
Images 1 (left) & 2 (right)
Faster, easier ways to install nylon strings.
Hello, and welcome to the first Mod Garage column that doesn't deal with electric guitars.
Many guitar players have at least one classical guitar in their arsenal, and a lot of us strummed our first chords on a nylon-stringed guitar. But changing strings on a classical guitar isn't easy, and it takes time to develop a solid technique. When you have to change strings often, this can be an annoying, time-consuming procedure. (Flamenco players know what I'm talking about!)
and other materials.
I often receive classical guitars with ātuning issues," though few have actual problems with their tuning machines. In most cases the owners simply put the strings on wrong, especially the plain nylon treble strings. But don't worryāI won't torment you with a lecture on nylon string installationāthe web is already full of them. Instead, I'll show you some alternatives and mods to speed up the process while improving tuning stability.
Beginning at the Bridge
The bridge of a classical guitar properly strung in the traditional manner should look something like Photo 1 and Photo 2.
Now let's consider some alternatives.
Photo 3. Image courtesy of Rosette Guitar.
Bridge Grips
Bridge grips are short tubes of polymer material that you slide onto each string before fastening it. They won't spare you from learning the traditional method, but they reduce the chance of slippage. The grips hold everything in place while securing the strings, speeding up the process. Bridge grips are reusable, so no need to buy new ones with each set of strings. The only downside is their unusual look [Photo 3].
Strings with Ball Ends
Some companies offer classical strings with ball ends, much like typical steel strings for acoustic guitar. These strings aren't made primarily for tie-block bridges, though some older classical guitars, like Viennese and Munich models, have bridges similar to those on steel-string guitars with bridge pins. But you can use this string type with tie-block bridges. Simply protect the soundboard around the bridge with a piece of cardboard, wood veneer, plastic, or such.
The downsides? Steel ball-ends can damage the tie block over time, leaving unsightly dents. Also, you're limited to the relatively small number of string companies that manufacture sets of this type.
WARNING: Never put standard steel strings on a classical guitar! Their high tension will quickly ruin your instrument.
Many players don't like the look of ball-end strings on a tie-block bridge. A good way to spruce up the optics is to countersink the holes in the tie block, so the ball ends no longer reside outside the block. But leave this mod to a professional luthier, because it requires specialized tools, and you must work dangerously close to the soundboard.
Bridge Beads (AKA String Ties)
This is a great solution if you want to try the ball-end method but can't live without your favorite non-ball-end strings. Using bridge beads converts your regular strings into ball-end ones. Bridge beads are available in bone, wood, nylon, and other materials. They come in several shapes and colors. It's easy to fasten them to strings with a self-securing technique you may know from sailor's or mountaineer's knots. The beads are reusable, and they're real time-savers.
Photo 4. Image courtesy of Rosette Guitar.
Downsides? Depending on their shape and material, bridge beads can leave dents in the tie block. As when using ball ends, you should protect the soundboard area around the bridge when changing strings. Also, the appearance is untraditional [Photo 4].
Tip: When using ball-end strings or bridge beads, it's a good idea to permanently protect the soundboard area directly below the bridge with a clear mini pickguard like the one in Photo 4. Flamenco players often protect their guitar tops with stick-on golpeadores, which come in both white and clear materials. You can buy a golpeador and cut the material to size. (One advantage of the clear ones: Light permeates them, so the wood beneath slowly darkens along with the top's unprotected surfaces.)
Photo 5. Image courtesy of singlecoil.com.
The 12-Hole Bridge
This is my favorite solution. It's highly functional, nearly invisible, and easy to do: Simply drill a second hole near each of the existing bridge holes. But you need the right toolsāspecifically, a long, sharp drill bit like the one in Photo 5. Proceed with caution, because you must work close to the soundboard. Be sure to protect the soundboard while workingāor just leave the operation to a professional luthier.
Photos 6 (left) and 7 (right). Images courtesy of singlecoil.com.
Photo 6 and Photo 7 show two views of the drilling process. Photo 8 shows the other side of the bridge after drilling.
Photo 8. Image courtesy of singlecoil.com.
Stringing a 12-hole bridge requires a modified technique [Photo 9 and Photo 10], though it's easier and faster than the traditional six-hole method. Just run the string through its original bridge hole, loop it over the top of the bridge, and reinsert the tip through the new hole, securing the string beneath itself at the point where it emerges from the original hole.
Photos 9 (left) and 10 (right). Images courtesy of singlecoil.com.
The 18-Hole Option
Another popular design uses 18 holes, which spares you from having to loop the string over the tie block [Photo 11]. This method looks nice and clean, and the tie block is safer from string damage. (Just to keep things straight: The traditional six-hole bridge uses two turns over the tie block. The 12-hole method uses only one turn. The 18-hole uses none.)
Photo 11. Image courtesy of Stephen Rees.
Converting your six-hole bridge to an 18-hole can be tricky, and there may not be sufficient space between the extant holes, so consult your luthier.
Tuning Machine Mods
Now let's look at speeding up string changes from the other end of the guitar. The magic phrase here is ādouble holing."
Photo 12. Image courtesy of singlecoil.com.
he tuning machines of most classical guitars use one of two roller types: standard nylon-covered rollers, also available in aluminum (Photo 12), and the Emberger-type rollers found mostly on vintage guitars. While Emberger tuners sometimes come from the factory with two holes, most classical rollers only have one hole.
Emberger rollers are smaller in diameter than conventional nylon-covered rollers. If yours have only one hole, you may be able to get replacements with double holes. If not, you need a very sharp drill bit for metal and a multi-speed drill pressāyou can't use a hand-held drill for this operation. (If in doubt, consult your luthier.)
Photo 13. Image courtesy of singlecoil.com.
If you attempt the work, be sure to secure the rollers tightly so they don't turn into bullets while drilling, and wear gloves and goggles. You can orient the second hole like the stock ones, or angle them slightly for even greater locking strength [Photo 13].
Photo 14. Image courtesy of singlecoil.com.
On standard nylon-covered rollers, note that the nylon part is merely a cover that slides over the metal shaft beneath. It's a little easier to do this mod on aluminum rollers, which are one-piece barrels. Photo 14 shows a modded aluminum barrel on a flamenco guitar.
That's it! Next month we'll return to electric guitar mods. But if you'd like to read more about acoustic guitar mods, just let me know, and I'll throw some in from time to time. Until then, keep on modding!
Whitman Audio introduces the Decoherence Drive and Wave Collapse Fuzz, two innovative guitar pedals designed to push the boundaries of sound exploration. With unique features like cascading gain stages and vintage silicon transistor fuzz, these pedals offer musicians a new path to sonic creativity.
Whitman Audio, a new audio effects company, has launched with two cutting-edge guitar pedals, the Decoherence drive and Wave Collapse fuzz. Combining science and art to craft audio effects devices, Whitman Audio aims to transcend the ordinary, believing that magic can occur when the right musician meets the right tool.
Delivering a solution for musicians looking to explore a wide range of sounds, each pedal offers a unique path to finding your own voice. The Decoherence drive injects a universe of unique saturation into your music arsenal while the Wave Collapse fuzz takes you to uncharted sonic territories.
Decoherence features include:
- Cascading stages (Gain A > Gain B) each with a unique sound and saturation character
- Gain A - Medium to high gain stage with a mid focus for clear articulation and punch
- Gain B - Low to Medium gain with a neutral EQ that compliments and expands Gain A
- G/S Toggle - Selects the clipping diodes for Gain B (NOS Germanium or NOS Silicon)
- Tone Knobs (H & L) - Tuned active Baxendall style EQs that boost or cut Highs and Lows
- True bypass switching, accepts standard 9V DC power supplies (does not accept battery)
Introducing: Decoherence Drive -Ā YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Wave Collapse features include:
- Vintage Silicon transistor fuzz that goes from vintage clean to doom metal mean
- Buffered input and pickup simulation ensure it sounds great anywhere in your chain
- Bias Knob - Allows for a huge range of texture and response in the pedals gain structure
- Range and Mass Toggles - Provide easy access to three diverse bass and gain ranges
- Filter Knob - A simple-to-use tilt EQ enhanced by the Center toggle for two mid responses
- True bypass switching, accepts standard 9V DC power supplies (does not accept battery)
The Decoherence drive and Wave Collapse fuzz pedals carry retail prices of $195.00 each.
For more information, please visit whitmanaudio.com.
Introducing: Wave Collapse Fuzz - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.In our third installment with Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover, the master luthier shows PG's John Bohlinger how his team of builders assemble and construct guitars like a chef preparing food pairings. Hoover explains that the finer details like binding, headstock size and shape, internal bracing, and adhesives are critical players in shaping an instrument's sound. Finally, Richard explains how SCGC uses every inch of wood for making acoustic guitars or outside ventures like surfboards and art.
Featuring torrefied solid Sitka Spruce tops, mahogany neck, back, and sides, and Fishman Presys VT EQ System, these guitars are designed to deliver quality tone and playability at an affordable price point.
Cort Guitars, acclaimed for creating instruments that exceed in value and quality, introduces the Essence Series. This stunning set of acoustic guitars is designed for musicians looking for the quintessential classic acoustic guitar with fabulous tone all at an exceptional price point. The Essence Series features two distinct body shapes: The Grand Auditorium and the OM Cutaway. Whatever the flavor, the Essence Series has the style to suit.
The Essence-GA-4 is the perfect Grand Auditorium acoustic. Wider than a dreadnought, the Essence-GA-4 features a deep body with a narrower waist and a width of 1 Ā¾ā (45mm) at the nut. The result is an instrument that is ideal for any number of playing styles: Pickingā¦ strummingā¦ the Essence GA-4 is completely up for the task.
The Essence-OM-4 features a shallower body creating a closer connection to the player allowing for ease of use on stage. With its 1 11/16āth (43mm) nut width, this Orchestra Model is great for fingerpickers or singer/guitarists looking for better body contact for an overall better playing experience.
Both acoustics are topped with a torrefied solid Sitka Spruce top using Cortās ATV process. The ATV process or āAged to Vintageā, āagesā the Spruce top to give it the big and open tone of older, highly-sought-after acoustics. To further enhance those vintage tones, the tops bracing is also made of torrefied spruce. The mahogany neck, back, and sides create a warm, robust midrange and bright highs. A rosewood fingerboard and bridge add for a more balanced sound and sustain. The result is amazing tone at first strum. 18:1 Vintage Open Gear Tuners on the mahogany headstock offer precise tuning with vintage styling. The herringbone rosette & purfling accentuates the aesthetics of these instruments adding to their appeal. Both acoustics come in two choices of finish. Natural Semi-Gloss allows the Sitka spruceās natural beauty to shine through and classic Black Top Semi-Gloss.
A FishmanĀ® Presys VT EQ System is installed inside the body versus other systems that cut into the body to be installed. This means the instrument keeps its natural resonance and acoustic flair. The Presys VT EQ System keeps it simple with only Volume and Tone controls resulting in a true, crisp acoustic sound. Lastly, ElixirĀ® Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze Light .012-.053 Acoustic Strings round out these acoustics. This Number 1 acoustic guitar string delivers consistent performance and extended tone life with phosphor bronze sparkle and warmth. The Essence Series takes all these elements, combines them, and exceeds in playability, looks, and affordability.
Street Price: $449.00
For more information, please visit cortguitars.com.
Cort Essence-GA4 Demo - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Moth Electric's C. regalis overdrive pedal offers massive boost, natural overdrive, and searing distortion for guitar and bass. With active treble and bass controls, clean blend, Smooth/Crunch modes, and true-bypass switching, this USA-made pedal is a versatile addition to any pedalboard.
Adding a new model to their line of overdrives, Moth Electric has released the C. regalis. Equally suited for guitar and bass, the meticulously designed C.regalis is capable of massive boost, natural, singing overdrive, and searing mid-gain distortion. Its six op-amps power a dynamic, crunchy overdrive circuit with a suite of features including:
- Active treble and bass controls that allow for +/- 15db boost and cut. Perfect for tailoring the C. regalis to your instrument and amp.
- A powerful clean blend for introducing either your ampās natural character or another effect into the equation. Allows the C. regalis to become a more transparent overdrive.
- Smooth/Crunch modes, provide a subtle change in feel with āSmoothā increasing sustain and āCrunchā introducing high-order harmonics for additional texture.
The C. regalis offers the following features:
- Bass, Treble, Blend, Volume, Drive controls
- Smooth/Crunch modesā More volume than youāll ever need
- True-bypass switching, top-mounted jacks for easy placement on crowded pedalboards
- 9-volt DC operation with external power supply ā no battery compartment
- Designed and hand-built in the USA using through-hole components
The C. regalis carries a $179.99 price and is available for purchase at mothelectric.com.
For more information, please visit mothelectric.com.