Ibanez mods (Weir)

[jdsmodulus]

I just picked up an Ibanez 2680! Woot! I was wondering about adding a middle PUP ala Eaton. I always liked the "Flying Fingers" PUPs but I was thinking for a more authentic Weir tone a middle should be used. Any suggestions on which one to buy? Also is this a Dremel project that I can do or is it too difficult being solid Ash body? I suppose I will need a little help with the wiring as well. It is set up like a LP 2 tone 2 vol. Thanks in advance!

On a side note, I think Im going to try and cheap out and buy the 20 dollar Vine inlay stickers!

[mkaufman]

If you want the Weir sound, you'll need the middle position single coil. Wiring will be tricky - you'll need to decide if you want a separate tone +/or volume pot for the middle pup. Matching output volume for the single coil is key - those humbuckers can easily overpower the single coil pup. Having a separate volume control, or using a trim pot is probably the way to go. Obviously, you'll need to run all pups simultaneously!

Sounds like a fun project!

mk

[jdsmodulus]

Thanks for the reply, Im not good with wiring (never done it) so bare with me if I hit you up for info!
my playing style allows me to not mess with the tone knobs much. I get them set and usually roll off the vol and leave the tones wide open. Maybe I could swap a tone knob probably the top one for a vol pot and wire that to the middle. So it would be Vol, Vol, tone? sound right? Also it has a scratchy pot in the main vol so im thnking to pull all of it out and add new sheilding and pots for all 4. Which pots would you suggest and would Stew Mac be the site?

[seamones]

Are 2680's for cutting' up? Is it already modded? I just paid bankish for mine and wouldn't think of taking the router to it. Pics?

[jdsmodulus]

no pics yet but my 2680 is a 1977 and mint! Some slight tarnish on the plating. My general rule is unless the guitar is already custom (mine is stock) it is a canidate for mods! Not everyone will agree but this will be my main Bobby guitar!

[strumminsix]

JD, if you route out for another pickup I'd suggest wire like this but add a 5 way switch and swap out with 500k pots
http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wi ... s_1v_1t_5w

Then again you may want toggles for on/off of each. just another idea

[mkaufman]

If you don't want to add another pot, you could have 3 volume pots and one tone pot, just like I have on my 'Cowboy'. That will probably work fine.

You'll still need to route for the middle pup. Are you willing to do that?

My take is this: a very nice 2680 may fetch a little more than $1K. I've seen most sell for around $600-$700. From a collector's perspective, modding your guitar will certainly devalue it, however, it will make the guitar more desirable to another aspiring Bobby, so your risk may be less than you think.

If it's what you really want, go for it.

I came very close to modding a variety of vintage Ibanez guitars, but backed away each time. The reason: I was concerned about weight. They are quite heavy and the 2680/2681 is quite neck-heavy. But, they are great guitars and I love the ebony fretboards and the workmanship. Great stuff!

mk

[mkaufman]

Then again you may want toggles for on/off of each. just another idea

Definitely need a 3-pup-on option. That will probably require another route, or replace the current pup selector with 3 on/off toggles.

btw...the wiring will be very tricky.

mk

[jdsmodulus]

Im thinking of using my MC500s preamp and installing it in the 2680. Also adding the 3rd pickup. This makes it more difficult but also more Cowboyish. Keep these ideas going.

[mkaufman]

Installing the pre-amp/EQ card will be a major complication. It requires 4 more holes drilled, plus the right edge connector and wiring up the wazoo!

You may want to consider doing what I did:

http://www.rukind.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=420&t=9706&hilit=brawer

mk

[strumminsix]

don't forget there are pros and cons to where you install that middle pickup like where harmonics are, etc.

[jdsmodulus]

don't forget there are pros and cons to where you install that middle pickup like where harmonics are, etc.

I noticed on Eatons 2681, his middle pup is very close to the bridge pup. It looks weird but probably because of what you just said.

[strumminsix]

don't forget there are pros and cons to where you install that middle pickup like where harmonics are, etc.

I noticed on Eatons 2681, his middle pup is very close to the bridge pup. It looks weird but probably because of what you just said.

IIRC from the Gear Book Bobby had it adjustable and liked it there.

But there are logical places to put in yielding different results...

[jdsmodulus]

Not ready to cut a "bathtub" in the new axe ala Bob, but it is tempting. I really also like the idea of putting the preamps in a stomp box. Keep it simple add the single coil and change the wiring a bit then have the rest outboard! This is probably what I will do!

[mkaufman]

I'm sure you've seen this. Maybe it can provoke some ideas (such as pickup on/off toggles) or make you change your mind completely!

http://www.rukind.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=420&t=8810&p=84523&hilit=poor#p84523

mk