Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

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pico peachy
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Location: Portland Oregon

Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by pico peachy »

I recall a conversation here (maybe on the older forum) about replacing the ferrules on an Asat classic. I am not really referring to ferrules but the plastic piece that sits in the back of the guitar and holds all the strings in my Asat custom classic... I can't find it with the search feature (it would probably help if I knew the name of the part) and am wondering if anyone can direct me to the posts or can shed light on whether changing this part for something metal makes a noticeable improvement. I recall Gabe commenting positively about the change but don't recall much details, mainly because I never owned an Asat classic (or anything with an ashtray bridge) until recently. Thanks in advance for any help.

By the way, I have been playing my new Asat classic custom everyday. It took some tweaking to get it to where I really really like it. I was tempted to swap out the bridge pup but just lowered it a lot instead-that helped mellow it out. I have been playing with the pole pieces of the neck pup and getting it where I want to be-having a bit of mojo in the tone. I wish I could adjust the whole neck pup itself but am making fine without being able to. It has has been getting all my attention..I still love the variety of my Asat S-3 but the classic custom is so much lighter (even though the S-3 is semi hollow-go figure....) and there is something to be said about playing a brand new guitar even if your older ones are set up right.. :thumbup:

thanks, Paul
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Elwood
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Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by Elwood »

Here's the thread that mentions the two aftermarket ferrule blocks:

http://www.guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewt ... f=36&t=991

sounds like a great upgrade...I remember Gabe talking about how vibrations are better transferred through the end grain around the block due to the higher density of the brass/alloy ... and it being a good thing to do : )

let us know what you decide on,

cheers
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pico peachy
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:14 am
Location: Portland Oregon

Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by pico peachy »

Thanks Elwood. I searched here again and discovered that this was covered as recently as last fall..I have an email into Taipan and checked out de Lisle..leaning strongly towards Taipan since it appears they have a drop in one, hope they are still making them, I don't want to touch my guitar with any power tools..Thanks again, I will update when and if I make it happen, Paul
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blargfromouterspace
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Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by blargfromouterspace »

Would you believe it, I finally put one in yesterday - only took me a year! I got it from Delisle as the Taipan tone ones don't seem to be available anymore. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND the Delisle as it's not a direct replacement and ends up looking like this:


Image


Learn from my mistake, kids - always ask dimensions :x Not only does it only fill half the cavity but I had to file down the edges (of the block, not the guitar Pico!!!) to fit it in - I may has well have made my own. I intend to do make a proper sized one sometime in the future, I can't justify $60 for one from Taipan tone. I have heard the difference made with larger trem blocks on strats and it is significant.
-Jamie
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sam
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Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by sam »

Wow, I had not seen the Delisle version. I do not have pictures at this time but the Taipan is a flush fit,, perfect dimensions. Thanks for the info and pics.
Cya,
Sam
pico peachy
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Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:14 am
Location: Portland Oregon

Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by pico peachy »

Yes, Blarg, thanks for the photos and update-Yes, it was almost a year ago exactly that you first posted here and asked about this block, wild timing! I am not sure if I care that the delisle isn't flush (though it would probably bother me more and more over time) but I certainly don't want to have to file it down to fit. I am not incapable but if I am going to pay for one, I don't want to have to work to make it fit. I suspect that these blocks are not incredibly difficult to produce, if you have the right machines and know how-neither of which I have. I had a Callaham block in a Legacy, thought it was great (more resonant, sustain..sparkle?) and as a result could justify spending 60 bucks for a ferrule block. Also, I am trying to remodel my kitchen so no new guitars for a while...all my GAS gets directed to making the guitars I have sound as best as they can!
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yowhatsshakin
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Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by yowhatsshakin »

Thanks for the heads up Jamie. At least make me rethink replacing the ferrule block.

- Jos
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blargfromouterspace
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Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by blargfromouterspace »

pico peachy wrote: I am not sure if I care that the delisle isn't flush .....
I'm with you on that, but while it doesn't necessarily have to be flush, I feel that it needs to have more mass to be an effective improvement over the plastic one. The only way to do that is to make it bigger. They're only a 1/2" deep.
-Jamie
pico peachy
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Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:14 am
Location: Portland Oregon

Re: Replacing Ferrules in ASAT classic..?

Post by pico peachy »

blargfromouterspace wrote:I'm with you on that, but while it doesn't necessarily have to be flush, I feel that it needs to have more mass to be an effective improvement over the plastic one. The only way to do that is to make it bigger. They're only a 1/2" deep.
Didn't think of that but it makes sense. Been a few days, no email back from Taipan yet. bummer. Maybe I will start looking around town, I am sure there is some resourceful person who could help me out here in Portland Oregon. Maybe I can convince someone to do a small batch of them in brass for interested GbL guys.