just got a 94 epi goldtop....

[jimmy74]

Hi to all, I've just received my epiphone LP goldtop (korean made at the samick plant 1994) and was thinking of upgrading the buckers to gibson 490+498 and also getting an ABR-1 bridge and a true gibson stop bar. First doubt is with the abr-1 bridge, would it be compatible with the studs that are on these epiphones? Also any thoughts as to what other buckers would be ok?

 

thanks

[Fantana]

Congrats Jimmy on the new guitar!

 

Before anyone will answer questions, we do like a see pictures first

 

Not really sure about the bridge but someone else will know, and the humbuckers? It's all down to personal preference, but as a general rule, get the electrics upgraded first to really bring out the best of the stock ones, you might find them perfect after that? And we'll also need to know what amp you're playing it through!

[jimmy74]

I'm looking for a 70's punk to ac-dc rock style tone, and seeing that the LP customs during the 70's mounted the 490-498 combo(steve jones - sex pistols) I thought that would be a good idea.

 

anyways here are some pics:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7383552...7623348759531/

 

 

as you can see the bridge studs are quite different from the ABR-1 gibson studs I've seen so far. both bridge and stop bar are branded "jin ha" and the pickups don't have any markings underneath them.

 

any ideas?

 

Fantana congrats on that peerless casino, a friend of mine has the same model, colour and factory only it was made in 1998, absolutely fabulous, the best stock epiphone guitar I've ever tried!!

[gypsyseven]

Why should it be a Gibson tailpiece????Just take a vintage correct alluminum tailpiece-better-cheaper.

[jimmy74]

well I was taking for granted that I would get a gibson stopbar because they're usually sold together with the bridges, but if the abr-1 isn't the right replacement for this guitar, then I'll certainly consider buying something cheaper.

[Swoop]

The Gibson ABR bridge uses a much smaller diameter stud than the Epiphone bridge, so it won't fit unless you change the bushings in the guitar, which can be difficult. What I would suggest you do is go for something like a Gotoh 103B-T bridge, which I believe is the same bridge that Gibson uses on many of their guitars, or at least some of the pricier ones, but it has the larger studs to suit Epiphones. This will fit straight into the existing bridge bushings in the guitar, and is a fantastic bridge.

 

Here's a link on StewMac. Not too expensive either.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_Tune-o-matic_bridges/Gotoh_Tune-o-matic_Bridge_with_Studs_Bushings.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=19041

 

You can also get a Gotoh stop tailpiece, just be sure to get the Metric one.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_tailpieces/Gotoh_Stop_Tailpiece.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=3350

 

Or they have an Aluminium one, but it's a bit pricier, and for what? Very little discernable difference I would think.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_tailpieces/Gotoh_Aluminum_Stop_Tailpiece.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=3350

[Guest icantbuyafender]

Hi to all' date=' I've just received my epiphone LP goldtop (korean made at the samick plant 1994) and was thinking of upgrading the buckers to gibson 490+498 and also getting an ABR-1 bridge and a true gibson stop bar. First doubt is with the abr-1 bridge, would it be compatible with the studs that are on these epiphones? Also any thoughts as to what other buckers would be ok?

 

thanks[/quote']

 

 

an ABR1 and gibson stopbar will not fit.

 

you'd have to go with a tonepros ABR1 style bridge with a tonepros lightweight aluminum stopbar.

 

otherwise if you realllllly want a gibby set, youd have to plug and re-drill the holes.

[Bender 4 Life]

If you want a really punkrock sound, also consider the Gibson 496r/500t ceramic set.........brighter treble, tighter,but not as "boomy" bass.

congrats on the new guitar, and welcome to the forum

[jimmy74]

well the reason why I was thinking fo changing the pickups is that they seem to get very muddy and aren't clear at all, plus a lot of feedback and notes that jump out everywhere even when not playing. I've been playing for more than 20 years now, so I've had my fair share of guitars amps and effects, and playing this guitar struck me because it actually feels like old wood.

Other than the tone problems, I also noticed that the hi E , B and G strings seem to be quite "dead" no matter how I set up the bridge and stopbar. I doubt this has to do with the electronics, though I am also willing to change them out too, what are the best parts that I should use? CTS pots or??

 

thanks

[Guest icantbuyafender]

well the reason why I was thinking fo changing the pickups is that they seem to get very muddy and aren't clear at all' date=' plus a lot of feedback and notes that jump out everywhere even when not playing. I've been playing for more than 20 years now, so I've had my fair share of guitars amps and effects, and playing this guitar struck me because it actually feels like old wood.

Other than the tone problems, I also noticed that the hi E , B and G strings seem to be quite "dead" no matter how I set up the bridge and stopbar. I doubt this has to do with the electronics, though I am also willing to change them out too, what are the best parts that I should use? CTS pots or??

 

thanks [/quote']

 

 

hmmm, CTS pots are the best.

 

but youd have to widen the holes to get them in.

 

switchcraft makes dependable switches and jacks.

[peeper]

I'll add the good Alpha pots (the ones stew mac sells) are every bit as good as CTS, but cheaper.

[jimmy74]

2 more questions, do I need long or short shaft pots? also what size trussrod wrench do I need?

 

thanks