Monday, April 16, 2007

The Phaser

I've just now received the Phaser that I will be installing into my PRS...I thought I would highlight its specs.


The Phaser I will be using is a modified MXR Phase 90 by Dunlop. The modification is nothing too complicated, and it's commonly done by guitarists bold enough to mess with the circuitry of their pedals. Many who own this stock pedal often complain of distortion, particularly on the high end of their tone. A simple solution to this problem is to clip or remove the resistor "R 28". It's easily found via label on the circuit board. If you're worried about losing the original sound of the pedal, you can add a simple SPST toggle switch to the resistor, allowing you to toggle between the script and original circuitry.

If you're worried about opening up your pedal in general, but would still like to get rid of that distressing distortion, you can order a modified pedal or send in your pedal to be modified by the pros at Vodka Mods. They offer many custom pedals and also sell mod kits with instructions for all you do-it-your-selfers. If you're short on time or dough, I would be happy to modify your pedal for you. Even though I don't have a fancy name or cool flash intro like Vodka Mods, I'm cheaper.

I went with the toggle script option, mainly because I want to keep my options open. Distortion can sometimes be fun, particularly when combined with my ZVEX Fuzz Factory.


You'll have to excuse the cheesy powerpoint arrows. This is the phase 90 circuit board that will soon be living inside my guitar.

Arrow A is the location of the R 28 resistor. The two black wires run to the figure at arrow B, the script's toggle switch. Just two lugs to deal with. Easy peezy.

Arrow C is a fancy LED. I thought a white light would look better peeking through the face of the guitar, as opposed to a red. Plus, the white is much brighter, adding to the cool-factor. Maybe I'll be able cast shadow puppets with it from the stage.

A few more modifications will be needed prior to its install. I will have to:
~Modify the input/output line to match the guitar's out
~Remove the footswitch hiding behind Arrow C and replace it with a DPDT toggle switch
~Add extension wire on the LED and both toggle switches to allow plenty of freedom for placement on the guitar's face.

Which brings me to preface my next post.....Lighting! Many would say that I've been bitten by the guitar-modding bug. But don't panic, I'm not going 1985 on you and adding custom LEDS down the fretboard that radically display the names of our groupies. Just a few simple circuits to be used as indicator lights for 1) Effect on/off; 2) Script on/off, 3) Tone path, and 4) Output signal on/off. More to come on that.

In the mean time, it's time to cut a chunck of wood out of the back of my beloved Santana. Your prayers are appreciated.


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posted by Seth @ 10:28 PM 4 Comments

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

My Godgiven Goblet of Rock

I wanted to detail the current setup of my guitar, just as an FYI. But before I do that, I want to tell you how my primary guitar has impacted my life. Not too many people know the story of how I actually acquired my PRS, but I think it's a testament to how personal our God is.

The summer after our car accident, I attended a Kutless concert at Prestonwood. My family was still recovering, and I was adjusting to a normal schedule. A month previous, my band had played at The Door with Kutless, and I wanted a chance to say hey again.

At the show, a raffle drawing was being offered for prizes. And, to give Mike Manning his due, HE was the one who told me to go put my name in the box...I didn't even know a raffle was going on. So, I put one card in the box with about 2000 others. Later in the show, the drawing commenced. The first name out of the box was a girl who, apparently, left the show early. The second name out was mine. Total shock.

Again, what a testament to how God takes care of us in personal ways. How much more personal of a gift could I receive? What else would've spoken to me more? The message that I felt God was telling me was that He was still with me and cared about me in an extremely personal way. What a blessing. For the past four years, I've gotten to use this guitar in my worship and arts position at Bent Tree, along with my personal musical endeavors.

Ok! The specs:

My primary electric is a PRS Santana. Stocked, features of this guitar include:
  • Open-coil humbuckers
  • Set mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Tremolo bridge

My current modifications include:

  • Alnico II Pro Neck pickup (4-Conductor) by Seymour Duncan
  • Gibson '59 Bridge Pickup (4-Conductor)
  • Custom tone path switch---activates alternate circuit in 4-Conductor route
  • Modified fretboard
  • Custom tremolo setup
  • Custom tone and volume filters
  • New nut

I LOVE this guitar. It will be a staple of my collection for a very long time.

Next post, I'll detail purchases for my new mod projects and discuss steps.

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posted by Seth @ 8:37 AM 1 Comments