Guitar Techs in Northeast Ontario

[unzari]

Hey all, I haven't posted here much but have been lurking the site for a while, and if there's any community that can answer my question, this has to be it!

I moved up to Temiskaming Shores/New Liskeard earlier this year, about three months ago.

I'd like to get some new pups for my CIJ Tele along with new electronics (the weak link in most CIJ Fenders, I've found). Down the road I'd like to do the same w my old MIJ Strat, too.

The thing is, I talked to the one instrument dealer in town, and it seems like he doesn't do luthier work, not setups or repairs or installations (the place also deals in pet supplies).

Does anyone know a good guitar tech in my vicinity? I could always take my stuff back south, or learn on my own, but until I get an Erlewine book and some tools, I'll need a tech to go to.

Thanks!

[greco]

Hi unzari. Hope you are enjoying your new home in northern Ontario.

If you are just doing pickups and pots, it isn't all that difficult and doesn't require that much in the way of tools.

Does your local instument and pet supplies dealer (that kills me...LOL) have any parts (pots, switches, etc)?

I assume that he would have to order the pickups for you.

If you decide that you want to try the swap on your own, please post a request for help with it .....I'm sure that you will get all the advice you need.

Have you done any soldering?

Are you comfortable using simple hand tools?

If you answered YES to the above, you are about 90% ready to try it on your own.

Let us know.

Dave

[djdeacon]

No guitar techs, but I do know of a tube amp guy in Sudbury -

Millar Electronics
(705) 560-4866

He's never done any work for me, but we met in a bar one night and had a good chat.

[sysexguy]

Brian Monty is in eastern Ontario, but well south of you.

Changing pickups is relatively easy and you can probably find some great information for free on you tube as well as at stewmac, duncan etc.

For only a few bucks more than the standard music store fare, you can get some smokin' tele pickups, Suhr's (I'm a pimp for them), Lollars, Don Mare, Bardens. Google "Tele bridge installs" to get some hints how to assure that the bridge PU doesn't feed back.

As far as tools, you won't need much. A good soldering pencil, a mini vise, strippers (wire...not....I said vise not vice:smile:) phillips head screwdriver, some headshrink, wire cutters. Spend a little more on the screwdriver, there's nothing worse than having a gouged top because the phillips head wasn't to spec (ie avoid walmart and the dollar store)

btw, for an extra $2, swap the input jack for a USA switchcraft, it's great improvement for the CIJ guitars. IMHO

Andy

[Sharkie]

Hook up with Bob @ Music City in North Bay. Great store and great tech. He'll look after any mods or repairs you need.

Regards,

Sharkie.