TIPS and TRICKS

TIPS and TRICKS:

#1 -  When going to record or play live you dont want old worn out strings that sound dull and wont stay in tune.However sometimes when you change strings it takes a while for them to stretch and they go out of tune easily just like old worn out strings.Change your strings about two or three days before you record or play live and they will stay in tune better.Also clean your strings before and after every time you play.

#2 -  When playing flip your pick over after every song or when ever you can.This will make both sides of the pick wear evenly.If you dont one side will wear down to as sharp as a knife.This might be why you break so many strings down by the bridge.   

#3 - If you want to block your tremolo on a Stratocaster turn the guitar over and take off the plastic back cover and leave it off for good. Screw the two spring claw screws all the way into the wood { you can clip them if they want to poke through the pickup wall}.Use all five springs.Wedge the wood trem block in between the back of the cavity and the back of the trem unit.This is similar to how the Eric Clapton "Blackie" is set up.Actually before you do all that,on the top of the guitar remove the whole trem unit and take 60 to 80 grit sandpaper and sand smooth the bottom of the trem unit.Take a sharp knife and remove the paint on the top of the guitar so the trem bottom will rest firmly on bare wood.Three angled Telecaster saddles will provide great sustain.At the top of the neck get rid of that plastic nut and use at least Bone or Mammoth Ivory.You will now have more tone and sustain than you could ever imagine.A coupleof other things.A one piece body {preferably Swamp Ash} is  always best.Nito-Laquer paint breaths and is flexable,Polyurithane is hard as a rock and dampens and hampers tone and sustain.All pro players have ghost builders and techs that know all these tricks.That is why it seems so hard for the average player to achieve the sound and tone these guys get.Everyone thinks the answer is to go to the music store and spend a lot of money on pedals and effects.The answer may be things you can do to your guiar yourself.