SUB 1 Question

[cjl5150]

I am the proud new owner of a Sub 1-just got it yesterday. I am wanting to give it an SSS setup. My question is whether or not a Silo Special pickguard will work or if I'll have to order it from somewhere else. I called CS but the guy that answered wasn't sure and I could find anything when I searched the forums, so I apologize if this question has been answered already.
Also, I can see that these sort of mods are popular with these guitars. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

 

[DrKev]

Silo Special pickguard should fit, screw holes may or may not line up but that's no big deal, IMHO. Not sure about the routing of the body for a middle position single coil.

 

[jamminjim]

A Silhouette Special pickguard will fit perfectly on a Sub 1 with all the holes lined up for each screw just like it was made for it. Unfortunately the stock Sub 1 body is only routed for two humbuckers. There is no center pickup rout on the body of a Sub 1 to accommodate a single coil pickup. The body will have to be disassembled with the neck removed in order to layout the middle position and then rout a pickup cavity into the body. Whether you want a humbucker rout or single coil or even P90 is up to you. It's not beyond the ability of the home woodworking enthusiast at all. But, one must have the proper tools. A router with bit is a must, and a pickup cavity template from StewMac makes it real easy with professional looking results. You'll need some tape too and patience. If you wanted to pay for shipping the body both ways, I'd be inclined to do it for you.
But... I have to tell you, I have had two BG Pups pure 90's mounted up in my graphite Sub 1 for some time now and I REALLY REALLY REALLY like them! You don't have to do any routing at all for this setup and it is without a doubt fantastic sounding.
http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-guitars/52790-who-needs-60s-tribute.html#post866425

I'm sure two MM90's would be pretty good too, and you could have Chandler do up a 2xP90 guard.
I do like my SSH and SSS Subs too though.
http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-guitars/48937-stratifying-sub-1-a-2.html#post817905

~Jim

 

[jamminjim]

Sticky even did up a Sub 1 like a JP

 

[jamminjim]

S'More Sub 1 mod info

http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-guitars/43628-newest-sub-1-special-project.html

And Here's the process of routing a single coil cavity into a Sub 1 body in pictures

http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-guitars/43628-newest-sub-1-special-project-post716817.html?highlight=#post716817

 

[cjl5150]

Thanks! Now I'm seriously inspired. I'm fairly handy and think I should be able to pull this off. I just have to decide which color of pickguard and what pickups to use. I am tempted to go with a Red Velvet or Twangbanger in the bridge-I want that Tele sound...