New Casino - upgrades?

[Gopher John]

After being strictly acoustic for the last 19 years, I just got a new (used) Casino "inspired by John Lennon."

 

I'm trying to teach my kids that wanting and getting are not the same thing, so it will be stored until Christmas when it will be a gift from my wife. It might as well be at a guitar shop getting set up instead of in a closet, don't you think?

 

So my question is, what basic and/or low cost improvements should I have made?

 

First, I'll have the neck and the action checked, then what?

 

new strings (are the factories any good)?

Ivory nut?

new pots?

strap locks?

 

Any advice people could offer would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks.

[The.Traffic.Lights]

After being strictly acoustic for the last 19 years, I just got a new (used) Casino "inspired by John Lennon."

 

I'm trying to teach my kids that wanting and getting are not the same thing, so it will be stored until Christmas when it will be a gift from my wife. It might as well be at a guitar shop getting set up instead of in a closet, don't you think?

 

So my question is, what basic and/or low cost improvements should I have made?

 

First, I'll have the neck and the action checked, then what?

 

new strings (are the factories any good)?

Ivory nut?

new pots?

strap locks?

 

Any advice people could offer would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

New strings - check (you buy a used one, right? So I would guess it ALREADY doesn't have stock strings, and in any case it's always better to have new strings in a newly bought guitar), straplocks - check, nut - maybe, but I would definately give stock one a try.

As for everything else - give it a ride, and you'll see whether you want to change anything at all. IBJL Casinos are fairly good guitars, so there is no necessity to upgrade it right away. Besides, it takes time to understand what kind of sound you actually want to get (talking about pickup upgrade). By the way, swapping electronics is a PITA on a hollowbody, so for that you would've needed to spend some for a luthier.

 

Oh, and just in case - check the fret wear, though I doubt it would be a problem on a IBJL Casino.

[Dennis G]

+1. Definitely new strings, and for now I'd just get a basic setup (i.e. action, truss rod adj if necessary, etc.) and a good going over for any little defects or things that don't work, if any. After you've played it for a while, you'll know what you want to change, if anything.

[Gunner]

The electronics in that guitar are pretty much top notch (USA pickups, switchcraft jack and switch, full size pots). Not sure what you could do to improve them. I would just go for a good set up as mentioned above including checking the nut slots and frets. The one I had needed the nut slots lowered a bit and also badly needed a fret leveling.

[tweed1]

Adding strap locks (Schaller)is always the first order of business when I get a new guitar. Its a totally reversable mod that's inexpensive and could conceivably save you a lot of money down the road. I'm not a fan of the base-of-the-neck strap button location that 335s, Casinos, etc., have as thay always feel like they want to fall away from me, pulling off of the button. I moved mine to the upper bout (playing position). That way when I change between my Casino, Ric 360 and Strat, I can use the same strap for all three without adjusting it. And it just feels more secure. Although I did wince while drilling the new hole to do it. That part is pretty premanent. Enjoy your new guitar.

[diverden]

Some decent 10-46 strings and check the setup. Shouldn't need anything else.

[Whitmore Willy]

1. After being strictly acoustic for the last 19 years, I just got a new (used) Casino "inspired by John Lennon."

2. I'm trying to teach my kids that wanting and getting are not the same thing, so it will be stored until Christmas when it will be a gift from my wife.

3. So my question is, what basic and/or low cost improvements should I have made?

First, I'll have the neck and the action checked, then what?

4. Ivory nut?

Any advice people could offer would be greatly appreciated.

John,

 

First, Welcome to the forum!

 

1.Congrats on the Guitar. I'm sure you will love it.

2.Congrats on your wisdom. Setting a good example is...well...exemplary. More parents should do it.

3.Good choice unless you want to try it yourself. There is plenty of good information in the DIY thread at the top in the Epi Lounge. It's not rocket science and can be fun.

4.Don't support the killing of elephants. There are too few already.

"Tusq brand" nuts are synthetic ivory and most that use them love them.

Bone is also traditional. Most come from cows. No foul there....

I eat steak as often as possible to help eliminate green house gasses.

Willy