Of Porn and Dogears

A Random Dogear foto for illustrative purposes

Well, not a lot to show for it today as I can't find the camera, for one, but I did get some stuff done, if not quite finished.

The most frustrating one first - The Porn Shop One - well, I got the strings on, but have struggled a wee bit to balance the pickups. Individually they sound great, but together it isn't quite 'there' just yet.  I have to say I didn't have a clue what a Cedar body would sound like - but it really rings out, it has a lovely tone to it. The Bare Knuckle Boss pickup is nice and hot too, but again has that Tele clarity - I'm really rather pleased, has to be said.

Anyway, I've now taken the cover off the '70s Gibson mini humbucker, I'm going to call it Olive as it is easier to type. Well, I've taken the cover off of Olive and have raised it right to the scratchplate.

Hopefully now it will be more 'there' when I get some new strings on. If not, I'll probably go with something different with a bit more oomph. We'll see tomorrow. Other than that though, it is beautiful. Even if it is too big for the case (why didn't I think of that, I've had enough Jazzmasters).

Next, I got to give The Off Key One a good old fashioned lacquering. Another couple of coats tomorrow and we should be in business.

As for a pickup for that one, I've took a punt on a handwinding pickup maker called Jess Loureiro from Spain. Not somebody I'd heard of before - in fact I came across him on Ebay, searching for Dogears, and then checked him out. Anyway, he recomended a P90 with one magnet Alnico 2 and t'other Alnico 5. He says it will give a richer sound.

Now, odd though it seems I've never heard this idea before, but it makes sense. Alnico 5 is generally quite hotly warm and rock-like, whereas 2 is bluesier and more Jazz-tinted. So mixing them, well, it makes sense and it was good to get some advice.

Well, we'll soon find out as I've got one coming this way as it sounds perfect for The Off Key One. He also makes Jazzmaster pickups, which tempt me and sound brilliant on his demos.

Anyway, his web site is HERE and I'll let you know how it all goes. So far so good though, he seems a top fella to deal with and the demos of his pickups are excellent.

But that is for another day...