...And Mods For All

Couldn't help the 1989 Metallica reference for the title of this post. Those things happen. In any case, I once again have gotten very hyped about some modifications I wish to do to my Made in Mexico(MIM for the forum lingo enabled) Fender Stratocaster guitar. I have in the past done a few things to beef the ol' axe up including the following:

1. Replacement of stock tuners with Sperzel Locking Tuners
2. Replacement of stock nut with LSR Roller Nut
3. Replacement of stock bridge sections with graphite bridge sections
4. Replacement of bridge position pickup with Blue Lace Sensor pickup
5. Replacement of middle position pickup with Gold Lace Sensor pickup

Next up is working on the primary tone of the guitar as a whole. This involves several very simple modifications that, with a few basic materials being handy, can be done at no cost whatsoever. Others not. First is removing the plastic plate from the back that covers the tremolo springs. Done. Next is:

1. Removing the neck to assure it is wood to wood contact on the heel of the neck as well as the neck cavity on the body. Sand off any paint, stickers, etc.
2. Removing the bridge piece and sanding off the paint underneath that for a nice clean connection to the wood. (I found this great article about all of this and it said that Eric Johnson has this done to all of his Strats. Interesting.)
3. Purchasing higher grade wiring cable for under the pickguard and replacing the cheaper stock stuff.
4. Purchasing adhesive copper shielding tape to install on the back of the pickguard and electronic cavity then running a ground wire to it.
5. Purchasing a 3 pin 4 amp toggle switch and wiring it appropriately to the neck pickup and 5-way selector as well as drilling a hole in the pickguard for said switch. This will make it possible to use the bridge and neck pickups at the same time as well as all 3 pickups at the same time if desired.
6. More down the road, I would also like to install an onboard effects pcb under the pickguard for fun. I found a site that builds compact electronics specifically for this application.
7. There are numerous other replacement components and things to do as well, but I already have a lot to focus on. Here's to hoping I get my ass in gear...

The End and The Beginning '09-'10

The Expunk album has been all wrapped up and the show went really well. Had a good set with HTAFM to open the night and enjoyed a great night of entertainment in general. Gave out approx. 48 Expunk albums throughout the night, so you can't go wrong there. There's a lot of great things planned so far for this upcoming year as well. I went out to the Meanwhile to have a few drinks after CJ practice with Josh and Mike last night and we were joined by Melissa a little later as well as a few other friends. We went over some things coming up, shared several laughing fits and had an all around great time. I guess I will be playing around in all three current bands I am involved in within the first month of the 10! I'm very excited about the bands that we get to play with as well. This town has a great collection of musicians and I find myself fortunate to be able to share the stage with them. Also, I have found out that we have a confirmed show in Chicago on April 10th which is my dirty 30 birthday. This is going to be one helluva time. I get to see Chicago friends, and hopefully family from Milwaukee as well! I threw together a list off the top of my head of shows going on in 2010. Also awaiting a nominations listing for the Jammie awards coming up in February. Looks like fun...

Jan. 9 - Expunk @ Mulligans w/ Fainting Generals & Lazy Genius

Jan. 13 - HTAFM @ Mulligans w/Ghost Heart & ?

Jan. 14 - Chance Jones @ Founders with AB & Coconut Brown

Feb. 16th - Chance Jones @ The Intersection for WYCE Jammies XI

Apr. 9 - Chance Jones (TO BE CONFIRMED KZOO SHOW)

Apr. 10 - Chance Jones @ Red Line Tap Chicago

Apr. 29 - Chance Jones @ Billys with AB & Coconut Brown

June 19 - Chance Jones @ Founders Fest

Upcoming things in the key of radical...

Dutch Pink

AB and Coconut Brown

A couple of things. Namely shows. Coming up on Dec. 18th is the expunk show for the album release which I am extremely excited about. Charles The Osprey, Heavier Than Air Flying Machines and Chugger will round out an immensly fun evening. Plus, it will mark only the second actual live performance by expunk in the current lineup. Looks as though Chance Jones is to be playing a show this Sat. at Mulligans. Very smoky small but great venue for fun factor. CJ will be sharing the stage with Dutch Pink, a band we were fortunate to play a show over a year ago from Detroit. Great energetic musicians with engaging songs. It also doesn't hurt that they're all stand up gents.

Also, check them out at http://www.myspace.com/withagainst
Next, through an email from the boss man Chance, it has been confirmed that Jan. 14th at Founders will feature Chance Jones and AB and Coconut Brown. We played a benefit a couple of weeks ago and when AB went on after us, my body couldn't stop moving. Holy shit these guys are legit. Authentic hip hop that forces a thorough ass shakin'. Live horns, bass, guitar, kickin' drums, programmer/dj, and rhymes being spit faster and more fluid than you can handle. Here's a little of them playing at the Intersection:

You can also check them at http://www.myspace.com/abandcoconutbrown
Exciting times as the Chance Jones album is out there for the pushing and we turn our heads to blowing it up outside of Grand Rapids as well. Until then, it's day by day, show by show. Whack 'em n' stack 'em.