How to go About the Following Modifications

[Ryan0594]

Hi,

 

As much as I like my new Epiphone Dot, there are a few modifications I'm planning for it so I'm seeking all your expertise. Firstly, I'm looking to put a set of strap locks on it as I nearly broke the neck today (my third day of having it) because it fell out the strap. What brand would you recommend for my guitar and would I be able to install these myself, or should I seek the help of a professional? I'm also looking into replacing the control knobs (for volume and tone) and possibly pick-guard, so can someone point me in the direction of where sells these replacement parts?

 

One last thing I was wondering was if I could install a Bigsby Tremolo on my Dot and how hard would this be? I'm assuming I'd need to go to a professional luthier, so how much would that cost?

 

Thanks for reading & I look forward to hearing from you,

Ryan.

[brad1]

Here's a good place to start. http://store.guitarfetish.com/

I got my knobs from them. They have a lot of good stuff, including pups.

Here's what my Dot looks like.

 

[vomer]

If it's just the knobs and not the pots you want to replace, then you need to know the difference between USA pots and the pots used on most imports, as the knobs aren't interchangeable. Have a look at Jerrymac's post in this thread:

Epiphone Casino knobs thread

 

When you are sure which type shafts you have, try these places:

www.allparts.uk.com

www.wdmusic.co.uk

www.guitarpartsresource.com

 

Pickguards, try

www.pickguardian.com, or ask our member Twang. There are probably sources in the UK also.

 

Can't help with straplocks.

 

Re. the Bigsby, there's a lot of stuff online about this, I'd suggest reading up on it and deciding for yourself whether you think you are confident in being able to do it. I've never done one, but from what I read it's not hard, it just has to be done right.

[Dennis G]

Can't help with straplocks.

 

The washers from Grolsh beer bottles work just fine. You can get the same thing at any hardware store, but without the brewskies.

 

Here's a link:

http://forums.epiphone.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=7864

[Hungrycat]

Straplocks; I prefer Schaller.

 

Bigsby: Pretty idiot proof. 4 holes in the top of the guitar, BUT you have to have your alignment PERFECT.

[pohatu771]

Washers work, if you want to make taking the strap off more complicated.

 

Schaller Strap Locks are pretty simple. Slide them on, pull the tab when you want to de-strap.

 

Epiphones (as well as Fenders and most imported guitars) use a smaller screw than Gibsons, so you can use the original scew to install the strap lock.

[wiggy]

Don't know whether it's a European market thing but I found then Schaller Strap Lock screws a size smaller than the standard Epi screws and had to do the tooth pick thing on all my Epi's.

[stevie_r]

I recently managed to pick up an Epiphone Vibrato on Ebay (equivalent in terms of dimension to the Bigsby B7/ B700) and fitted it to my dot. Its not too difficult a job to do, just follow this Youtube vid:

 

 

My advice would be to check, double check, and re-check that you are happy with the alignment of the unit before you set to work with the drill!

[pohatu771]

Don't know whether it's a European market thing but I found then Schaller Strap Lock screws a size smaller than the standard Epi screws and had to do the tooth pick thing on all my Epi's.

 

I've never even tried using the Schaller screws - I take off the original peg, put the screw in the new peg, and screw it back on. Then there's no toothpicking.