Modding my Ibanez sa260fm

azraelscorn

Hi...
I'm thinking of respraying my guitar to black..and i also wanna replace the pickups..i think it'll greatly improve my entry level ibanez to something decent..
Is it a good idea to respray tho?what does it do to the value etc?
and can i do it myself or should i get a professional?also, which pickups are a good idea?
It's in H-S-S at the moment,but i only ever use the bridge humbucker anyway..should i replace them all or just the one?also,can it be done at home?or should i send it in?
Any answers will be greatly appreciated,incl. info bout cost etc...

azraelscorn

Also...can one buy and install locking nuts(Those lock things at the top,below the headstock) an will it be a good idea since i drop tune alot?

Manfred-Klose

Do you really want to do that to a entry level guitar, If so, do it yourself, the guys that do these is a bit stingy with their price.Is that your only guitar, or do you have another one you play with, and want to experiment?

Do some research on the internet.

Here is a few tutorials you can follow:
http://www.projectguitar.com/

AlanRatcliffe

Respraying is a good idea if you want to neaten up a battered old guitar to make it look pretty again. In the case of a vintage instrument, it will always affect the price badly and is usually a very bad idea. It's a big job and a bit tricky to get right - especially the first time you do it. It's one of those things that you get better at the longer and more often you do it. Painting over an old finish is the easier way to do it, but you end up weighing down the guitar with lots of paint, so Ideally you need to strip down to wood first. To get a good overview and great how-to guides, visit Guitar Reranch.

Leave the unused pickups in - you never know when your tastes will change and you'll start using them and having them there makes the guitar a better resale prospect.

You can buy locking nuts, but be aware that then you need a bridge with fine tuners as the process of locking the strings in place pulls the strings sharp. The only fine-tuning systems on bridges are the Floyd Rose licensed double-locking trems (which should already have locking nuts and are not a good idea if you drop tunings) and the Gibson TP-6 fine tuning tailpiece (which requires a Gibson-style stud mounting system). In short, it's not the best idea.

azraelscorn

It's 3years old and not damaged,i just don't like the original color(ibanez transparent gray)..
So i have to sand it down then?
No its my only guitar for now,im considering modding it as a cheaper alternative to buying a new axe as i'm short on cash..
So the pickups are a good idea then?
my guitar has a floating bridge,no floyd rose..so i cant put the locks on then?
I'll do some research bout which pickups are best.. is it difficult to install pickups?I've never modded before..

Manfred-Klose

If you respray you may be a while without your guitar, rather wait until you have 2 then spray the ibanez.

AlanRatcliffe

azraelscorn wrote: So i have to sand it down then?

You don't have to, but it's better for tone if you do.

No its my only guitar for now,im considering modding it as a cheaper alternative to buying a new axe as i'm short on cash..

Understood. Concentrate on reversible mods like pickups then, you can always put the old ones back in when you eventually upgrade and sell it.

So the pickups are a good idea then?

Quickest and easiest way to upgrade your guitar tone - a lot. Reversible too. Not difficult if you know which end of the soldering iron is nicer to hold.

my guitar has a floating bridge,no floyd rose..so i cant put the locks on then?

No - not without changing the bridge too. The fitting of a lock nut is also a pro job, so not usually cost-effective anyway.

azraelscorn

I've purchased the EMG 85 humbucker...
Apparently its a fantastic pickup.
My drummer's dad has experience in guitar electrics and such.i think i'm going to let him install it as he won't charge me and as I'm nervous I'll ruin it..
So as soon as its in I'll let u guys know how it sounds..Should be in by friday,hes starting on wednesday... Thanks for all your help..
P.S I'm getting a healthy bonus soon so my Iceman is not far off!

AlanRatcliffe

EMG 85s are popular with the metal boys...

Good thing you don't use your other pickups though - the EMG is an active pickup, and you cannot mix active and passive together in one guitar, so the other two will have to be disconnected completely. Also make sure you have a battery clip and the right pots (25K, not the stock 500K).