Gaaaahhhh! Rewired Strat...

[SnikPlosskin]

Got polarity backwards on all three pickups. I had a 50/50 chance. Installed all new electronics but the pickups have funky connectors that can be flipped. I flipped them (they are not marked).

At least I'm getting really good at removing the pickguard and putting it back on.

[69camfrk]

What kind of pots do you use?

[markids77]

You mean you fully reassembled the thing before you system tested it? Learn from this experience as you reassemble the Corvette! Woe betide if you must take 10 steps back due to Murphy visiting your garage.

[ApexOversteer]

Originally Posted by 69camfrk

What kind of pots do you use?

Mostly just Mexican bulk export kind, but sometimes I like to indulge myself and I'll spend the extra cheese for some nice Skunk#1, can't go wrong with a classic, but if I need to get to Moon Base Alpha and I need to get there now I'll ride that Bubblegum SativaX rocket... oh... my bad... you said "pots"...

[Kerrmudgeon]

Wasn't the new stuff marked + or - ? .....or didn't you mark the old stuff?

Did it do any damage to anything?

[Fastguy]

That must make some interesting tones.

[SnikPlosskin]

Originally Posted by 69camfrk

What kind of pots do you use?

CTS pots. 50's vintage values.

[SnikPlosskin]

Originally Posted by markids77

You mean you fully reassembled the thing before you system tested it? Learn from this experience as you reassemble the Corvette! Woe betide if you must take 10 steps back due to Murphy visiting your garage.

No way to test without strings. I can test to make sure the pick up and switch is working correctly (tap with a screw driver) but no way to know if it's out of phase until I hear it.

Just need to remove the strings, unscrew about 10 screws, flip the connectors and reassemble.

[SnikPlosskin]

Originally Posted by Kerrmudgeon

Wasn't the new stuff marked + or - ? .....or didn't you mark the old stuff?

Did it do any damage to anything?

These are handmade pickups so no markings. I've never quite known the polarity of the connectors - over the years I go through this routine when updating electronics.

Instead of having a wire pig tail they have mini connectors - three prongs on the pickup and female connectors. There is a red mark on one side (you would think that means "Hot" - apparently it means "Ground". WTF.

Originally Posted by Fastguy

That must make some interesting tones.

These are made by Rod Evans (he's retired now and sits on a yacht all day) and are single coils that have ZERO buzz. His design puts two single coils side by side to cancel hum but they retain single coil sound.

Evans Special Edition Eliminators - Evans Pickup Models

Wish I could buy new ones. I have two sets. Rod has made me special wiring harnesses over the years when I need them but now he's fallen off the face of the earth. I could sell these for a pretty penny but I love how they sound.

Very vintage but without the buzz.

On another note, I had a custom headstock decal made of the Corvette Stingray logo. I'll take pics when this thing is wrapped up.

Had some issues with the finish on the headstock and the painter is going to fix. Then we'll apply the decal and shoot clear over it.

Now my #1 instrument is ****ed up too - One of the bridge posts broke off WTF. They don't make that bridge any more and the new versions have the posts wider apart by about 5 mm. (another WTF).

I had to drill the posts out, plug the holes (without messing up the vintage organic lacquer finish) and now take it to a luthier to have the new bridge installed. She says it also needs new frets ($300).

When it rains, it pours. Just when I start playing again - both my instruments crap out.