The Holdup
I sure many of you are on pins and needles waiting to hear the fate of The Project...right??
Well, regardless of how little you may care, I wanted to update you on why I haven't updated recently.
If you would kindly refer once again to Figure A , Cheesy Arrow A,
you will see that there are two black things with three silver metal thingies on top of each of them. Technical, huh? Well, here it comes.
Those components of the chip are the Input/Output jacks. They are the connectors for the 1/4" cables so that one may connect the pedal into the chain between the guitar and amplifier. So, what's the problem?
In a normally wired guitar, the Line Out cables connect directly to the output jack. They are not 1/4" cables and thus cannot be "plugged into" the in/out jacks on the pedal. This, however, isn't a problem. It's easy to modify the lugs so that the line out of the guitar will connect directly to the pedal. So
what is the problem?The highly technical components that I described as the "three silver metal thingies" are very important. When you plug in a 1/4" cable into the input jack of a pedal, it mechanically flips a switch (silver metal thingy) that turns on the battery draw. This is designed to save the pedal from permenantly being on. Without this feature, you could burn out the pedal over a long period of time. Plus, you'd go through 9 volts like the Rangers bullpen.
So, the
problem is that, without the mechanical switch, there's no way to turn the pedal on. The quick and easy fix would be to replace the mechanical switch with a toggle. However, this would mean that
another switch would have to be mounted on my PRS dashboard. Since the phase 90 isn't true bypass (it requires power even if the effect isn't on), the additional toggle switch would literally be the "on" switch for the guitar. This is definitely not ideal.
How to fix? What I need is an input jack built with a mechanical switch that can replace the Line Out of the guitar. This would physically turn on the guitar when I regularly plug in to jam. Thus, I wouldn't have to remember to flip a switch in order to activate the guitar signal. Plus, this fix saves room on my PRS dashboard.
Is all of this doable? Yes, but I have to find a good input jack that I described above. Peavey makes one that I may have to go with......but I'd rather a device with a bit more quality attached.
Is all of this worth it? If you are a guitarist and that question has run through your mind at
any point, then shame on you. For those of you still doubting, I recommend synchronized swimming as a hobby.
Labels: The Project
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.
Labels: The Project
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.
Labels: The Project
The Project
As I hinted last post, I am currently undertaking an extensive project. I am customizing my PRS Santana with a specific effect and several new EQ options. The reason I'm attempting to do this myself is for the sake of learning. I truly feel (and hope) I can handle the intensity of this project, as it involves some devious work on the body of my guitar.
I will be posting pics and updates as I work on this project. Below I've written the tasks to be accomplished (in semi-order). As I work on each task, I will document the gear, tools, time, and cost. I will hopefully be giving success stories concerning what I've learned as well.
Overall Goals1. To install a custom MXR Phase 90 Breathalyzer Mod pedal into the body of my PRS.
2. To install custom guitar tone knobs (bass and trebel) on a different line, controllable by a toggle switch.
3. Install Kill Switch
Tasks-Modify Phase 90 chip: Remove foot switch, install DPDT Toggle switch to be mounted on guitar face (Effect on/off). Add wiring to minitoggle (modification on/off) to be mounted on guitar face. Install Speed Knob into guitar face, replace MXR knob with Santana standard knob.
-Install Phase 90 into body by: cutting additional hole in back of guitar, allowing room for the chip, switches, knob, battery, and wiring. Install the pedal I/O wiring into the line out of guitar. Build accessible battery casing. Create new custom-shaped back plate.
-Install new tone path that bypasses original: Install Bass and Trebel boosters into path. Install switch to toggle between original tone control and new tone path.
I've got my work cut out for me! I will be going into detail as I tackle each step. Later this week I will describe the current technical details of my guitar. Everybody loves before and after.
Stay tuned.
Labels: The Project
Redux
Sometimes, a fresh, clean start is all we need to boost our blogging spirit. I grew weary of the bells and whistles saturating my blog, and I wanted to change the home from Simple Training, which never really had any true meaning, to Forgotten Graffiti, which, still, lacks a lot of meaning, but makes a bit more sense to me. (See
this post)
I am currently involved in quite a bit, with preparations for missions (check out our
Hondures 1 site), school papers, Bent Tree, and a lot of decisions to be made in the near future. I'm curious to see exactly where God will have me, and what doors will be opening and closing within the next two months. It's scary, but I've finally found myself resting in faith. I'm excited about what direction I will be led in, and I'm at the point of full content with whatever comes my way.
On a lighter yet thrilling note, I am kicking off
The Project within the next two weeks. It involes my beloved PRS and some souped up customization. I will be posting the steps of this project with details, pics, and hopefully success stories. Best case scenario: me not crying at the end of the day because of a ruined guitar. We shall see!
Peace of Mind
Sometimes I forget that I have a blog. A piece of media exists at my disposal to utilize for personal expression, but do I? My seven in a row streak was fun, and I truly enjoyed what blogging brought to my spirit, but I can still think of a million excuses to why I can't find the time or energy to blog.
Lately I've felt a sense of unrest. Peace is always hard to come by it seems. As the holiday season approaches combined with a particularly painful anniversary, my emotions are fueled by the memories, good and bad, of my life. During this time, however, most of these emotions, whether painful or bitter-sweet, all lead to an innate sadness. It's hard for me to see what I've been given when everything points to what I've lost.
I don't believe that anything in this world can offer peace. I believe that true peace comes from our Savior. The world fogs that up with its despair--its nature of sin. We as Christians have been recreated, the sin removed. But we still dwell in a place where we are surrounded by ever-occuring sin. So, my question is, what kind of peace are we supposed to have on earth? Does God desire for us to be at peace with where we dwell? If I was at peace, would I be inspired and stirred to live for the Kingdom?
I think that peace is found in God's sovereignty. We can rest in His love that gives hope and purpose. I feel like in my life that this must be a daily recognition to avoid a clouding from this world.
Just a thought.
The Sweet Smell Of Success
Cue the Rocky theme. I've made it to the top of the steps which tons of overly-excited children on my heals, screaming Adrian...Adrian!
One week; seven posts; a new media website; no regrets. I'm very pleased with my accomplishment. Like I mentioned last night, I'm most excited about the launch of
Forgotten Graffiti. I feel like I owe this week's endeavor of daily blogging to the inspiration to move forward with the site.
Thank you all for your comments. I've appreciated the support through this ordeal.
In all honesty, I've had tons of fun. With the start of school tomorrow, I imagine schedules will be pretty much packed. However, two things have changed since last week:
1. I now look forward to blogging, and look specifically for things to write about.
2. I have no excuse not to blog. Especially with accountability partners such as Mike, Erik, and Toby.
I look forward to seeing what this new semester will bring to my blogging mind. And with that,
so passes Make 7Up-Dates Yours Week. The score? Me: 7. Blog: 0.
Inyourface!
