Sound post and GFS Retrotron Nashvill...

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Author Message Mty Username: Mty Registered: 12-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 8:47 am:    Finally got it together to make some mods I've been planning for a while on my AG75. I benefited from a lot of research on the net first so thought I’d throw my experience out there for the next guy who is looking into this. I was looking for a sharper, more versatile tone, less feedback, and more sustain. First up was the sound block (sound post), a block of basswood cut and sanded to just fit under the bridge. No glue here, just held in place by the shape of the guitar. I've also heard of people using large dowels to do this. The sound block gave the guitar a firmer feel, less feedback, and longer sustain. Next up were GFS Retrotron Nashville pickups. My first run with a solder, but not too difficult. The hot wires were easy, but I had a harder time with the large ground wires, which I could not get to adhere with the solder to the underside of the pots where the other ground were attached. I attached the ground by wrapping/taping to existing ground wires and have not had problems (yet). Love the Retrotron pickups! Good versatile sound for blues, rockabilly, etc, but not so hot that you can’t get some clean jazzy tones on the neck pickup. Really makes the AG75 come alive, and a great price. Not for the smokey jazz purist, but a good call for me. I think I’m set on mods at this point. I considered chrome knobs but ended up sticking with the stock black knobs which I think blend better w/the sunburst. Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 9:25 am:    Wow, looks like you did a great job. Thanks very much for posting the photos - makes the modification more interesting and easier to comprehend. I wish I would have thought to take photos of my modifications in a step by step manner as you have. Thanks again for posting the photos and describing your modification to your AG75. Darryl Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 3:40 pm:    Nice job. It really goes to show just how versatile the AG design is. Jazz machine to R&R machine in a blink of an eye. When will you be installing the Bigsby? BTW, how about that AGS83? Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 4:23 pm:    you'll have to call it a semi hollow now Mty Username: Mty Registered: 12-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 4:25 pm:    Not in the market right now, but the AGS83 does looks sweet! Has anyone played one? How much "hollow" tone does it deliver? Wildfield Username: Wildfield Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 6:33 pm:    There is one at my local shop (Guitar Showcase) although I don't remember the price. As I recall it is very reasonably priced. Neck felt like the AG75; body depth was a little shallower than the AG75. I did not plug it in but I suspect it sounds like an AG75 with more sustain. Felt a tad heavy to me, but for obvious reasons. Benito1300 Username: Benito1300 Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 9:00 pm:    i'm glad you're happy with the retrotrons, mark. the liverpools in my AS73 continue to bring both me and my wallet joy since i installed them around a month ago. the soundpost's a cool idea for cutting down on dreaded microphonic feedback too.

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