by now (that's if it even still exists). Dunno whether this would make me a "dumb ass" or a collector!!! LOL!!!

I suppose in short: the guitar itself, for a variety of reasons, is worth far more to me than its intrinsic value.

I guess if the truth be told: because I don't play it and hardly see it I kinda lost sight of what it actually means to me hence my "getting a bee in my bonnet" the other day and starting this thread.

I'm glad, and thankful to all (well some anyway!!! LOL!!!), that this thread sort of "stopped me in my tracks".

Would still look nice with Synyster Gates Invaders though......... LOL!!!

Regards,

Dale.

P.S.

ALL of the above being said: if anybody knows what happened to THIS guitar......... Let's "talk"!!! Vivian??? Anybody??? By the way: I do literally mean THIS guitar not some copy or the other but THIS guitar. And in case you're wondering: I did try to explore this avenue with my favorite, and only, luthier but, for reasons unbeknown to me to this day, met with, let's call it, "resistance". I mean that would have been the logical avenue to explore let's face it. But alas: "no joy".

VivCharvel.JPG

Dio Fresno.jpg
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Please, the problem is through your eyes. Don't impose it on other people.

It's subjective. For example, I see a lot of guys put money on 80s shredsticks despite the scratches and dings and sometimes crack. Some guys choose the original RG550 from 1987 over the reissue for whatever reason. They must see some value in it.

We are not talking collectability here of course, but to me it's a dumb move. I will never be the next idiot to spend my hard-earned cash on ancient history relic with scratches and dings. But if some guys want to exercise their prerogative to be a dumb ass, be my guess.

I don’t know why you’re getting pissed off from my post.
You yourself said it’s subjective. And it’s my personal belief that this particular guitar we are talking about has no collector value. It’s my opinion that if it were me, I’d swap those pickups without hesitation. If you feel differently, that’s fine.
But theres no need to get upset at me.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Hello.

For what it's worth: I ain't upset with anybody i.e. I appreciate the input on all sides. Besides: told you the other day that your guitars are probably more collectible than this one.

Here's a little curved ball. I bring this up only for the sake of discussion.

The fretboard on this guitar has shrunk EVER so slightly (and I do mean EVER so slightly and only at the top). While the frets are still "buttery smooth" I can feel the difference between when it arrived and now but only really when I've cleaned it i.e. when I run my hands up and down the neck with a cloth in my hand. (I know what bad fretwork feels like i.e. when my second Jackson arrived you could open bottle caps with the frets) (or "shred" your fingers anyway) (new meaning to the word "shredder"!!! LOL!!!). So: assuming that this was to be kept in "original" condition (collectible or not) does one just leave this or take it to a luthier to have them sorted (I make the assumption that all has "settled" by now) (and this isn't something I'd attempt on my own for sure). Point is: this is not a "mod.". But it'd be work having been done on it.

As I say: being mentioned for the sake of argument and discussion is all (given that it's not being played, not to mention almost imperceptible, I've not bothered about it).

Regards,

Dale.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Hello.

For what it's worth: I ain't upset with anybody i.e. I appreciate the input on all sides. Besides: told you the other day that your guitars are probably more collectible than this one.

Here's a little curved ball. I bring this up only for the sake of discussion.

The fretboard on this guitar has shrunk EVER so slightly (and I do mean EVER so slightly and only at the top). While the frets are still "buttery smooth" I can feel the difference between when it arrived and now but only really when I've cleaned it i.e. when I run my hands up and down the neck with a cloth in my hand. (I know what bad fretwork feels like i.e. when my second Jackson arrived you could open bottle caps with the frets) (or "shred" your fingers anyway) (new meaning to the word "shredder"!!! LOL!!!). So: assuming that this was to be kept in "original" condition (collectible or not) does one just leave this or take it to a luthier to have them sorted (I make the assumption that all has "settled" by now) (and this isn't something I'd attempt on my own for sure). Point is: this is not a "mod.". But it'd be work having been done on it.

As I say: being mentioned for the sake of argument and discussion is all (given that it's not being played, not to mention almost imperceptible, I've not bothered about it).

Regards,

Dale.

That post wasn’t aimed at you my friend.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Hello.

For what it's worth: I ain't upset with anybody i.e. I appreciate the input on all sides.

Dale.

Good -then I'll be honest -I'll paint that guitar for you as a favor -if we can just make the world a better place one guitar at a time :lmao:

I kid I kid.

Congrats on your cathartic experience - If it means something to you that's all that matters -forget anything with collecting for a future market (its a trap)

But honestly, you should play that thing more often -no guitar can be trusted if it has no nicks or scratches.

Guitars were made to be played -don't waste it's hair metal life force.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Hello.
Good -then I'll be honest -I'll paint that guitar for you as a favor -if we can just make the world a better place one guitar at a time :lmao:

I kid I kid.

Congrats on your cathartic experience - If it means something to you that's all that matters -forget anything with collecting for a future market (its a trap)

But honestly, you should play that thing more often -no guitar can be trusted if it has no nicks or scratches.

Guitars were made to be played -don't waste it's hair metal life force.
Thanks for the offer. I will surely bear that in mind. Can you make it look like Vivian's Charvel in the pics. above??? LOL!!! (It may be the closest I come to THAT guitar by the looks of things!!! LOL!!!).

Thanks for you post too. WAY too funny in places!!! LOL!!!

(Edit)

For those interested (all three or four of you): I hit a bit of a "luck" today it would seem. The Boss NS-2 that I ordered was taking too long to materialise so the supplier let me cancel the order and order something else. Three guesses??? One SD Invader on its way!!! Just had to pay in a little is all. Figured I'd just get the bridge version for now i.e. I need to know FOR SURE if these pickups (the SD Invader and/or the DM Super Distortion) are gonna fit in my black Jackson. For the very first time I, tonight only, actually just realised that the bridge pickup rings on the Jacksons are higher than the neck pickup rings. I looked this up and apparently in the '80's Charvel/Jackson had bigger or oversized pickups that were raised at the bridge. But I've measured everything (using a StewMac digital caliper) and the pickups themselves and the pickup rings are identical in dimension to the Blaze's SD pickups (other than the height of the bridge pickup ring as noted) so it looks like Jackson reverted back to standard size stock pickups but kept the bridge pickup raised for whatever reason (guess I'm gonna find out soon enough).

Regards,

Dale.
 
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Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Hello.

Thanks for the offer. I will surely bear that in mind. Can you make it look like Vivian's Charvel in the pics. above??? LOL!!! (It may be the closest I come to THAT guitar by the looks of things!!! LOL!!!).

Thanks for you post too. WAY too funny in places!!! LOL!!!

Regards,

Dale.

New Band: Hair Metal Life Force.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Oops.

You were too quick for me i.e. I edited my above post. Sorry.

Nice name. And feel like an idiot i.e. I actually Googled that!!! LOL!!!

Regards,

Dale.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

I don’t know why you’re getting pissed off from my post.
You yourself said it’s subjective. And it’s my personal belief that this particular guitar we are talking about has no collector value. It’s my opinion that if it were me, I’d swap those pickups without hesitation. If you feel differently, that’s fine.
But theres no need to get upset at me.

Not pissed off but you really are annoying. You make it sound that your voice the authority in this respect. And I wonder why you seem hell bent on making the guy change his pickups. Even after he seemed to back out of his plan to mod, you managed to double down with your hypothetical post about emailing Buddy Blaze (#28). The guy doesn't want to change his pickups man, get over it and move on...

As for future value, that's probably what people said about Ibanez Jem and Universe when they came out in the late 80s: Candy color is falling out, looks like it's made by a 12-year old girl, it's made by Ibanez, a Japanese not AMerican company, it will never compete head to head with Jackson, Ibanez is only for making copycat guitars; Steve Vai isn't EVH; etc.etc, all sorts of rationalization.

But look what happens 25 years later. Those guitars cost in excess of 5-7 thousand dollars.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Not pissed off but you really are annoying. You make it sound that your voice the authority in this respect. And I wonder why you seem hell bent on making the guy change his pickups. Even after he seemed to back out of his plan to mod, you managed to double down with your hypothetical post about emailing Buddy Blaze (#28). The guy doesn't want to change his pickups man, get over it and move on...

As for future value, that's probably what people said about Ibanez Jem and Universe when they came out in the late 80s: Candy color is falling out, looks like it's made by a 12-year old girl, it's made by Ibanez, a Japanese not AMerican company, it will never compete head to head with Jackson, Ibanez is only for making copycat guitars; Steve Vai isn't EVH; etc.etc, all sorts of rationalization.

But look what happens 25 years later. Those guitars cost in excess of 5-7 thousand dollars.

Well, we are all entitled to our opinions. And you are welcome to your wrong, stupid opinions too.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Seems like this thread took a weird turn. Since I have a reputation of killing threads (and creating awkward silences after I speak in real life) here's my experience:

If I buy a guitar that I immediately want to mod, then I never want to stop modding it. EVER. I'll go through endless cycles of replacing pickups, re-doing wiring, etc. At a certain level that's fine & fun- on the other hand, nowadays I don't want to spend that much time dealing with it. The minute I start tweaking the setup is the minute I send myself on the lifelong path of screwing with the guitar more than I actually ever play it.

Instead I've taken to gravitating toward guitars where I don't feel the need to do any mods and ideally don't need to turn a screwdriver to get working just as I want to. If I get a guitar like that, I *never* want to touch it for fear of losing that special something. Every so often I get a whim to part out or sell my project-y guitars, but I don't have the heart to yet. Just my two cents, don't expect anyone to agree, it's my own psychology.
 
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Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Let's keep this on topic and away from insults, please.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

Hello everyone.

Hmmmnnn... I see people have been busy overnight. Having a good time??? LOL!!!

Hey Silence Kid. Thanks for the post. I hear you. I'm a bit like that too i.e. once I start I ain't gonna stop. Which is exactly what's happening now i.e. buying pickups to try in my Jacksons and looking at replacing speakers in my amps. and so on and so forth. And this JUST when I'd stopped mucking about with DAW software and plugins and thought I was FINALLY going to get down and make some music!!! LOL!!!

Oh well. They say you die with your knowledge. If that's true then I'm golden. If not: guess it won't matter huh!!! LOL!!!

Thanks again for the post.

Oh and by the way (to the two of you) (yeh: you know who I'm talking to): collectors' piece or not I don't have 25 years to wait to see what happens (at least I hope not i.e that would make OLD!!! LOL!!!).

Sure would look nice with Invaders though.........

Only joking i.e ain't gonna happen. Must say I'm a bit peeved with SD i.e. contacted them over the weekend already about the Synyster Gates Invaders and no response as yet at all. Oh well. Guess it doesn't really matter as I've ordered an Invader bridge already. Still. I was quite prepared to cough the $$$ for an F-spaced Invader!!!

Regards,

Dale.
 
Re: To mod. or not to mod.

When you do get the Invader in (congrats!) you might consider using a flat or very short mounting ring like the neck usually has.
This way you will be able to back the pickup down away from the strings more without the bobbins going under or even with the ring.
Not that it matters really, but I've always liked the looks better when the bobbins are at least a tad higher than the rings after getting it adjusted.
 
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