Your Most Satisfying Guitar Mod/Upgrade

[Neil K Walk]

1: Adding a K&K or JJB to my Guitars.
2: Gotoh 510 tuners.
3: bone saddle
4: slotting the bridge
5:ebony/MOP bridge pins.

[phcorrigan]

I replaced the stock tuners on my HD-28V with Gotoh SXB510V tuners, and I had a K&K Pure Mini installed.

The construction of the Gotohs is much better than the stock Martin-branded tuners, and my G string tuner no longer binds.

[Ludere]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

Now that is hot! I may look into some of those pins for my 717.

Thanks man!

Bill is a great guy, and a pleasure to deal with ...

...

[The Kid!]

Bone pins, nut, saddle, and pro setup. Better tuners if needed.

[Martinaylor]

Don't laugh:

Adding a front strap button Gotta hate those neck tie-on ones - lol

[LyleGorch]

Throbak 101’s and the 50’s wiring kit in my LP.

[semolinapilcher]

Originally Posted by Martinaylor

Don't laugh:

Adding a front strap button Gotta hate those neck tie-on ones - lol

This made a huge difference on my Texan and my Collings.

[Pitar]

No mods ever done.

Upgrades? Yep, when I sold one to get a better sounding one.

I tend to think an upgrade to an existing guitar is about better sonics. I read testimonials to that end and think to myself that guitars, in this context, are not providing their owners with complete aural satisfaction. So, mods are attempted and, though there may be some audible change, what constitutes satisfaction after all is attempted and judged? For me, a new guitar is the only way to gain that and, when I find a better sounding one after that (and I know I will), the game continues. But, I don't keep the older, lesser sounding guitar.

The ear buys guitars in a succession during its development as it discerns and judges worthy their purchases. That's been my progression. But, I don't hold onto the guitars because I will not play them just because I own them. My ear wants to hear the latest arrival because its past (over) the sound of the older guitars. My style of play, developed by my ear, is never a retroactive journey.

No visual upgrades validate themselves to me because I can't hear them.

[jaymarsch]

I swapped out the tuners on my Alvarez parlor with Grover Sta-Tites. I like them much better. More comfortable buttons and smoother tuning action and more consistent pitch stability.
My most satisfying mod choice was having Kathy Wingert reshape two of my guitar necks and re-finish them with gun oil. Wow! Increased playability with no loss in tone.

Best,
Jayne

[Oldguy64]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

What is your most satisfying guitar modification/upgrade?

It might be something you did that improved playability or tone or just looks great.

The “most satisfying” mod for me is a good set-up.
If it plays good, then I can worry about better tuners, fancy bridge pins, matching pick guards, etc.

[steveh]

PLEK setup

Cheers,
Steve

[Ludere]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

I swapped out the tuners on my Alvarez parlor with Grover Sta-Tites. I like them much better. More comfortable buttons and smoother tuning action and more consistent pitch stability.
My most satisfying mod choice was having Kathy Wingert reshape two of my guitar necks and re-finish them with gun oil. Wow! Increased playability with no loss in tone.

Best,
Jayne

I did this one too! Great upgrade ... referencing the tuners on the Alvarez ... I am a bit low on the spectrum for custom neck carves ... gun oil finish sounds pretty cool though!

[vindibona1]

Compared to most here I've got little in the way of acoustic guitar upgrades. Bone saddles in my Taylors is all I can really say. In most of my guitars simply putting a buffalo horn bridge pin in the low E slot really helps not only articulate the low E but increases the depth of sound across the entire range of strings.

[bufflehead]

Adding a pick guard to my Breedlove.