My Sunburst 245 is off to the PTC!

[joesnewmatch]

Well, I finally decided to go ahead and pull the trigger -- my Sunburst 245 is all boxed up and waiting for UPS to take her for a short visit to the PTC. Thus, I am no experiencing reverse NGD -- she hasn't even left yet, and I'm tapping my foot, waiting...

The PTC is going to install two push/pull knobs so I can split the existing 57/08s. I am perfectly happy with her, as-is, but the option of 8 different 57/08 settings, as opposed to just the standard 3 settings is too good to pass up -- at least I think so. I am definitely looking forward to the results!

Anyone else try this, or am I the only crazy one?

[Finnster]

That will be awesome! Can't wait to hear you report back!

[TJIann]

I didn't even know you could do that! I might have to take my 245 57/08 over there after you report back. :D

[strumbringer]

Well, I finally decided to go ahead and pull the trigger -- my Sunburst 245 is all boxed up and waiting for UPS to take her for a short visit to the PTC. Thus, I am no experiencing reverse NGD -- she hasn't even left yet, and I'm tapping my foot, waiting...

The PTC is going to install two push/pull knobs so I can split the existing 57/08s. I am perfectly happy with her, as-is, but the option of 8 different 57/08 settings, as opposed to just the standard 3 settings is too good to pass up -- at least I think so. I am definitely looking forward to the results!

Anyone else try this, or am I the only crazy one?

I did, and I love the results.

[joesnewmatch]

I did, and I love the results.

Talk about a tease! :eek: Give us a tone report!

[Jazzman]

Great idea.

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/electrical_pushpullpots.htm

[Chris T]

I did that on my SC245 cept I had the original pickups replaced with 57/08s when I had a free pickup swap. I added the coil taps on each of the tone controls to tap each pickup. I really like the combinations of having one humbucker full on with the other tapped. Adds a nice brightness to the tone-when I have the bridge tapped and the neck full on it reminds me of the 70s Telecaster Customs I used to love playing. Think Albert Collins cept not quite that bright. I don't really care for the bridge tapped alone-a bit thin and weak or both pickups tapped-also a bit thin and weak to my ears. But it was definitely a good move and you'll like it I am sure.

What good is this without a picture? :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/4078343710_d78ddff78f_o.jpg

[joesnewmatch]

Chris T, thanks for the post. That is one fine looking 3-D top you have there -- and zebras too. Very nice! It's funny that you mentioned the 70's Telecasters -- that was exactly what I was going for, creating the best of all possible worlds -- and on a short scale, too. Whoohoo!

I really appreciate all of the positive responses and encouragement. I was torn for the longest time about whether to do it, and now I can't wait to try out all of the new tricks. :D

[buildermike]

To add fuel to the fire, you can add push pulls on the volumes for a Jimmy Page mod were you can run the pickups in serial and parallel.:D

[Joel_P]

When I sent my SC245 for the pickup swap I had them add 2 taps for the tone controls and the DGT pickups. Definately some interesting tones in there for sure.

[joesnewmatch]

To add fuel to the fire, you can add push pulls on the volumes for a Jimmy Page mod were you can run the pickups in serial and parallel.:D

What, what, what??? Okay, please explain. Does this mod allow you to go from standard to Peter Green and back again, or something completely different? :confused:

[Jazzman]

From www.guitarelectronics.com, the JP config. Doesn't physically rotate the neck pup but that would be a cool trick I'd like to see!

http://cracklecdn-zoovy-2.simplecdn.net/img/guitarelectronics/W650-H650-Bffffff/W/wd2hh3t22_09jp.jpg

[joesnewmatch]

Whoohooo! Shwan just sent my tracking information -- the Sunburst 245 is on its way back home from the PTC, with 2 new push/pull pots. I can't wait to try out the new mods, but I'm guessing that it will be next week before I get it.

As for the Jimmy Page mod, Shawn said the following:

"The pots will only tap the coils of each pickup, they will not change the configuration of series or parallel."

So, no go with the JP mod. I guess that I will just have to live with a measly 8 setting options, as opposed to more than 30. :D

[joesnewmatch]

Well, she's back from the PTC, returned on Tuesday. I haven't had a chance to really put the split tones through the paces, with real volume (nothinng like having a toddler and infant at home), but the mod seems to be worth it.

The 57/08s sound good split, though not nearly as good as the split DGTs. Nevertheless, the modificaiton does add much more variety and tonal options. I think it was well worth the trouble, particularly for rhythm applications, alone. So far, the best results are with both pups split, or with one split with the other humbucker, at the same time. By itself, the split tone is kind of weak, at least in comparison to the humbuckers. Split, it cleans up the sound a bit, like a standard singlecoil. Again, not as intense and tele-ish as the DGT, but your basic, traditional singlecoil.

Overall, I'm glad I did it. If I have any epiphanes, I'll be sure to post.