UV7BK in bad shape...

[MarkSparks]

I have one of the UV7BK's (non-97 version, mine is the half neon green and black one) and it's in serious need of repair. I'm hoping you guys have seen some of these issues and can offer some advice.

1. The Lo-Pro Edge 7 is starting to get some corrosion on the bridge saddles (at least I think that's what they're called, it's where the strings guide through and you can adjust the intonation). It's weird looking cause it seems like pock-mark-dots all over them. I tried to see if I could smooth out the finish with some elbow grease, but it doesn't seem to be coming off. One of them is in really bad shape and it seems like it's gone deeper than the chromed metal and it's into the dark metal. Can you buy these anymore? Is this something that can be fixed? I thought worst case scenerio I could use a soft toothbrush and some vinegar then try to coat them with gun oil or something.

2. I want to work on modernizing the guitar as well. Is there a resource out there where you can get like the UV7BK (non-neon) version of the neck? Or is there a neck that would fit this that has the disappearing pyramids? Mine has some worn frets, being like 16 years old, a new neck would make it feel brand new (never had a new guitar before).

3. Pickups. Again, I'm trying to get rid of the neon green. Should I stick with the Blaze 2's that are in here and just try to get a set of black ones or something that would compliment a mirrored pickguard? Is it blasphemous to put a hotter pickup in there like a series of SDuncans in there? Will that cause havoc with the hollow body?

Normally I would just save up to see if I can get a new (to me) guitar, but this guitar is very very special to me.

Any help would be appreciated.

Mark Sparks
msparks_@hotmail.com

[Demogorgos]

Hey,

Originally Posted by MarkSparks

1. The Lo-Pro Edge 7 is starting to get some corrosion on the bridge saddles (at least I think that's what they're called, it's where the strings guide through and you can adjust the intonation). It's weird looking cause it seems like pock-mark-dots all over them. I tried to see if I could smooth out the finish with some elbow grease, but it doesn't seem to be coming off. One of them is in really bad shape and it seems like it's gone deeper than the chromed metal and it's into the dark metal. Can you buy these anymore? Is this something that can be fixed? I thought worst case scenerio I could use a soft toothbrush and some vinegar then try to coat them with gun oil or something.

Rich Harris can supply you with lo pro spareparts.

Originally Posted by MarkSparks

2. I want to work on modernizing the guitar as well. Is there a resource out there where you can get like the UV7BK (non-neon) version of the neck? Or is there a neck that would fit this that has the disappearing pyramids? Mine has some worn frets, being like 16 years old, a new neck would make it feel brand new (never had a new guitar before).

There are several companies/individuals (check out the Jemsite sponsors) that can make an UV neck with DP inlays for you. They can also put a new fretboard on your neck (with custom inlays), which is even a better option, if your neck is OK/not warped.

Originally Posted by MarkSparks

3. Pickups. Again, I'm trying to get rid of the neon green. Should I stick with the Blaze 2's that are in here and just try to get a set of black ones or something that would compliment a mirrored pickguard? Is it blasphemous to put a hotter pickup in there like a series of SDuncans in there? Will that cause havoc with the hollow body?

I'd stick to the Blaze's definitely, I think they are the best sounding passive 7 pups available. Changing the pups of your axe should, usually, not cause any changes to the guitar except for it's amplified sound. There is a myriad of pickguard styles and colors available for UV.

Regards,

D.

[MarkSparks]

Very cool, good info, my sincerest thanks.

I'm emailing Rich now for the parts for the lo-pro. I'll see if he can hook me up with some pups too.

I see some good sponsors out there, and honestly it does my heart good to see so many people still helping out with Ibanez stuff.

Do you have a suggestion as to which one of these sponsors would be best of a new neck? I have no problem sending in my neck to have some custom work on it. I'd love to have the mother of pearl "linking-bat" inlay of the Schecters. Better to dump 400 bucks to have that done with my neck than to buy a Schecter just for that feature. Especially since Schecter necks feel like a tree with frets.

This is very exciting to get my fav fiddle back up and running!