Upgrade my Grosh or get an Anderson or...?

[Ray K.]

I have a Grosh Bent Top Custom in S-S-H configuration. Not long ago I "Andersonized" one of my inexpensive Alder H-S-H guitars (Bob Hartman John 3:16 model) with a nice set of Anderson pickups and wired it like a Cobra. Thanks again to Tom for the wiring diagram and help!

I'm having problems putting the John 3:16 down! I love the pickups and the controls, not to mention the Vintage Voicing.

So, my dilema...I really like the fit an feel of the Grosh, but I've yet to fall in love with the Fralin pickups, so at least a pickup change is in order. And yes, I would probably try a set of Anderson's first.

I talked to Don Grosh about the possibility of routing out the neck single coil for a humbucker. He said it could be done, but he is not set up to do it at his shop. He suggested finding someone local to do it. I'm no comfortable with this. I want it done to the "T", and I just don't have a high degree of confidence in the local techs, even though I've known some of them for 30+ years, and they do good setup work.

So here are some questions I'd like to throw out for consideration:

Anyone know of a trustworthy luthier/tech that could accomplish this task? Tom, is this something you would be willing to do?

Is there a good "stacked" (SC size) humbucker, that will split, I could try in the neck position to avoid having to route for a full size humbucker? I've never used any stacked humbuckers, so I don't have a clue what to expect.

Would I be better off selling my Grosh and ordering up a new Anderson? Before you answer this one, my financial picture has changed since I bought the Grosh, so I'm not going to be able to lay out much additional cash.

I have been searching for an Anderson Cobra or Drop Top that would meet my needs, but I have yet to find one - new or used.

I would appreciate any help or suggestions!

Thanks,
Ray K.

[tom]

that's good advise. i usually don't advise extensive mods unless you really LOVE everything else about the guitar. you might find you could sell what you have and get what you want without spending more than you would for mods that you might like.
that said, i don't have any experience with any of the strat size humbucker sounding pickups. with the coils so close together, it's hard to imagine that they could really sound that close to the same. but if just louder and darker ie what you need, that may work for you.others will have to chime in on those pickup options.

[Ray K.]

Very wise/sage advice from both of you! I appreciate it!

I really like the feel of the guitar. I've just not found the tones that I'm looking for. So, I've yet to really bond with it, though I keep trying.

If I were to drop in a set of Anderson pickups, I believe that will definitely help. But I'm probably going to miss the neck humbucker tones that I'm wanting to hearing.

I really didn't want to have the guitar routed for a humbucker. So, I'm glad this is working out the way it has so far.

Oh well, the search continues...

Thanks,
Ray K.

[John C]

Ray,

Have you actually removed the pickguard on the Grosh and verified it is routed s/s/h? If I'm remembering correctly Grosh used to use the "swimming pool" or "universal" route as the standard for his guitars - at one point Don mentioned he preferred the "voice" that routing gave the guitar.

If it does have the universal route, then you would be in business. I'm not sure from your first post if you either pulled the pickguard or verified the routing from Don when you spoke to him.

[Ray K.]

John,

Fair question, but mine is rear routed (no pickguard). If it had one, I wouldn't be as nervous about have a route done, if necessary. But, with the beautiful top/finish, I didn't want just anyone "hacking" on it, and have decided to give up on the idea.

If you're interested, You'll find some decent pictures here: http://www.elitemusicsales.com/inventory/guitars/electric/grosh/1498.html

Thanks,
Ray K.

[John C]

Ray,

Beautiful guitar; I can see why you would want to leave the top intact.

I should have been able to figure out from your post that you had a rear-routed model, not a pickguard model.

[Ray K.]

John,

Thanks for your kind comments about my guitar. It fits and feels so great also, so I'm having a hard time letting it go. But, I just can't seem to find the tones/sounds I want to hear, so it's time. That's what this search is all about.

Meantime, I've discovered an American Series Strat HH with the S-1 switching that has my interest.

The beauty is, it's factory routed H-S-H! I've not tried many newer Strats so don't know what to expect from the S-1 setup. So, if it doesn't float my boat, I could remove the loaded pickguard, put it aside, and install a loaded H-S-H pickguard with Anderson pickups and wired like a Cobra with Vintage Voicing. :)

We'll see...

Thanks,
Ray K.

[dave_fisher]

I emailed you about a HSH TA Hollow T Contour - it may fit your needs quite well...

[Ray K.]

Thanks, Dave. You have a reply. :)

Ray K.