The Electra Forums

I got my EX-shaped guitar, as the ESP forum goers call it. Like an Explorer, but pointier.

Found it on Ebay for $440 incl. shipping:
Guitar, Hard case and straplocks included.

It's an LTD FX-400. Mahogany body, Spalted Maple top and Maple neck. EMG 81 in the bridge, 60 in the neck. It plays so well and my only complaint is that the black in the "Black Nickel" hardware is rubbing of and becoming chrome, so it looks more worn than it actually is.

Pics!
Case


Overview


Body - it has a bit of a flame top vibe


Neck/Headstock


Back


Family Photo - we found a case in the basement for the Charvel, and we have a gig bag for the indestructible Electra. The Electra is missing a knob because we had to crack it in half to get it off the potentiometer. Gonna replace the pots and the knobs, and clean up the guitar.

Just lovely! I love the grain and coloration, very nice indeed!

When you replace your knob be sure you use an 'import' or 'Ibanez style' knob, ie coarse rather than fine splines like Gibsons and 'american style' replacements. It's hard to even tell by looking at them, but the wrong size will only fit halfway onto the pot shaft, and forcing it further will break the shaft.

Alright. Thanks for the warning!

I don't know if my dad replaced the potentiometers when he replaced the pickups when he got the guitar. I don't think he did, because the splines are thick. Do you know what the potentiometers' ratings would be? Or would there be an indicator as to that, because they're broken; the pickups only work if the knobs are all on 10.

They could just be dirty. If cleaning doesnt work, most pots have the ohms range on the back. ie. 250, 500. Check the length of the shaft, some are long and some are short, and make sure it fits the cavitiy.

_________________
SlmGuy

Ah alright, I'll be sure to check when we get them fixed. One of them won't turn at all so it has to be replaced anyway.

VVTT controls are always 500K ohm. People think it's because that setup was originally used on LP's with hums, but it's really the parallel volumes, lower impedance pots will cause loading.

You've got all the answers, don't you? Thanks so much for the help.

Fun fact: I posted my Electra on the ESP forums, including the grime on it, and somebody actually wanted to buy it from me. Too bad for them.

Real nice veneer of Spalted Maple on that. How about a shot like this of the back closeup and the headstock with about 4 inches of the neck in the frame so I can check out the laminated neck please.

If you wanna go "Cadillac" on rewiring your Electra I HIGHLY recommend an RS Guitarworks wiring kit with Tone caps. I LOVE the huge Gold Jensen caps.

Pick your poison.
http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/in ... Path=31_60

_________________
Free Your Mind and Your A$$ Will Follow......

Very nice! Love the look of that natural wood finish....

On the Electra pots, I would definitely give them a shot of DeOxit before condeming them. I've seen that stuff work wonders - even on frozen shafts. Give it a try. It's a bit spendy, but worth it. Can be had at most any electronics outlet, like Radio Shack (or just "The Shack" now, I guess....)

Absolutely stunning!

RCSBlues

_________________
RCSBlues