Historic E-guitar: Introduction And Idea Behind

The custom pickguard of this guitar adds a unique touch to the original design. It is inspired by the original but has distinct elements, showcasing creativity and attention to detail in crafting a one-of-a-kind instrument.

The volume and tone control circuit of original guitar features configuration with options for Solo I, Solo II, Rhythm, and Off. We are trying to understand and whether it is possible for us to recreate this circuit to maintain the authenticity and essence of the guitar's original design. It is important to decipher the intricacies of the circuitry, ensuring that the recreated version stays true to the original and preserves the unique sound possibilities it offers. 

The particular guitar we currently have is a custom-made instrument. The volume and tone control circuit is specifically designed for single-coil pickups. As you can see in the picture, you will notice that the pickups are not connected, and instead of radio buttons, rotary switches are utilized. These unique features contribute to the distinctive character and design of this guitar, setting it apart from conventional models.

At this crucial stage, we are faced with the decision of selecting the most suitable alternative circuits to work with the modernization process. The key question revolves around the optimal implementation of radio buttons as a replacement for the pickup selector, allowing for Solo I, Solo II, Rhythm, and Off functionalities. 

On the other hand, we faced the decision of whether the old guitar body provided sufficient space without modifications to accommodate new single coils, humbuckers, or various styles of humbuckers. However, we discovered that standard components available in the market did not fit into the vintage body. This realization sparked the idea of utilizing AME printing to create customized components that perfectly match the contours of the original guitar body.

We have narrowed down our options to two choices: either adopting the Les Paul/Gibson Style or exploring the possibilities of coil splitting. 

First picture - Les Paul/Gibson Style 

Second picture - Coil Splitting 

In our upcoming episode, we will delve deeper into the ongoing process of modernizing this extraordinary masterpiece. Join us as we provide further insights and updates on our work, showcasing the dedication and innovation that drives our mission. See you soon! 

References 

• Musikhaus , T. (n.d.). Thomann online-Ratgeber Kombinationen Pickups für E-gitarren. Musikhaus Thomann. https://www.thomann.de/de/onlineexpert_page_pickups_kombinationen.html 
• LoneLobo. (2023, March 22). Verdrahtung / Schaltung Aller Tonabnehmerkonfigurationen (E-Gitarren-Pickups). Musiker. https://www.musiker-board.de/threads/verdrahtung-schaltung-aller-tonabnehmerkonfigurationen.36409/