Author: rohrscustomguitars

I'm a guitar enthusiast from Marysville, OH and am doing repairs, refinishing and building custom guitars. I'd be happy to help you with any guitar related needs or will point you to the best person I know to help you.

Re-tubing an Amp

So I’ve never changed the tubes in this little 5w Blackheart amp I really like. I always thought it was some type of magic trick and it was a little intimidating. After some research I decided to go for it. I bought some decent tubes at StewMac and popped them in. To my surprise, there was a huge difference and I feel kind of dumb for not doing an a/b recording. Here are the new tubes glowing.

img_0165

It is much more clear and for $35 and 5 minutes of work I had a completely rejuvenated amp that inspired me to sit down and play for a while longer than normal. Just wiggle the tubes out. Check out this really simple video. It was even easier with lower wattage amps.

I’m saying all of this to make the point you don’t have to be a master tech to do some of your own work.

    -Take your time

-Read from multiple reputable sources

    -Engage in online forums but don’t take the advise of the first person to respond
    -Don’t be afraid to fail
    PS: If you buy this model of amp take the “badging” off of it. It’s not the best logo and it looks a lot better without it. These amps are severely under-rated and have a great sound. Don’t knock ’em ’till you try ’em.

DV016_Jpg_Large_483078_front_3d

 

by Leave a comment

Fretboard Care

When building a new guitar it’s important to put a good finish on the fretboard. I like the Stewmac Fretboard Finishing Oil. It protects the wood and has a great feel. I use it about once a year on my guitars with Rosewood fretboards. You dont use it on maple boards which are typically lacquered.

You can also use lemon oil over the top of it if you want for conditioning throughout the year, but that’s not typically the feel I like but some people love it.

A little goes a long way. I love this stuff for rosewood and ebony boards.
Just getting started.
Just getting started.
A little goes a long way. I love this stuff for rosewood and ebony boards.

Here is a video from Stewmac’s website with a quick explanation of what it is and how it works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srJNuBS_nLk

by Leave a comment

New Neck, Tuners and Setup

The other day a young guy contacted me and wanted to put a new neck on a Mexican Fender. It was a Warmoth walnut neck and some sweet fender locking tuners. It was a pretty straight forward swap out and worked beautifully. The neck looked awesome with the 70’s head stock and pearl button tuners. The neck-pocket fit well and turned out great.

He had already put in the Seymour Duncan Jimi Hendrix pickups which rocked and has a great hot-rodded guitar.

A couple of tips when setting up a guitar and putting on a new neck.

  1. Measure…then measure again
    • Check the scale length before permanently mounting the neck. The scale length is the distance between the nut and saddle. You may have to adjust the neck or the pocket depending on if there is a discrepancy.
    • Check the neck angle before you take the old neck off. It’s a good reference point. Every neck is different but if you don’t measure you don’t know.
  2. Good quality matters. Good tuners and a good neck make all the difference.
  3. Take your time. Check it 2-3-4-5 times after your setup is done. Then wait a few days and check it again.
  4. Play it when you’re done. Once you feel like it’s done. Sit down for 5 minutes and play it. Does it feel good to you. Fine tune if necessary, and play for 5 more.

 

 

 

by Leave a comment

New Nut Files & Playability

I’m starting a few guitars soon and was making sure I was prepared. One of the things that I think makes or breaks a guitar is the playability. We have all played some amazing guitars that we didn’t love but should have. It’s because they were not properly maintained and setup. We’ve also played “beginner” guitars that were amazing and were very surprised…one again, it’s about setup.

A few years ago my wife sent me to a class on building guitars. It was the perfect opportunity to ask questions and learn from some guys who have been building a long time. One thing that stuck with me was how much attention was paid to the nut at the top of the guitar. We spent a lot of time on that one part and talking about the slot width, slot angle, rounding the edges, picking material, how to keep strings from binding, slipping, popping out, holding tune, etc…..

If you’re guitar isn’t doing something right, there’s a good chance the nut is involved. If you have any questions or would like me to setup your guitar contact me at rohrscustomerguitars@gmail.com or contact me through the site. I’d love to work with you and get your guitar playing the best it can.

If you’re looking  for a good set of nut files to try yourself check out Stewmac.com.

by Leave a comment

New Projects for Front Porch Lights

Last week I had the pleasure to sit down with Connor Standish and Sean Keating from Front Porch Lights to design some new guitars for them. They were great guys to get to know a little better. I heard stories of their current guitars, what they liked, didn’t like, and what they were hoping to achieve with these instruments.

These guys are the real deal. They have a great sound, write good songs, are serious about music, and I love their approach and attitude. Over the next few months, as I’m working on instruments for them, I will share some of the story of the project and the process of making a guitar for real-life musicians.

I still don’t have model names but will take any considerations into account.

More importantly if you’re around Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philly in May – go see them! You can get advance tickets here.

by Leave a comment