Has anyone ever made non-reversible modifications to a CS guitar? I just did.

[MARICOPAA]

I'm curious to know how many other folks have made mods to their custom shop axes that cannot be undone. I'd love to see some examples if you all have any. I'm guessing responses will range from "it's a tool; make it work for you" through "think of the resale value" to "that's why partscasters exist".

I'm sure pickup swaps are the most common guitar mod, but the original ones can always be swapped back in. I guess refrets would technically fall in this "un-reversible" category, but I view those more as necessary maintenance.

As for me, I just had the mythical B16 Bigsby installed along with a Mastery Bridge. I was reluctant initially and the whole thing was a bit of a....journey, but in the end, I'm really happy with how it plays and feels. It's already turning heads at the first couple of gigs I've used it on. Glad I took the plunge. And, as an added bonus, I now have easy truss rod adjustments thanks to the enormous neck shim.

Yep … deepened the neck pocket on my John ENGLISH ‘Stealth Esquire’ to set the neck farther into the pocket and get the strings closer to the hidden neck and middle pickups!

Worked great … sounds better and plays beautifully!!

Never thought twice about

 

[Peegoo]

Isn't that you pay the big bucks?

I paid $600 for that Lake Placid Blue CS Tele. Story here:

Price Mistake at GC

A few days ago I stopped by a local-ish GC to look around and kill some time. While the wife was off trying basses, I noticed a Daphne Blue Squier CV Jazzmaster. I picked it up and was pleasantly surprised by how well it played, particularly since I have played many guitars at GC that...

www.tdpri.com

 

[luthierwnc]

I'm curious to know how many other folks have made mods to their custom shop axes that cannot be undone. I'd love to see some examples if you all have any. I'm guessing responses will range from "it's a tool; make it work for you" through "think of the resale value" to "that's why partscasters exist".

I'm sure pickup swaps are the most common guitar mod, but the original ones can always be swapped back in. I guess refrets would technically fall in this "un-reversible" category, but I view those more as necessary maintenance.

As for me, I just had the mythical B16 Bigsby installed along with a Mastery Bridge. I was reluctant initially and the whole thing was a bit of a....journey, but in the end, I'm really happy with how it plays and feels. It's already turning heads at the first couple of gigs I've used it on. Glad I took the plunge. And, as an added bonus, I now have easy truss rod adjustments thanks to the enormous neck shim.

I re-fretted one a couple years back. sh

 

[Maguchi]

I'm curious to know how many other folks have made mods to their custom shop axes that cannot be undone. I'd love to see some examples if you all have any. I'm guessing responses will range from "it's a tool; make it work for you" through "think of the resale value" to "that's why partscasters exist".

I'm sure pickup swaps are the most common guitar mod, but the original ones can always be swapped back in. I guess refrets would technically fall in this "un-reversible" category, but I view those more as necessary maintenance.

As for me, I just had the mythical B16 Bigsby installed along with a Mastery Bridge. I was reluctant initially and the whole thing was a bit of a....journey, but in the end, I'm really happy with how it plays and feels. It's already turning heads at the first couple of gigs I've used it on. Glad I took the plunge. And, as an added bonus, I now have easy truss rod adjustments thanks to the enormous neck shim.

Naah, had 5 or 6 of 'em over the years. Still got one, but never felt the need or urge to modify any of 'em. They're usually pretty amazing the way they come outta the custom shop.

 

[msalama]

I'd have no qualms modifying a CS axe, but anything vintageyish I would, and will, leave well alone.

 

[Lonn]

IMO you've already spent a lot of money on a guitar that will probably get played a lot. Making mods to make it EXACTLY what you want only makes sense to me.

 

[Matthias]

There are companies that offer higher-end or different components to the Custom Shop. Fair game to switch out to make it your perfect guitar. I’d go as far as to say a used CS at a decent price could be a good platform to add high-end and boutique parts to make it a personalised spec.

 

[Duncan]

The 60's Tele used to be Candy Apple Red, and the Pro Jr was formerly tweed.

I had a little wagon I imported and restored, and used to display these in the back at car shows.

 

[Sea Devil]

It looks absolutely fantastic! Good move, IMO.

 

[CraigL]

Have I done any non-reversible mods? This one is Potentially “non reversible” but I’m confident I can get it back to stock
View attachment 1065043

Memories! 15-year old me used a drill to route out the middle pickup for a humbucker on my new-at-the-time 1977 Strat. Still have the guitar, although the HB didn't stay in very long.

 

[Cyberi4n]

Never owned a CS. If I did, I’d either buy one new to my exact spec so probably little need to modify it; or purchase a S/H one in which case it’s as fair game for modification as any other guitar.


If I was buying a vintage for big bucks, I’d leave that alone as the reason for buying it would be its vintage provenance…

 

[ponycar]

Good for you. The whole preserving a car or guitar for the unknown next owner is just a sad neurosis.

 

[Boreas]

Have I done any non-reversible mods? This one is Potentially “non reversible” but I’m confident I can get it back to stock
View attachment 1065043

It will buff out.

 

[Boreas]

OP:

That ain't bad! I thought maybe you ran over it with a fork truck.

 

[Minivan Megafun]

Well, I guess if you don't care about tanking the resale value. Hell, I've found even having non-OEM pickups in a production line guitar hurts the resale.

Personally, I'd never refinish a guitar. With the wide availability of compatible aftermarket bodies I'd just order another body finished in the colour I want and then swap the body and put the original in a box in case I ever did decide to sell the guitar.

I'm a bit surprised at the number of people willing to take power tools to their CS instruments.

 

[lowatter]

I have a MIM '95 Fender "Squier Series" strat that I was considering painting the body Malibu Blue metallic. Even though they don't go for a hell've lot, I just can't do it. There's an identical one listed on the verb for $600+ shipping. It's completely original and plays better than any strat I've played.
OP...it's your guitar and as others said, it may devalue it some but I do think it looks badass.

 

[Duncan]

The whole preserving a car or guitar for the unknown next owner is just a sad neurosis.

Yes. I take ugly, worn out things and make them work (and look) like new. I'm very sad and suffering. I don't enjoy it at all.

I'm currently seeking professional help. Thanks for making me realize this. I appreciate it. Have a great day!

 

[Raising Arizona]

I have a MIM '95 Fender "Squier Series" strat that I was considering painting the body Malibu Blue metallic. Even though they don't go for a hell've lot, I just can't do it. There's an identical one listed on the verb for $600+ shipping. It's completely original and plays better than any strat I've played.
OP...it's your guitar and as others said, it may devalue it some but I do think it looks badass. View attachment 1069158

Do it!! Get that crap poly finish off and paint it with nitro it’ll weigh 5lbs less and might even ring nicer…. Actually it will