Epiphone ES-335 - Wiring Loom Replacement - Guitar Review and Upgrade Series

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Epiphone ES-335 - Wiring Loom Replacement - Guitar Review and Upgrade Series - Part 4

Рет қаралды 31,006

Күн бұрын

This week we get tangled up in some serious guitar modifications as we attempt to replace the wiring in our Epiphone 335. Join us to witness the setbacks and frustration, a little swearing, and the ultimate joy as we finally complete the 'operation' and hear the results.
Part One in this series: • Epiphone ES-335 - Guit...
Part Two in this series: • Epiphone ES-335 - Tail...
Part Three in the series: • Epiphone ES-335 - Brid...
If you don't like any of the talking or the playing bits in this video we've made it easy for you to skip along to the next chapter in case something more interesting is happening...
0:00 play in & coming up
1:04 what's happening today
3:20 about the new wiring
5:02 here we go then...
8:45 removing the old wiring
13:16 a frustrating setback
15:20 an epiphany
18:00 installing the new wiring
19:25 don't do what I just did
20:15 my advice to you at this point
20:45 in we go!
23:50 don't do what I just did (2)
24:00 losing my patience
24:42 at last it's in!
28:17 what does it sound like
29:37 what's the difference
31:50 the result of these modifications
33:50 what's next then
35:45 what have we learnt
38:04 play out jam part 1 (clean)
40:45 play out jam part 2 (dirty)
Signal Chain Info:
Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III with Celestion Creamback via AKG C414 & SM57
Drives (when on): Klon KTR / RAT
We run this channel to provide therapy for our gear addiction and for an excuse to buy more. Re-Launched during lockdown 2020/2021 we are experimenting with ideas to see what sticks, so any feedback you give is most welcome. Please like and subscribe if you would like to support the channel!
#epiphone #foreverystage #es335 #guitaraddict #theguitaristas #guitarist

Пікірлер: 447

@scottdavidson6066 2 жыл бұрын

Favorite quotes so far: 1) “If you’re thinking about doing this-don’t.” 2) “It’s a pain in the fucking ass, quite frankly.” Lol.

@steven_uk 2 жыл бұрын

Your channel has become my favourite channel because you are honest and show the highs and the lows of modding a guitar. I appreciate your honesty and hard work. Keep doing what you are doing.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man! 😎🎸👍

@moboei 2 жыл бұрын

I totally full heartedly agree with this comment. Lord Colin is the man

@lawrenceginsberg9916 Жыл бұрын

Great vid Colin. Any thoughts on how you chose the capacitor value you did on the neck pickup?

@chrissharratt4615 Жыл бұрын

Tell you what mate I’m going to do my dot, and I am up for the challenge and I will succeed,but that will be thanks to your video and your honesty, watching mistakes saves making them and that’s how we learn you did a great job man ,,,,,,I will keep a machete by the bench though, but seriously I have many guitars to pick up and play,but we need projects,, brilliant mate, cheers Chris.

@fossilmatic 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve attempted this, so I feel your pain. 😀 Even my guitar tech, who has done many, told me it is a very tricky job. Just pay someone else to do it.

@e.henrythripshaw4554 2 жыл бұрын

Two things that I can recommend right off the bat. First, get a violin sound post setter ( the "S" curved type with the "clover leaf" on one end, you'll know what I mean when you see one), they really help with maneuvering the pots into place. Next, you can run your cord down the inside of the jack, make a loop around one of the contacts and run your cord back out the center of the jack; that way you can pull the jack into the hole, hold it there with your cord and put the nut on, you then release one end of your line and pull the whole bit out the center of the jack. You can also make a jack seating tool out of a cheap, molded end guitar cable by cutting off the outside layer of plastic so it will fit through a jack hole--you plug cable in and pull the jack out the hole. I think the cord looped around one of the lugs works better. I'm hardly an expert at this, but I've done it a few times and it really does get easier.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tips.... hoping next week will be a lot easier! 😆🎸👍

@mosi3964 Жыл бұрын

I’m sorry to say that I was VERY entertained by your process. You are a genuine person, going through a project that sounds like an easy enough job and we could see you slowly get discourage (head off to you for your patience), I was laughing out loud. It was priceless, I can see myself doing the same. Loved that you kept on turning the camera off and on. Just amazing seeing you do this and be somewhat willing to do it again. Sincerely, thank you. I will do the same on mine and be thinking off you.

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

😆👍👍

@SeemoreDunkan 2 жыл бұрын

I really admire the fact you replaced the wiring harness first without a pickup change. We appreciate your work sir. Love from Ukraine.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Simon, yes trying to isolate all the changes this time… I’m sure I will forget something though! 😆👍 Much love to you in the Ukraine brother!

@jasonfischer3375 Жыл бұрын

I remember choosing my first guitar to make. Guess what it was!? An ES 335, how smart was I? It was a blast to figure out how to make it work. It was a work of passion and I had the same conversations with myself. Frustration station was what I called my work area. I’m glad I started there, everything else has been cake to figure out since that one got done.

@alanthew6490 Жыл бұрын

Well, despite my comment 8 months earlier I’ve installed the Monty’s Guitars 335 loom in my “inspired by” 335. Things I learned from this video and from comments - I made a tool from a tent peg which is similar in shape to the violin tone post tool. It worked brilliantly for hooking wires and for helping push the pots into the holes. I also made a tool from an old jack and a guitar string to connect to the jack and pull through. I used dental floss to tie to each pot to assist with pull through. Most importantly I took off the bridge humbucker to reveal the hole in the centre block. I had to order a new tip switch as my original does not fit the new one. I’ve kept the original pickups but I have to say the result is brilliant. Much better than I imagined it could be. Overall including a new setup (including neck relief), strings and a clean it took me around 4 hours. Can’t be happier. So I’d say it is worth it. Thanks for this video and for all the comments which helped a great deal.

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Excellent work!... did you watch part five of this series where I discovered the plastic tubing method is a much easier way to relocate pots??

@alanthew6490 Жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas I did, I thought I’d use floss. Doh!!

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

@@alanthew6490 messy! 😂

@user-xw2it9ty5n 3 ай бұрын

I saw one of these used for a good price but passed due to past experience after watch ing all this I'm glad.

@jowyong6769 2 жыл бұрын

I don't even have the patience to change strings on my guitars... Hats Off Guitarista!!

@rocketpoolpki 2 жыл бұрын

Swearing...Wires...Poking around...I'm in, sounds like fun...a sterling job man, well done on all fronts. Colouring the pot spline tops with felt tip could be worth doing for anyone giving it a go, make a map incase it gets tangled inside...and plugging in a jack without it's jacket and tying the fishing line to the lug...great series this.

@reddottx 2 ай бұрын

I can really sense the dread of next week’s video @37:00. I want to jump across the pond and give you a hug and tell you it’s going to be alright. Carry on.

@hankinho175 2 ай бұрын

I remember going through a pot replacement with my Gretsch G5622t (also center block). This video reminded me of some dark memories 😵‍💫.

@ces69 2 жыл бұрын

Don’t pull them out again to change the pickups, cut the wires from the existing pickups and solder to the wires of the new ones! Wouldn’t suggest it for anything other than a semi-solid, but life’s too short! If you do, try aquarium air line tubing! Dip in a mug of boiling water to soften and it pushes onto the splined shafts nicely!

@roubador 2 жыл бұрын

I imagine you could even add quick connectors to the wires in case you wanted to change them again in the future.

@ces69 2 жыл бұрын

@@roubador I hate to admit it but it’s what I did! I bought a Harley Benton 335, one of the older ones which are a much more authentic copy, which had already been up graded with full size alpha pots, Orange drop caps and Vanson 57 pickups! I picked up a pair of used Seymour Duncan 59’s on eBay to drop in but didn’t want to go through the pain of pulling the loom out so cut the wires and soldered on gold plated spade connectors so I could pull them out again if I decided to sell the guitar! Works a treat!

@LGuitarB 2 жыл бұрын

That's what I thought

@chuchuchip Жыл бұрын

Good idea, however its been my experience not all HB manufacturer's wiring is the same color or 2 wire vs. 4 wire. Do research first.

@12babyapes59 Жыл бұрын

Or long shrink tubing.

@harolddavis4138 2 ай бұрын

Im so glad im not the only one that has a hard time changing stuff. I always wonder why manufacturers dont just charge an extra dime and put better stuff in from the get go .

@neighborscomplaint6859 26 күн бұрын

I really enjoy your channel. I’ve done a number of these and have settled into using surgical tubing to fish the pots my fingers can’t reach through the f holes. For the jack, I use a cutoff cheap guitars cord with a straight plug that I grind the plastic down so it slips through the hole in the body. No tangles, no twisted wires this way.

@theguitaristas 26 күн бұрын

I got it figured in part 5 😁

@alemarrero 2 жыл бұрын

Its crazy the amount of work necessary to replace the wiring on a 335....I suppose that changing the pickups will be very difficult as well, but I'm looking forward to see that too!!

@Libra1059 2 жыл бұрын

I always enjoy a "perilous journey" down these rabbit holes! Great video and playing. I think this guitar sounds very nice. Looking forward to the difference the new pickups make.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers dude! 😎🎸👍

@Micky-yo3ng 2 жыл бұрын

I recently renovated a 60s Hofner made easier by having a surface mounted scratchplate but harder because it has surface mounted pickups without big holes! I used bent coat hangers where you used fishing line which made it a bit easier to poke bits through the hole but it was still like herding kittens. Thanks for the honest video

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Micky, I love the herding kittens analogy.. so true! 🤣👍🎸

@joshualafountain8554 2 жыл бұрын

Been looking forward to this video all week. Glad I found this channel. Loved the '59 les paul videos, which led me down all of your videos.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joshua, I’m glad you found us! 😎🎸👍

@dangrather1280 Жыл бұрын

You have the gift of rambling and keeping it entertaining. Even my wife like watching your videos with me. I have recently moved on to the classic style guitars you review. I used to be a shred guitar guy. I find your videos very useful.

@gerryloughran1676 2 жыл бұрын

10/10 for effort and honesty … guitar sounds great very articulate well balanced solid sustain luv the low end … hats off to you on this one for seeing it through and true !

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Nice one cheers Gerry! 😎🎸👍

@okayestguitar66 2 жыл бұрын

Every DIY guitar modder needs to do this at least once. I feel your pain and your frustration. Thanks for the video great job!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers... just once though. Oh shit I have to do it again! 😏

@okayestguitar66 2 жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas Yeah, I feel for ya man. Should be "easier" the second time around.

@robertschwartz3541 Жыл бұрын

I've been watching the video all the the way and all I can say is you are a badass dude. I can hear the difference all the way through. I'm 72 yrs. old and my hats off to you. Robert Miracle from California

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Cheers Robert!

@steveandrushko75 Жыл бұрын

You are a very brave man I would never attempt that in a million years! Iy make me wonder how do they do this at the factory when they make these guitar

@willmaynard9016 2 жыл бұрын

My heart was in my mouth watching this. Proper anxiety and I have never even done this to my 335.

@kkzooi 2 жыл бұрын

interesting to learn the 335 has that hole in the pickup cavity. my es339 does not. not large enough to fit a potentiometer through. i had to fish my volumepots through my f-hole when i swapped out the pickups for a set of 57 classics yesterday. it does sound very sweet with the 57's i must say.

@ces69 2 жыл бұрын

Get the Dremel out! Lol

@danieldebiaze9379 Жыл бұрын

Super Sound Man !!! for the pickups upgrade on hollowbody guitars I just cut the pickup wires and put some car radio or Hi-Fi automatic plugs!!! No soldering And its the best way not to get mad if you don't do the whole upgrade (pickups and pots ) at the same time; that's what i did on mine everything at the same moment cause it's hard to do this!

@giannirobibero3361 Жыл бұрын

I change the wiring loom on all my guitars. I find that does more to shape tone than actually changing pick ups. This may be sacrilege, but the cheapest and best way to get the tone you’re looking for is actually changing the type of pick you use.

@DwightMS1 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the warning. I have an Epiphone 335 that looks almost exactly like yours, and I was thinking about re-wiring it.

@nedludd3641 4 ай бұрын

You are a wonderful Southend geezer. These silly soppy vids have enriched my life immensely. I love watching 'em. In truth, I'm not a good enough player to notice the difference but I've bought a Casino for a bargain price @PeachGuitars and I'm building up the courage to butcher it's innards.

@svenr5112 2 жыл бұрын

Captain hindsight is gonna have a fieldday with this one😂. Seriously love the honesty in your videos. Trial&error is How experience is built right🤷‍♂️. (First time guitarowner of an hb35 plus in 3 days🤟)

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Sven, exactly!... but in my defence I did some research and saw others using this 'method' so it's not as if I went in totally blind... fortunately I had worked it out by part 5! :) Congratulations on the new guitar man!

@johnny.musician 2 жыл бұрын

I admire your patience…there is no way I’m going to try this out in person! Overall excellent job mate, I can hear the difference.

@mblazer4004 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, i feel your frustration. Ive decided that if I ever upgrade my 339 it will go to a shop!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Good plan! 😂

@jordimateubartroli951 4 ай бұрын

I wanted to build a Les Paul clone but with f holes (so no back cavities, wiring through the holes). Now I'm ordering an SG.

@LiveMusicCT 2 жыл бұрын

I've found success with using plastic tubing to snake pots through the cavity etc. has more stability than fishing line.

@patrickaquilina8654 2 жыл бұрын

I installed a Kluson Aluminum Stop Bar and Kluson Bridge with brass saddles and got the same results, much better sound acoustically and plugged in. Definitely worth the $80!

@aitken1965 Жыл бұрын

I love watching you make these modifications so I don't have to! I'm quite satisfied with the feel and tone of my stock Epiphone 335, but I know that in this price point you can get a lot of variation in quality and performance between individual instruments of the same model. One guitar can feel tight, lively, and professional; while another can be dull, loose, and clunky.

@patricelongchamps9880 Жыл бұрын

I really like what you are doing and the way you do it with humility and brilliant attitude !!! I have learned interesting tips from you but also spend $$$$$ on replacing parts on my Epi es-335. I have install a Tonepros System II Tailpiece, a Sung-Il BM-003 Bridge, Gibson 57 Classic Hum, Kluson Deluxe Tuners Tone Pros 2000's TPKLICWD Tonepros and the electronics as well...but not the strings yet 😆. It is now an amazing sounding guitar with his own character modeling the Gibson ES-335 body shape !! Thanks for all your help and tutorials!

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Nice one man, that's great work!... and maybe you get some strings next? 🤣👍

@gustafrenstrom8549 2 жыл бұрын

That made a big difference. A lot of the mud is gone now from the sound.

@monodux 2 жыл бұрын

These upgrade videos are so enjoyable. Having learned to do setup and repair to a certain extent (out of financial necessity and a scarcity of local repair techs), I can appreciate how much this can tie a person in knots, and how great it feels to be successful. More please!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for support... stay tuned for more upgrade nonsense! :)

@danieldebiaze9379 Жыл бұрын

The easiest way with the strings is to follow the way you get the kit inside and pull out first the jack then the tones and after the volumes and at last the the toggle switch...That's the way I did my first one on a 335 copy. it went easily but by the F holes as they were a bit bigger than on my ES-339, I will do it like you show us, by the bridge pickup cavity hole ;) Secret is to do it slowly ! I do it bit by bit/as Im retreated. Cheers My Friend.

@jazzup13 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for this! I’ve found a cavity in the bridge in my Heritage H-535! Will be much easier to switch out electronics through there!! 😅

@corneliuscrewe677 2 жыл бұрын

I did this on my 2002 Epiphone Dot about ten years ago, what a job. There was some trick I discovered to keep them from getting tangled, but I’ll be damned if I remember what it was. This is bringing back memories of that unpleasant job, though.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man, I found a better method in the next episode but it was till a ball breaker! 🤣👍

@henryhunter5026 2 жыл бұрын

I have to admire your patience. I can’t say that I’d really undertake a complete electronics transplant on a semi acoustic although I have carried out the odd repair when there’s no alternative . Rubber tube does look like a great idea but ensure that it’s thin walled enough for the nuts to slide over,( most isn’t). In the past when swapping out cheap pickups for better ones on semi acoustics I’ve cheated by splicing the new pickups on to the old wires via the f holes . It kind of wrecks the old pickups but I’m highly unlikely to use them on anything else, ( if they were any good I wouldn’t be changing them in the first place). Look forward to your next video.

@markcunningham6086 Жыл бұрын

I know I'm 11 months late, but this is your most entertaining & humorous vid I have seen in your pile. I so enjoyed suffering along with you. I have the Sheraton Pro 2 and just very much like how it all works. I see now what I'm up against if the switch or jack goes bonkers. Thanks for your frustrating time. 😄🤣

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

😆👍

@davidkerr1971 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Colin, another great but tough to watch episode lol I could feel your frustration man, glad you got there in the end. The guitar is sounding great, can't wait to see the new pick ups going in.Thanks for sharing. Great playing. Take care.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers David, thanks for the support and kind words! 😎🎸👍

@Robert_Bubba_Baker 2 жыл бұрын

Everything you learn costs you something. This cost you time. I appreciate the effort. Good on you. You never want to give up. Maybe that is the lesson here.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man... I’m certainly never afraid to give it a good old go! 😎👍🎸

@taylor12elementvb 2 жыл бұрын

Each episode has shown definite improvement with the Epi 335. Great to see all the work that goes into making a decent guitar into a really good guitar. Will stay tuned for the next offering. Cheers again from Canada.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers for support!

@jaybee1440 Жыл бұрын

Colin, when you said you had to take it all out again next week to solder the new pickups I screamed! 😱 doing gods work as always 🙏🏻 I've been planning to buy and mod a harley benton hb35 and this has confirmed that I will be leaving the wiring firmly alone. However the bridge upgrades etc have inspired me and saved me time and money. Cash strapped and hungry for tone. You're a top bloke 👏🏼 really appreciate this series

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Cheers man! 😆👍

@manahaas 2 жыл бұрын

Lord. This wasnt easy to watch with all the wires. Especially since i am not the most patient guy. I'd have killed the guitar multiple times. respect and very educating. and great end play Lord Colin!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

😆👍

@charleslegrand6017 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate your honest rendering of how mired and frustrating these DIY projects can become. Any fellow wayward tinkerer can relate. Well done not smashing it to bits.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Charles... we came very close to that believe me! :)

@Barondays 2 жыл бұрын

Colin you seem a genuine fella but i have to say that was funny. But your a better man it would have been log burner fuel if me.

@setsailsparrow9063 2 жыл бұрын

Ordered one so these videos a really interesting can’t wait for the next one pick up !!! Good job !

@mickeystanic4750 Жыл бұрын

Love the channel. In my humble opinion those pots and the switch are really fine, no need to swap them on that guitar. Cheers!

@stephanematis 2 жыл бұрын

I know you have already done all this, but I am beaming you good vibes and hoisting a beer to your efforts.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Celebrate my success after part 5… this episode was only a partial and quite painful win! 🤣👍

@GuitarAtoZ1 2 жыл бұрын

God bless your patience mate. Someone get that man a brandy! 😂 No seriously fair play, that harness has Really brought a lot of clarity to the tone. Great video. Can't wait to hear the PAFs in there! (God help ya 😂)

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Bryan! 😎🎸👍

@ITigerbaum 2 жыл бұрын

OMG man. I would've smashed it. I will be taking my Casino to a luthier for the harness upgrade. Thank you!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

🤣👍

@aitken1965 2 жыл бұрын

Better you than me, mate! I feel your frustration through the internet!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

😆👍

@LGuitarB 2 жыл бұрын

The neck position sounds MUCH cleared now!

@tomrosa4248 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video Colin, watching these is one of the things I look forward to on Fridays. I really want to see how much difference the Monty PAF's will make also that play-out was awesome! See you next Friday.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Tom!

@pinkiewerewolf 2 жыл бұрын

WOW, the tone is popping now!

@pinkiewerewolf 2 жыл бұрын

The closing jam... thats what I aspire to play like someday.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks that’s very kind! ☺️ ... I promise you will be way better than that one day if you keep at it 🎸😎👍

@pinkiewerewolf 2 жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas I’m 55 and appreciate the encouragement! I’m trying to practice daily so hopefully I’ll make music one of these days.

@milescookman7180 2 жыл бұрын

There really isn't enough use of the word "Twat" on KZfaq. Well done.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

😆👍🎸

@granthostheflatulent Жыл бұрын

Done the removal and install twice so far and need to do it again - I bought an ex demo ES335 with a wiring fault - I've extracted all the bits through the F hole - re-soldered the wire that dropped off - reinstalled the loom - disassembled again to find another wire dethatched while I was putting it back together - my stock loom had been repaired several times and twice more by me (I guess by the shop I bought it from - tbh it seems to be a mess of poor/dry joints and bad soldering). Think I will make an all new loom properly rather than fix it again.

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Check out the next part 5 and my more recent Gretsch upgrade… I’ve worked out some better methods! 🤣👍

@johnhenderson5485 2 жыл бұрын

Done a few similar projects. It's very satisfying when it comes together after all frustration

@saroussin 8 ай бұрын

Hi from France, Very honest and refreshing video. I've got one es339 to rewire, kind of scared now!!!

@theguitaristas 8 ай бұрын

Check out my latest film ‘an apology’ where I rewire a Starcaster and you’ll be ready to take it on!

@maddmatt55 2 жыл бұрын

In place of a wiring loom make one yourself from the original using CTS pots some two sprag caps with switchcraft switch and Jack. Less than £40! Put it all together when you change the pots. Try using braided fishing line, it's much more flexible than the nonviolent that he used!

@davesmithau 2 жыл бұрын

23 minutes in and I'm just about in fits! I'm waiting for the turps and a match ... man you've got the patience of a saint!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

🤣👍

@activese 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Colin, hope you are well, funny line: which is obviously very strong, ain't gonna break, "Famous last words". hilarious.Take care.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers... but that’s about the only thing that didn’t go wrong! 😂👍🎸

@popogejo7245 Жыл бұрын

I suppose the first time is a bit of a struggle, but damn once you get it. It's only about a 45 min, to an hour and one half job. I built and installed the loom\pots, 3 dog ear P-90s, and set up an epiphone Riveria in about 3 hours, maybe a little more. And YES they do sound better after the up grade

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Yes once you get all the mistakes out the way it's a lot easier... that's said I'm not looking forward to ever doing it again! 🤣

@petergoddard1960 2 жыл бұрын

For the tricky jack socket, feed the wire through the centre of the socket and tie the wire to the cable. Nothing will then foul the clearance fit of the socket hole. Just a thought many weeks too late! A wonderful watch anyway, Colin you brave man you!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Peter... I had a bit more success in part 5 so check that out! 😆👍

@geraldponce8336 3 ай бұрын

Couldn't bare to see you fish em through the f hole. But I could tell be watching the first few minutes it was going to be an adventure. Think pulling the bridge pickup and pulling em through there is a little easier.

@Paulmccarthy6801 5 ай бұрын

I bought the same guitar about a month ago and was thinking about changing it to 50’s wiring. It dosent look like fun. Hopefully mine has the hole you found. Maybe it will be a little easier.

@richard.bailey 2 жыл бұрын

Really enjoying your videos. Still toying with the idea of an Epi 1959 Les Paul on the strength of the videos you’ve done. Keep up the good work

@jacobpittman1996 2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t know the “proper” way; I wasn’t laughing. I will be heading out into the weeds after you to put some Seymour Duncan P-Rails in to my 2000 Epiphone Dot (and a new wiring harness). I have used the eq pedal, but I am ready to try something new. Thank you for chopping out into the weeds ahead of me.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Jacob... hope you watch part 5 first though! 😆👍

@jacobpittman1996 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, I definitely will finish the series. Thanks for your honesty.

@mericland 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this one. I just bought a cheap Firefly 335 and was planning on doing these upgrades to it. Not sure that’s in the cards anymore. One idea for the pickup swap, rather than pulling everything out again, snip the old pickup wires at a length where you can solder it together with the new ones. It would save hours of time. You may have to leave that loose lock washer in there though. Lol. Great stuff. Keep them coming.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man! 👍😎🎸

@colinmcnab6145 Жыл бұрын

I did a complete wiring harness change on a Gibson ES345 and Gibson ES355. It is a pig of a job but it's do able never had any real problems with the job.

@michaelbartlett9954 2 жыл бұрын

I won't lie and say that I wasn't laughing through most of this, but I was laughing with you and not at you. I've been there mate and I'll never do it again. You're bravery is not so much your willingness to take this on but in your willingness to document and publish it to the world. Cheers and subscribed!

@dannytribble1186 2 жыл бұрын

Really to make this and put it on KZfaq, I think most people edit out a lot so it looks like things went almost perfectly.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael! 😄👍🎸

@GuitarKilf 2 жыл бұрын

This has become my favorite channel on youtube all your content is first class well done to all involved

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Michael, thanks for the kind words and support it’s appreciated! 😎🎸👍

@harrydassori7726 Жыл бұрын

the demo at the end the epi sounds STUNNING!

@NoMatterWhoItIs 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait for pickup change. This thing comes to life. Having the same kind of guitar, Firefly FF338 actually, waiting for being upgraded. Have pickups already, pots are on the way. Having troubles finding lightweight tailpiece, living kind of far from countries it is available in.

@johngray6277 2 жыл бұрын

LOL!!! You did great Brother!! IF, you work on guitars, we have been there. You have more patience than most. Well done, great fun!

@andrewjameswyng7919 2 жыл бұрын

Thanx for doing this..... for Our pleasure, and for Science. 10/10.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Andrew! :)

@joshofsorts 2 жыл бұрын

These Epiphone "Inspired by" ES-335s have a large enough hole between bridge pickup cavity and the control cavity that you don't need to go through the "f" holes when working with the electronics. I was able to extract all of the wiring harness within a matter of minutes. Note that there are two clips on the roof of the the control cavity that hold the wires in place. These are a little tricky to work with, and will require you to get your fingers or some other device in there through the "f' holes to release the wiring harness. Great video, but you did it the hard way for sure...

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Josh, if you had watched a bit more you’d see that I found that out and continued via the pickup cavity on the way back in!... got there in the end 😂👍🎸

@joshofsorts 2 жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas Haha, I must have skipped around a bit on this video, but I did watch the whole series and really enjoyed it. Only thing it is missing is a tutorial on soldering up a wiring loom from scratch! The sound tests at each stage really makes this series a winner.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

@@joshofsorts There was quite a lot to take in! :) Cheers for support it's appreciated!

@joshofsorts 2 жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas Thanks again! It informed my decision to replace the electronics and maybe the tailpiece and bridge in the future. One thought I had - I am curious if the wiring loom changed the sound because of the quality of the components or the fact that the original was wired modern-style and the Monty's loom is 50's wiring. Not quite an apples to apples comparison in that regard, but still useful as most who upgrade the loom will go to 50's wiring as that is the most traditional and easiest obtained of the pre-wired looms for this type of guitar. I am going to wire mine up myself, but it will be 50s style.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Good thought Josh and I hadn’t considered that 🤔 likewise I always prefer the 50’s style. Maybe a subject for some future shenanigans! 👍😎🎸

@richardlynch5632 2 жыл бұрын

With baited breath and heartfelt hopes of smooth sailing psychically sent your way on each step😎👍 A lead end on wire would help with with the jack. Still believe an access back plate ala the ES333 would be a smat idea 🤣 Thanks for going down this rabbit hole for us. 😎👍 Perhaps with all the blood, sweat and tears you will want to keep this ES335, as you may have bonded with it through this exercise. Had hoped that you would have opted for the surgical tubing over the lines (as I also did), because it is much easier. Guess I should have suggested that...my bad😊 It does sound great😎👍 The new pups are just that one next step we are all looking forward too😎👍 You ROCK 😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love brother

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard 😄... rubber tubing is definitely the way to go next time! It’s already sounding great and yes for sure this 335 and I have now have shared so much of our lives together that parting is not an option! 😂👍🎸

@richardlynch5632 2 жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas Thank you for the blood sweat and tears you've given for all of your dedicated followers 😎👍 You indeed...ROCK ! 😎👍❤🖖 LOVE BROTHER

@wern4370 Жыл бұрын

Late on this series of ES 335 videos..... This is awesome.... This is the best UK channel - The Empire Strikes Back.....🤪

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Cheers man! 😁👍

@dawoud8013 2 жыл бұрын

i have made my HB-35 Plus an Epi ES-335 like ( Epi pickups and electronics... pots... wires...). all is OK but made in two times, because had to be patient ( made in 2 long evenings) . To havenot any soldering to make, i had to drill a hole (for move a volume pot) to use the epi kit, because the wires are short and plan to have the Epi pots positions. But it's OK and better sound than Roswell.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, sounds like a great fun (yet frustrating!) project… I hope you saw part 5 in this series before you did it? 😎👍

@jasonwhitaker2430 2 жыл бұрын

Great outro ....my Monty's loom arrived yesterday...iv been putting it off lol

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck! 😆👍🎸

@paultraynorbsc627 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent thanks for sharing

@risteardohaodha23 Жыл бұрын

I’ve swapped the loom’s on a Strat and an Epi Les Paul (both with Monty’s loom’s) and have heard the improvements (The Les paul was more difficult because of imperial/metric issues). I’ve been contemplating getting one of these 335’s and was thinking a Monty’s loom would be a good way to go but after seeing this document of struggle I would be much less inclined to attempt it. But fair play for persevering, it definitely makes a difference in the guitar’s clarity of tone.

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Cheers man, just needs some patience and a few days to spare... 🤣👍

@redroosterstudio 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed, not worth the hassle. Just by the Gibson when it comes down to the ES 335. Good video 🙂

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man 😎👍

@philcal2000 2 жыл бұрын

Love these videos.... We call your type of fingers here in Australia (passionate fingers) .... well done for your persistence and getting it done, and saving some of us grief....

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man that’s appreciated! 🙏 I like that… ‘passionate fingers’ another killer Aussie saying! 😆👍👍

@wadesummers4102 2 жыл бұрын

Still waiting on my loom. My tech had the same advice you gave - patience. She suggested do the removal of old and solder day 1, then put it back thru day 2. Also advised the jack plug is the trickiest one. After watching you (and Mick from TPS with his Casino) thinking the $75 my shop charged for my 335 was money well spent and maybe I will have them do my Casino. We'll see... Also, all the techs I've ever talked to about this job, say thru the F hole. No mention of pick-up cavities.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Wade... $75 sound like a bargain!! :) this thing about the f hole has me stumped is it an urban myth that there's no pickup cavity hole and everyone just buys into that?? I actually thought I'd have loads of people mocking my stupidity but it appears I am far from alone!

@wadesummers4102 2 жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas Just looked in my 335 - a 2016 Epi Pro - with my handy mirror on a stick and there is no large hole, just a small square large enough for the wires to come thru. My shop did say they had a guitar come in and someone cut their own access port...on the back of the guitar!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

@@wadesummers4102 cheers for that info, need to do some research on which guitars have big enough hole!... maybe all the Gibson's do, and I'm just lucky that this Epi has been so inspired and has one too!?

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

@Mark Seymour Cheers Mark, I shall try this next time!

@ericweissberg1101 2 жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas Colin, I believe that the early ES-335s (1958-early 1960s) had a solid center block with a small hole for the pickup wire. Sometime in the mid 1960s (1964 ?) Gibson cut an access into the center block in the bridge pickup cavity. I guess it depends on the brand, year of manufacture, and the authenticity of the model year recreation as to whether there is access through the bridge pickup cavity. Thanks for the videos! They're brilliant! I really enjoy them and I always look forward to your next one.

@johnwhitehouse2582 2 жыл бұрын

Hi ya Colin , thank you for attempting the upgrade , hats off you you Colin . I could feel my frustration building up seeing the snags you came up to . If it was me trying to do that ! I would probably be sitting at the work bench looking at a pile of firewood ! But bless you for getting through it and I will definitely take your advice and never attempt it . Bonus was the guitar sounded much more open , love it

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers John, and that was just the edited 'highlights'... hours of film and swearing didn't even make the cut! :)

@KRE808 2 жыл бұрын

What's there to say but yet another epic video from what has quickly become my favorite guitar-related YT channel. Thanks for doing all that in the name of science, the frustration of it all was palpable, and I can't deny there was a certain amount of rubbernecking and glad it wasn't me to my watching. Absolutely loved the nearly seven minutes extended play-out as well. Whether you get stuck in right away with the pickups or slide in a diversion for the next video, I'll be watching!

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man kind words appreciated... glad you still with us on this journey! 😎🎸👍

@dannytribble1186 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder what it would sound like with a orange drop or bumblebee striped capacitor so the neck pickup stops bleeding off treble Anyway world of difference in the tones

@billrosmus6734 8 ай бұрын

Hey bud, I'm doing the same thing with a new Sheraton Pro II AND it doesn't have a massive hole in the centre block beside the bridge pickup that you can slide the pots through. Forced to go through the F hole. There is a hole but just big enough to push the wires through with the quick connect ends. As an FYI.

@theguitaristas 8 ай бұрын

Check my latest film this week… I show you a better way to place the pots back

@motorcyclemark2889 Жыл бұрын

I seen a guy cut the back out and put a proper les Paul back plate to access his wiring much easier but not good for resale

@TonyMartin-xg1rd Жыл бұрын

Considering taking this on myself on my Epiphone Dot. Love the guitar but just doesn’t compete with my Gibson SG when plugged in. One thing I have learned is that the dot doesn’t have a channel wide enough in the centre block to get the pots through so it’s the F hole for me 😅. Again great vids Colin, off work sick at the minute and has really helped me to occupy some time 👍🏼

@theguitaristas Жыл бұрын

Cheers Tony, yes I think with the dot you have to try and feed it through the holes... easier just to play the SG 😆 hope your'e back on form soon mate!

@TonyMartin-xg1rd Жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas sorry Col only just seen your reply. Thanks mate 👍🏼

@TonyMartin-xg1rd Жыл бұрын

@@theguitaristas by the way I just got me a 2nd had Epi Les Paul custom in ALPINE white mostly on the back of your review and my continuing love of James Dean Bradfield’s playing. Like you said, doesn’t break the bank and hopefully nor my back 😂

@johnwalsh3826 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, best video yet , I don’t believe it….. Victor Meldrew with a soldering iron 😂😂, I feel your pain and from my own lost weekend trying and failing to do the same job the only thing I really learned why they are called f holes and I’m no tech ✌️

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

🤣 thanks man I love that... and can you believe I just arrived at the studio to do it all again for this weeks film?... I don’t believe it!! 😂👍🎸

@seanbutt56 2 жыл бұрын

This was super helpful! I'm about to go against your advice and have ago myself! Thanks for going through the agonising task first. I definitely learnt a few things.

@theguitaristas 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Sean… just make sure you watch part five first though as some better methods were uncovered. You’re a brave man… may the force be with you! 😂👍