Converting a 555bk into something useful....

Onis · #1 08-25-2002, 11:08 AM

alright, i have a 555bk (which i strangely have little complaints about) which i wanna 'mod'...

First, i want to strip the entire thing and re do the finish with a very nice graphic.

Second, i wanna scallop the whole fretboard.

Now, i dont really know all that much about going about any of this. i'm wanting tips and instructions on how to do it all...Also, has anyone else done this, and also, what does everyone think of scalloped frets?

Thanks

Lonely Raven · #2 08-25-2002, 11:56 AM

Be VERY carefull with scalloping the WHOLE fretboard. I've attempted it
a couple of times, and it's VERY difficult to get the curvature of the lower
board right! Up at the higher notes it's not as hard because you can use
a dowel rod with some abrasive paper on it. Can't quite do that on the
other frets without sanding down your frets some....

Good luck on the rest of it! Just TAKE YOUR TIME, and I'm sure it will come
out quite well!!

On a side note though...whats wrong with the 555 guitars anyways?
I mean, besides that terrible half assed excuse for a fretboard inlay.
Isn't it still a JEM? Doesn't it sound and play like a Jem?

Please, correct me if I'm wrong. I was going to get a 555BK and do some
mods on it just for fun....

Onis · #3 08-25-2002, 12:35 PM

Well, i'm actually quite happy with the 555, but i just want it to look better... And i think i'd much prefer the scalloped frets.

I might also replace the trs 2 with a OFR....Not sure yet though

Lonely Raven · #4 08-25-2002, 01:31 PM

doh! It's a TRaSh trem on that one!

I didn't realize that. That alone would turn me off!

I know some people love the TRS trems...but they never played well with
me. But that could just be me...I'm not much of a guitarest..

nuno · #5 08-26-2002, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lonely Raven

I know some people love the TRS trems...

...HUH!?!

Onis,
have you never tried an Edge trem?
there's not that difference between an OFR and a TRS, but the Edge is all another stuff. if you get some money to spend, go for an Edge.

Knightmeir · #6 08-26-2002, 05:09 AM

Yeah, live on the edge.

MorbidDream · #7 08-26-2002, 05:30 AM

I'm a happy owner of 555bk. After about 10 hours of hard work it's very good guitar. I replaced the crappy TRS with Edge and readjusted all setups. Very good sounding playable guitar.

But, I would not recommend it for anyone who can't make it better !

Lonely Raven · #8 08-26-2002, 09:50 AM

Is it a lot of work going from TRS to Edge?

Do you have to rout and redrill? Or is it more simple then that?

nuno · #9 08-26-2002, 11:13 AM

hehe...
the ol' same thing...
well, it's a question of luck: you might have to route a bit, or you just need to smooth some squares off with a file, a minutes job.
or you might be lucky as i've been: two TRSs replaced with Edges and NO routings at all.
it's a question of luck...

Lonely Raven · #10 08-26-2002, 12:23 PM

Well routing or filing is no big deal, my worry was always the two posts.
I would be hard pressed to pull those out and redrill that.

About how much does an Edge go for?

Vaibanez · #11 08-26-2002, 05:48 PM

I have a couple blueprints for really nice coffee table if your interested.

Lonely Raven · #12 08-26-2002, 08:43 PM

Would (said coffee table) happen to have a pair of 10" driver in it?

nuno · #13 08-27-2002, 03:53 AM

Raven,
you can find many on **** for around 40-50 bucks, it depends on which conditions it is.

Converting a 555bk into something useful....

555 and Edge