| When it comes to high performance parts, there is no | | | | to an uneven volume across the bridge from string to |
| better way to get the most out of your instrument | | | | string. The solution is simple. Remove all plastic parts |
| than to take the cheap hardware off and replace it | | | | and replace them either with Bone, Micarta (artificial |
| with parts that will actually do what they're supposed | | | | bone) Fossilized Walrus Ivory, Graphite or Brass. Any |
| to. Good example: The cheap 5 way blade switches | | | | material with a higher density than plastic. Fossilized |
| found on all production guitars. The standard blade | | | | Ivory being the most sought after due to it's beauty, |
| switch is noisy and the movement is rough and they | | | | ability to sustain and it's tonal qualities. You will |
| just don't last. The switches I recommend are the | | | | immediately hear the difference! Other advantages of |
| heavy duty lifetime guarantee 5 way super switch or | | | | Fossilized Ivory are, it's ability to increase the value of |
| something better than generic with a solid steel frame, | | | | anything it is used on. Last but not least, heavy duty |
| ball bearing movement and gold contacts. You will hear | | | | jacks. The most important connection for electric |
| and feel the difference. | | | | players, is between the output jack and the amplifier. |
| Potentiometers are the next culprit when it comes to | | | | Three items need to be perfect to complete the chain. |
| unwanted noise. Ditch the stock stuff and upgrade to | | | | 1. Output jack on guitar. 2. Guitar cord. 3. Input jack on |
| pots that have the shaft visible on both sides (through | | | | the amplifier. You may have noticed that a bad jack at |
| shaft). These type of pots offer a much smoother | | | | high volumes can almost blow your rig up! For a dollar |
| roll-off, longer life expectancy and increased reliability. | | | | more, you can get something heavy duty, that will last |
| The next tip is for any stringed instrument. | | | | longer, sound better, resist corrosion and keep your rig |
| All stringed instruments work by transferring string | | | | safe. |
| resonance to the body of the instrument. When plastic | | | | Now that we have discussed the fundamental needs |
| is used for a string nut or saddle or bridge pin it actually | | | | of any stringed instrument. Use this vital information to |
| impedes the conduction of energy, reducing sustain | | | | your advantage and I know you will agree, standard |
| and tone quality and in some cases it can actually lead | | | | hardware has got to go! |