Author Topic: 78 1100 revival (Read 1034 times)

elwoodblue · « **on:** February 28, 2016, 08:55:12 PM »

I have some working pickups on the way for my '78 guitar. I'm excited!!

I have never heard it with a working series package.
There is still a lot of work ahead to get there, and I might send the card in for diagnosis.
I have 95% of the original parts,a DS-5,and cable.

I'm wondering if I have the skills to wire a series guitar from scratch.
I'm up for learning but I'd be happy to have the experts do it if that seems the best.
The pickups should be here in about a week.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2016, 09:00:55 PM »

Re-build Thread! (pretty-please) =)

elwoodblue · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2016, 09:22:05 PM »

I'm still on the fence about refinishing, it's pretty nice and dark now, but I like seeing the grain when I play. If I decide to do it...I know it'll go better with the input from everyone here.

Are there reasons to NOT refinish that would stop you (historical value,mojo,my finish wouldn't be as nice as a factory job,etc...)?

ed_zeppelin · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2016, 08:07:16 AM »

I hear good things about StewMac's ColorTone lacquer. I haven't used it, though.

Dan Erlewine's low-tech spray booth is very cool.

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2016, 08:29:49 AM »

I'm in the process of refinishing a neck-thru Strat type guitar using a product called wudtone. Very simple and it seems to be working just as described, so far. I'm about 1/2 way through the process. Google it - very interesting new product.

Bill, tgo

edwin · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2016, 09:32:04 AM »

I have rewired a Series instrument from scratch. It's not crazy hard, but there are some things to be aware of. Get in touch off board.

gtrguy · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2016, 10:22:12 AM »

I made a plastic template from a sheet of plastic (Tap Plastics) that has the holes for the pots and outlet jack all laid out with the correct spacing that I used to get the wiring up and running before stuffing it all in there on a project I worked on (still not all the way done yet)..

elwoodblue · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2016, 02:39:39 PM »

Thanks All,
It's gonna happen...this year! I'll email you Edwin for particulars.
Mounting the parts on a board will be good for this project too, especially as I ask for help.

I've yet to talk to anyone about how the mellow filter fits into the circuit. Anyone have pics of one wired in?

My last few projects I've been using Deft spray can lacquer with decent results, I'll read up on these other products.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2016, 03:18:02 PM »

Deft clear gloss in a spray can is absolutely THE BEST stuff I've used. Ever. I'm using it right now on Dad's banjo project.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2016, 10:04:50 AM »

The pickups arrived...one is new,the other is very lightly used.

I've decided to leave the original finish, and give the few problem areas some TLC.

Here's the electronics I have, mounted on a board.

Here's what I see I'm missing:
1) quick connect plug on humcanceller
2) switching 1/4 jack
3) rotary pickup selector switch
4) proper mounting screws for the PF6
5) pickup mounting screws and springs
6) resistors for q-switches (like on the broken switch below)
7) summing resistors

battery jacks

If you catch something I've missed,please chime in.
Here's the old broken switch and apparently an extra pot that came with the guitar.

I'll ask Mica for schematics...and maybe some help figuring out how the mellow filter is wired in.

I've found a couple shots of Series 1 cavities , but I could use some nice closeups for reference.
If you have some, can post a link to some, or are willing to take some pictures... I'd be grateful.

Thanks All

gtrguy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2016, 10:20:13 AM »

Those original Molex pickup connecters are no longer available, I hear. I am looking for a set myself. I have dozens of images of Series One guts on a CD somewhere.

JimmyJ · « **Reply #11 on:** March 19, 2016, 11:25:47 AM »

Heck of a project! But it's not (quite) rocket science so I bet you could do it.

Two key components you will want to buy from Mica if possible are: a new rotary pickup selector switch (preferably pre-wired), a new raw ribbon cable (because you need to have the main connector which plugs into the board before you start wiring components to the other end).

Do your newly arrived pickups have the old style Molex connectors? What about the hum cancelling coil mounted in the guitar? If so you're good to go on that point. If not, Alembic used to have some adaptors but I think they were reversed - old pickups to new board connectors... Anyway, it looks like the blue input to your board was cut and the old connector is still there, not that that will do you any good...

If it were me I would certainly use the Alembic pots but probably start with new switches, resistors, 5-pin and 1/4 connectors. Those items are readily available and not terribly expensive. You could also add these items to your list for Mica and see if HQ can sell you the raw parts...

You can do it!!

Jimmy J

elwoodblue · « **Reply #12 on:** March 19, 2016, 02:35:01 PM »

Thanks gtrguy and JimmyJ.
The pickups have the molex connectors, the humcanceller wire has been cut
(they are all mounted to the back of the board,the three leads poking through to the right of the mysterious black box are them).

I'll add the ribbon and connector to my list.
Good call on new switches, and the prewired selector too.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #13 on:** March 19, 2016, 02:45:57 PM »

Wish we weren't so far apart Elwood... I would totally jump at a chance to help in the restoration of a classic like that. (or at least just get in the way!) =)

elwoodblue · « **Reply #14 on:** March 19, 2016, 02:48:27 PM »

The blue input is good!
I was staring at it and after a little fiddling found the sleeve had just dropped a little.

Now it looks like the others