Question Has anybody added a 13-pin output to a JP or JPX?

[lczegel]

My JPX is the best guitar I've ever had, but I'm missing a couple of things, a Sustainiac and a 13-pin output for a RackVax and midi control. A Sustainiac can be added no problem, I've already talked to Alan Hoover of Maniac Music about it.

However, I'm wondering what the best option is for a 13-pin output? It's too bad that the JPX already has a hex pickup, but there is no 13-pin option. Has anybody successfully added a 13-pin output to a JP or JPX, either magnetic or piezo? I would be OK installing something like a GK-3, but the GK-3 manual says the strings have to be 13 millimeters from the body, and on the JPX they're only about 10 mm. I would really appreciate any suggestions.

My only real alternative, because I really want to be able to use the Sustainiac-midi combo, would be to go with an entirely different guitar, possibly add a Sustainiac to a Parker Fly Mojo Midi, if the Sustainiac would fit. The Parker Fly Adrian Belew DF842 comes close to what I want, except that in order to simplify the controls, they've eliminated both Sustainiac mix modes, and there are no up/down/volume midi controls. Another alternative might be to add a Sustainiac to a Godin with synth access.

But I really love the JPX. Is there any way to add a 13-pin output?

 

[metalmarty]

I'ld try adding the GK-3 and see how the sound is. If the signal is too strong or when the GK-magnet interferes with string movement you can always "sink" the GK a couple of mm's (give it it's own shallow routed cavity so to speak). You can't use GraphTech saddles on the JPX I suppose because of the piezo-system and I have no idea if you can use them on a non-piezo regular JP-trem...

I'ld do really bad things for a Roland Ready EBMM

 

[lczegel]

Hi Marty, thanks for the quick reply!

I don't feel comfortable with the GK3 on the JPX, I don't think there's enough wood there to remove 3 or 4 mm without going right through to the tremolo cavity. I was thinking maybe someone has replaced the built-in piezos with GraphTech or RMC saddles or something else, and is willing to share the experience.

Les