My first real "mods" project!

I've had the parts for this for a while (aka, a few years ), finally getting started on it. We'll see how it goes, I guess.
Hopefully will be at least interesting, maybe entertaining!
For me, anyway. Dunno about you guys.

 

Well, this promises to be fun...

 

Interesting...the EMG pickups don't magnetically stick to each other like the factory Ibanez units.

 

I was just interrupted by a delivery driver, bringing me an essential component! (imo )

 

I have recently noticed a small flaw in my plan..



Any suggestions for knobs to order? I'm assuming probably Fender fitment?

 

I consider this an improvement, if only for looks/neatness. That factory wiring was a mess.

 

Decided to try these for knobs, add a bit of color

https://www.qparts.com/index.php/knob/purple-abalone-shell-dome-knob.html

 

Got it all back together (except for the knobs )!
Tuning went easy, only had to tweak intonation just slightly, and bring the action up a tad to account for the thicker strings.
Which are slick - literally. Gonna take some getting used to.
Wiring arrangement worked out perfect, and these pickups sound sooo much more awesome than the stockers!

 

Got the knobs I ordered from Q-Parts in yesterday, got them put on this morning. Three standard size, one mini. Purple abalone tops. They all just slid right on, tightened set screws with provided Allen wrench. I like them!

 

Thanks!

It did take a bit of de-tangling; not sure how they had the wiring such a mess without it being intentional

Had to tweak the truss rod, reset string height/action, intonation, etc., especially since these new strings are heavier gauge. Dressing the frets helped too, something they've really needed since it was new.
As for the sound now...well. with new strings, pickups, and a proper setup, it's like playing a completely different guitar