Newbie Questions on building guitar

[MCR]

About a month ago I decided for the fun of it I'd put together a custom RG. I've always wanted to learn how to wire, paint, and install parts on a guitar but never wanted to experiment on on one of my jems. Anyway - I've got some dumb questions I need answered. So any help would be great.

I picked up a RG470 MIJ body to experiment with. I've been sanding off the finish and only have the cavities to go. So here are my questions:

1. Do I need to sand the cavities down? Or will my primer cover them up all the same. If I do need to sand them does anyone have a good techique to get it done?

2. I've been reading about Trems. Apparently the the 470s come with the crappy TRS models. I'd rather put something else on it. Could I get a Lo-Pro Edge to fit it with sanding, etc now before painting? I love my Lo-Pro on my Vwh and FP. If not a Lo-Pro can I put a OFR? Sould I do that before I get to painting.

3. Pickups. I love the PAF Pros on my FP, the EVOs are great too. If you had your choice what pick ups would you pick up for it. What about Breeds - never heard them but people seem to like them.

Thanks in advance.

[ET Guitars]

Hey newbie MCR,
The 470's are great to mess around with and their cheap on the bay, but...

1. Don't really need to sand the cavities, but need to remember that if you intend to repaint it, then extra paint thickness may interfere with pickups fitting. The middle often has a tendency to have a tight squeeze when extra paint layers are on. Don't sand the control cavities, especially if they have have shielding paint applied.
2. The 470 body doesn't fit the original edge or Lo Pro, without re-routing a little, or alternatively, skimming some metal off the trems to allow fit. OFR usually fit but better make double sure before painting!
3. There all good man! The Breed is great, just may need to boost the treble a little depending on your tastes. Don't disregard the Evo2 (in bridge, with Evo in neck), its got everything - clarity, power, harmonics, I love it.

[MCR]

Originally Posted by et6666

Hey newbie MCR,
The 470's are great to mess around with and their cheap on the bay, but...

1. Don't really need to sand the cavities, but need to remember that if you intend to repaint it, then extra paint thickness may interfere with pickups fitting. The middle often has a tendency to have a tight squeeze when extra paint layers are on. Don't sand the control cavities, especially if they have have shielding paint applied.
2. The 470 body doesn't fit the original edge or Lo Pro, without re-routing a little, or alternatively, skimming some metal off the trems to allow fit. OFR usually fit but better make double sure before painting!
3. There all good man! The Breed is great, just may need to boost the treble a little depending on your tastes. Don't disregard the Evo2 (in bridge, with Evo in neck), its got everything - clarity, power, harmonics, I love it.

1. I am repainting it. I've been practicing swirling paint with decent success and I'm going to try it out on the RG. So I guess I should sand down the pickup cavities. I'm assuming the bumby appearance to the paint is the shielding paint underneath.

2. I just found a guide to fitting a lo-pro or edge to a TRS guitar over on projectguitar - so I think I can handle it. Seems like it isn't really that big of deal.

3. Not to sound dumb - but I was aware of Evo - but not Evo2 - is that something new. I bought my Vwh back in 1999, though its a 2000 model (a fun 6 month wait!) and only remember hearing Evo. Do you know if they come in colors other than white. I'm thinking of a crazy purple/black/white color scheme with purple or purple/black pick ups.

[ibanezdiehard]

Originally Posted by et6666

2. The 470 body doesn't fit the original edge or Lo Pro, without re-routing a little, or alternatively, skimming some metal off the trems to allow fit. OFR usually fit but better make double sure before painting!

???

dude the original RG470 came with the EDGE as the stock floyd

[waylay00]

Originally Posted by ibanezdiehard

???

dude the original RG470 came with the EDGE as the stock floyd

Umm, the RG470's came with TRS's...

[ET Guitars]

Originally Posted by ibanezdiehard

???

dude the original RG470 came with the EDGE as the stock floyd

Yes, the old 470's that I'm familiar with, are the TRS equipped ones. The 5xx series and above used the Edge, as far as I'm aware.

The Evo2 has only been around for 2 or 3 years I think. Its Dimarzio's attempt to pacify those who couldn't handle the shrill ice-pick highs and raw power of the original Evos, so its somewhere between an Evo and Breed, but has good clarity so check it out.

[Lefty Robb]

The early 470 with the old square joint and non contoured heel had the Edge in it. I know, I have one.

[Jaden]

I have a '92 RG450 MIJ whch has an edge trem on...
depends on year !

[MCR]

Originally Posted by Lefty Robb

The early 470 with the old square joint and non contoured heel had the Edge in it. I know, I have one.

My 470 is the AANJ type. How can you tell the year? In the neck pocket you can see what looks like a 2000 stamped, but I've smudged it with sand paper so it is hard to tell now.

[MCR]

Where is the best place to pick up an Edge Lo-Pro?

[Lefty Robb]

Originally Posted by MCR

My 470 is the AANJ type. How can you tell the year? In the neck pocket you can see what looks like a 2000 stamped, but I've smudged it with sand paper so it is hard to tell now.

you would go by the neck it came with and go by the SN put on the neck.

[MCR]

Originally Posted by Lefty Robb

you would go by the neck it came with and go by the SN put on the neck.

No neck, I just picked up the body on the bay - I guess it will remain a mystery.

Does anyone know how the Gotoh FR does, is it a decent compromise between a TRS and Edge Lo-Pro?

[LonePhantom]

Gotoh is a great trem, just grab one of those, cheaper than an OFR and just as good, if not better. Has locking studs too like the Edge trems.