tjtaylor66 Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 I just picked up a nice Dot on craigslist and want to change out the alnicos for P90s. Are P90s the same size as alnicos and will they fit without alteration? I also want to paint it, any best practices on how to? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epi-curious Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 P-90s are not the same size as the humbuckers on the Dot. However, many companies make humbucker size P-90s. These get good reviews and are cost effective: GFS Mean 90 Here's a pretty good review of a variety of 'bucker sized P-90s Humbucker Sized P-90 Review Roundup As for painting the guitar - others will have to weigh in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweed2 Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 My only concern about "painting" the semi-hollow guitar is that the more finish that's on the body, the deader (if that's really a word) the sound will be. Painting a solid body guitar is one thing, but something who's sound depends on resonance, I don't know. I hear that's what Lennon was trying to accomplish when he took the finish off of his Casino, opening it up. If you want to change the color, I'd consider stripping it down first, then using a finish made specifically for guitars, like Behlens or ReRanch. I took the gloss finish on an acoustic down to the point where is was satin (about half of the finish thickness) and it made a noticeable difference in the sound. But it was a lot of work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonesomeagle1 Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 I just picked up a nice Dot on craigslist and want to change out the alnicos for P90s. Are P90s the same size as alnicos and will they fit without alteration? I also want to paint it, any best practices on how to? Thanks I don't mean to sound too heavy handed but, Question 1 Why change to a P90? What exactly are you looking for? Question 2 Is there something wrong with the finish? Why the re-paint? Definitely not an easy task. Do you have any experience in re-finishing guitars? Not something to try out for the first time on a Dot. Best to get a clunker to fool with first. Don't get me wrong, re-doing a guitar is a great exercise and accomplishment. But I would start small (snd cheap) before I tear into a Dot. ps I love my Dot ....can't you tell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjtaylor66 Posted February 14, 2016 Author Share Posted February 14, 2016 I don't mean to sound too heavy handed but, Question 1 Why change to a P90? What exactly are you looking for? Question 2 Is there something wrong with the finish? Why the re-paint? Definitely not an easy task. Do you have any experience in re-finishing guitars? Not something to try out for the first time on a Dot. Best to get a clunker to fool with first. Don't get me wrong, re-doing a guitar is a great exercise and accomplishment. But I would start small (snd cheap) before I tear into a Dot. ps I love my Dot ....can't you tell? All valid points. I already have a Dot with the exact features and finish, so am looking for ways to customize this for a different look and sound. Thought P90s would give a it a definite different sound that I currently lack in my collection, but am open to other ideas on pickup changes. Would love to change the look, but am beginning to believe the job is a bit big for my skill set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukex Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 Swap out them pups! You already have a Dot with Hummies. http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/20058-humbucker-sized-p-90-review-roundup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 p94s would be another option Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambop Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 My only concern about "painting" the semi-hollow guitar is that the more finish that's on the body, the deader (if that's really a word) the sound will be. Painting a solid body guitar is one thing, but something who's sound depends on resonance, I don't know. I hear that's what Lennon was trying to accomplish when he took the finish off of his Casino, opening it up. If you want to change the color, I'd consider stripping it down first, then using a finish made specifically for guitars, like Behlens or ReRanch. I took the gloss finish on an acoustic down to the point where is was satin (about half of the finish thickness) and it made a noticeable difference in the sound. But it was a lot of work. Sorry I just don't get that at all. Good pickups are nearly totally non micro phonic how can the amount of finish that is on the instrument possibly have an effect on how it sounds? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabar Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Sorry I just don't get that at all. Good pickups are nearly totally non micro phonic how can the amount of finish that is on the instrument possibly have an effect on how it sounds? The tone of an electric guitar is a complex interplay between the resonant vibration of the strings, wood, and pickups. It's why hollow bodies, solid bodies, and semi-hollow bodies with the same pickups sound and react differently. A thick finish on a hollow or semi-hollow body will dampen the amount of vibration of the guitar's body. When the pickups are mounted to the guitar's top, they vibrate along with the wood, causing subtle differences in the distance from the strings, which contribute to the tone. It's also why a spruce top sounds different from maple and laminated tops sound different from solid tops. Subtle, yes, but detectable to an experienced player. A thick finish on a solid body would have significantly less impact on tone, although some players say they can detect it and prefer a lighter or worn finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambop Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 The tone of an electric guitar is a complex interplay between the resonant vibration of the strings, wood, and pickups. It's why hollow bodies, solid bodies, and semi-hollow bodies with the same pickups sound and react differently. A thick finish on a hollow or semi-hollow body will dampen the amount of vibration of the guitar's body. When the pickups are mounted to the guitar's top, they vibrate along with the wood, causing subtle differences in the distance from the strings, which contribute to the tone. It's also why a spruce top sounds different from maple and laminated tops sound different from solid tops. Subtle, yes, but detectable to an experienced player. A thick finish on a solid body would have significantly less impact on tone, although some players say they can detect it and prefer a lighter or worn finish. I know this will sound a bit dismissive but most of what you have said will only make sense if you believe... I don't but I am not looking for an argument. What I will say though is a great player can add more to the sound and tone of a guitar than a coat of varnish or what the guitar is made of and will just add ... the placebo effect is an amazing thing :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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