replacing the jazzmaster rhythm section with boost/fuzz

[psychedelicrelic]

Ive put some serious thought into this but if its not possible the way im visioning it then I probably wont do it.

I dont really use the rhythm switches on my jazzy. I want to put my one knob hi five boost to be turned on/off with the switch and control it with one of the roller knobs. Then I want the melx2 turned off with a push pull volume knob and volume with the second roller. And hi five into melx. I could even settle for melx always on and if I dont want it, remove the battery. Possible?

I know itll have to be routed and batter compartments installed. I just think it would be awesome to have it all at my fingertips.
Ill have to pay someone to do the installing and routing but theres a few guitar builders on island that could probably help With that.

[ryan summit]

onboard boost?
that sounds so awesome
weve slammed onboard fx pretty hard
but a boost is a great idea
youll need a battery for both,no?

[coldbrightsunlight]

It would be awesome! Should be an easy job to route the cavity out a bit more to fit circuits and batteries in.

[psychedelicrelic]

It would be awesome! Should be an easy job to route the cavity out a bit more to fit circuits and batteries in.

Im pretty sure itll have to have the battery compartments on the back with cliplids. Itll be too much trouble to remove the pickguard everytime.

onboard boost?
that sounds so awesome
weve slammed onboard fx pretty hard
but a boost is a great idea
youll need a battery for both,no?

Yeah two batts. The whole reason I thought this up was because I cant hit the boost or fuzz AND overdub on the looper or hit modulation at the same time. Plus...I think GOOD onboard effects are awesome, cant think of any examples but im out to change that. The melx2 is an electra distortion if im not mistaken. Seems right to put it back in a guitar.

[backwardsvoyager]

This is an awesome idea. I can't see why it wouldn't work if you're cool with the routing. Those circuits would last ages on battery too.

I like the tone of the rhythm circuit in my jazzy but i think it would be much more useful if there was volume boost on tap.

Now I'm getting ideas for installing a sparkle motion on mine... And a sparkly refinish. SPARKLEMASTER.

[psychedelicrelic]

Im mostly wondering if the switch and rollers will work as replacements for pedal pots and stomp-switches. I know nothing of circuit building.

[coldbrightsunlight]

It would be awesome! Should be an easy job to route the cavity out a bit more to fit circuits and batteries in.

Im pretty sure itll have to have the battery compartments on the back with cliplids. Itll be too much trouble to remove the pickguard everytime.

You're right, didn't think about that but it would be really annoying to have to take the pickguard off every time you changed batteries.

Im mostly wondering if the switch and rollers will work as replacements for pedal pots and stomp-switches. I know nothing of circuit building.

They're all the same components as used in pedals so in theory there's no problem, but you might need roller pots that are different values from the ones in the guitar to match what's normally in the pedals. I don't know how easy it is to get new roller pots because they aren't exactly common outside of jags/jazzys.

[JohnnyC]

not a proper JM, but i did this for a customer/client...
might inspire you...

[synthezatory]

Imho, the pedal is much more practical if you're ended up with that kind of fuzzy toanz anyway.. and the resale value won't be dropped too drastically. But hey, this is a rad experiment

[jrmy]

I'd love to see something like this implemented with a huge red panic button on a guitar, down below the bridge. It would be so cool to see a band live and the guitar player just haul off and WHACK the guitar to trigger the onslaught of fuzz.

That said, I suspect the visual aesthetic wouldn't be for everyone.

[Chankgeez]

... down below the bridge...

TWSS

[weed_killer]

It would be awesome! Should be an easy job to route the cavity out a bit more to fit circuits and batteries in.

Im pretty sure itll have to have the battery compartments on the back with cliplids. Itll be too much trouble to remove the pickguard everytime.

You're right, didn't think about that but it would be really annoying to have to take the pickguard off every time you changed batteries.

You could get a jaguar control plate, mod the guard a bit and mount it on so you wouldn't have to worry about taking the whole guard off or routing a back cavity.

Im mostly wondering if the switch and rollers will work as replacements for pedal pots and stomp-switches. I know nothing of circuit building.

They're all the same components as used in pedals so in theory there's no problem, but you might need roller pots that are different values from the ones in the guitar to match what's normally in the pedals. I don't know how easy it is to get new roller pots because they aren't exactly common outside of jags/jazzys.

'Roller pots' are just mini pots mounted on a bracket with the necessary knobs:

[coldbrightsunlight]

Oh right! I thought the rollers were built in to the pot. Probably should have known that since I own a jag and have done wiring work on it.

I'd love to see something like this implemented with a huge red panic button on a guitar, down below the bridge. It would be so cool to see a band live and the guitar player just haul off and WHACK the guitar to trigger the onslaught of fuzz.

That said, I suspect the visual aesthetic wouldn't be for everyone.

The aesthetic would definitely be for ME. Not on my main guitar sure, but it would be so fun to have a guitar with loads of stupid switches on it and one big red button that makes loads of noise.

[psychedelicrelic]

Johnnyc, I saw that video in my research. Really cool.

A jaguar control plate is a good idea but im doing something special to my pickguard so itll have to stay. Lowering resale isnt too big for me. Mellowtoanz I got cheap and its just a squier jmjm. Nothing to pricey. I really just want the guitar to be more suited to me. Something unique. I doubt id sell it but if I did, im sure an ILFer would appreciate it.

I guess the answer to my questions are yes, you can do this. And im going to go ahead and start ordering parts and contacting luthiers to get quotes on routing and installation. This is going to happen. Ill keep this thread updated as I progress.

More suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks guys