So you want to Mod your first Guitar???

[@Mattguitarmania]

Great tips! Very helpful and clearly explained

[@FretboardDiaries]

Thank you Sir! Appreciate it!

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

Good Advise - 1 thing I always stress is, tailor your instrument to yourself as a player do not sound like every other musician out there because you may have been afraid to do something, However, forget resale value for regular guitars your stuff isn't as much as you think its worth and don't mod vintage instruments or actual collector items(and I am not talking about signatures, real collector guitars where its like a Gibson Mod Shop or something where they make less than 10 of). Don't take Signature guitars off the Table either, a quick look on Stratosphere can net you parts that normally would be considered only produced for something like a Fender Custom Shop order, like take for instance the H.E.R. Strat its a traditional 21 fret that if you like the look of you can head over to stratosphere get it for a decent price and change the hardware up(mine I swapped in a set of True Velvet Dimarzio pickups used the aluminum silver back plate and pickguard but changed the colors up to black hardware and a black Tusq nut, I also dropped in an Obsidian Wire SSS Gilmour wiring harness, 920D also makes excellent harnesses if you want to cut down on solder work. Morello's Aerodyne body Strat is also a great mod platform HSH body route with an extra cavity for a 3 way switch. Ritchie Kotzen's Telecaster makes a poor choice just because it is already a hotrodded Tele so if you buy it other than throwing maybe some locking staggered tuners and changing up the wiring a little I am not sure what more you would do to it but you do get an Ash body with Flamed Top with a nice burst for instance, the neck to it is very thick, another Route is the SE line from PRS they are great to start out with but later as you get better but may not have the money to actually buy an S2 or Core model you may way to consider upgrading the electronics. Also don't forget Fender sells the Deluxe series Body and Neck for both strats and teles its a great starter platform for modding while getting good stuff for a decent price.

[@FretboardDiaries]

Dang bro you just gave me my follow video, 5 more things to know when modding a guitar… 😃 Seriously though, some great advice there… Like I said in the vid, modding has become a hobby in and of itself for me. I find it cathartic and relaxing, and it’s a good break from playing when I’m a little burnt out. One thing I should’ve also added, don’t be afraid to leave a guitar alone if it’s perfect for you… I have a Harley Benton Fusion that I really enjoy and it’s stock. The Roswell Pickups fill a void of tone in my collection, it has locking tuners and a Wilkinson Trem… For me, there’s nothing that guitar needs. Meanwhile, I’m have a much more expensive Schecter that I’m dying to put EMG’s in… 😂 Anyway, Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching, it’s much appreciated 🤘🎸

[@SteveMavronis]

Good tips!

[@FretboardDiaries]

Thank you Sir! How’s your HB TE-20HH coming along?

[@SteveMavronis]

I absolutely love it. I'm happy with all the mods I did. I basically followed the kind of tips you listed, especially with the correct tools and parts fit which required for me a slight enlargement of the stock pickguard and bridge pickup holes for the Toneriders I used. I got a better tone now after careful adjustment of the adjustable pole heights too. I'm very happy with it and it's my main practice guitar for most things I learn to play.@@FretboardDiaries

[@FretboardDiaries]

@@SteveMavronis That’s awesome man! That guitar is one of my favorites too… I’m considering Tone Riders for my next project, heard a lot of good things about them… I’m glad the guitar worked out for you 🤘🎸

[@SteveMavronis]

Thanks. Your original pickup swap video in the TE-20HH was an inspiration and guide for me. I got the Birmingham set. They are slightly overwound so a bit hotter than probably something like their Rock Song set, yet they seem versatile to many styles of bands I like from the 70s and 80s. There are a couple demos by guys like Mike Stamper and ntelos kar playing stuff like his cover of "Electric Mud".@@FretboardDiaries

[@FretboardDiaries]

@@SteveMavronis Thanks for the heads up on that, I tend to like pickups that are hot so overwound sounds good to me… I’m gonna check out some of those demo vids! Thanks for the info on that!

[@Zombie_13x33]

patience is probably my biggest issue lol.

[@FretboardDiaries]

Dude legit… 😂 Often times it’s hard because there’s a level of excitement with new mods but I’ve learned through the years when to call it a night and come back to it… Keeps me from making mistakes I can’t fix 😂