4

Some models of electric hollow-body / electric arch-top guitars do not have seem to have any kind of access to the electronics (switches, pots, caps, wiring) beside the "f" shaped sound holes.

I have seen guitars with no pickguard on the front of the guitar, and no plastic plate which can removed with screws (like on a Les Paul). For example this guitar : http://members.shaw.ca/jeffflowerday/Images/PRSArchtop.jpg.

How are these guitars electronics parts serviced ?

Improve this question
1
  • Short answer? Very, very carefully XD. If no one else gets to this one before I make it home tonight I'll write it up. – Jduv Mar 23 '11 at 21:01
6

Through the pickup cavities and the f-hole. I've used a mirror probe and long, skinny tools to install a pickup inside of a parlor guitar; it must be hard as hell to do this work without a full-sized soundhole.

You'd need tools like an inspection mirror, tweezers or skinny pliers, long screwdrivers, and skinny flashlights.

Improve this answer
2
  • 7
    And the first thing you want to do is write down the lengths of all the wires, because it's a pain in the neck replacing components and fiddling everything back in ... only to find the wire to the tone pot is half an inch too short. (bitter experience!) – Doktor Mayhem♦ Mar 23 '11 at 22:13
  • I took my semi-hollow-body to a guitar tech, and he replaced the electronics by fishing them out of the f-holes. I was kind of impressed, as it's kind of like those guys who build ships in a bottle. – warriorpostman Mar 13 '12 at 20:25
8

Pulling out the pickups, and using plastic tubing to hold onto the volume/tone pots as they slide in to the guitar.

For one example, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p29QN4ycHMU (Putting new pickups in a Gretsch Electromatic)

Improve this answer
2

I have a small piece of 1/8" plywood with holes drilled to match the controls for my H'body. i just have remember to solder everything backwards (mirror image). Spenser forceps help quite a bit too, they aren't just for roaches ;-p

Improve this answer
1

I solved this exact problem. I purchased a les Paul backplate, used my dremel tool to cut a hole a quarter inch smaller on all sides, mounted the removed wood from the hole and glued it with gorilla glue to the back of the plate. I mounted it with screws from an old strat pickguard. Now I have a hole where I can get to the electronics. I notice absolutely no sound difference on my Ibanez Artcore AF55 and I can change pickups in minutes. I also replaced a worn out switch temporarily with a telecaster switch, and I kind of like it and it is still there.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.