singemonkey wrote
Does it also have a tone block down the middle? Will you rout behind the bridge?
It's actually a semi-solid, with the cavities routed out of the mahogany back. There is a centre-block as it's a TOM bridge with a stop tailpiece. Changing the TOM to a Graph Tech loaded Schaller (smoother edges than a TOM). I'll drill a channel down from under the bridge to the lower cavity and rout the pickup wires through that, with the Acoustaphonic preamp in the cavity. A small triangular cavity cover on the back should do it - as long as it's big enough to get to the controls, it will be big enough to get the piezo system in. I thought of mounting a battery compartment too, but I'll probably jut mount a clip on the back of the control cavity cover.
I've a hankering for a 12 string.
I can actually get you the same guitar as mine for a good price at the moment. Apparently the Dean agents are landing another one which was special ordered, but the order fell through, so it's up for grabs. Dean have stopped making them now too. I briefly considered getting a Schecter Stargazer solidbody recently, but it uses the Gotoh 12-string bridge, which is piezo unfriendly. ☹
Maybe one of these days I should get a 12 string electric (I like the Pacifica 12 string) and put a Fishman Aura system in it.
The Yamaha Pacifica also uses the Gotoh Bridge and uses a Strat-style flat headstock with a Ibanez-style string tree - asking for tuning troubles, IMO. Also a Strat style pickup at the bridge is way too icepicky for a 12.
I'm really impressed with those aura systems, and what could be better for an electric 12?
Don't put an Aura system in. Use the pedal version. Easier to upgrade later. I speak from the experience of having everything from DI boxes to Roland GK-1 & GK-2 systems built in at some or other time. ?
Hey how've the pickups on yours worked out? Is that why you're putting in the piezo?
I have a set of Tonerider Rebel 90's waiting for me at the PO (worth a try at the price), but it may be a while before I have a chance to put them in. I'm putting piezos in because I love piezos - once I've done it, three of my four electric guitars will have piezos.
