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@johnm2012 - Good to know that the tuners were upgraded on the Sonic series ones. I wasn't aware of that. I also wasn't aware that a '51 style P-bass pickup was almost the same size replacement. This is something else I will keep in mind, as I plan on replacing the pickup at some point. I was originally thinking of a rail pickup, but now the '51 sounds more intriguing. Hopefully I can find one in the 9k-or-so range. For now, I've just been using my Bronco (as it is in the video) with an 8-band DOD EQ pedal to get a better tone out of the stock pickup. Thanks for checking out the vid, and have a good holiday season! - Rob

@beerwine1000 - If you're looking for the vacuum caps that I used in the video, they were included in this set - www.amazon.com/Dorman-47388-Vacuum-Cap/dp/B001HZKC96. Thanks for checking out the video! - Rob

@jasonswitzer1748 - Thanks for checking out the video! Glad you liked it. The tone of these small-bodied/short-scale Stella/Harmony guitars really is unique. And with the bridge I used in the video - where the strings sit on little movable pieces of fret wire for saddles - the metal on metal contact probably makes the banjo-like timbres more pronounced. - Rob

@brandona.4600 - No problem. Hopefully the adjustments I made worked for your cassette player too. Thanks for checking out the vid! -- Rob

@timpagliaro8623 - Thanks for checking out the video! In all honesty, this guitar turned out to be better than expected for the price. I made a follow-up video where I explained that the Floyd mounting posts were too soft of a metal...so I replaced them. The licensed Floyd itself is holding up nicely without any grooves being worn in the saddles from the strings. (I currently have a 9-42 set on the guitar.) Besides replacing the mounting posts, the rest of the guitar is still stock...and I really like the sound of the humbucker that was provided. The only other issue I've had was some slight fret sprout, but that can happen on any guitar neck. After the initial set-up, I've only needed to tweak the truss rod once due to weather changes. This is/was to be expected. To me, such few adjustments shows how solid the neck is. I was so pleased with how this guitar turned out, I bought another kit that was on sale on the BYO site - an Ibanez Jem copy. Haven't assembled it yet though. Hope this description helps. If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to ask. - Rob

@mtbplumber8490 - I'm familiar with Loctite as I used it on the height adjustment screws for the saddles and on the bridge post height screws. The reason I used the vacuum cap is because when using lighter gauge strings - say, lighter than 11s - the bridge doesn't always tilt back in tune with the tremolo (as designed) due to lack of tension...even when the tremolo spring/string tension is balanced. I'm currently using 10s on the Jaguar. Since I replaced the tremolo assembly and use the locking mechanism, I couldn't pull the bar up efficiently enough to fully compensate for any tuning issues that may occur when/after using the bar. This is a problem I didn't really want to contend with when playing live and/or when laying down a track when recording. The vacuum cap - although there is some give to it - fills the gap around the post to keep the bridge more upright, with less movement. I've seen some videos where people have even used gaffer tape to wrap the posts to accomplish the same objective. My idea was just a suggestion...nothing more, nothing less. Thanks for checking out the vid! - Rob

Good explanation. Thanks

@yurijovanka5823 - Thanks for checking out the vid! First off, I would suggest you measure to check and make sure the saddles are close to where they should be for the 22.2" scale length. On my guitar, I needed to either relocate the bridge or use longer screws/saddles to achieve this. I also used heavier gauge strings than what was on the guitar when I bought it new. I believe the PGMs come stock with a set of 10s, but I chose to use 11s as they made the guitar stay in tune better. If you haven't already done so, trying the above suggestions would be a good place to start. Keep me posted as to how things work out...and feel free to contact me here if you have any more questions, - Rob

@kwintetra - Haha...i'll be sure to let my friend J.(ayson) know. I am actually a fan of J. Mascis' music though, but just put the "(not Mascis)" in there so people would know that I wasn't referring to him. Thanks for checking out the vid! - Rob

@rodfiori1968 - Thanks man! Glad you dig it. - Rob

@larryn2682 - I appreciate the pickup and bridge recommendations. I researched that Wilkinson bridge and found a pic of the one you described. Very cool design. As far as a pickup replacement for my Bronco bass...I have been enjoying the sound of the stock Squier one, though I do have an extra GFS rail humbucker that I might install at some point to see how that sounds. Thanks for checking out the vid! - Rob

@Freddy_Dingler - Yes, I actually did have intonation issues...that's why I replaced the bridge. As stated in the video, I believe Fender/Squier also realized these intonation issues...that's presumably why the new Squier Broncos are equipped with 4-saddle bridges. If you'll notice in the video, the saddles on the replacement bridge are notched, so there aren't any string spacing issues. The audio clip is at the 4:30 mark. - Rob

@sonclearbrahman-ar1416 - You're welcome. Thanks for checking out the video! Glad you found the information helpful. Feel free to comment further if you have any questions. - Rob

@nieradko - Thanks for checking out the video! It's awesome that you dig Brothers In Arms...and, after referencing the cover again, I now see how it's alien guitar-like haha. Glad you're liking Chris Whitley too. The documentary about his life, "Dust Radio," is still up on TH-cam and is a good watch. One day I'll upgrade to a different metal bodied resonator. Lately I've been looking at the ones made by Republic. What kinds of resonators do you own? Any you would recommend checking out? - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 i had a Dean metal body, I used it on my channel covering "Dreams" by Van Halen. I loved it. It had 2 pick ups and a mix or blend knob so it was really versatile. I prefer a wood body though. I like to curl up and relax with a guitar, and metal bodies are so cold lol. I also had Gretsch Boxcar and a Recording King Dirty 30's. Both were wonderful and sound great for the price. I had issues seeing the fretboard (degenerative eye condition) so I traded em. Currently playing a Liberty Black Widow. Ive seen mixed reviews, but I love it

@@nieradko Thank you for the recommendations. I will be sure to keep an eye out for them at my local music stores so I can try them out. I checked out your videos and totally dig the "Unsung" cover, played on the EVH striped guitar. Love Van Halen...love Helmet too! Page Hamilton definitely came up with some killer riffs on that magenta ESP Horizon. Meantime and Betty were also my two favorite CDs to listen to while skateboarding around parking lots as a kid. Very cool stuff. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 Nice! I think you and I are the same age. I took my 15 yr old son to see Helmet last summer. He's still got it, the new album is the best one since Betty imho

@reneef7406 - Thanks for watching the video! I don't usually play slide on my Stella, though it is possible. I mostly play slide on my resonator or one of my electric guitars. As far as the bridge, an adjustable bridge like the one in the video isn't necessary to set up a guitar for slide playing. I just bought that one so I could have lower action and better intonation for fingerstyle playing. Regarding your guitar, I assure you that with a new bridge, some sandpaper, and few hours on a day off, you can have your guitar ready for slide in no time. You can also find different pre-shaped bridges made of different woods - maple, walnut, etc. - online. Please feel free to comment back if you have any questions. - Rob

@frettingitforward - Thanks for checking out the vid! At the time I made it, I was having trouble with my computer, and couldn't record music...that's why the video is silent. Sure, I could've used stock music, but I chose not to. And since I didn't know how long it would take me to resolve the computer issue(s), I just decided to post the video as it is/was. Glad you enjoyed it..and hopefully you found the information to be informative. - Rob

...with the exception of the asbestos tiles. - Rob

Trina! Thanks for checking out the songs. I lost some phone numbers a while back when I was having phone issues. Send me a text. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 is your number the same

@r-ea - Appreciate the compliment! Thanks for checking out the vid! - Rob

@educassiano - You're welcome. Thanks for checking out the vid! - Rob

@melisakhemthong6788 - Appreciate the kind words! Thanks for checking out the vid! - Rob

CorvusCoroneCanisLupus - Your comment made my day! I wholly agree, Whitley was a very talented/unique and total one-off. There are so many textures and nuances in his recordings/playing that I still discover new sounds even after hearing the songs thousands of times. He's an artist I never get tired of listening to, and still feel something after every listen. Glad to know that other fans out there are spreading the word, and thanks for checking out the video. - Rob

@brettbunke9096 - Thanks for checking out the video! Yeah, the Lido body is a cool shape...and it's light too. Plus, if you want to swap out the pickups, there's plenty of room due to how the body is routed. Best of luck with your build. - Rob

Jonathan - No problem! Thanks for checking out the video! I just found one of the original tuners and measured it with a very accurate caliper. It registers at just under 10mm, so I believe that the hole in the headstock would only be slightly larger. Those that have said to use 9.9mm tuners are most likely correct. Since I made the video, I bought a set of left-handed Guyker locking tuners which have an 18:1 ratio. They were a direct fit, and the mounting holes on the tuners match up with the ones that were factory drilled in the headstock. Here is the link if you'd like to check them out - www.amazon.com/Guyker-Guitar-Locking-Tuners-Handed/dp/B082ZPMNCG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2UG96ILEXEPZ&keywords=guyker+left+handed+locking+tuners&qid=1680398480&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=guyker+left+handed+%2Cmi%2C260&sr=1-4 Everything else on the guitar is still the same as in the video. - Rob

coolstorygio - You're welcome. Thanks for checking out the vid! You have some cool videos too. I just watched the "Does Fuji Care About Making FILM?" one. The pics at the end of that video are rad! - Rob

Tom - No problem. Glad I could help. Thanks for checking out the video! - Rob

Hi Britan - Thanks for checking out the vid! I believe I bought them at an O'Reilly Auto Parts store. Here is a link to the same pack on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Dorman-47388-Vacuum-Cap/dp/B001HZKC96 - Rob

Definitely! Thanks for checking out the vid. - Rob

Ben - No problem. Thanks for checking out the vid! - Rob

gotthardish - The rolling string trees do help out a lot. Some day I'll get around to putting locking tuners on mine as well. This guitar definitely has its quirks, but is really fun to play...once one is able to keep it in tune. And I totally agree with you...anything that helps stabilize the tuning is a good thing. Thanks for checking out the video! - Rob

Thanks for checking out the video! Glad you like the song too! We appreciate it. - Rob

Caleb - Thanks for checking out the video! If the one is for an Epiphone Les Paul Jr., I'm sure it would work. I took some measurements with a caliper and, from the center of each post on the Les Paul SL, the width is 82mm. Here's another one, besides the All Parts, that will work width-wise - > www.amazon.com/Wilkinson-Adjustable-Wraparound-Compatible-Epiphone/dp/B084ZFXTFJ/ref=asc_df_B084ZFXTFJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475795144709&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4481433568428840618&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016959&hvtargid=pla-945826738068&psc=1 The only thing to keep in mind is that if the bridge thickness is less than the notches in the post (s), the bridge will tilt forward under string tension. In this case, new posts with matching threading may be needed. Feel free to comment further if you have any more questions. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 you are a good person. Thank you for the detailed comment. I've been searching for answers all over and finally got it! Thanks again.

@@CalebTJun No problem. Glad I could help. Thank you for the kind words. - Rob

Matthew - Thanks for checking out the video! Glad the information helped. Great find! They really are cool guitars. Best of luck on making it playable again, and feel free to comment if you have any questions. - Rob

Max - Thanks for checking out the vid! There is a slight neck dive/heaviness, but I use a suede guitar strap - which provides a bit of friction on my shoulder - to resolve this issue. Most of the time I just use the PGM when I'm sitting down, noodling and/or running scales while watching TV. - Rob

Juan - Thanks for checking out the vid! I also tried shimming the neck on mine but didn't get the results I wanted...so I just pretty much left it in the same state as it is in the video. The wound G makes a big difference too! The only thing I found with the wound G is that the tension feels different when bending. Other than that, it does stay in tune much better than with a plain G. It really is a cool guitar and I'm glad I picked one up. With yours being your main go-to guitar, I'm sure you're glad you picked one up too. - Rob

Thanks for checking out the video! - Rob

Thanks for checking out the vid! Sorry that my suggestions were of little to no use to you. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 hi Rob, no problem! I play guitar for 40 years now. I tried out everything. Thats just what I do and think. 🤣

@@texacomann Was looking to tune the exact same. These people don't understand scale length and tuning relationship. I plan to tune A=432Hz tho

@@Knosferatu I know this tuning, some classic guys love this, but for moderne music you can have a try if you like it? Maybe I will try it out. I know a lot of famous productions I tried to jam with my guitar and..... hey out of tune? No 432 Hz! 😅👍Nice guys

@@texacomann I want to play baroque pieces in G major-E minor so going to tune a little under F# standard because a=432. Drop E o n a 22.2" scale with 11s...LETS GO!

Thanks for checking out the video! That's odd. I didn't have that problem on mine. Maybe the bridge was improperly placed on the guitar? Just out of curiosity, do you have the PG Mikro or a standard non-reverse headstock one? - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 its a standard non reverse headstock. I was debating rigging up some kind of string tree for it

@@weemankyle In that case, that's what I would do as well. I would get some type of string tree that I could sand down so that it provides enough pressure on the string. Stew Mac sells these plastic ones with metal rollers that are good. The Tusq ones are easy to sand/file to size too. You could also try a vintage-style string tree and use different height spacers until the tension is right. I settled on the string trees on the guitar in the vid by trial and error.

Here is the link to the roller string trees i was talking about: www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/string-trees-and-retainers/roller-string-retainers-for-guitar-set-of-2/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7uRBhDRARIsAFqjullAynmtJbyPuDJd4g4QKc75I3GpFB5wqH1RtiqvkocDZdXIufy7wDYaAgw4EALw_wcB

Yes bro, My Ibanez PGMM31 also has this issue, on the beyond fret12 it doesn't sound same with the lower octave. I don't know how to fix it anymore

Thanks for checking out the vid! Yeah, the non-reverse headstock on your guitar will probably be easier to work with in terms of the tension(s) of the E strings. I'd start by replacing the nut, then work from there. The original nut on the guitar in the video was cut way to low when it left the factory. I'm still keeping my eye out for a Mikro like yours to see how it compares to the PG Mikro. If i find one used for around $80, I'm totally going to buy it. - Rob

Amy - Awesome! No problem. Yeah, trying to find odd sized pivot cups can be a chore. The vacuum cap substitutes on the skateboard in the video are still holding up almost two years later. I'm actually kinda surprised. Maybe it's the quality of that particular brand? Thanks for checking out the video. - Rob

Jay - Thanks for checking out the vid! Yes, longer screws will totally work if you can find ones with matching threading. After I took a small chip out of the paint on the headstock - as shown in the vid - I figured the guitar was fair game for experimentation...which is one of the reasons why I swapped out the saddles. Another reason was because I didn't have longer screws that fit the originals haha. One way or another, I was determined to get that PG Mikro intonated. One day I'll pick up a used non-reverse headstock Mikro and see how those compare intonation-wise. All in all - after the alterations and a bit of trial and error - now that it plays/stays in tune, it's my go-to when sitting around noodling on weekends. Keep me posted if you find the correct thread longer screws and I can add that in the video description. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 thanks, I will!

@@jay-6012 I was working on a guitar for a friend of mine, had my box of parts out, and found the original Mikro saddles I took off my guitar. After measuring the screw with a caliper that's very accurate, I believe that a 3mm screw - that's at least 20mm in length - will work to intonate the high E. (I'd use one for the B too). A longer spring would also be needed if you can't stretch the original one(s) out a bit and have it keep the tension. I'd go to the hardware store, buy a few screws, and see if that works first before I were to look for a full set online that would aesthetically match the saddles. Hope this helps. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 ok quick update. I ended up changing the strings to 10-52, nut with a Tusq one, string trees and I have to say that intonation improved dramatically. Now it’s just a normal guitar and I simply love it. I also installed a tuner by D’Addario directly on a tuning machine so I can tune the guitar quickly. Thanks again for the great video 🤟🏻

@@jay-6012 No problem. Thanks for the update. Just out of curiosity, what type of D'Addario tuner did you get?

Oleksandr - No problem! Thanks for watching the vid! When I replaced the nut on the Mikro, I first used a very thin razor blade and ran it length-wise along both sides of the nut in case it was glued in from the sides. Next, I used the awl on a Wenger pocket knife and gently wedged the point between the wood and nut material on both sides to create a slight gap - only about a dimple in size. After that, I used a very small, yet sturdy, flat-head screwdriver - one that I also use for working on watches and computers - as a pry. The key is to pry gently upward and alternate from side to side when doing so. This will prevent any chipping of any wood around the nut groove. It didn't take much effort as - on my guitar, at least - Ibanez hadn't used a lot of glue in the manufacturing process to keep the nut in place. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 that's really useful, thank you! I just need to find the appropriate nut, and then I'll try this.

@@kokoshyn I used a caliper to measure the nut on a few of my other guitars. The closest string spacing to the Mikro would be a nut from a Fender/Squier Mustang. If you can find one of those, with a little bit of sanding, you should be good. The string slots might need to be filed a bit too to match the radius.

No problem! Thanks for checking out the vid, and I'm glad the fix worked out for you too. Skate on! - Rob

Devin - Awesome! Very cool birthday present! The same things will most likely work for the guitar you purchased. The longer saddles and balanced tension strings made a HUGE difference. And, since it's her first guitar, you'll probably be able to go down to 10's to make it easier to play. After trying 12's, I settled on the 11's - as shown in the vid - and still use that gauge on my PGM today. Thanks for checking out the video. - Rob

Hi Bel Lic - Thanks for checking out the video! Just to clarify, which pivot cups won't come out? The original ones that came with the trucks? Let me know and I can help you come up with a solution. - Rob

@@goodbyemansfield7872 yeah the original one, I want to replace a new one. Glad you replied to my comment :)

@@damienb99 Ok. Here's what I would do... First, I would try to gently pry it out with a flat-head screwdriver. If that doesn't work, I would next take a heat source like a lighter/soldering iron etc. and carefully try to soften up the stuck pivot cup. I'd then take a razor blade, cut a slit in the pivot cup, then fold part of it back and see if I could get a better grip on it with a pair of pliers. Hopefully these ideas might help you.

@@goodbyemansfield7872 sounds a little complicated but I'll try your method. Thank you for the suggestion sir