CherryRedRocker Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 I have an Epiphone G400 Faded ('16 or '17 model), and since my uncle's coming from the US of A in January, I'm thinking of getting some upgrades for it. Nothing too expensive, since I'm still a beginner ($150 hence, is a very optimistic budget). I'm thinking of getting a strap for ~$35, and for the pickups, I'm looking to split them. Is this worthwhile? What other upgrades could I fit into my budget? No nut upgrades please, as I don't have access to a good tech! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
212West Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 I have an Epiphone G400 Faded ('16 or '17 model), and since my uncle's coming from the US of A in January, I'm thinking of getting some upgrades for it. Nothing too expensive, since I'm still a beginner ($150 hence, is a very optimistic budget). I'm thinking of getting a strap for ~$35, and for the pickups, I'm looking to split them. Is this worthwhile? What other upgrades could I fit into my budget? No nut upgrades please, as I don't have access to a good tech! Maybe invest in some cool pink strings or something but I wouldn't get too hopped up on splitting those pickups unless they are 4 conductor wire type, it won't happen Best upgrade is just clean it up real good, get the strap, and have some fresh strings on it and impress him with your chops. I'm sure your ability will win him more than a few new parts on the guitar which being as new as it is maybe it doesn't really need much. Probably not what you wanted to hear but that's me Best of luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherryRedRocker Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 Maybe invest in some cool pink strings or something but I wouldn't get too hopped up on splitting those pickups unless they are 4 conductor wire type, it won't happen Best upgrade is just clean it up real good, get the strap, and have some fresh strings on it and impress him with your chops. I'm sure your ability will win him more than a few new parts on the guitar which being as new as it is maybe it doesn't really need much. Probably not what you wanted to hear but that's me Best of luck! Lol I wasn't talking about impressing my uncle. I meant that I can get parts from the US, which are not available in India... Would an electronics upgrade (caps and stuff) be noticeable for me? (Is it even needed?) And what's a 4 conductor wire type pickup? How do I know if mine are like that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
212West Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Lol I wasn't talking about impressing my uncle. I meant that I can get parts from the US, which are not available in India... Would an electronics upgrade (caps and stuff) be noticeable for me? (Is it even needed?) And what's a 4 conductor wire type pickup? How do I know if mine are like that? The faded has standard Epiphone pickups with 2 conductor wire. I couldn't upgrade mine until a new set of Duncan's were installed, then I had to upgrade the pots. The entire job cost around $180, this was 2008, I don't do that kind of work, so I had to get someone to help me. You might have to look for new pickups, especially if you're wanting to split, but there are good choices like GFS that don't cost much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherryRedRocker Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 The faded has standard Epiphone pickups with 2 conductor wire. I couldn't upgrade mine until a new set of Duncan's were installed, then I had to upgrade the pots. The entire job cost around $180, this was 2008, I don't do that kind of work, so I had to get someone to help me. You might have to look for new pickups, especially if you're wanting to split, but there are good choices like GFS that don't cost much. Hmm... changing pickups is one lane I don't wanna go down right now. I guess I'll just work on my playing then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherryRedRocker Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 Hmm... changing pickups is one lane I don't wanna go down right now. I guess I'll just work on my playing then. Can you suggest a good leather strap? Something in black, hopefully! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victek Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 I have an Epiphone G400 Faded ('16 or '17 model), and since my uncle's coming from the US of A in January, I'm thinking of getting some upgrades for it. Nothing too expensive, since I'm still a beginner ($150 hence, is a very optimistic budget). I'm thinking of getting a strap for ~$35, and for the pickups, I'm looking to split them. Is this worthwhile? What other upgrades could I fit into my budget? No nut upgrades please, as I don't have access to a good tech! A good strap is a good upgrade As for adding coil splitting you would probably have to change the pickups. I would try a guitar that has coil splitting first to see if you like the effect. I have two guitars with that feature and never use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad penguin Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Tuners are always a good upgrade, along with strap locks. I personally think another upgrade worth the money is a new bridge and tail piece. I find the Epi bridges to be somewhat of a rattle trap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
212West Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Can you suggest a good leather strap? Something in black, hopefully! I have a Vorson black leather strap, thick, long. Worth the $: https://www.zzounds.com/item--VORD0TL (keep away from the alligator skin version. It peels) I also like the D'Addario/Planet Waves strap from Amazon- these are thin and light but work great for my needs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037M62KA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherryRedRocker Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 I have a Vorson black leather strap, thick, long. Worth the $: https://www.zzounds.com/item--VORD0TL (keep away from the alligator skin version. It peels) I also like the D'Addario/Planet Waves strap from Amazon- these are thin and light but work great for my needs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037M62KA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 How's suede as a strap material? There's one from Levy's but it's only 2 inches: https://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathers-MS12-BRN-2-inch-Suede-Leather/dp/B00074IITO/ref=sr_1_23?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1509816111&sr=1-23&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A5651833011&th=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
212West Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 How's suede as a strap material? There's one from Levy's but it's only 2 inches: https://www.amazon.com/Levys-Leathers-MS12-BRN-2-inch-Suede-Leather/dp/B00074IITO/ref=sr_1_23?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1509816111&sr=1-23&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A5651833011&th=1 Nice, Could be heavy really doesn't look it though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherryRedRocker Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 Nice, Could be heavy really doesn't look it though Any idea which strap locks fit without modification (no drilling) on the g400? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffytune Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 The Dunlop strap locks do not require drilling, just remove the original strap buttons and used the holes already there. I would also suggest locking tuners, it makes changing strings faster and it keeps it in tune better. You could get the switchcraft pots and orange drop caps, but you will need to be able to solder then in. Same with a switchcraft switch and jack. If you check e-bay, there are a number of sellers that have re-pot kits for Epi's and they usually come with wiring instructions. I can do it, but then again, I am a tech, so it's kinda in the job discretion. I would not coil tap them, the pick ups you have are quite good as they are, they just need better electronics to get them to sound better. I hope this helps. JT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherryRedRocker Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 The Dunlop strap locks do not require drilling, just remove the original strap buttons and used the holes already there. I would also suggest locking tuners, it makes changing strings faster and it keeps it in tune better. You could get the switchcraft pots and orange drop caps, but you will need to be able to solder then in. Same with a switchcraft switch and jack. If you check e-bay, there are a number of sellers that have re-pot kits for Epi's and they usually come with wiring instructions. I can do it, but then again, I am a tech, so it's kinda in the job discretion. I would not coil tap them, the pick ups you have are quite good as they are, they just need better electronics to get them to sound better. I hope this helps. JT Is there a noticeable difference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffytune Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 Is there a noticeable difference? It's subjective, but I can hear it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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