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Epiphone Dot/Dot Studio Upgrade Thread


Wrench

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Hi all,

 

I have a dot and dot studio that I am preparing to upgrade from stock factory components. I am aiming to do the following initially.

 

Dot;

 

To be setup with 12's.

 

Nut Replacement

Wiring Harness Replacement

 

 

 

Dot Studio;

 

To be setup with 11's.

 

Nut Replacement

Wiring Harness Replacement

TOM bridge Replacement

Machine head Replacement

 

 

I would be interested to know of anyones thoughts and ideas regarding this. Any info would be greatly recieved.

 

Thanks.

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For nuts, you should look at Graphtec TUSQ and TUSQ XL, but I've heard the you shouldn't order direct from them, as they can be found cheaper at other places.

 

For a wiring harness, you could look at something like this if you don't want to do much soldering, or something like this if you're comfortable soldering. Or, you might be able to get these parts cheaper from websites like http://www.guitarelectronics.com/ or http://www.amplifiedparts.com/.

There isn't too much point in upgrading your electronics without also upgrading pickups though, in my opinion.

 

For a new bridge, I'd check here, and I'd personally go with the Gotoh. Some people also like to upgrade to light weight aluminum tailpieces, which are available here, also from Gotoh.

 

The Dot Studio comes stock with Grover tuners, which are pretty good. Is there any particular reason you want to upgrade?

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Wrench,

 

Sounds like a lot of fun. Hope it goes well. What kind of wiring are you going with?

Keep us up to date with updates and pics.

 

You probably already know this stuff, but...

Just in case you're interested...

 

Setup:

http://mysite.verizon.net/jazz.guitar/guitarsetup.htm

 

New nut:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/77220-beater-guitar-part-5/

 

Nut height:

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epiphone-les-pauls/199911-nut-height.html#post3869354

 

My take on pots and caps:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/83137-help-with-pots-capacitators/page__p__1137906#entry1137906

 

Wiring diagrams:

http://www.dominocs.com/AshBassGuitar/WireLibrary-Gibson.html

 

50's wiring sound samples....different volume tapers:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/83491-upgrade-your-epiphone/page__st__20__p__1153276#entry1153276

 

Good luck,

 

Willy

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For nuts, you should look at Graphtec TUSQ and TUSQ XL, but I've heard the you shouldn't order direct from them, as they can be found cheaper at other places.

 

For a wiring harness, you could look at something like this if you don't want to do much soldering, or something like this if you're comfortable soldering. Or, you might be able to get these parts cheaper from websites like http://www.guitarelectronics.com/ or http://www.amplifiedparts.com/.

There isn't too much point in upgrading your electronics without also upgrading pickups though, in my opinion.

 

For a new bridge, I'd check here, and I'd personally go with the Gotoh. Some people also like to upgrade to light weight aluminum tailpieces, which are available here, also from Gotoh.

 

The Dot Studio comes stock with Grover tuners, which are pretty good. Is there any particular reason you want to upgrade?

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for the info. Interesting note regarding upgrading the pickups too as well as the wiring. I kind of like the pickups on both but find the tolerance and roll on/off incriments too inconsistent. I was led to believe that you can achieve better control and fluidity by upgrading the harnesses and pots to 500k ones. Is this correct? I have been told by numerous sources that stock Epiphone factory fitted ones are not of a high standard and are usually the first victims to be replaced.

 

I will probably get these fitted pro once I conclude what I need.

 

As for the bridge, you are right, I will probably stump up the extra ££ for the Aluminium tail as well but my problem is that sourcing replacment black hardware upgrades is proving tricky...

 

As a side note, the saddle pieces on the bridge are exceptionally sharp, especially for lead playing/palm muting. Feels like it was forged a couple of centuries ago!

 

The tuners are probably fine but the paraoid part of me thinks it might benefit from lock-in's as she struggles to cope with the 11's that are on her at the mo. This might get resolved with a decent set up and the new nut i suspect? I bought her second hand and I dont think she was treated too well. We shall see...

 

 

Will post some pics later of the before's.

 

Great info. Thanks.

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Wrench,

 

Sounds like a lot of fun. Hope it goes well. What kind of wiring are you going with?

Keep us up to date with updates and pics.

 

You probably already know this stuff, but...

Just in case you're interested...

 

Setup:

http://mysite.verizon.net/jazz.guitar/guitarsetup.htm

 

New nut:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/77220-beater-guitar-part-5/

 

Nut height:

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/epiphone-les-pauls/199911-nut-height.html#post3869354

 

My take on pots and caps:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/83137-help-with-pots-capacitators/page__p__1137906#entry1137906

 

Wiring diagrams:

http://www.dominocs.com/AshBassGuitar/WireLibrary-Gibson.html

 

50's wiring sound samples....different volume tapers:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/83491-upgrade-your-epiphone/page__st__20__p__1153276#entry1153276

 

Good luck,

 

Willy

 

 

Willy,

 

This is great stuff, thanks!

 

I am hoping for some insight before I decide exactly what wiring to go for.

 

I will post pics up later.

 

Thanks.

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If Switchcraft jacks & switches aren't included in your wiring scope of work, I'd add them to both guitars as well.

 

Have fun!! How about some before/during/after pix?

 

I think this has now been added to my list - good call. Had'nt really considered these elements but it makes sense.

 

Thanks for the tip.

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IMHO you should think twice about just changing the wiring and keeping the original pickups in there.

While it is not THAT difficult, the process involving to fish stuff through the F-Hole is less than pleasing for many people so better take the opportunity while you are at it.

Of course all depends on the budget you set and if you plan to keep them later.

 

The Gibson Classic 57/57+ I put on my Sheraton was a very good investment in my case.

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