New ESP EC-400AT, a few questions

[adamzap]

I'll post pictures tonight, dont worry ;)

    * set neck construction
    * 24.75" scale
    * mahogany body
    * 3-piece mahogany neck
    * flag inlays w/model name at 12th fret
    * Seymour Duncan JB/59 chrome covered pickups
    * 2 volume and 1 tone control w/3-way toggle
    * chrome hardware
    * Earvana compensated nut
    * Grover tuners
    * tune-o-matic bridge w/stop tailpiece
    * creme binding on body, neck and headstock
    * 22 XJ frets

It came with some horrible strings, they were in bad shape. I put some DR Red Devils (10-46) on because I had some laying around. Now, it seems like the guitar sounds different, maybe even worse than with the other strings. The pinch harmonics sound better though. Could this be the way DR coated strings sound in general or is 10-46 too loose for DADGBE? Maybe it's all in my head...

Also, the guy put some gibson-esque speed knobs on it, but I want to replace them. Is there any trick to replacing knobs on a guitar?

Thanks! I can't wait to put some pictures up here to see what yall think. Then you can laugh at my stringing job!

[Hell Hound]

Too loose, I use black DR strings and they rule :)
Earvana nut, that's a nice feature.

[indysmith]

Also, the guy put some gibson-esque speed knobs on it, but I want to replace them. Is there any trick to replacing knobs on a guitar?

yank em hard as you can... always worked for me

[dave_mc]

^ yeah. don't yank 'em too hard though, ease 'em off. just in case you have super-duper locking ones or something daft.

[indysmith]

yeah some have screw holes in the side that yu have to stick a screwdriver in and undo, but i don't think those speed ones do...

[Philly Q]

Also, the guy put some gibson-esque speed knobs on it, but I want to replace them. Is there any trick to replacing knobs on a guitar?

When you buy new knobs, make sure they're to fit Japanese/Korean (metric) pots.  US ones won't fit.  Unless, of course, the previous owner changed the pots.

[headtheball]

An old trick is to get some old two core "Bell wire". You might have seen it. Two seperate insulated wires, loosely joined in the middle, in a "figure 8" profile

Tie a loop about 8 inchs diameter, then split the wires apart opposite the knot. Put the two wires under the knob, either side of the post and pull gently. Rock back and forth a tiny bit if needs be. The knob will eventually pop off, but the rubber insulation protects both the guitar and the knob!

[LazyNinja]

Yeah similar to above but I find this the easiest:

find a piece of cloth, like a handkerchief or something, wrap it around underneath the knobs and then just pull the whole thing out. The good thing about this way is that your pulling on the cloth so your hand won't hurt. I did this with LPs with speed knobs so it works.

[dave_mc]

Yeah similar to above but I find this the easiest:

find a piece of cloth, like a handkerchief or something, wrap it around underneath the knobs and then just pull the whole thing out. The good thing about this way is that your pulling on the cloth so your hand won't hurt. I did this with LPs with speed knobs so it works.

if anyone who didn't play guitar read this, I think they'd be like  :oops:

[99_not_out]

Yeah similar to above but I find this the easiest:

find a piece of cloth, like a handkerchief or something, wrap it around underneath the knobs and then just pull the whole thing out. The good thing about this way is that your pulling on the cloth so your hand won't hurt. I did this with LPs with speed knobs so it works.

Definitely don't get impaient with them and lever them off with a screwdriver, chipping bits off knobs and guitar as you go.

That is a stupid thing to do ... sob.

[noodleplugerine]

Yeah similar to above but I find this the easiest:

find a piece of cloth, like a handkerchief or something, wrap it around underneath the knobs and then just pull the whole thing out. The good thing about this way is that your pulling on the cloth so your hand won't hurt. I did this with LPs with speed knobs so it works.

if anyone who didn't play guitar read this, I think they'd be like  :oops:

+1

Don't give other readers the wrong idea :twisted:

[BloodMountain]

hey, where are those pics we were promised  :lol:

BM

[Philly Q]

hey, where are those pics we were promised  :lol:

Of the guitar, or people demonstrating knob-pulling techniques?

[noodleplugerine]

The guitar ofc :P

[adamzap]

I've been playing for almost two and a half years.

The new one:


My guitars:


Amps:


Thanks for all the advice thus far!