An Ibanez seven string came in for a setup and a bridge pickup swap, going from an aftermarket Bareknuckle back to the factory DiMarzio.
What Came In
An Ibanez seven string. The owner wanted the aftermarket Bareknuckle bridge pickup pulled and the original DiMarzio put back in, plus a setup.
What We Found
Beyond the pickup swap, the truss rod needed adjustment, the nut was uneven, and the saddle height and intonation were off.
What We Did
Swapped the bridge pickup and followed the Ibanez wiring diagram to put the guitar back to factory spec, then confirmed the pickup worked in every switch position. Set the truss rod, filed the nut even, set the saddle height, and dialed in the intonation. Finished by setting the pickup height. About two hours on the bench.
Parts Replaced
Bridge pickup, swapped from an aftermarket Bareknuckle back to the factory DiMarzio.
Result
Balanced and back to the factory voicing the owner was after.
Worth Knowing
A pickup swap is only half electronics. Returning a guitar to factory spec means following the right wiring diagram so every switch position behaves, and confirming it before the covers go back on.
On a seven string an even nut matters more than people think, because the low string sits in a wide slot that buzzes or binds if it is cut wrong.
Bring It In
Want a pickup swapped or a guitar put back to spec? Bring it in. Standard setup is $79, and we'll quote any electronics work before we start.
Related
- What a Guitar Setup Includes and Why It Matters
- When to Take Your Guitar to a Tech vs. Fix It Yourself
- Fender G-5A VG Stratocaster Setup and Synth Repair
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