1. Changing Strings
When changing guitar strings, replace and tune one at a time, starting with the thickest. This maintains the tension on the instrument. You will have less trouble retuning because the guitar does not have to stabilise again. Also reduces risk of error when selecting string / tuning peg.
Discourage uncut string ends. Uncut long string ends can be very dangerous, especially if you play in groups where other musicians and/or audience sit close together. Also, when changing strings I wear eye protection to avoid long string ends becoming a hazard to me. A pair of medium strength side cutters are ideal for sniping the long ends near to the tuning machines and are available in the hardware stores at resonable cost.
2. Mini Vice
An elastic band secured over the handles of a pair of pliers creates a mini vice when you need a "third hand" for soldering guitar jack plugs.
Caution: avoid inhaling fumes from soldering.
3. Loose Tremolo / Vibrato Arm
Vintage style vibrato / tremolo arm on a Stratocaster electric guitar; sometimes the screw threads are too loose. A few turns of P.T.F.E. tape as used by plumbers, applied to the threads of the arm so as to wind on when screwed into the bridge block, provides just enough stiffness for the arm to stay in position when released.
GuitarSam.com e-zine, Vol.3 03 Jan 1999: MUSICAL TIPS. TIP #1---Does your electric guitar's tremolo arm have the jitters? Doesn't stay where you put it, and flops around? There are two solutions. One is to remove it, and throw it away. But probably a better alternative is to use a tiny, stiff spring that Fender includes on all American strats. Your local Fender dealer can get these for you (get a couple, they bolt for the door when you're not looking). Note: This works with any vintage-style tremolo, but not with Floyd Rose or Kahler, etc.
4. Worn Strap
Beware of worn guitar straps! The strap holes that affix to guitar strap button are notorious for failure after long term use. I secure mine with button thread.
E-mail feedback from Frank (Bassman) Laughton: Grolsch beer bottles have a red washer fitted to the top - great for placing around a guitar strap button (over the strap) in order to help retain strap.
Hmm... I've never tried Grolsch beer but I bet it's better than threading a needle. Thanks Frank. Check out Frank's Rolling Stones rhythm/slide guitar tip.
5. Bass String Repair
Bass guitar strings usually fracture at contact point with string saddle on bridge. Emergency repair : remove hollow metal current bar from a nylon terminal block and secure to string with terminal screws. This alternative string ball end will usually allow string to reach tuning peg and for gig to be successfully completed.
6. Intonation
String saddles at bridge are adjustable for optimum intonation. Modern electronic tuners make this task easier. Always make your guitar intonation checks in the playing position as they may vary when guitar is laid on a bench.
The open note should be the same as the note fretted at the 12th fret for each string. If the string is too long or short intonation will suffer.
If the note at fret 12 is higher than the open string note the string is too short.
If the note at fret 12 is lower than the open string note the string is too long.
Change the length of each string by string saddle adjustment after detuning to allow movement of saddle, then retune tocheck.
Only attempt this with new strings fitted and be aware that replacement strings may require fresh intonation adjustments.
7. String G
If on a restricted budget and strings require changing due to tuning / intonation problems consider changing string G (3rd) only. This is the most critical string, especially to the rhythm guitarist, as it is used in most chords and tends to impair intonation first.
8. Speaker Grill Fabric Repair
Loose / dented speaker grill fabric repair may be achieved by gently applying heat with hairdrier. Be careful not to overdo it! This method is easier than dismantling speaker baffle board to retension fabric. Worked a treat on my PA cabinet that looked a little shabby after 20 years gigging. :) Thanks Richard.
9. Stratocaster Switch Replacement
Pick-up selector switch as fitted to budget Stratocasters are notorious for intermittent fault.
Replace with American "open" style nickel plated contacts switch (Fender part #099-1367-000) - £10 as at June 2000 - for enhanced reliablity.
Replacement American 5 way switch connections as viewed from behind scratch plate:
Caution: The alignment of fixing holes from original switch to American switch may not exactly coincide. If neccessary file fixing holes on scratch plate to accomodate different pitch and tighten switch fixing screws gently. I found this out the hard way and cracked the scratch plate. It's a wise man that learns from his mistakes... It's an even wiser man that learns from other people's mistakes!
Most significant improvement to my guitar :)
10. String Cleaning Tips
If your guitar strings sound wooly and have lost the zing of new strings take them off and boil them for a few minutes in hot water with a dash of vinegar and after drying them replace and retune, now hear the difference! Source: Adrian
Stanley Clarke used after shave lotion to clean his bass guitar strings. It works great - also makes the guitar smell nice! Source: E-zine #125 via GuitarSite.com
11. Gig Bag Zip
Gig bag zip may become stiff especially after rain. A light application of WD40 lubricant to zip teeth ensures smooth function.
12. Electrical Safety For Entertainers
The HSE - Health and Safety Executive have published a useful electrical safety booklet which you may Google then download/read from their web site
PAT - Portable Appliance Testing (usually referred to as PAT Testing) is a process by which electrical appliances in an organisation are checked to see if they are safe. The Musicians' Union have advised me that, with time, increasing numbers of venues will ask for PAT compliance of electrical equipment e.g. amplifiers, PA systems, effects units, mixers, lighting rigs etc. used by visiting musicians. Every year in the UK approximately 30 people are killed as a result of coming into contact with electricity, and hundreds more are seriously injured. The Health & Safety Executive states that 25% of all reportable electrical accidents involve portable appliances - kettles, fridges, toasters, fax machines and computers - in other words, the appliances that you and I use every day. There are many good reasons to carry out PAT testing but probably the most compelling reason to have your equipment checked is to consider the likely consequences if you do not have the testing done and you, or one of your band, were to be killed or injured. PAT is not a legal requirement. I choose to conduct my own electrical test régime.Nearly thirty five years ago, when I first joined the MU at 17 years old, all I needed was an AC30 and a Strat and I was in business. Nowadays I need to know about PELs, PATs and MP3s etc. but I'm still gigging! :) Thanks is due to the MU for keeping me informed of all the changes our music industry has endured. Thank you Musicians' Union, God bless.
Best wishes from,
Bob Houlston #==(o )
14. Guitar Leads
When repairing or making guitar instrument leads be aware that the recommended maximum length is 18 feet or 6 metres (certainly no more than 21 feet or 7 metres). Any longer than that and the extra capacitance of the lead may attenuate the treble / high frequencies of the guitar signal resulting in a slightly "muffled" tone.
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