Modifying a Gibson SG Jr.

[@LiLi-or2gm]

It's easy to see why that pickup is highly desired for slide- it sings so sweetly!

[@MarkMcCluney]

That turned out rather well. We felt that the instrument has a friendly sort of tone. Thank you Ted, that was very enjoyable.

[@sjorsvandermeulen4285]

Having an SG myself I regularly find dings in strange places that have nothing to do with an attempt of relicing. It's just what happens when using the thing.

[@jonrossi5110]

agreed, my 05 that ive had for 7yrs now has hardly ever seen outside my bedroom and has quite a few. but my bedroom is tight and I can recall a handful that I accidently put on it

[@stepvanjoe3469]

My Les paul studio goes everywhere and seems to mostly get thrashed at home on the corner of the coffee table

[@junkmonkey4686]

Just wanted to say that I love your videos. I see too many people on KZbin grumbling and complaining about the repairs or mods they need to do. It's nice to see someone who takes pride in and enjoys the work that they do.

[@guitfidle]

Digging the sound from that DeArmond!

[@Gnaus76]

It sounds awesome

[@Slamgod]

Yeah! Real nice fat, smooth and crisp tone on that pickup. Sounds fantastic!

[@damiendyda8608]

I agree. Very chimney and thin sounding. Beautiful!

[@PDInfantryman]

Ditto. The tone instantly warmed. Nice work!

[@PhilAlbinus]

I thought adding that pickup was heresy but it sounds sooooo good. Wonderful work!

[@American_Jeeper]

The biggest issue I’ve had with conductive paint is that, over time, the paint starts to deteriorate, and the graphite dust (or whatever the conductive material is) gets all over the pots, switches and pickups.

[@BenPrevo]

Great work ! Hi from Dublin -- you can easiy change the phase on any gibson pickup by flipping the magnets and leaving the wiring intact -- peace

[@gumguppy1123]

I have no future in lutherie, but it's always a joy to watch a master at work

[@rustyaxelrod]

I see where you (and this customer) are going. Derek Trucks is one of my favorites on slide.

[@Ivegotwormsinme]

It would help me to sleep at night if you could confirm that at one point you've said out loud "Well, I fucked that all up, there's no fixing that" or "SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT". You have an answer for everything and if you don't, you come up with something that's bananas and it works. Right before this video, I watched the '34 Martin you fixed and I thought for sure you weren't going to be able to reuse that binding, but lo and behold you did it. Epoxy for the win. By the way, I love your channel. I'm going through an extreme period of depression right now, the worst it's been in years, and watching your videos is helping me out tremendously.

[@jetobey5656]

In a recent comment, I offered an old racer's "mantra"-- "Attention to detail wins races." For you, I will modify it---:Attention to detail wins respect and reputation." When I get my shop moved into my basement, I will have much less time to watch, but for now, I can spend all day watching your fine work. Thank you.

[@bldallas]

Bravo! Another fascinating modification. You never cease to amaze me; you have such a keen eye for detail, a library full of experience and knowledge, and amazing craftsman skills on even the most delicate of procedures. Love your videos, please keep them coming.

[@donhanson6774]

I enjoy watching you. You were wondering about the little random divots in the SG. Unfortunately, I have caused very similar dents and divots in one of my Les Paul's. The metal strap locks attached to the ends of a slim leather guitar strap have clunked the surface of my guitar when I wasn't careful. Similar dents occur from the plug of an instrument cable accidentally swinging into the finish of my guitar. What irritated me the most about the strap locks is that they are intended to keep my guitar from harm, yet they have caused more cosmetic damage than anything else my guitar has been exposed to. I've come to accept the blemishes. At least I don't obsess over them like I used to.

[@masongregory278]

The end result is a fantastic sounding guitar. Plucky, chimey and glassy. No muddy midrange, no woofy low end and no brittle highs. I dig it.

[@killer-kane]

I know what you mean about smells/odours from your memory. When I was a kid we had a beat up old accordian, many of the keys didn't work, some of the chief buttons too. But the wood it was made of had an unmistakable fruit flavour odour, it was a delight just to handle. I think it ended up on a Guy Fawkes bonfire if I remember correctly. Many, many years later I discovered an aftershave/ Eau De twoilette called Joop Red, it was the exact same fragrence, the memories just came flooding back. Whenever someone asks me what I'd like as a gift I always ask for Joop Red.

[@deanmccaskill5495]

I love the smell of books and used bookstores!! I know those scent nostalgia trips too man. Just wanted to comment and say I think you are a master craftsmen and an artist sir.

[@matthewf1979]

*THIS ONLY WORKS WITH P90’S* To match an older pickup “phase”, It would be easier to disassemble the P90, flip the coil over(longitudinally), swap the leads and then reassemble it with the correct magnet orientation. Ive done it on a handful of P90 equipped guitars for people who wanted a noiseless middle position, it works fantastically. Matching phase may require all of those steps, or one. Entirely depends on what you’re working with.

[@twoodfrd]

You invert the entire coil, not just the bar magnets??? Intriguing.

[@johnnypk1963]

Matt Fields why would u have to swap lead wires after flipping the magnet? I’ve installed some PRS 5 way switches, that required opposite polarity pickups and I’ve had to flip the magnets before but I’ve never “swapped leads”

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Wait, does that in effect make it “reverse wound,” or is that to correct or create an out of phase sound?

[@HBSuccess]

Good solution- never considered that!

[@matthewf1979]

johnnypk1963 like I said, you might have to do all of the steps, but at minimum flipping the coil.

[@shitfer]

If anyone could bring that together it would be you. Again, as always, well done. My heart hurts a little tho seeing a Jr modded like that. Thanks for that dowel tip. I'm gonna fab one of those up right now.

[@chipper442]

Both pickups sound pretty nice together. You do amazing work, I enjoy your channel, and have a ton of respect for your attention to detail and care for the instruments, no matter the value. Thank you.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

Now it's time to intentionally snap the headstock off, so you can repair it to a Stronger-than-new condition!

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

The neck will snap off before the headstock snaps.

[@AiMR]

One of the tips I discovered about copper tape is that you can buy the stuff intended for snail repellent for a lot less than that specific for shielding.

[@paulcowart3174]

Very cool 👍 I just got a 66 Jr project and was going to get some of that tape DIY pest control stores ?

[@TinkerToneworks]

but that won't have conductive adhesive on the back.

[@jackpasternak7586]

whatever i don’t learn in the shop through trial and error, this channel teaches, and for that i’m grateful

[@tedfurlo2268]

Would you believe that I found a smash up, ruined tenor guitar in the gutter years ago that had a set of two of these wired in. I took it home and disassembled it and kept the parts for years. Recently I revisited those parts and simply mounted them side by side in the sound hole of a Blueridge flat top. I ran the input out the tailspin hole and mounted the control/input at the tail pin. Without ANY modification to the guitar I succeeded in touting two VERY hot single coils to this guitar AND IT NOW SCREAMS!! Fascinating video! I admire your creative(trouble shooting) mind and resolve. Your an INSPIRATION, Ted Furlo

[@krekcabnow2910]

That whole pick up fret idea is really cool.

[@johnb5519]

That was a brave move drilling that large hole. With my luck it would have grabbed and spun out of control. Your attention to detail is second to none.

[@buckellard]

"Nostalgia Scent Memories". That was awesome.

[@daaara]

surprisingly Fender-y sounding for an SG! Both the bridge P90, and especially the DeArmond. Great work, as always

[@didpip]

Wow, especially considering the variables the mod looks great!

[@GIBKEL]

Mine smelled the same way. I thought of trying this in a tele. Never did I ever think of this in an SG? It’s a great sounding pickup. Unique!

[@larsdahl6594]

Impressive craftsmanship. You are a very skilled (and brave!) man. I picked up this as a hobby way too late in life to ever reach your level. Nice job!

[@free-birdrocker8809]

I have the jr's older brother SG and it sounds pretty good. Your mod sounds awesome. Good work1

[@britlitemail]

Fantastically interesting to watch, and that DeArmond ended up sounding amazing. More and more thinking I need to change the P90 housing humbuckers in my special back to regular old P90s. Thanks for your videos, always make the day a bit better.

[@terryjohinke518]

I played in a band and everyone said I should be the singer. No way UNLESS I had a guitar to hide behind. So , our keyboard player lent me an original 61 Gibson SG Les Paul Jr. in that exact shape and colour. Wow they are great. You can get so many sounds from a single pickup guitar with just a Volume and Tone control. We had old instruments as that was all we could afford in the 70s but gee they were great. We didn't realize we were playing vintage instruments that are now worth a great deal . BTW love DeArmond pickups.

[@Expedient_Mensch]

Nice of you to use the tone light! Very much appreciated! 🤣

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Love the correction for “Soldering “ for us English chaps 😂😂 much appreciated Great job done and very interesting 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@hydorah]

That's really nice! I love what you and your customer have managed to come up with there!

[@markymark560]

Very nice job. New pickup looks great.

[@inversion66]

"Laugh, but it works." And laugh I did. Lovely sound with the DeArmond.

[@thebooda]

You sir, are a joy to watch! Thank you for your efforts and time on these videos!

[@JC-11111]

Wow. Nice job once again, Ted! You, sir, are a master of your craft. 👍😎 Wow. That pickup didn't turn out to sound half bad. Works for me. 😆👍

[@jasonteqja7262]

Wonderful craftsmanship and playing!

[@jts3339]

Another nice, clean job of giving your customer what he asked for, which is a rare quality. The result looks good, and sounds great. Occasionally, I would have approached some of these challenges a little differently, but I never have a disagreement with your results.

[@kathrynwhitby9799]

lovely complimentary tones.

[@ernestone7357]

It’s so refreshingly enjoyable to watch your work. Very nice.

[@miket.220]

That sounds great. I was always a fan of John Lennon's modified LP Jr with the "Charlie Christian" pickup, but I like this one even better. And the client is right, no tone knob needed on the DeArmond.

[@thomasburnett4712]

A great example of very nice precision and careful workmanship!

[@doppler55]

Such joy to watch a true craftsman. Canada's proud!

[@nickdryad]

I know it’s a heresy to say this but I’ve made two guitars without tone pots and I didn’t miss tone control.

[@user-eu3mn6ss5l]

I don't remove them, but... honestly, the treble knob on the amp always works better than the tone knob in the guitar.

[@pdp977]

I'm afraid that for most of my stuff neither the tone or volume is used a lot. Mind you, most of my starts need only have a neck pickup at that.

[@colinjohnstone7956]

Works for Tom Delonge 🤘🏻

[@calinguga]

at the other end of the spectrum, i change all my caps to 100nF (it's great for crazy fuzz. reducing the harmonic content brings down the noise and you get something like a tame square wave which i love)

[@Wolf_K]

Tone controls are useful for one thing to me: tuning. If you turn the tone all the way the tuner will detect the pitch a lot better.

[@MrOccamRazor]

The front pickup [the DeArmond] was a gorgeous sound.

[@JeremySmith23]

My SG has has a bunch of those same little dings, they just happen. Great work on the mod, I enjoyed the video.

[@thestrum71]

Great job there! And both pickups together sound phenomenal! Owner must be happpy! Love your videos!

[@bigbasil1908]

What are you on about 'a frankenstein'? That neck pickup looks straight enough to me lol. It looks like it was always there. Damn. You perfectionists. You are great Ted. 98% of people aren't going to notice what you notice.

[@tomkirk6942]

You sir are a hell of a craftsman. Enjoy your videos. Cheers.

[@rizzexponential]

That neck pickup sounds good 👍 Great work. I enjoy your channel.

[@hokehinson5987]

Great job! That funky DeArmond is sweet!🤩

[@mbvglider]

P90s are very easy to reverse the polarity of. You can change the direction of windings by flipping the coil inside the cover upside down, and you can flip the magnets to change the polarity, which gives you access to all four possibilities without needing to touch a soldering iron.

[@Curtislow2]

Always learn something valuable here. Thanks for the time and effort you impart to us.

[@jetobey5656]

A trick I use--I solder up quite a few pots and caps down in cavities. Find a welder who has a Kevlar blanket and ask for a 12" x 12" cut from the blanket. Then, using the covers as patterns, carefully cut out cavity perimeters. Lightly tape down and go to work--protecting the finish, especially the cavity edges. PS- because in racing days, I welded a lot of chrome moly, I bought 3 ---1/2" thick, large blankets--6' x 6'. One, I use for welding, 2 I use on my bench---1 dedicated to any process that can produce scratchy bits, and 1 that is never exposed to that risk. They are pricey, but by buying 3 at once, I got a discount. They are usually black with grey flecks; when one drops a tiny part or screw with a shiny appearance it is easy to spot the escapee and they are captured by the texture.

[@alanturner6239]

Wow, an incredible good job. Never seen this channel before, but I definately would trust my guitars with this repair man!

[@tommypetraglia4688]

Was really hoping for a slide piece at the end, but still was rocked to sleep with that sweet little lullabye

[@BertGrink]

Interesting project that was nicely executed, and hey man! Your soldering skills are definitely up to the task.

[@bryantcrawford214]

I wish I was half as good at guitar repair as you are.you make it look so easy.people that hasn't been bit by the bug doesn't understand but it's addictive.i love working on guitars and building them.ive been doing it for a little over 10 years now and would love to do it for a living.but anyway thank you for what you do for us.i don't miss a episode.cheers from Tennessee

[@perihelion7798]

I almost looked away when you started drilling the hole for the jack. It was scary. Of course, I should have known it was a cinch for your talents. Maybe I was thinking of me... Excellent job, as always, and a nice change of subject matter from the acoustics [ which I love ].

[@robertwillett4122]

Just found your blog. Very interesting to me, been playing guitar for fourty years. My only job i have ever had was a finish carpenter. Happily retired loving life and enjoying your show. Glad to see there are still craftsmanship alive and well. I have watched the quality of craftsmanship almost disappear. Keep up the good work. Try to teach a younger kid your skills. Take care.

[@grene1955]

Such sweet tones... I really loved the two together!

[@plasticrap4577]

You do really great work my man! If you lived in the states I’d give you some work! Thanks for all the tips! Well done!

[@ctld5266]

I always shield jack embase cavity. In my experience with tone and volume pots that's were you reduce EM noise the most .

[@50Something]

I didn't expect the Dearmond pickup to sound so good! Good job buddy!

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Excellent work, the extra care taken after drilling for the jack taking time to super glue the finish to keep from future chipping ✔ And shielding the wiring cavities and.... backside of the cover plate very nice. Enjoyed your take on the premature ageing "Unless someone is charging the stage with a spear, how does that happen ?" 😅 Another master class video !!

[@walterw2]

for the switch you wanted what gibson actually uses here, a "deep nut" that reaches down enough to catch the switch threads awesome as always, and for a "non-electronics" guy your soldering is lovely. i especially appreciated your pointing out the risks of going too deep with a neck pickup rout on an SG, that funky dearmond was therefore the right choice wasn't it? also it looked like you had no washers on the jack mounted in the electrosocket, also cool because at least with a regular switchcraft #11 that leaves just enough clearance for a right-angle cable plug to fit.

[@rogerlawson4516]

Thats going to be a great sounding slide guitar. Nice work.

[@74dartman13]

Nice work!👍😎🎸🎶

[@Kali-Yuga-Peace-Corp]

The mod sounded nice. Great work.

[@ijosef]

These videos are like therapy. Better, even.

[@atakdragonfly1675]

This guy is knowledgeable as hell.

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

How's that ? He's a damned moron from where I'm looking.

[@atakdragonfly1675]

@@TelecasterLPGTop what would you say that for?

[@Epiphone100]

Looks and sounds fantastic........brilliant job indeed, I would certainly be chuffed with that !

[@marcusaurelius49]

A 10yr old Gibson without a broken headstock? Quick, call Guinness World Records!

[@aniquinstark4347]

I actually really like how the pickup fits that pickguard.

[@seasonedstefan]

this right here is my comfort video

[@goober2969]

If watching your videos has taught me anything, it's that I could never be a luthier. I don't have nearly enough patience!

[@jipes]

Very nice customisation I like the way you keep the original pickguard ! The Dearmond pickup seems to sound very warm Cool job Congrats !

[@Mountainrock70]

That DeArmond pickup really works in this guitar. Almost as if the owner knew what he was doing lol

[@johan6881]

So satisfying and what a crafmanship

[@paolociccone4024]

Sounds lovely. Great job, thank you for sharing this, it's very much appreciated.

[@waltergwiazda1803]

Old book stores and music stores are pretty cool! 👍

[@toneconsultant]

I think you’ve out done yourself on this one. Why? Tips! As someone always looking for another slick tip, there were a lot. Tune-o-matic bridge adjuster? Nice. Copper wire adhesive? I knew that one, but still excellent info. And drilling the jack hole. Too scary, but so appreciative to watch. Thank you for sharing all. Fast unrelated note. A client asked me to replace an acoustic bridge on a $50 guitar. He had a new bridge to glue on. He was a nice old man and I had the time so I said I would do it for free. He just wanted it glued on. After doing it, I checked intonation at the 12th fret, and it was way out. My mistake was I never checked it beforehand and the new bridge already had a saddle slot cut. I did what he wanted so I think it was fine, but My question would be, “do you run into acoustic’s with bad intonation a lot,”. Maybe that’s just an acoustic bridge thing. I typically don’t work on acoustic’s so when it comes to setting intonation, I haven’t put much thought into it. Yes, I need to step up my game, hence that’s why I ask the question.

[@curbmassa]

A quick and dirty way that I always did it was to measure from the nut to the center of the 12th fret, multiply that X 2 and then add 1/8" to the treble side and 3/16ths to the bass side. So if your measurement to the 12th fret was 12" (let's say) that would be {(12X2)+ 1/8 } = 24 +1/8" and {(12X2) + 3/16} = 24+3/16". Over the years I took measurements off guitars that DID play in tune and came up with this method. I once asked another well-respected luthier how he did it and he said "Eighth inch on the treble side, three sixteenths on the bass". Cool. So then I said "Is it just me, or when you do a refret job does the 3rd fret ALWAYS give you a problem?" He said "Yes, yes and yes". At that moment we became friends. This was WAY pre-internet/DVD/books/clinics era of guitar repair when trade secrets were closely-guarded secrets, specialty tools were invented or adapted as needed. It's a different world now for sure.

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

I have nostalgic scent memories too!

[@michael7v6]

αвѕolυтe αвѕυrd old cassette cases and crayons.

[@robertrosenfield405]

Does sound good. Very clean install. Thank you for the lesson.

[@GlennJimenez]

Wonderful tone from the dearmond. Almost makes me want to say it should just have 2 of those.

[@streetmoto1384]

Nice work again! Lovely sounding pickup!

[@symonf1966]

Fantastic video! Very educational and also I think you made that guitar sound so much better. Thank you for posting.

[@pskemster]

Your solder joints are flawless! Really enjoyed watching your video. As we would say Here in the south,,,you know your onions!,,lol

[@shotgunrebels]

Those pickups sound great together.

[@copperaudio9664]

The DeArmond pickup sounds really nice.

[@stevegrooms1142]

I've long been impressed with your skill at working with wood. This project demanded entirely different skills, working with electronics. Good for you to be the guy who has command of two totally unlike skill sets.

[@DJBuglip]

Nostalgia scent-memories are my fave, I love those. I'm a chef, I use my nose a lot.

[@dugbert5]

You do such nice work, It's good you're so far away. I'd be hanging around your shop and you'd never get anything done.

[@BB49]

That De'Armond sounds sweet!!!! Unexpected actually, I initially thought it might sound on the tinny side, but it's full and rich!!!

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

That flush switch rang a bell. New SG Tribute guitars come with the "poker chip" in the case but there is absolutely no thread above the knurled 'retainer ' on the top of the body. I suppose there might be packing washers inside but why would Gibson do that....and anyway I for one am not digging about in there because the pups are plug-ins and there is a circuit board and lord knows wot not

[@twoodfrd]

Yeah, this was weird. Haven't run into this particular issue before. It was fresh out of the package, no washers. I think the one I put on was from Allparts, but I can't remember.