• Guitars
  • Bass
  • Keyboard
  • Recording
  • Computer Audio
  • Live Sound
  • Drums
  • DJ
  • Accessories

zZounds

  • Gear
    • Features
    • News
    • Gear History
  • Guide
    • Guitar Workbench
    • Studio Solutions
    • Beat Connection
    • Behind The Kit
    • On The Decks
    • The Oscillator
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Legends
    • Gear Demos
    • Live Streams
    • Perfect Pairings
    • Iconic Rigs
  • Interview
    • Artist Interviews
    • Creator Spotlight
    • Meet the Makers
  • Music
    • The Musical Almanac
    • Music Features
  • Gear Wire

Guitar Workbench Collection: Modding Your Guitar

Modding Your Guitar

Sometimes, you find a guitar that’s 100% perfect for you right off the bat, and no changes are necessary beyond a minor setup. When that happens, it’s a truly beautiful thing, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes you may find yourself wishing your guitar had this or that feature, or had a tonality you just can’t achieve. Some players will purchase a lower-end model for less with the intent to modify it and get that supercharged tone on their own. 

Whatever your situation, with a little DIY handiness, you may be just one pickup swap, wiring change, or hardware tweak away from your dream guitar. To give you a roadmap, we’re showcasing some of our top posts related to modding your guitar to be its best. Check them out:

Pickup Wiring

Experimenting with Pickup Wirings

Learn how to run your pickups in parallel or series configuration, and hear what each sounds like. | READ »

Modifying your Strat to sound like a Telecaster 

How to Make Your Strat Sound Like a Tele

Here are two different mods to give your Stratocaster that signature Tele twang. | READ »

 

How to Install a Pre-Wired Pickguard

Gain a new pickup array, or the tone of your favorite artist, with a full pickguard swap. We’ll show you how. | READ »

How to Block or Deck a Strat Tremolo

 

How to Deck or Block Your Tremolo

Don’t use your trem system? Try blocking it and you may discover some tonal benefits. | READ »

Epiphone Sheraton 

Modded: Epiphone Sheraton II

The story of a beloved Sheraton and its road to become a modded-out tone machine. | READ »

Jul 17, 2018Mason
6 years ago 6 Comments Guitar Workbench
Mason

Mason has played guitar since age 14 and has remained a charmingly amateurish musician ever since. Mason joined zZounds in 2014 and serves as editor of the zZounds Blog, as well as Accessories Merchandiser. Prior to zZounds, he earned a degree in journalism and worked as a newspaper editor and freelance writer. When not writing or editing for zZounds, you can find him playing his Strat, hosting bar trivia, and chasing his toddler around the house.

Overdrive from an Amplifier or a Pedal?Dunlop at Summer NAMM
Comments: 6
  1. Michael Stoves
    6 years ago

    I have and ‘old”and (cheap) Gibson Epoch. Is it possible that I can place a Fender “neck” and remove the present one? Because I love the solid body but, changes has to be made…

    ReplyCancel
    • BigD
      6 years ago

      M. Stoves…Possibly….the most important element of this mod is that you must be able to attach the new neck so that the 12th fret is half the distance between the nut and the bridge saddles. Then you could achieve proper intonation.
      The second vital element is the fit of the new neck into the old pocket….”tight is right.”

      ReplyCancel
  2. Robert Bingham
    6 years ago

    I mint stratocaster

    ReplyCancel
  3. Robert Bingham
    6 years ago

    What humbuckers sound great with Texas single coil on strategy?

    ReplyCancel
  4. Rick
    6 years ago

    I love the sound that comes out of my les Paul custom in the bridge position. However the neck pickup is so dark i rarely use it at all. It is disappointing both in combination and by itself. I have the 490 and 498. Like I said the bridge is fine. Any suggestions on a pickup that would be good in the neck that could stand alone and compliment the bridge?

    ReplyCancel
    • Bobby
      6 years ago

      I strongly recommend a Seymour Duncan “Pearly Gates” for the neck position on a LP. If you want to stay with Gibson pups give a 496R a try.

      ReplyCancel

Leave a Reply Cancel reply


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

 Social Networks 
 About zZounds 
Since 1996, zZounds has been making it easy for musicians to get the gear they need. With our easy monthly payment plans, you can get the music gear you need today -- and split the cost into monthly installments on your existing credit card. zZounds ships from multiple warehouses across the continental United States, so we can cover most of our customers within a day or two. Our customer service team is staffed with real musicians. They don't get paid on commission -- they get paid to help you! Looking for the best prices? Don't miss our Big Deals weekly specials, Used Gear on Clearance, and The Drop for monthly promos, sales, and special offers.
 Contact Us 
Have questions or comments on our blog? Email blog@zzounds.com

zZounds Gear Experts are available seven days a week to answer any of your questions on gear, shipping, returns, and more. Give us a call and get help from a fellow musician today!
800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
2025 © zZounds Music | Cookie Settings | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share | Notice at Collection | Copyright | Terms of Use
For great deals on gear, shop at zZounds