First project: ATK100 -- multiple questions

Nogitron · #1 06-02-2009, 05:54 PM

I posted this in the hardware/repair section, but have yet to receive any replies. I'm not sure if this fits in Luthier's Corner, but I'll give it a shot.

I just purchased an old beat-to-crap ATK100 to use as my first project guitar. I've fixed all the cosmetics with the body (man this thing was jacked up) and ordered a bunch of new hardware to get the functionality right, but I'm having an issue with the tuning machines.

It currently uses clover-style heads, and I want to switch to the other ones (butterflies? Not sure what they're called). I can't stand clover heads. My problem is that these pegs have HUGE pegholes (11/16), and I can't find any tuners in the size I need and the style I like. I'd prefer to find them cheap if possible. I only paid $50 for the bass, and I'm not the richest guy in the world, lemme tell ya. Under $50 for the set (2+2) would be ideal. I realize that this -seriously- limits any choices I might have, but you have to work within your means, yaknow?

Also, the guy I bought it from installed a head on the coil switch that I can't remove. It's plastic so I'll likely just shatter it with a vice, but given that I've done all my cosmetic work (stripping, sanding, filling, and priming) with the switch exposed, I'm likely going to need to replace the switch. If someone could link me to a page that instructs on how to replace it, that'd be awesome. For specifics, it's a switch for a single triple-coil passive pickup. This is the pickup:

http://www.ibanez.com/parts/2002_PAR.../3PU1C421.html

Lastly, When I'm done painting it, how can I go about clear-coating it? I'd like it to look like a new guitar if possible, but being that it's my first one and still has the electronics attached, I don't want to do anything extravagant or any dipping or whatever.

vbasscustom · #2 06-02-2009, 06:01 PM

not sure about the switch, but, the peg holes, fill them with some 11/16s dowel, and redrill your holes to the appropriate size for the tuners you plan to use

Beej · #3 06-03-2009, 08:58 PM

vbasscustom is right, you'll probably have to fill those holes with dowels and then drill them out to the correct size.

In regards to the "head" that's attached to your switch, are you sure you can't just unscrew it? Even if its glued on, the threads should still work. Worst case scenario, you can likely swap out the switch pretty easily. Post up a pic of the control cavity and electronics.

The link you gave is dead and doesn't work.

Here's a link to the stewmac tutorial on how to get a glossy shine with spray lacquer: http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/Fini...lueguitar.html

Nogitron · #4 06-04-2009, 06:34 AM

I tried unscrewing the switch head, but it just spins around. I don't know how it's locked on there, but it is. I'll post that pic for you guys soon, the guitar is with my artist friend right now getting a detailed paint job. Thanks for the link to the tutorial!! That was exactly what I needed.