PDA

View Full Version : Tailpiece mods, '68 SG Std.

SG John
June 12th, 2007, 05:34 PM
About twelve or so years ago, I had become really frustrated with my '68 SG not staying in tune. It had a Lyre Vibrola on it. I love the look of those, But the temper or the spring steel had weakened over time. I took the guitar, a pizza, and a sixpack to the shop on a Sunday when no one was around. After eight hours, I had a new stainless steel tailpiece machined that used all the original mounting hardware, and the Lyre cover. I also made a set of heavy stainless steel Bridge adjusters similar to the ones on a Les Paul. Now the guitar plays like a dream and has been my main ax since the mods were done. Hope you enjoy the pics.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m122/SGJohn/IMG_1025.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m122/SGJohn/IMG_1021.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m122/SGJohn/IMG_1018.jpg
deathmedic
June 12th, 2007, 11:19 PM
nice! whats up with teh pickups?
Monkeyboy
June 13th, 2007, 10:13 AM
Well, he's got the bridge so high you can see the thread on the screws underneath it... so I'm guessing he raised them some how to match.

I want to know why his G string is a different colour to the rest of them.
SG John
June 13th, 2007, 11:28 AM
Well, he's got the bridge so high you can see the thread on the screws underneath it... so I'm guessing he raised them some how to match.

I want to know why his G string is a different colour to the rest of them.


As for the pickups, a previous ouner modified the pickguard to put a synth pickup in. That's why there is a big gap in the guard. I have another original '68 guard, but have been too lazy/busy to take the time to swap.

The action is real low, yet the bridge so high. That is why I made the new LP style bases. The flimsy threaded rods flexed when I bent strings. Now it is very stable.

I don't know why, but G-strings tarnish after about ten hours playing. They look like they were pulled from the ocean. I go through strings at a rate of a new set every week or two.
Monkeyboy
June 13th, 2007, 05:15 PM
I like the pick guard as it is.... it just adds to your guitar's personality ;)

Great work on the bridge btw.... Sg's look a bit naked without the tail plate imo... it was a good idea to have the cool looks, but the stability of a hardtail.
pat (x610x)
July 15th, 2007, 03:23 PM
very nice! but what happened to the bottom left?? average wear or did someting happen?
SG John
August 10th, 2007, 05:04 PM
very nice! but what happened to the bottom left?? average wear or did someting happen?


Average wear. In 39 years, you'd have to expect some of the laquer to wear off.