I'm always pretty fond of snake oil but....

breakstuff

I find the best way to improve my tone is to just not play at all.

Deijavoo

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Primary_Tone_Mods_for_the_Telecaster

stickyfiddle

I have no doubt that removing finish from a guitar changes how it sounds, because it will decrease the mass and therefore alter the resonance very very slightly. Whether that is audible on 99.9% of instruments and ears, I doubt very much.

WezV

Deijavoo said:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Primary_Tone_Mods_for_the_Telecaster

The authors name made me chuckle

noisepolluter

I'm considering getting the clear poly finish stripped off my natural ash tele just because I like the look and feel of an oil finish on ash, and I've seen some lovely oil finished ash tele pics posted here.

If it makes it ever so slightly lighter then that's a small bonus.

Philly_Q

WezV said:

Deijavoo said:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Primary_Tone_Mods_for_the_Telecaster

The authors name made me chuckle

I thought it was Dick Wacker, for a wonderful moment.

Not convinced by any of that stuff about "very tight" screws or removing paint under the bridge etc. 

As for putting shims/veneers in the neck pocket, I can see the point to get the neck angle right, obviously, but I've never been sure if there's any point trying to plug gaps at the sides of the pocket - unless it's so tight the neck only just squeezes in to the pocket, a gap is a gap is a gap, does it really matter how wide it is apart from looking unsightly?

xmrchi

Deijavoo;408642" said:

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Primary_Tone_Mods_for_the_Telecaster

God he likes the sound of his own... Writing doesn't he.

MDKV

Just play the bloody thing. 

usedtobe

breakstuff said:

I find the best way to improve my tone is to just not play at all.

Likewise..

1nten5e

I find my guitar sounds better if I dont drink half a dozen vodkas before I pick it up.....

Thats what they tell me anyway, I personally think it sounds much better after the alcohol

Deijavoo

Deijavoo

Just got it back, and I have to say it does feel very different. But that may be due to the new nut, set up etc.....  but acoustically it does ring that little bit sweeter. Not tried through my amp yet though but I think the new pups from @richardj and @axisus should sound great. Thanks guys!

Richardj

Looking niiiiice @Deijavoo  

Deijavoo

Thanks again mate. Is a Bigsby too much? Think I need another '52, a baja or maybe a butterscotch roadworn for that job.

PolarityMan

Anyone had issues with screenprinting ink on picks killing high end?

Richardj

Now now, I am usually the first to be sceptical but I am certainly open to the idea of a 'pure' wood on wood tightly screwed together neck joint possibly benefiting the tone.  Come what may it looks good and I sure sounds better.

Deijavoo

PolarityMan said:

Anyone had issues with screenprinting ink on picks killing high end?

Now you mention it.... ;-)

usedtobe

That looks amazing, Deijavoo..!!!

Deijavoo

Cheers mate, really enjoying it too. Recording my guitars for an EP today and this will be on there for sure.

Niallmo

ICBM said:

Yes, excessive shielding can dull the tone because it adds capacitance, so it's possible that people mean they're removing the shielding paint. But if that's so, there's a much easier and less destructive way… just don't connect it to the signal ground. Modern Fenders have a screw terminal in the cavity floor - disconnect the wire from that. Some others do it by having the paint come up over the edges of the rout so it touches the foil on the back of the pickguard - just cover it with masking tape. No need to strip any of the finish in either case, and easy to put back to stock if you find it's all complete bullshit too noisy, or want to sell the guitar.

Ah, so that's why the gold anodized 'plate I had on my Squier CV had a two fold effect. Got rid of ANY hum and softened the overall tone.