A Fender G-5A VG Stratocaster came in for a setup, a switch from 9s to 10s, and a check on the onboard Roland synth that had been cutting out after the guitar was plugged in for a while.
What Came In
A Candy Apple Red Fender G-5A VG Stratocaster, the US-built limited edition with Roland's VG modeling system built into the guitar. The owner wanted strings switched from 9s to 10s, the guitar set up to the new gauge, and the synth output checked. The volume pot also had a crackle when rotated.
What We Found
The setup needed a full pass under the heavier strings: truss rod, saddles, intonation, and tremolo springs all wanted attention after the gauge change. The volume pot crackle was contamination on the wiper. The synth dropout traced to a loose wire connection inside the guitar.
What We Did
Fresh 10s on. Truss rod, saddles, intonation, and tremolo springs reset for the new tension. Sprayed the volume pot to clear the crackle, pulled the back, repaired the loose synth connection, reassembled. About an hour and a half on the bench.
Result
Guitar plays cleanly on the 10s and the synth side is back to working the way it should.
Worth Knowing
This combination of issues, gauge jump plus electronics, is one of the more common things that comes across the bench in Glens Falls. Switching string gauges is not just a string change. A guitar set up for 9s usually needs a full setup pass to play right on 10s, because relief, action, intonation, and tremolo balance all shift under the new tension.
The G-5A VG is a self-contained modeling guitar. Roland's VG processing happens onboard, fed by a divided pickup at the bridge. When one of these starts cutting out, the connections inside the guitar are the place to look first.
Bring It In
Got a setup or an electronics issue you can't track down? Bring it in. Standard setup is $79 and we'll get it back in your hands as soon as possible.
Related
- What a Guitar Setup Includes and Why It Matters
- 1988 Fender USA Telecaster Setup and Electronics Verification
- When to Take Your Guitar to a Tech vs. Fix It Yourself
- Why Won't My Guitar Stay in Tune
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday to Sunday, 12 to 5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com