The Ventures

Now here’s a good looking guitar, I rather like it. As with lots of these Korean guitars, it’s not terribly well built.  I’ve seen a lot worse, and I’m sure it can be sorted out. The trem’ is a little high and the owner want’s it blocked to only go down.  That’ll make sure it returns to […]

PRS – Re-fret

I don’t quite know why, but PRS have never really done it for me.  This one has bits I rather like though, and some that are truly awful! Here’s the problem though, probably the most worn frets I’ve ever come across. They’re beyond a fret-dress, they need to be replaced.  A little bit of heat helps […]

Gibson Copy – Complete overhaul

Well here’s an interesting project.  Want a Les Paul but can’s afford one?  Well I know that feeling.  There are some, not too bad, Chinese copies out there.  The trouble is the hardware tends to be rather cheap and nasty.  A decent one can be a good starting point though.  Just replace everything else!! With all […]

Ibanez RG – Service and Setup

Not quite my cup of tea, but a very nice piece of wood… It’s got a common problem, not returning to pitch when you use the trem’.  These Floyd Rose Tremolo units can be a little temperamental. It’s also missing a spring, it’s dropped out somewhere apparently. I pretty sure I know where it’ll be….. […]

Gibson SG – Bone nut, service and setup

What a beauty, I’m not sure if It’s a little extreme, but it’s got something. It’s not staying in tune very well mind you, but I think I an see why. Here’s why it’s not staying in tune:  With the strings pulling out of the slots in the nut at such an angle, they’ll be […]

Chapman – Service and Setup

I’ve not come across one of these before, rather nice though.  This one just needs a service and setup and it’ll be good as new. The biggest problem it’s got is rather self inflicted.  Someone took a sticker off it with a Brillo pad, or something equally as bad.  It’s left some really deep scratches […]

Columbus – Service and Setup

I do love big semi-acoustics, and you don’t have to spend a huge amount to get a nice one… This one’s pretty good. I’m sure that wiring isn’t original, and its in a rather untidy place. The volume and tone are rather crackly so they need a good clean. While the strings are off its also […]

Gibson ES335 – Setup

What a beautiful instrument,  Gibson seem to be doing a bit better with their quality these days, just needs a tweek here and there to make the most of it. It looks like Gibson are finally getting their act together, the frets are nice and even at least. It’s even got a nice Bone nut.   […]

Squire Stratocaster – Service and setup

There comes a point when even the best of guitars need a service and setup.  Most people will have their car serviced regularly, why not your guitar? While the strings are off I always give the fretboard a good clean. The heads were a little stiff so a little light oil. and a bit of […]

Snap Dragon, folding guitar – Setup

Here’s something unusual, a folding travel guitar.  I’ve never come across one of these before.  I’ve seen some folding guitars before, but never one that really seems to work.  Getting the folding joint right, so that it snaps into place accurately is a real problem, but these people have cracked it.  Unfortunately the playing action […]