Okay, I just got my 3/4 rondo strat today. I love how it looks and feels but it won't stay in tune. Also, the pick-ups are just okay. I was wondering if you guys could share your mods. Should I just replace all of the metal hardware, pick-ups, and what about the pots and electronics? I wish I could put a tortise pick guard on it. Do they make them?
Thanks!
mods for Rondo SX vintage white strat 3/4
Moderated By: mods
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porterhaus
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- Posts: 86
- Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 12:45 pm
I have this one:
SX SST57 Short Scale Vintage White
I have replaced the neck with a Squier CV Duo Sonic neck (which is slightly wider at the nut). Replaced the pups with a GFS "64 stagger vintage grey bottom set. Replaced the pup covers and pot knobs with GFS cream colored ones. Replaced the pots and 5-way switch and jack with GFS upgrades. Replaced the tremolo with a GFS Upgrade Tremolo Kit with a full size sustain block. Please note the full size sustain block is slightly too large (deep) for the body. I am going to grind down the block a little in order to be able to put the cover on the back. I also replaced the string tree with a roller string tree.
SX SST57 Short Scale Vintage White
I have replaced the neck with a Squier CV Duo Sonic neck (which is slightly wider at the nut). Replaced the pups with a GFS "64 stagger vintage grey bottom set. Replaced the pup covers and pot knobs with GFS cream colored ones. Replaced the pots and 5-way switch and jack with GFS upgrades. Replaced the tremolo with a GFS Upgrade Tremolo Kit with a full size sustain block. Please note the full size sustain block is slightly too large (deep) for the body. I am going to grind down the block a little in order to be able to put the cover on the back. I also replaced the string tree with a roller string tree.
Here is what I did to mine: http://www.shortscale.org/forum/viewtop ... cale+strat
I have also updated it with some fender mex pups.
It is odd that it wont stay in tune? Mine did, but the tuners were really tough to turn. I would change the strings to what you like and then see what happens. Also get a screw driver and tighten up the screws at the tuners and the back of the neck. Actually, get some tension on the strings, then loosen the neck screws a little and then tighten them up. This will set the neck into the pocket really tight. Also check the screws holding the springs. Make sure it plays good before doing any mods. If there is no buzzing frets when you get it set up then modify it to your liking. They are good at switching out guitars that have problems. So use their warranty until you get one that is acceptable.
I have also updated it with some fender mex pups.
It is odd that it wont stay in tune? Mine did, but the tuners were really tough to turn. I would change the strings to what you like and then see what happens. Also get a screw driver and tighten up the screws at the tuners and the back of the neck. Actually, get some tension on the strings, then loosen the neck screws a little and then tighten them up. This will set the neck into the pocket really tight. Also check the screws holding the springs. Make sure it plays good before doing any mods. If there is no buzzing frets when you get it set up then modify it to your liking. They are good at switching out guitars that have problems. So use their warranty until you get one that is acceptable.
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porterhaus
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- Posts: 86
- Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 12:45 pm
Nice work in that thread there cur. Thanks!
I agree about it staying in tune. In that regard, also be sure the tremolo is set up properly. Even then, sometimes it takes a few tune-ups to get the string tension and spring tension into equilibrium.
You could probably buy some tortoise pickguard material and make your own pickguard. I have never tried it but expect someone here could explain how it is done.
Please let us know how it goes...
I agree about it staying in tune. In that regard, also be sure the tremolo is set up properly. Even then, sometimes it takes a few tune-ups to get the string tension and spring tension into equilibrium.
You could probably buy some tortoise pickguard material and make your own pickguard. I have never tried it but expect someone here could explain how it is done.
Please let us know how it goes...
porterhaus wrote:I have this one:
SX SST57 Short Scale Vintage White
I have replaced the neck with a Squier CV Duo Sonic neck (which is slightly wider at the nut). Replaced the pups with a GFS "64 stagger vintage grey bottom set. Replaced the pup covers and pot knobs with GFS cream colored ones. Replaced the pots and 5-way switch and jack with GFS upgrades. Replaced the tremolo with a GFS Upgrade Tremolo Kit with a full size sustain block. Please note the full size sustain block is slightly too large (deep) for the body. I am going to grind down the block a little in order to be able to put the cover on the back. I also replaced the string tree with a roller string tree.
Cheapo good things to do :
Replace all Screws , per Inox ones or stainless.
if the sounds of tremolo is strange/dull , Change the Tremolo Block per a Brass one , http://store.guitarfetish.com/Solid-Bra ... c_220.html
Change the Tuners if they are no brand for Wilkson EZ Lock ones , http://store.guitarfetish.com/Wilkinson ... p_881.html
Barrel style String guides , http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/stri ... sgotoh.htm
CTS Pots and 1/4 Switchcraft Vintage wire or cheap but much better than no brand is Alpha + Switchcraft , http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/elec ... sstrat.htm
Graphite nut , http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/guit ... aphite.htm
pickups you already changed , so when replace the eletronics for a CTS/Alpha will be 100%.
Precise dwarf bravery