Installations & Upgrades

Stripped and Broken Screws on Guitars

The Unabridged Calico Journal, General Maintenance, Installations & Upgrades, REPAIR TECHNIQUES, Structural Repair /

Solid body electric guitars typically use a variety of wood screws to secure the different components such as tuning machines, strap buttons, bridges, and pickguards to the body. The use of common wood screws provides a quick and secure method for installation and the eventual removal of the hardware when required. Though typically reliable, factors such as incorrect installation and storage, or heavy use, can lead to the need for maintenance and repair.

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Electric Guitar Pickup Replacement

The Unabridged Calico Journal, Electronics, Installations & Upgrades, PARTS & MATERIALS, REPAIR TECHNIQUES /

Pickup replacements are a popular way for guitarists to personalize their instruments. Swapping out the stock pickups in an inexpensive guitar is often a huge tonal improvement no matter what model of replacement you chose.

While pickup installation may seem as simple as removing and replacing a few wires, there is more to a clean, reliable, installation than meets the eye. Specialized tools and ample experience are required to achieve a dependable outcome.

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Mitchel’s PlateMate

Installations & Upgrades, General Maintenance, IDEAS & DISCOVERIES, PARTS & MATERIALS, REPAIR TECHNIQUES, The Unabridged Calico Journal /

The bridge plate is an integral part of the internal support structure of an acoustic guitar. As part of the bracing system, it helps to support the instrument top and resist the pulling force exerted upon the instrument by the strings.

Mitchel’s PlateMate is designed to protect your guitar’s bridge plate from damage caused by ball-end strings. It is made from solid brass and installs in minutes. Should the need arise, the plate can be removed almost as easily!

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Highwood Vintage Contoured Strat Saddles

The Unabridged Calico Journal, IDEAS & DISCOVERIES, Installations & Upgrades, PARTS & MATERIALS /

Fender “vintage style” stamped saddles have been used for decades on Stratocasters and many other S-style guitars. Made of bent steel, they are highly adjustable and posses a classic look.

However, for some playing styles, these saddles have a major drawback. Highwood Guitars Parts HG Contoured Vintage Guitar Saddles retain the look of the original Fender design with key improvements.

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Making An Acoustic Guitar Saddle

The Unabridged Calico Journal, General Maintenance, Installations & Upgrades, MAKING, Nuts & Saddles, PARTS & MATERIALS, REPAIR TECHNIQUES /

The saddle is a vital part of an acoustic guitar. Protruding above the bridge, it is one of the primary action adjustment points for the instrument. Without a well made saddle, proper setup will not be possible. Though they can be made from many different materials, for this article, we will be focusing on the process of hand cutting a new acoustic guitar saddle out of a piece of bone.

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Replacing Crumbling Vintage Tuning Machine Buttons

The Unabridged Calico Journal, General Maintenance, Installations & Upgrades, PARTS & MATERIALS, REPAIR TECHNIQUES /

Shrunken, crumbly, plastic tuning machine buttons are not uncommon on vintage instruments. As it ages, plastic breaks down. This makes the plastic brittle. Eventually, the tuning machine’s buttons deteriorate to the point that they can no longer hold up to the pressure exerted upon them from normal use. If forced, they may fall apart entirely. This can make restringing or even simply tuning the instrument impossible

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Taylor Guitars Expression System 2 Upgrade

The Unabridged Calico Journal, Electronics, Installations & Upgrades, PARTS & MATERIALS, REPAIR TECHNIQUES /

Taylor Guitars Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup design is the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. The location of the sensors is designed with the intent of capturing more dynamic range vs other pickup types.

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Hipshot Rickenbacker Replacement Bridge for Bass

The Unabridged Calico Journal, Installations & Upgrades, PARTS & MATERIALS /

The Rickenbacker bass is a staple of rock music. They have an instantly recognizable look, with a unique feel and tone. These instruments have found a place in the hands of icons, such as Geddy Lee of Rush, Motorhead’s Lemmy, and even Sir Paul McCartney of the Beatles. However, there is always room for improvement. The Hipshot Rickenbacker replacement bridge is just that!

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