New Tele mod (Need Help)

[ajd1992]

I just got a stl50 BSB RN from SX and I am now looking into beginning the modding process.

The first things I was looking at was the nut and the saddles

These for the saddles.
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Upgrade-...Six_p_773.html

This for the nut
http://www.graphtech.com/product-132-2/

I am also completely clueless on whether or not I need to rewire and change pots and everything..

And then I am having a dilema where I cannot decide on what pickups I want to put in it.

I have heard good things about the twisted Tele, Texas Specials, Nocasters and other more boutique pickups.

I am looking for the best sound for my money, I do not have $200 to spend on pickups and would like to keep it under $100

I know their is a lot of questions here but I would really appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks.

[ChameleonGuitar]

Forgive me for sounding rude, but I don't understand why this should be called a build if you're not building anything.

[ajd1992]

tele mod? Sorry.

[ChameleonGuitar]

The guy who just posted this thread http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home...ster-help.html was gonna get that same cheap guitar and I was trying to talk him out of it. You can read my post on his thread as to why I wouldn't bother with it. But you already have it so you're stuck with it (unless you are able to get a refund) I know this is gonna sound really rude or at least harsh but the money you'll spend replacing parts on that guitar to get it playing decent and sound good at all could've bought you a nice used guitar that you wouldn't have to change parts on.

[ajd1992]

I have read Many times that this is one of if not the best modding platforms for the money. I don't have $500 to spend on a guitar so this is what I want to do. I didn't ask for criticism on the guitar but advice on parts.

[glen smith]

Have you played this guitar yet? I think that if you want to go about modding this guitar, you can take it one step at a time and replace components that will improve the sound and playability. There is no sense (IMHO) in replacing parts just for the sake of replacing them.

[ajd1992]

I agree I just thought I would do some basic stuff to improve the overall tone of it.

[ChameleonGuitar]

You asked for advice. The tuners will be junk, bridge probably also, pickups, wouldn't hope for a whole lot of tone, and it will undoubtedly need a complete setup, including a fret leveling. Just not worth my time, maybe it's worth yours.

[fretman_2]

+1 on this. Don't assume everything needs to be fixed or replaced. You can say that, generally, it may need tuners, proper set up, etc. If the guitar stays in tune, then the tuners are ok (and nut slots too). If you can get a low action without buzz, then the frets are ok. If you like a high action, it doesn't matter. If it sounds good to you, then the pups are fine.

Don't tell anyone what it cost and play the hell out of it!

Originally Posted by glen smith

Have you played this guitar yet? I think that if you want to go about modding this guitar, you can take it one step at a time and replace components that will improve the sound and playability. There is no sense (IMHO) in replacing parts just for the sake of replacing them.

[guitarbuilder]

Is there something wrong with the electronics? Does the switch work OK? Do the controls work as they should? IF the answer is yes, work on something else that might impact how easy it is to play. Get it set up and the frets leveled. Just my opinion.

[R. Stratenstein]

Yeah, in your shoes, I think I'd take a step back and ask myself--"what's the worst thing about this guitar?--the thing that bothers me the most and I'd like to change?"-- As far as just doing things to make it better, the only generic thing I think I'd recommend is a set-up to how you like to play, and the kind of action you like.

Most factory guitars can always benefit from a good set up. Get a copy (I got mine used from half.com) of Dan Earlewine's Guitar set up or repair books--they're loaded with information that can help you understand what makes a guitar sound like it does, and how to modify it. With the book, you may be able to modify your existing set up, nut, saddles, etc. to make it sound good without just pulling parts off and replacing them. Especially with the nut, you're not going to just bolt on a new one, it'll have to be set up for your axe, so why not try fixing the one you've got first? Save $$ for other mods that you'd like.

[Loudog99]

I don't see the harm in replacing parts for the sake of improving a guitar or just because one likes to tinker. Those SX's are indeed good platforms; nice chunky maple necks and ash and alder bodies. Even if you put another $200 into it it's under $325 and you'll get a great guitar. From my experience, the GFS stainless steel saddles, a Tusq nut, Wilkinson EZ Lock Tuners or Vintage Kulson Style, CTS pots and Switch, Sprague orang drop cap, and any of the GFS tele pickups are all worthwhile upgrades that will give you a monster guitar with good quality parts for about $200. I don't currently have any SXs, but I do still have one of the necks off an ASH model, it's bound maple and I love it.

These are mods that I did to several SX guitars in the past and all stacked up against any Fender MIM out there. In terms of setup, plan on doing a fret level, crown, and polish. It's not difficult and there are great tutorials on this site. All guitars need this because most factories are not doing this to stock guitars. Again, nothing wrong with modding a cheap solid platform to get a killer guitar. Have fun with it.

[Greg M]

If everything works (electronics) I would start with ease of play. How well are the nut slots cut? For a Chinese guitar, I would assume they are cut poorly but maybe you lucked out. A setup that doesn't annoy you when you play will make a world of difference.

If the pickups sound weak, try replacing the Chinese pots with good quality CTS pots. A lot of times, the pickups will be okay and pot replacement will make a significant difference. PIO caps might be a good idea too.

I agree with the posters that say play it until something bothers you, then work on modding it. I like a top end guitar as much as the next guy, but the truth is you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a decent playing guitar.

[tomringg]

Ld99 summed it up quite nicely!