oh glorious day. i finally replaced the blackouts in my 8 string with a cold sweat bridge and riff raff neck. i haven't had the chance to properly try it out, but tonight's rehearsal will be the real test. So far i like the riff raff neck, it's quite bubbly and clear, and when driven into a OTT preamp it sounds really shreddy. the CS8 bridge i like also, but my real opinion will show itself tonight.
both pickups balance out quite well in volume. i was expecting the CS to be much brighter than my black dog, but the low end frequency is a bit lower. of course this is probably due to the CS being in mahogany and the black dog in ash, but still, it's quite a good surprise. i'm sure the low F will be crushing tonight, compared to being thin and weedy with the blackouts.
i replaced the control scheme too and am looking for stuff to add. right now i fitted push push killswitch (after taking the picture) in one screw hole of the 5 way switch. will probably fit a split DPDT switch on the other hole. the slot i'm still wondering what to do. also awaiting some black matte pickup rings from dave at fretsonthenet. then it'll be finished proper.
for fitting, i had to trim the pickup tabs a bit with a file and cutters, but nothing too drastic, worked like a charm. (thanks to a flat base) and i had to drill a hole under the bridge to the control cavity to run a ground wire. (damn active pickups..)
here's a pic! clips and stuff will follow in the later weeks
