Yup, sure have, here goes... Although I'm not - or rather wasn't - a massive fan of Strats, I've had a few over the years but I never really got on with them, that is until recently. What started all that off, was buying a Sunn Mustang, more out of curiosity than anything else, but to my genuine surprise, I found that I liked it a lot. As you probably know, the Sunn Mustang was Fender's first attempt at tackling the influx of cheap copies which eventually morphed into them making Squiers. Prior to that, Fender had noted that Encore Strat copies made in India were very good guitars (which, incidentally, means the old ones are worth having), and so Fender did a deal which had that factory in India stop making Encore Strat copies, and instead make authorised Strats which used the proper Fender blueprints. This production model was the basis for them creating and developing what is now the Squier brand and outsourced production model. But since the Sunn Mustangs were inexpensive owing to the reduced labout costs, Fender didn't want them to have the Fender logo on them and thus directly compete with US-built Fenders, so whilst they had the Sunn logo and Fender-like curved lettering for the model name, with 'by Fender' to show it was a legit model, they used the old Mustang model name rather than Stratocaster, which was of course before they got around to reviving the Mustang back into their range. They also did not import them into the US, selling them in Europe alone. Fender eventually bought the Sunn brand, and for a while Sunn Mustangs were made for the European market until the entire enterprise morphed into the Squier venture. Sadly, the later Sunn Mustangs you can find were not that great, but the early ones are as good if not better than Fender Strats were at the time in terms of the wood craftsmanship (this was before CNC cutting rendered that point somewhat moot), although the wiring and hardware was not typically that great even though the pickups are actually not bad. They have great necks and good, solid, if quite heavy bodies and so they make a good modding platform which invariably fit genuine Fender parts pretty well (more on this below), since they are essentially outsourced Fender Stats in all but name. Being that they date from the early Eighties before there were controls on the export of wood from endangered tree types, they also have genuine rosewood fretboards too. I must stress here however, for anyone who reads this and wants to get one; avoid the later ones with the different headstock and logo. The one you want is the one made in India, with the Strat-shaped headstock, the gold Sunn logo, and the curved lettering for the Mustang name; these are the decent ones. So, having bought a Mustang and souped it up in terms of wiring and hardware, I figured I'd do the same with a Strat to see how it compared and if I might find myself liking that too, with that in mind, what I bought was a used circa 1980s Squier Strat as a basis for some souping up. I had actually had one of these before, way back when they were new, but was never that impressed with it, however, the used one I got for about a hundred quid was not only much better, but it also had alnico V pickups installed which made it worth having for the price, and so what I had decided to do, was improve it as best I could, then mock it up as a psuedo 1963 era Fender by putting a Spaghetti Fender logo on it and relicking it up a bit since I didn't really care about attacking a twenty year old one hundred quid Squier's sunburst finish. Now of course that was not with the intention of fooling anyone to sell it to them as a fake '63 Fender, since not only would I be keeping it, but it of course has a headstock end truss rod access hole which no genuine '63 Fender would have, nor did I put all of the headstock decals a genuine Fender Strat would have on it, nor even a spurious serial number for that matter, so it wouldn't fool anyone who really knows Strats. But what I did do, was get a mint green 'vintage' scratchplate, scuff and dirty that up somewhat to match the finish relicking, and put a fake crack on one of the top screw holes like the real ones tend to get owing to the scratchplates shrinking a bit and cracking at that screw hole. So it does look pretty cool and apart from the obvious truss rod difference, from a passing train you might think it was a genuine '63 Strat, and since I gave it a good set up and it has decent pickups, plays and sounds like one too, and is now one of my go-to guitars. But... You would think that a vintage Fender Strat scratchplate would fit on a 1980 Squier Strat no problem, however, you'd be wrong, I had to Dremel a fair few millimetres of that scratchplate away where its curve meets the neck under the fingerboard. So a modding lesson here is, just because you have a legit Fender or Squier, or some kind of Strat clone, don't assume that any parts you buy which are intended for a Strat will automatically fit like a glove and not need any fettling, because that isn't always true. It's not usually an insurmountable problem if you are a decent DIYer who has some tools and ability, but it's worth bearing in mind if you are under the impression that everything modding-wise will be a simple screwdriver and soldering iron job. Incidentally, I like the fact that you are taking your modded guitars on the road for a real test. Unlike a lot of youtube guitarists, it's good to see someone actually going out and playing the things live, as I have done with my own modded guitars. In fact, my main gigging acoustic guitar is a cheap Silvertone which I souped up and added a pickup to, rather than my more expensive ones, because frankly, it plays and sounds a lot better than the fancier ones I have. I've got a lot of expensive guitars, but I've long since got over that headstock logo snobbery at gigs; it's what you play and sound like which matters. No fancy logo on the end of your guitar will cover up a bad live performance, and in all honesty, most people at your gig who are not guitarists, wouldn't know a Fender from a fishcake anyway.
@@ChockHolocaust Wow mate! 😅 Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience man 😎👍 I'll keep an eye out for an older Sunn as per your suggestion 😃 You're right about not all parts being compatible. Even thought this was part of Leo's original plan for everything to be interchangeable. To share some other experience be wary of Fender's MIC "modern player" series - these necks are 22 frets with no overhang and are not compatible with - pretty much anything else Fender have made 🙈 Thanks again mate 😃👍
@@markdoolan3424 Great stuff mate! 😎👍 I did the same with My Fusion ii - Whipped out those Roswells immediately 😜 Got a SD 59 in the Neck and an Iron Gear Rolling Mill in the Bridge
It's true though innit. You obviously put a lot of time into your work, your advice and humour is spot on, tidy player. I'd go as far as to say Jet should be at least giving you free guitars. I bought a JS400 two days ago on the strength of your one of your videos comparing it with a Fender Strat. Cheers Steve.@@stevecassidyguitar
@@Ogma3bandcamp Thank ya kindly bro! 😀🙏 I hope you're loving your new Jet! A belated HNGD to ya 😃👍 I've got another vid where i did A LOT of mods to mine. It's mainly personal preference, but there's a couple of wee upgrades I'd highly recommend if you want to get the best out of your Jet: th-cam.com/video/ihd-k_8NLX0/w-d-xo.html To save ya time, the main takeaways are the string tree, tuners, and possibly output jack (If you're gonna gig it - I do 😁)
Saw that video yesterday bro, guitar arriving Thurs/Fri this coming week and I already have some hardware ready to put straight on it, locking tuners, string trees, strap locks etc. Future plans include replacing the humbucker and output jack. Cheers Steve.@@stevecassidyguitar
Steve, it’s because of you I’m taking the dive. JS400 in white, swapping to Tonerider Overwound set, Tusq string tree, 920D harness, and Gotoh tuning machines. Jeezus man, you really know how to inspire a project or two. Love the channel, keep it up!
@@stevecassidyguitar Thank you! I'm looking to buy 2 or 3 guitars to have some fun with a variety of pickups. Funny as I have a number of high end instruments which I'm afraid to touch. But these, I'm looking forward to having some fun experimenting with them. Cheers
Looks and sounds great! 🤩 Jet JS400 is great (and modern) mod platform. I did a lot of similar updates to my white one. For me, changing also the pots did a huge difference because I use them a lot. My favorite guitar right now!
Think this my favourite video of yours yet Steve (definitely in a while) 👏👏👏. I am biased having just got my 2nd Js400 only yesterday. I’m behind you in my discovery of Jet etc so I’m still learning and find this very useful. So far I’ve only upgraded to locking tuners and strap locks, but I’m open to more. And I agree with your analysis of the colour of the plastics (even though i hadn’t really noticed tbh ha). My latest one is a Red (think they call it candy Apple) to me there is a definite pink hue off it (know you like that ha) and it’s got an almost faded look to me and so the worn faded looking pickguard matches it very well imo almost like a Vintage model from a distance (without the relicing etc) And I totally get why you upgraded with mostly 2nd hand parts too (I think) it wouldn’t make sense to buy a set of pickup’s that cost more than the actual guitar. But you have some guitar there for the money mate, very nice indeed. Also, I f€&kin hate push pull knobs, the idiot that invented them should be slapped in the face with a bag of his own shite. They are so impractical while playing live. Your sweatin away and trying to get a grib on a feckin knob while attempting not to miss any feckin notes and keep time…..it’s shite. Push push is so much better, and should be the Universal choice imo. I’m gonna have to get my act together with all this soldering malarkey, I don’t have a breeze. Perhaps you could recommend a kit I could buy? I’d appreciate that mate, then I too could take my Jets to the next level. Btw, I’m really looking forward to the comparison video with the Fender. There really aren’t many on that here on The Tube (any?) and at the end of the day that’s what we all wanna know right? Looking forward to it 👍
😅Phew! Thank Ya mate - Very glad to hear this 😀 Loved your punishment for the Push/Pull knobs inventor 😂👌 But yeah not ideal especially with strat knobs. I am THE worst at soldering. I mainly get my tech to do these things. Sometimes I'll try it when I'm feeling brave but it always stresses me out 😅 I just got my soldering iron from lidl when they had them in. I'm not the guy to ask tho soz. I need to get a hold of an un-modded player strat preferably HSS to do a proper comparison I think. Cheers again for the support mate 😎🙏
Face, bag, shite. Totally agree about the push pull punishment. As a lefty it’s even harder to get a push push log pot. That’s logarithmic, not another shite reference.
This is great information - especially clear on the thinking behind each mod. The tone control for bridge only makes a lot of sense. Ideally on all guitars there would be a separately wired tone control for each pickup - so on a strat that would mean 3 tone controls and one volume - though of course there is also a very good case for 3 separately wired volume controls and a master volume control (Gretsch style) for the overall level output of the mix. So that would mean finding space for seven pots and control knobs. This would require additional routing for the pots, but I think the seven knobs could be of a smaller diameter size to fit together on the pickguard. The master volume could go at the front like on a Gretsch. Well that is my idea for the perfectly controlled strat. Of course if humbucker on bridge, one might want the coil split option also.
Thank Ya Mate! 🙏 You're spot on - this thing is an absolute machine now. And yeah I got really lucky with the neck - I think that deserves it's own video 😜
Fender / Jet comparison video please! I've sold all my Fenders and only have Jets now (along with Gibsons, Yamaha and a squier), I can't honestly say the Fenders were that much better, pound for pound.
Nice one mate - I'll try and get that video done before the end of the year. Ideally I can get a hold of an un-modded Fender Player Strat (HSS would be perfect). Then I could do a proper comparison. 😀👍
Pulled the plug on the shell pink! Now looking for the gotoh 510 and some used fender pure vintage to upgrade mine. Perfect addition to my guitar collection. This video is awesome i keep coming back to it. Happy i got this over the st modern plus tbh.. Keep it up mate!
Nice one mate! HNGD! 🥳(when it arrives) and thank you! 🙏 I've since went a bit crazy and had Stainless Steel frets installed on my JS400 now too 😂🙈 Vid in the works 😁👍
@@waynetykocki3964 A good decision mate - great for the price 😎👍 Don't forget to replace the string trees - I'd highly recommend graphtech (tusq XL only). The stock string trees are the source of most tuning stability issues. Especially when bending or using the trem 👍
One nice project, Steve! That’s a versatile gigging guitar you’ve got there, which will be even better when you finish all the mods. I’ve picked up some good deals of eBay too, for my partscaster Tele. Totally agree with you on the plastics - the pickguard swaps and white-on-white is a great improvement with the blue (love the body colour)!
@@stevecassidyguitar Colour definitely matters - not sure if it affects the tone but looks are important! Sometimes cream or white can work - that’s my conclusion with my sonic blue Tele, having tried both but the Strats you showed were just wrong and you made them look right!
@@derekclacton Totally agree - looks are more important than I like to admit 🙈 The type of fretboard plays into it too with pickguards imo. Certain colours look better against maple/rosewood/ebony/roasted maple etc
Nicely done sir! That geetar would give my charvel a bloody good run for its money :) Even at the none deal price its a steal! That bridge pickup is just a bit on the tasty side, doesn't sound rediculously hot :) Love the fact you done that wiring, did the whole neck activating switch thing and a kill switch on a mates squier, such a fun mod! :) Modding geetars is the absolute best! Currently in the process of modding my baritone with individual parallell push pull, mini toggle kill (was going to go whole hog with phase split and coil tap but that's a lot more faff with extra pots and switches i dont think the cavities big enough for) and a full strip and oil on the neck (prs gloss is bloody horrid to play on). All the mods you've done to that geetar are top notch, more than worth while since its made a great instrument even better. Awesome as always sir and them sounds are most tasty indeed :)
Thank ya so much mate! 😃🙏 Your baritone project sounds very cool indeed! So after all the mods... what tuning will you go with? 😃 I need to work on my soldering skills to do these nods myself. So envious of guys like yourself that just do it - good on ya mate! 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitarcheers sir :) The baritones going in A sharp (tend to play everything either 1/2 or 1 1/2 steps down) tis a low meaty beasty :) Youd be sound soldering to mod the wiring, your a bright fella :) Only recently (after a good 20 years) discovered flux and by eck its changed the game, can actually do tidy-ish work ;) Cant wait for the next installment of awesome sir :)
@@AnimalJohn85 Aww thank Ya very much mate! 😀👍 Your PRS Bari does sound killer! I've got my Baritone tuned down to A standard with Jazzmaster pickups playing mostly clean/ambient stuff 🙈 (well trying to!) I'm not familiar with flux 😬 - will look into it tho - Cheers! 🤓👍
As you are a gigging musician (and a really good guitarist, btw), these mods are certainly worth your time and money. Me? Well, let's just say I suck a little less than a complete newbie whi has never picked up a guitar before. I've only done 2 mods- 1 being a roller bridge for my HB TE-40- the back of the bridge was making contact with all the strings. My 2 was on my DIY tele for new EZ lok tuners from Wilkinson as the originals were too bleeping bleepy to talk about without getting a little angry about it. (Why provide totally garbage hardware? Do you think I'll go back for upgraded parts on your site?) Nice video, Steve!
Awww mate! Thank ya kindly! 😀🙏 But don't be so hard on yourself mate - I'll bet you can play a lick or 2 😎👍 That's great you've did some mods too, and seems like you've only changed the things that needed it. I'm a nightmare for completely unnecessary mods 🙈
@@TakeControl_02 Thank ya kindly! 😃🙏 I'm currently having to avoid covers at the moment due to the copyright infringements - maybe I could do a short 🤔 I don't know any Weezer songs though 🙈
I got a jet js400 in sea foam green. I got the relic version. Put new wiring with full size pots ect. Seymour Duncan invader. New vintage tuners and pearloid scratchplate. My Tom delonge is now complete. Sounds epic. The neck was worth the price alone it's amazing . Just get one..awesome mod projects. Nice video by the way.. you now have a much better guitar which kicks ass
@@stevecassidyguitar I've played the Mexican fender equivalent. This is easily as good. Has all Same components pretty much and the neck is sublime. Cost about £400 all in so much cheaper as well. One of my favourite guitars in my collection now
Did you use a Fender or Fender compatible scratchplate? If so, do the holes line up? Thinking of replacing mine, but I've never been able to find out if Fender parts fit.
@@Sandy-dd4le Hey mate! Unfortunately Fender and 3rd party aftermarket ones wont fit 👎. There's a couple of options: You can get one custom made (around £40) where you send the existing pickguard away to get traced then have a new one cut in the colour you want. There is a guy on ebay "earlpilanz" who provides this service. I think he's in Glasgow, I've had pickguards from there before. Another option is not ideal... But The Fazley Phynica FSST720 and FSST820 (both now discontinued) and Jet JS400 (sunburst) and Jet JS450 have some different coloured pickguards. I've been swapping some between guitars I have or my friends who have them and... I just bought a Sunburst Jet JS400 off ebay the other day for £100... just for the Tort pickguard! 🙈 I know... I have issues 🙈 Hope that helps mate - good luck! 😀
Cheers mate! 😃🙏 I've got a new vid coming out this Friday - The Jet JS400 (stock - I got another one! 🙈) Versus A Fender player strat. Ya might find it interesting 😁👍 The Jets are awesome! 😃
Thanx for your great review !! Have a Jet JS-400 Lefty . Only change the bridge pickup for a Dimarzio Super Distorsion. Tuners a very good( stay in tune almost of the time) Maybe will change the bridge for a Gotoh 510 . The Wilkinson's one have to be adjust with a little allen key on the trem block ( not very convenient) Very nice guitar !!
Great video Steve, I bought a JS400 last year out of curiosity and loved it so much I bought a second one in lake placid blue as soon as I seen it! I upgraded to locking tuners and it’s currently my go to guitar even though I have more expensive guitars including a fender road worn and a charvel dk22. The neck just suits me perfectly. I might upgrade to tonerider pickups in the future to see how they sound.
Wow! It's like you're my clone and we share all the same memories and experiences! 😀 Or... maybe I'M the Clone!! 🤯 😜 Anyway mate - pretty much EXACTLY the same here. I've "kinda" got 4 JS 400's now 🙈 (Technically 2 of them are Fazley's...) Obvs upgraded the one in the video and I've got the Charvel DK22 (also reviewed on the channel) and I much prefer the Jet Neck too. Also! It was a toss up between the Fender Player series pickups and the Tonerider Surfari's 😀 Still want to try the Surfari's in future. Anyway.. Cheers BRO! 😄🍻 👍
Very Cool, Thankyou. Interesting, Informative and Entertaining Video, Cool seeing The Upgrade process. Guitar Looks AMAZING with all white plastics. Amazing playing as Always. Awesome. All the Best. Cheers
First video I have watched in full for a while! I have the same guitar in sea foam green - Im a beginner and I love it but I don’t love the overly used cream! I find the knobs even more offensive than the pickguard so that’s a first step easy win to swap those. Everything else you mentioned is on the future upgrade list for when I am further along. The white pickguard with chrome humbucker looks very tasty! Nice work.
Thank you very much mate! 😃👍 Man... It's a great time to be a guitarist. You're starting out on an incredible guitar! 😎👌 and you're totally right. You don't have to do any mods - everything works as/is, it's mainly just preference. If you change the knobs you can also change the pickup covers - you can get a set of three (you only need 2) for under £10 on eBay. Just make sure you get the correct hole spacing. 👍 All the very best to ya! 🍻
@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks! Great you can get the pickup covers too. I saw a set earlier that has the knobs, switch tips and pickups covers. Even came with the backplate which looks like it would line up ok. That will help reduce down the cream for sure. Take it easy man!
Great video mate!! Is the Gotoh 510 FE1 Trem fitted perfectly into the Jet JS-400, or you did extra holes or adjustments? I'm thinking to upgrade mine with the Gotoh 510 SF1. Do you know if it has the same measurements? Cheers
Thank ya pal! 😃🙏 Ok - I've just did some investigation. Checked the schematics for both the FE1 and SF1 on the Gotoh website - they appear to have all the same measurements (where it matters). I'd never seen the SF1 before - Is the only difference the bent steel saddles? Anyway... (Disclaimer - I did not install this myself - I had my tech do it). What I do know is the measurements are the same on the Jet from post to post, and the string spacing and alignment are the same - so you're all good there. But there is a "tiny bit" of routing involved. The space for the trem block will need about 1mm shaved off the bottom right corner to accommodate the barrel housing for the trem arm. You could "probably" get away with doing this with a rounded file. You might not even have to do it, or you might have to take off more, it's such a small amount it will depend on how uniform they are on the CNC's and how much paint/finish is in that area. "But just 1 last thing" - Columbo. How is the trem on your JS400? I don't think the Gotoh was a massive improvement. The stock trem on mine was actually pretty great. Good quality, reliable, with a good sized block. The only advantage off the Gotoh is it feels very slightly smoother. I wouldn't pay full price to "upgrade" it. Hope that helps - All the best mate 😃👍
Much appreciate your reply mate!! I’m keen to install the SF1 just because Suhr uses it in most of their guitars… so it must be good! And kinda like the vintage look as well! I haven’t done any setup yet so the tuning is pretty dodgy on mine… will change the locking tuners anyway but the stock bridge feels a bit hard for my taste! Thanks for the info again pal 👍🏻 it was very helpful!! Keep rocking! 🎸
Just replaced mine with the Gotoh 510T-FE1, and had to drop a comment. There was no knife edge on the Jet baseplate so the Gotoh upgrade was a must. Both the Jet and Gotoh inserts are 10mm OD with the same spacing so it’s a super easy swap. I did have to do a small bit of routing around the pocket to fit the Gotoh arm holder and allow the block to move freely. Good luck!
Ok, only just seen this vid. I have played a few Jets at the guitar show and I was properly impressed. What has really caught my attention today is the new Harley Benton st modern plus just released looking very very familiar!!! Hmmm!! Also I am seriously digging the pickup combination you have chosen, they match very well indeed! I will be investigating mex pickups and the gfs on fleabay. I am about to bite the bullet on a HSS S style and the Jet is still in the mix…
Thank ya kindly mate 😃🙏 I just had a look at the new Harley Benton ST Modern Plus today: th-cam.com/video/sCOA2JXdHWk/w-d-xo.html These look awesome! I've ordered one 😁🙈
Really like what you have done with your Jet and it sounds great. You have given me plenty of ideas on possible upgrades in the future which could be done, some easier than others. You have turned it into a very versatile guitar starting with a low cost model.
Thank ya Richard! 😀🙏I can't take the credit for the work - I had my tech do it. I could do "some" of the mods myself, but I've only got like 40% success rate with these things 🙈 I gig this guitar on the regular so needed it done right 😁👍
Great video. Please do, do the comparison vid. I have a Jet JS 300. I'd say the neck on it is way nicer than my mim Tele and so my jet is going to get some mods. Hadn't thought of second hand fender pups. eBay, here I come. Cheers.
Thank you mate! 😀🙏 It's looking like I'll definitely have to do the Jet VS Fender vid. I have a modded US strat but ideally I'd like to get a hold of an unmodded Player strat preferably HSS to do a "proper" comparison. But I might just go with what I've got 🙈 I've got a heavily modded JS300 too! Really great guitars 👌 People make comparisons to Squiers because of the price, but really, I think these are closer to Fender MIM. Some specs better/some worse, but I think the fit & finish on the Jets are better 😐 Good luck with the hunt for pickups - Please leave some for me 😜 I'm always looking for used Fender, Iron Gear and Tonerider pickups 😁👍
Perfect timing. I am just trying to work out which pickups to put into my Jet JS450. I will leave the trem and turners alone for now as they seem pretty good. I have been looking for a good deal on the tex-mex but there are a few others I have been considering. I really like the guitar, but for me, the sound of the stock pickups is not "straty"(is that even a word) enough. Thanks for the well-timed video.
Great vid!. Been eyeing a second hand js400 myself as my first strat and also a Indonesian squier standard for about the same price, still debating myself on which one would be the best way to go.
Thank ya mate! I'd definitely recommend the Jet. The Squiers are decent guitars, but the Jets will surprise you 😁👍 Especially the JS400 (that's the best model they make imo). I don't work for Jet btw 😂👍
Being left handed I have had the wiring and pots replaced on quite a few of my guitars. At the same time, out goes the output socket for something better. PTB wiring is my fav configuration.
Well spotted mate 😁👍 It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). 😂 Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun ). 🙈 Like "John Klod Van Damn" etc 😜 I know it's a terrible joke 😂🙈 I also just love this bonkers clip of Dolph Lundgren, Singing, Playing Drums, then displaying his martial arts 🤣👌
Thank Ya Rich! 😀👍 They call it Lake Placid Blue - But It's a tiny wee bit bit more green & Grey than Fenders new Lake Placid Blues. It's somewhere inbetween LPB and Tidepool. But I Lurve it! 😍
Guitar fetish has some good pick-ups...I hear it's hit and miss for me it a hit...I bought a 62 loaded mint green pick up guard..I put it in a sonic blue strat body.. I'm very happy however the pickup selector switch went out I replaced it and.. it's perfect...😎👍
Nice one1 Going to buy a Jet, do one mod at a time, I may just keep the single pickups. My 2008 50's mex stat player had amazing pick up's - they were US ones as standard - on reflection wish I had kept it but hey ho! Bloke travelled 350 miles to pick it up and what a player he was, he was an acoustic guitar player and wanted his 1st electric, jeez Louise what a sound that came out of that guitar
Cheers mate! Ach... the one that got away eh? Sad times :( The stock single coils are decent - If you like the slightly hotter SRV tones - they're spot on. I've since had Stainless Steel frets installed in this one too😂🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar Often wondered how to replace the frets? I thought think the standard singles sound great/ good enough for me. Looking at amps at moment - which one? Back in 2008 I had a Fender Vibro champ XD part transistor part valves
@@IanHornsby-g7t I had Agrajag Guitars do the refret - they're experts and did an outstanding job. That kinda stuff is way beyond my "skill set" 😂 Amps? I'm ampless these days for gigs, using a Line 6 HX Stomp XL. But I also like the old Fender Mustang Modelling amps at home. The Mustang iii v2 in particular is a bit of an underappreciated great wee amp (imo) 😎👍
Cheers mate! 😀🙏 Since all the mods, this has been my number 1. It's actually just about to go under the knife again - I'm having it refretted with stainless steel frets very soon! 😂🙈 So it's definitely a keeper - soz 😬
@@johncollins5552 I don't think Jet do have any models with SS frets 🤔 Which models have you seen this on? I would definitely consider doing as you suggested 😀👍
Nice one mate - I've seen the LP online but not in the flesh and there's not too reviews out there either. If the quality spec and fit & finish is as good as the other models then they'll definitely be worth a look - have fun! 😃👍
Great video! I'm going down the route of building a H-S-P90 guitar, with a coil split and blend options, on a Tele Deluxe style platform. Might be complete rubbish, but st the very least should give me some interesting tone combos. Great shout on the push-push, no idea why people use push-pull.
Awesome video! Excellent presentation, reasoning behind the mods, and demonstration of how great it sounds. Thank you for your time and effort! I've been looking for a replacement of my American Standard Strat, and I'm between the JS-400 and the newly announced Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus that they will launch in Q1 2024. For pickups, I would get the Fleor staggered AlNiCo 5 HSS set (from AliExpress) which are basically clones of the Tex-Mex with an 8 kOhm AlNiCo 5 humbucker for around $40/set. Great-sounding and excellent value for money.
Wow mate! Thank you for your feedback 😃🙏 I'll keep an eye out for the Fleor set - thank YOU - sounds legit. The new HB's look great - but unfortunately they're gonna be (I think) like 12 - 16" compound radius fretboard. Which is a bit too "shreddy" for me 😕 My Fender USA standard strat has been gathering dust since getting the Jet, especially now with the mods. The neck profile, radius and feel are identical to my USA 2004 strat. C shape neck with 9.5" radius - love it 😎👌
@@stevecassidyguitar Good point about the compound radius. I'm also a little skeptical about that. I will have to try a Schecter at a store before pulling the trigger on the Harley Benton. Otherwise, yes, the 9.5" of the Jet should feel most familiar.
J'ai une JS 400 et je l'ai amélioré... Mécaniques à blocage Kluson, potards 500K Dimarzio, condensateur Orange Sprague, prise jack Switchcraft, Micro Chevalet Dimarzio DP191 Air Classic, Micro milieu Dimarzio DP117 HS3, micro manche Dimarzio DP217 HS4... Maintenant ma JS 400 est juste parfaite. 😉
I modded an epiphone sg special, I took out the dull bridge humbucker and installed an epi P90 there, I messed up tje rewiring so now it just works with the p90 only, neck humbucker is still in position but disconnected. The single p90 is kinda cool but pretty noisy.
I had my tech do the work. It didn't need routed. But... You do need to file away about 1-2mm in the corner of the trem block cavity, so there's enough clearance for the trem arm barrel to move freely. I had to do the same thing when I installed a Gotoh 510 on a Fender body 👍 Hope that helps
@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks for your quick reply! Do you still dig this Jet guitar? If you had to rank it with all the mods , would you put it in the MIJ Fender Strat tier or maybe even the Fender Ultra Tier?
@@stjepanherceg7365 Yes mate - I've since went even further... I've had Stainless Steel frets installed! 😂🙈 Another vid in the works about that 😁👍 It's still my favourite. As for tiers, I'm not exactly sure where it fits, in terms of quality it's very high tier (to me). But Resale value would be nowhere near what I've put into it - But I'd never sell it anyway. As far as I know you can't get a modern C shaped 9.5" radius Roasted Maple neck with 22 Stainless Steel frets anywhere else. It was still great without the Stainless Steel frets too 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitar That's really high praise! I was thinking about trying the Jet, but now I'm almost certain I'll buy it! Still can't believe that the guitar wood and general quality of the instrument is this good at this very low price... Is the sound difference between stainless vs nickel frets apparent?
@@stjepanherceg7365 Not that I noticed - But that doesn't mean there's none. If there's any difference it would probably only be heard acoustically I'd guess. The Guitar was away for about a month to get the Job done, so my memory of the tone before and after would be far from perfect 😜
that wee guitar sounds great and tasty playing too. i bought 2 second hand guitars - Ibanez RG270R and Jackson Dinky - both with locking trems for less than the total cost you paid for your guitar. that's by no means a criticism, i just prefer to get a guitar, tune it up and plug it in hahaha. all the best man. 😁
Wow mate! That sounds like 2 Killer deals! 😀👌 Thank you thought mate - different strokes for different folks n all that jazz innit? I had a Jackson Dinky performer back in I think... 98 Traded it a week later for an Ibanez RG470 - that was my first proper Guitar - loved it 😎👌
Hi Steve! Can you remember exactly which Graphtech nut you ordered for your guitar? I see that you have a white one on the guitar, and the link you posted below has a black one. I tried to measure the nut as precisely as possible (guitar is the same model as yours) and the width of the nut is 41.8 mm, the thickness is 3.52 mm. I did not measure the height because it is still on the guitar. There are quite a few on the Graphtech site, but I don't see any that match these measurements. Which one do you use?
Very well spotted sir! 🤓👍 Apologies for the confusion. I did mention In the vid that the nut had not yet been installed (actually still hasn't been 🙈). But... your 41.8mm nut... just read that as 42mm 👍 Nuts on all guitars are often slightly less than advertised. it probably started off as 42mm then they filed or sanded off the ends. The Jet nuts are listed at 1.65" which is 41.91mm. Anyway.. the Tusq XL nut I linked to in the description is the correct one that will fit 👍 I' had my tech put it on my Jet JS300 which has the same neck and, I've put it on 2 Fender player necks, also the same profile - 9.5" radius and 42mm nut width. I hope that helps and apologies again for the confusion.
I’ve been on the look out for ages for a white squier starcaster and then want to upgrade the nut bridge pots and pick ups to some evh ones as I do love the sound on my Wolfgang
That sounds like a very cool project mate! 😃👍 So for a white Starcaster - it will be the affinity one you're after yeah? I can't remember if they're discontinued (they might be). But I've seen them used from time to time on eBay. Usually go for around £200-£250. Which is pretty much the same as the new prices iirc. Very cool project though mate - go for it! 😃👍
@@MrRei11y Oh yeah! The classic vibe is "almost" identical to the Fender modern player specced ones. I always fancied the CV in walnut 🤩 Maybe one day 😁
Thank you Steve! Can you give more details on original tremolo? String spacing, block size, trem arm adjustments, any deformations of knife edges after use, etc. Since you take it off maybe you can make a short video just on the trem? )) Thanx in advance
I have it in my hand right now. I won't get time to make a vid - Got a mega vid up tomorrow. But one thing to note is... I have 2 Jet JS 400's here and the trems are not identical. The sunburst one has WVB stamped saddles and the LPB one just has blank saddles - that's the one I'm measuring... Dimensions: Baseplate: Length 83mm x Width 40mm. Full size block - Depth 40mm, Length 73mm, Width 13mm Strings spacing E to e 54mm. The distance between strings 10.8mm. There's a grub screw on the back of the base plate to tighten the trem arm. Knife edges appear to be pristine. Hope that helps! 😀👍
I got a JS-400 Black Gold. There were no markings on the saddles, and there was *no* knife edge, cutouts for the trem posts were just squared off and sitting against the tremolo post which has the usual V taper. Immediately replaced with a Gotoh 510T and it’s perfect.
Great video Steve! I think the guitar is fantastic now. I am tempted to do something similar and get a js400 as the platform. I must sell my old 112 Pacifica to fund it but I plan to do a video review of my 112 👍 So you recommend as a minimum, upgrade bridge pickups, Jack, tuners and string tree.
Thank Ya mate! 😀🙏 and yeah mate - those would be my minimum upgrades. But by all means try it out for a while as/is first. I've had some people comment on previous vids that they're happy with the tuners 😀👍 Would be a shame to see a Pacifica go - but I reckon you won't be disappointed
Hey, buddy. Do you know the exact model of the tremolo bridge in the JS-400? I just finished making my Hank Marvin tribute guitar, and I might want to get a steel block for the tremolo as the last upgrade. 🙂
Sorry mate - I don't know the model. And it looks like they may have either used different units on earlier runs. I have one with "MVB" stamped saddles, but the newer ones are just blank 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar ok, than you. It’s probably easier to replace the whole bridge than to hunt for a block that fits. The stock one works fine though. 👍
@stevecassidyguitar Got a few questions about the Vanson VO7SP locking tuners. Big thanks!! 1.Did they fit the existing holes in the headstock that had been made for the stock Jet tuners? 2. Or did you have to make the holes bigger or smaller to accommodate the Vansons? How have the Vansons performed compared to the stock tuners? Big thanks again!!
No worries mate - The reason I went for the Vansons is they are drop in replacements. No adjustments needed, no new holes, the screw holes line up. It's just a 15min job with a screwdriver and a wee spanner/wrench. No issues so far - these are the korean made "Jin-Ho" tuners, so will be EXACTLY the same as Wilkinson branded lockers in terms of quality. Hope this helps 😃👍
I’m confident changing out hardware all day long but electronics for me is a massive ❌ need to find a local guitar tech. Really enjoying your content Steve but would love to see more of your playing dude. Give us some more noodling when you do tones demos 👍
Exact same here! I can't do electronics - I've tried, I have like a 40% success rate and it stresses me out! 🤯 Re the playing - 2 reasons I don't play as much on vids: 1 is for some reason when the camera is on my fingers don't co-operate as they should 🙈 (I need to work on that - maybe playing more as you suggest would help!) 2: When I'm watching YT vids, I usually skip through all the playing to hear the talking 😬. That's all just excuses tho - I will try to play more - cheers! 😃🙏 (Might even do a video on just that)
Thank you mate 😀👍 I'm actually not 100% on that - soz. 😬 I had my tech install the pots. I'd asked for push/push, but got push/pull. I'd assume he would have changed like for like - so most likely 250k (I think 😬). I will be changing to push/push in the future though.
Great video Steve, I’m interested in buying a Jet JS-400 but as you mentioned would definitely want to upgrade the tuners. I prefer staggered locking tuners and no string trees on guitars with trem’s. Did anyone come back to you with any recommendations / links for any cheap staggered locking tuners?
Thanks mate 😃👍 No updates on cheap staggered locking tuners yet 🙁 I've had some luck on eBay recently though. I got a Cort branded staggered set used for about £25. I think they were from the Matt Bellamy model. Screws line up with the Jet/Fazley. There's a Harley Benton staggered set for £35 only comes in nickel and I'm yet to try them. The search continues..... Please do let us know if you find anything 😃🙏
40 quid for those pickups was a killer. I've often heard that Vanson produce good quality budget hardware and they also sell pickups. As you said , doing these upgrades to budget instruments is only worth it if it's a keeper or you want the experience. For your dollar price they would be able to get a used MIM. I'm not saying it would be better but it would have the'F' logo and the resale value is almost quaranteed.
Spot on Mate! 😀👍 I've also heard good things about the Vanson pickups, but I'm yet to try a set. and Yes indeed, the final modded prices are in the used MIM realm - so you'll get that resale value. The particular mods I did to this particular Guitar - has put it close to the dream custom shop category (for me). But anyone else could start on a different platform with different mods, and get close to their dream axe for... less 😜 For example - I'm a stickler for the 9.5" radius fretboards, If I wasn't - I'd probably look at something like the Harley Benton ST-62 as the mod platform etc n' stuff 😁 Cheers 🍻
@@stevecassidyguitar My best modding platform so far was a Squier SE strat. Full body thickness, nice neck with a bit of sprout. Replaced pickups, wiring and tuners. Aria STG are also good for modding because they are dirt cheap. Last one cost 15 quid and I put a set Epi alnico humbuckers in it no problem as it has the bathtub cavity. Only problem was the colour which is creamy pink but I don't really care about cosmetics anyway.
Aww mate - I feel your pain. Yeah the 3rd party aftermarket ones wont fit unfortunately 👎. There's a couple of options: You can get one custom made (around £40) where you send the existing pickguard away to get traced then have a new one cut in the colour you want. There is a guy on ebay "earlpilanz" who provides this service. I think he's in Glasgow, I've had pickguards from there before. Another option is not ideal... But The Fazley Phynica FSST720 and FSST820 (both now discontinued) and Jet JS400 (sunburst) and Jet JS450 have some different coloured pickguards. I've been swapping some between guitars I have or my friends who have them and... I just bought a Sunburst Jet JS400 off ebay the other day for £100... just for the Tort pickguard! 🙈 I know... I have issues 🙈 Hope that helps mate - good luck! 😀
I had my tech do the install and I'm certain he used the Gotoh posts. If you're planning on doing this one, I think Gotoh offer 2 different spacings. The one I got was the same spacing for the posts and saddles as the Jet. But... As much as I love the Gotoh, it's only marginally better than the stock trem. The stock trem is unbranded, but it's actually quite an impressive unit. Hope that helps mate 😃👍
Sorry to bother you, but probably due to my bad English I couldn't understand if you kept the original bridge or put the gotoh bridge; I would also like to know if the gotoh bridge is perfectly compatible or you had to change something such as the tremolo pylons and their seat in the wood. Many thanks!
No bother at all mate 😀👍 I used the Gotoh - But I didn't do the work I had my Guitar tech do it. The post holes are the same alignment as the Jet bridge. You would need to file away around 1-2mm in the trem block cavity, just where the trem arm barrel sits to give it enough clearance/space to move. This is very common for Gotoh trems and an easy job if you have a good file. I also had to do this on my Fender partscaster. Hope that helps 😀🙏
Hey mate i'd never tried the NS 10.5 before. I've used the 10.8 on a Fender partscaster, with no issues. (I think) it's the same on my Charvel. I got this one for the Jet used on Ebay (great deal) and it happened to be the same size. I've also got another new one sitting in a box waiting for another project 🙈 So no particular reason other than familiarity and it was a great deal 😀👍 I just linked to the same one I used in the vid
@@stevecassidyguitarthanks a lot for the answer:) I've asked Jet about what they recommend and waiting for an answer. I'll measure the jet bridge also.
Hey mate! Thanks for the heads up 👍 I've never installed a push/push pot myself (yet) but I've had my tech do it in a load of my guitars. I suppose the need to replace the electronics would be a good opportunity to upgrade more parts 😃👍
In case you know, do the gotoh 510 studs fit in the stock bridge inserts? I'll probably want to use the studs from the gotoh bridge and I'd prefer not to pull the stock inserts. At least, i hope that the new inserts fit the holes left behind by the stock inserts.. which is perhaps likely. Thank you :)
@@Dimiguitar Sorry mate just back home and seen this but yeah - I had my tech do the work as you probably seen - sorry I couldn't be of more help 😬. If you do find an answer please do let us know what you found - cheers mate 😀🍻
Sorry mate just back home and seen this but yeah - I had my tech do the work as you probably seen - sorry I couldn't be of more help 😬. If you do find an answer please do let us know what you found - cheers mate 😀🍻
Hey there, I was wondering if I should buy this guitar as my very first one! I want a guitar that will be able to gig in the future, I’m not really sure about mods or anything but I want to be able to play different genres from blues-metal; i want to spend majority of my budget on an HX Stomp/XL just because I want something I can use for a long time, so I can’t really go too overboard with a high priced guitar. Hope I explained my interests enough!
Apologies for the delay.... But yessir! For the uses you have described.... Most people would recommend you get an HSS strat. Probably a Yamaha Pacifica or a Squier. For me... That's quite outdated advice these days. I'd recommend this Jet over any other guitar in this price range. The HX Stomp XL is excellent for gigging too (that's what I use too! 😃) The Jet doesn't "need" mods but there are a few small changes you could make to make it perform a little better 👍 Happy Guitar Hunting! 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar it’s no problem at all! Thanks for the help, I just watched some videos on the jet and I’ve heard even more good reviews so it’ll probably be my first! Once I actually find any problems with it, should I take it to guitar center to see if they can fix it or should I find a local person(idk if they’re called luthiers)?
@@f1n3ss3r4 Ah.. I'm guessing you're in the USA? I've not much experience with Guitar Centre - only been a couple of times on holiday. Maybe check some online reviews of their repair services first. Also worth checking out some TH-cam tutorials on Guitar set ups. Phillip McKNight has a great channel for that kind of stuff 👍
@@f1n3ss3r4 The HX Stomp XL doesn't have a built in speaker so you won't hear anything from it like that. But your options are - headphones, or you can use the unit as an interface and run it through your PC speakers, or you'll need a powered speaker of some kind - I run mines through a small PA system at home. I made a video not too long ago called "minimalist GIG RIG" this explains how I use mine for Live gigs.
I've actually still not had it installed on this guitar yet. But it will be fine 👍 I just checked it now and placed the GT nut in the slot of my JS300. All good. It may protrude ever so slightly from the edges but that's negligible and fairly normal. I always file and round my nut edges anyway. As for the string alignment you'll be all good too. The extra 0.8mm divided across the 6 strings will be unnoticeable, won't have any problems with string alignment. Hope that helps 😃👍
Jet guitars=good guitars for a reasonable price, Im considering getting one, after all 12 guitars aren't enough. Enjoyed your video, I gave it a 👍and subscribed. Cheers!
Aww thank ya very much for the like & sub mate 🙏 Welcome to the channel 😃 I'd say the Jets are better than good tho 😁 This JS 400 is my favourite out of the 4 Jet models I've tried. Best spec and features imo. Totally smokes Squier and price equivalent Harley Benton's - it's closer in Quality to Fender player I reckon 😬
@stevecassidyguitar thank you! I look forward to more videos. Slovenia has always had prude in their products and this line of guitars is no different, and yes you're right, they are excellent guitars. They need to offer a sonic blue strat and I would buy one.
What was the spacing on the humbucker, did it drop right in. You've talked me into buying a jet. Getting the same one as yourself 😊 already bought the locking tuners and a pre-wired harness. Currently bidding on a pair of player series pups. Going to get a Fender double tap humbucker for the bridge but don't know if it will drop in without any hassles.
Actually - good point! There WAS minimal routung required for this particular GFS Humbucker, (Dream 180) but it's housing is a little bit larger than standard, due to it's weird, almost dual p90 design. (My Tech fitted it and told me this) Good luck on the player pickups bid 🤞- They're awesome! 😎👌 I'm sure you won't be dissapointed with the Jet JS400 - It's already pretty great stock as/is 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I phoned Merchant City music in Glasgow. The dude said they are worth it just for the neck. He said 2-300 buck on mods and you have a guitar equal to a pro 2. Thanks for your reply and looking forward to your next vid. Your my new favourite tuber but don't tell anyone, I don't want Dave Simpson finding out lol
@@derekjohnson5720 Woohoo!!! 🥳 Totally not comfortable with the "TH-camr" name tho 😆👍 But thank ya all the same! 😀🙏 Your boy at Merchant City is spot on I reckon 😎👍 They've got a stunning looking JS450 in stock there too. Still fighting the Gas on that one 😬
i want to replace the pickguard on my js400 but im having a hard time finding one that fits i orderd two and both dont fit they are to small where can i find a replacement pickguard that would fit a jet noticed one of your jets had a pink one
Unfortunately, you can't get a direct fit pickguard for any of the Jet models. The 2 ways I have got round it is, swapping pickguards with other Jet models with different colored guards. The Pink one is actually the original creme pickguard, but I used a sheet of pink vinyl to cover it and cut out all the holes etc with a craft knife. Another option is to get a custom pickguard made. Depending on where you are located, there are companies that you can send your pickguard to, they'll make a copy of it in any colour/material you like. This would cost £40 - 50 though. I've did this before too (on other guitars) and was happy with the results. Hope that helps 😃👍
Hiya Steve! Hoping you see this - I'm having some tuning stability issues with my js400 - which tuners would you recommend that are in stock now, without busting the bank please? (preferably on prime so I can get them tomorrow) Anything else you'd recommend I look at replacing/upgrading to improve tuning stability? I'm going to hardtail the trem too to see if that helps. Cheers!
Hullo mate! So... the tuners actually don't contribute as much as you'd think to the tuning stability, and locking tuners also don't improve tuning stability much either, but they do make string changes quicker and easier, which is well worth it imo. Just had a quick look on Amazon, the only other ones I have tried that kind of fit are the musiclilly ones. They need a bit of an angle with the screw. Actually I did a vid about installing these on a Jet (Fazley) here: th-cam.com/video/8k9-Q0ARP5Y/w-d-xo.html Have you upgraded the string trees yet? That's where I'd start. See the link in the vid to the Graphtech Tusq Xl ones. Next up is... Are your saddles stamped "MVB" or are the blank? If they're blank, they might have this issue I've recently encountered on new jets where... The center of the saddle has a slight hump in the middle, instead of a valley/channle for the string to run through the centre. With the hump, the strings end up resting against either the left or right saddle screws which can throw off the string alignment and move out of position when bending etc. So if you have that issue, I'd definitely change them too. The string trees and saddles (if you have the issue) should make a massive difference. I hope that helps 😀👍
Thanks so much for the advice - I'll order the string trees for sure. Just checked and the saddles are indeed marked MVB. I may try changing them anyway for some brass saddles, hopefully that'll help to sort out my tuning issues! Thanks again! 👍👍👍
Just thought I'd drop you an update on my jet js400, I've installed the new tusq string tree you recommended, decked the trem, added another trem spring, brass saddles, lubricated the nut and new 'guyker' tuners. The trem system now actually works - and the guitar stays in tune! 🤘😁 Chuffed! Thanks for the advice, Steve 👍👍👍 Now whether to change the shell pink body?... 🤔🤣
Cost about £325 total. About the same price as the Jet JS450. But waaaay better imo. I think this is way better than a Fender Player strat too. I recently did a shootout vid on a stock (unmodded) Jet Vs the Fender player. The Jet punches way above it's weight 😃👍
Doing mods is great if you intend to keep the guitar or refit the old parts to sell it as i have found out, you never get your money back on the upgrades. As for how it compares to a Fender USA Strat, i would say very well if not better, you won't find locking tuners even on the latest USA models without paying crazy money. I bought a mint unplayed USA Strat many years ago for £600, the only mod it needed were locking tuners, today you will pay double that and still not have locking tuners. That Fender decal comes at a high price!
You've hit the nail on the head 😎👌 Even if you "upgrade" a guitar put more expensive pickups etc on it - it doesn't mean it's to the next persons taste. They might want it stock etc... But for me - I'll mod it to the point it's got to be a keeper. I'm not remotely thinking about resale value with this one. It's my no.1 gigging guitar. The fact that it costs less is a massive bonus too - not just for the wallet, but I'm not too precious about it getting a ding or 7 😜 The only benefit of a Fender I can see is the Alder bodies (debatably "better") and pretty much any Fender (non-noiseless) single coils are hard to beat (imo). But other than that - The Jet is kicking Fenders A$$! 😁
Leo Fender gave us the perfect starting point with the Strat, problem is that even today they are still stuck in the 50's but at crazy prices. Thankfully unlike Gibson they don't hand out law suits when someone else makes a better guitar. The USA £600 Strat was the last Fender that i bought, today i prefer Ibanez, Schecter and ESP but i also like Harley Benton's Fusion Strats, and they come with locking tuners at a fraction of Fenders prices. Thake care of your upgraded Strat, it will last you many years.@@stevecassidyguitar
When I've tried to line them up, they don't. Screw holes and dimensions slighlty different. But It can be done if you're ok with filling and re-drilling and perhaps a bit of filing. A few people have told me they managed to get Fender pickguards on thiers.
I kinda get what they were going for with the colours of the parts.. The 57 strat reissues are like this, as back then Fender used two different plastics. The guard would stay white and the other plastics 'yellowed' due to the bromide in them reacting with sunlight... However that 'style choice' usually goes with a single ply guard, and the 'cream' they've chosen for the parts here is a disgustingly over the top 'nicotine brown'.. or maybe that colour they used to use on artificial limbs.. 😅😅
They should totally call it that! "Artificial limb stain" 😂👌 I get it that it's kinda like how they would age - but I don't know who decided that was a good thing 🤔 But then again, I remember getting getting ridiculed from my Gran for wearing faded jeans with wee rips in them 😂 "What!?! They're new? You bought them like that!? - Take them back!" 🙈
How do Steve I’m in Inverurie nae far from Aberdeen Love the videos min!👍🏻 But the guitar 🎸 playing by yourself is absolutely superb!! Good luck with this , imo the only way is up ⬆️ 👍🏻
Hiya Expert from jets&fazleys😃 the vansons locking tuners fits like the gloves on both,I asked u yr ago about them,but now have question about bridge...Wilkinson 2 Point Guitar Tremolo System Set For Stratocaster ST will be fit to Jet js 400?-for some reason stock one do not working that good like on cheaper Fazley,so i think i want upgrade for better one..thank You..
Thank ya mate - glad the tuners worked for you 😀👍 As for the Wilkinson Trem - You'd need to know the exact model/unit and measurements before deciding. If it's any help... I "upgraded" a Jet JS400 trem for a Gotoh 510 trem (Check it out here: th-cam.com/video/ihd-k_8NLX0/w-d-xo.html ) But It wasn't a massive upgrade tbh... The Jet JS400 stock trem was really good for me - better than Fender player 😯 Depending on what your problem is (If it's tuning stability) I'd start with upgrading the string tree to a Graphtech. If you still have problems - have a look at the nut - possibly upgrdae to a Graphtech again. I'd changet the saddles/trem last - hope that helps 👍
Yes,goes out of tune when I little bit crazy with the trem,but on Fazley works absolute fine..the slots on nut Perfect honestly maybe i try out the graptech tree what u recommend and problem will be Solve😁🤔
@@Herman138 Yeah mate - I'd start with the string trees - Bridge/trem is "usually" the last thing to replace/upgrade Re tuning stability 👍 Especially if it's the 1st & 2nd Strings after trem use or big bends - then it's very likely to be the string tree 👍
Hey Steve! Maybe I can not catch the humor because of my non english origin, but you call Dolph Lundgren Jean Claude Van Damme. Anyway, I hope it was the only mistake in your great video. :)
Thank you mate! 😀🙏 and well spotted 😁 It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel🤪 I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun 🙈). Like "John Klod Van Damn" etc 🤡 I also just love this bonkers clip of Dolph Lundgren, Singing, Playing Drums, then displaying his martial arts 😂👌 It's nothing to do with your non-english origin.. It's just not that funny 😂🙈 Soz mate! 😀🍻
Of course mate 😃👍 I'm useless at soldering, So usually have my tech do it. But yeah all very doable mate. Both the pots on mine were changed to push/push 👍
Just bought one from the guitar show in Birmingham yesterday. The mods im gona go for is graphtech nut and string tree and the vanson locking tuners. I’ll keep my eye out for a cheap used gotoh trem. Do you think the tuning stability will be ok without upgrading the bridge? I dont gig or anything like that btw.. The necks lovely to play isnt it! Looking forward to doing the upgrades.
Awesome mate! I was at the show sat/sun too! 😀👍 Which Jet did ya go for? Looked like they sold loads at the show yesterday. Re the Gotoh Trem - It's not a massive upgrade mate. The stock 2point trem is actually really decent (on the JS400) 👍 and yeah... The necks are class mate - worth the price alone 😎👌
@@stevecassidyguitar i went for the pink js400. Yeh such a great guitar for the money, it’ll be going to my local tech in a few weeks for a set up and the parts fitted. I will probably just end up doing all the upgrades you have 2bh 😅 yeh i hadnt been to the guitar show for some time, was a good day.
@@stevecassidyguitar got my parts now, the gotoh trem, graptech nut & string tree, vanson locking tuners and tone rider overwound hss pup set. All being fitted on 9th april, can’t wait!
Story Steve,i got a JET tele type guitar 2yrs ago with the same intention as you, to maybe stick a set of p90's,have to change the tuners i hate them,but i haven't done nothing to it yet,i cant put it down long enough to get any work done to it😂,i have a strat here & also an ibanez 335 copy but pick up the tele every day,whats that about 🤷♂️👍
Ha! 😆👍I know exactly what you mean - I reckon it's the necks 🤷♂️ They really nailed that part. I had the JT300 here briefly too - that one had the best feeling neck out of them all - even though they're supposed to be the same. Maybe it was just the set up on that one 🤔
@@stevecassidyguitar yeah I love my strat but there's just something about the neck on the JET, its 1 of the nicest guitars I've played, it cost me €169🤦♂️🤣👍 long may good cheap guitars keep coming!
I had my tech do the work. It didn't need routed. But... You do need to file away about 1-2mm in the corner of the trem block cavity, so there's enough clearance for the trem arm barrel to move freely. I had to do the same thing when I installed a Gotoh 510 on a Fender body 👍 Hope that helps
@@stevecassidyguitar ah that shouldn't be too much work. I'm thinking about getting one JS400 like yours and slapping in a Vega trem, although the thought of the tremolo being more expensive than the guitar itself is haunting me. lol
@@greedbc Ha! I hear ya mate 😁 I've just had this guitar modded even further. Had it refretted with Stainless Steel Frets 😂🙈 Someone on the Jet Guitars club facebook page also recently put a Vegatrem on thiers 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitar holy cow, SS frets? Now that's a proper upgrade! I still am deciding between the Jet or the HB ST Modern Plus for a modding platform. Or maybe scrap all that and go straight for a Ibanez AZ prestige. What is your opinion on this?
Lacquer crack in the first 2 I got. But this one doesn't have any Blems. Is it worth it... It most definitely is - to me! 😃 and it gets worse... I've just spent another £300 having stainless steel frets installed on it! 😂🙈 But I regret nothing 😁👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Check their line out. It depends on your taste in pickups. I personally don’t like bright sounding pups. I like well balanced, bold tone. They do have a nice selection though. I really enjoyed your Demo. Clean tones that let you hear the details. Thanks 🙏🏽
@@HollisMusic919 Thank ya mate! 😀👍 Just had a wee look online. It seems it's Bill & Beck Wild now? 🤷♂ The noiseless strat pickups don't have to much info. They might be the SCN types - I've never enjoyed those too much. I'll have to research further. cheers for putting me on to them tho 👍
Thank you mate! 😀🙏 and well spotted 😁 It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel🤪 I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun 🙈). Like "John Klod Van Damn" etc 🤡 I also love this bonkers clip of Dolph Lundgren, Singing, Playing Drums, then displaying his martial arts 😂👌
Did you order your guitar from ebay too? I'm a bit doubting. Almost there ordering one. Haven't tried ordering from ebay. I hope it's safe.😢 Please help
I didn't order the Guitar from eBay. Unfortunately, this colour is out of stock most places in the UK. ☹️ I have bought guitars from eBay before though and I've been using eBay for over 20 years. You need a PayPal account linked to it - that's for your safety. And always check the sellers feedback score and ratings 👍
Alrighty pal. New suby, great channel, fellow braveheart. Brilliant patter bud. I'm looking to get back into electric guitar world, been off guitars for a year. Moved house and had to sell all my gear, fender pro 2 strat, roudhouse deluxe strat, vintage V100 pauly, cort g290 fat, vox ac15 and i wont list my pedals or I will be hear all day. Was devasted but the joys of family life 😂😂. Looking to buy another strat but here's my problem. I'm a fender fan boy but I cant justify paying there prices anymore, especially when you look at the bang for your buck your getting with brands like, Sire, Harley Benton and these Jet guitars have really caught my eye. Would you go for a players series strat or a cheaper brand and upgrade the electronics, pups and hardware?
Hullo mate! 😀 Glad ya like the vids - cheers for the sub. Sorry you had to punt your gear - sounds like a great collection 😬 I'll tell you this - I'm in the exact same boat - Fender Fan Boy but I don't think I'll "EVER" buy another Fender (at least not new anyway). I'm actually in the middle of making a vid about this now. I just picked up another Jet JS400 off ebay As mines is upgraded, I "needed" a stock one to compare against a Fender player which I've just borrowed. The Jet's are the closest in feel to a Fender out of all the budget options - They've just absolutely nailed the neck profile and radius (plus it's roasted!) 😎👌 I've had a Sire Bass for a few years and it's great quality - but I've not tried an S7... yet. Although for some reason it doesn't appeal to me too much. For the price you could get a used Fender player strat too. Harley Benton ST62 is close but the Neck isn't gonna feel as "Fendery" The ST 25th looks incredible for the cash but again - The neck feel is gonna be modern. The Jet JS400 (modded) is my current top pic and my current no1 gigging guitar. The pickups aren't terrible, the single coils are actually quite decent but I didn't like the Humbucker. If your used to higher quality gear, I'd upgrade the string tree to a Graphtech, The Tuners to a set of Vanson locking tuners and that's pretty much it. Like -£50 all in. Can change the pickups to your taste if you want - I wouldn't bother upgrading the trem - it's actually pretty great - probably better than the one you'd get on a Fender player. But that JS400 neck heel.... OOOFT! 😎👌 Hope that helps! Happy Guitar Hunting 🥳🙌
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks for the reply bud, much appreciated. I'm planning the black Jet sss, going to turn it into a weapon. Going for the Gilmour black strat look, going to put the Gilmour ssl5 in the bridge and a Fender vintage noiseless in the neck and middle. Once again thanks for your feedback. Look forward to more of your vids 🤓🤓
@@derekjohnson5720 Nice one mate - that sounds killer! 😎👌 Just so you know If you want to go for the full DG look - after market 3rd party pickguards don't line up on the Jets - You might have to get one custom made. There's a guy on eBay based in glasgow who makes them: "earlpilanz". Might set you back around £40 to send in your old one for tracing and getting a new black on cut 👍 If you go that route - give me a shout if you wanna sell the old Tort Guard, I'll buy it from ya! 😀 Might take a bit of the sting out that £40 for a new one 😜👍
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks for the info pal, if I get it I will send you the old pickguard for free bud, it's nice to be nice. I'm currently looking at the jet telecsaters as well, they look epic, especially the butterscotch 350, who dosent love a butterscotch tele. I'm actually blown away with what you get for the money. 660 for a player series with a plastic nut 🤣🤣
@@derekjohnson5720 Aww mate! Awfy kind of you - but I'm happy to pay! I know eh? You can get 3 Jets for that price! 🙈 Soz - one last thing to consider for your DG strat. I'd also look at the Black JS400. I know it's more expensive (special edition) and has Gold hardware (Not very DG) and is HSS. But.. for that price you're getting the more carved neck heel and the much better 2 point trem - You'd still need a new SSS guard too tho 🙈 Loads of options! 🙈
It's a Wilkinson 50iik bridge on the Fusions - I have the same one on my HB Fusion 2. My preference is the Gotoh - it just feels more responsive and smoother to me. But there's not much in it. However... The stock trem on the Jet is almost as good. It's actually pretty great considering it's unbranded and on such a cheap guitar. The Gotoh wasn't a massive upgrade on this jet. Hope that helps 😃👍
Sorry mate - not off the top of my head 😬 If your saddles are stamped "MVB" then they're bent stainless steel. If they're blank, then I'm not sure what they are made of. Sorry I couldn't be more help 😬
Very inspiring video Steve ! Would you include the cost of the guitar tech doing the work - this would help those of us that can’t do the mods ourselves. 😛
Thank ya mate! 😀👍 The reason I didn't include the cost of the tech work, was 1st, I've been using his tech for a couple of decades and I get really good deals, so I don't think it would be a fair representation of cost for everyone. 2nd some of the mods the tech did I could have did myself, and I did do some like changing the tuners, pickguard, string tree etc... But I wanted to get the video done and didn't have the time or patience to do the mods (probably badly myself). Anyway.... Apologies for the TLDR 🙈 IIRC... I think it cost me around £100, possibly just under 👍
Ok.. so this is the bit where I expect the Subs might drop a bit 🙈 It's ethical. I'm almost always trying to have a laugh here on the channel... But real talk - I'm an 8 year ethical Vegan (almost). I can't claim to be 100% as I have bought a couple of guitars knowingly (and ashamedly) with Bone nuts. I know this won't matter to most people - but it matters to me. The way I try to get round it is to buy them used (I know it's not a perfect solution). GraphTech Tusq XL exists - Fazley have proved we can have it on Guitars at the lowest price point and it is a better functioning self lubricating, more consistent material. However... as It is essentially made with Teflon, it's also not guilt free from environmental impacts. Not trying to push my beliefs on anyone - I DO believe GraphTech is an improvement over bone, in the same way I'd recommend upgrading tuners etc. I'm not claiming to be a perfect Vegan or anything - just trying to do my best and live in a way that is consistent with my morals. The End 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar Fair enough. My question was out of curiosity and not an attempt to gotcha. I don't agree with your stance, but I'm not a vegan. I think there are bigger issues with guitar manufacture, especially on the low end of the price range than using what is essentially an animal byproduct. But to each their own. I buy cheap guitars too, use single use plastics, etc. No one is morally pure. We're all just doing our best, hopefully.
Have you got any good (or bad 😬) Mod stories? Let's hear em! 🫳⌨⬇
Yup, sure have, here goes...
Although I'm not - or rather wasn't - a massive fan of Strats, I've had a few over the years but I never really got on with them, that is until recently.
What started all that off, was buying a Sunn Mustang, more out of curiosity than anything else, but to my genuine surprise, I found that I liked it a lot. As you probably know, the Sunn Mustang was Fender's first attempt at tackling the influx of cheap copies which eventually morphed into them making Squiers. Prior to that, Fender had noted that Encore Strat copies made in India were very good guitars (which, incidentally, means the old ones are worth having), and so Fender did a deal which had that factory in India stop making Encore Strat copies, and instead make authorised Strats which used the proper Fender blueprints. This production model was the basis for them creating and developing what is now the Squier brand and outsourced production model.
But since the Sunn Mustangs were inexpensive owing to the reduced labout costs, Fender didn't want them to have the Fender logo on them and thus directly compete with US-built Fenders, so whilst they had the Sunn logo and Fender-like curved lettering for the model name, with 'by Fender' to show it was a legit model, they used the old Mustang model name rather than Stratocaster, which was of course before they got around to reviving the Mustang back into their range. They also did not import them into the US, selling them in Europe alone. Fender eventually bought the Sunn brand, and for a while Sunn Mustangs were made for the European market until the entire enterprise morphed into the Squier venture.
Sadly, the later Sunn Mustangs you can find were not that great, but the early ones are as good if not better than Fender Strats were at the time in terms of the wood craftsmanship (this was before CNC cutting rendered that point somewhat moot), although the wiring and hardware was not typically that great even though the pickups are actually not bad. They have great necks and good, solid, if quite heavy bodies and so they make a good modding platform which invariably fit genuine Fender parts pretty well (more on this below), since they are essentially outsourced Fender Stats in all but name. Being that they date from the early Eighties before there were controls on the export of wood from endangered tree types, they also have genuine rosewood fretboards too. I must stress here however, for anyone who reads this and wants to get one; avoid the later ones with the different headstock and logo. The one you want is the one made in India, with the Strat-shaped headstock, the gold Sunn logo, and the curved lettering for the Mustang name; these are the decent ones.
So, having bought a Mustang and souped it up in terms of wiring and hardware, I figured I'd do the same with a Strat to see how it compared and if I might find myself liking that too, with that in mind, what I bought was a used circa 1980s Squier Strat as a basis for some souping up. I had actually had one of these before, way back when they were new, but was never that impressed with it, however, the used one I got for about a hundred quid was not only much better, but it also had alnico V pickups installed which made it worth having for the price, and so what I had decided to do, was improve it as best I could, then mock it up as a psuedo 1963 era Fender by putting a Spaghetti Fender logo on it and relicking it up a bit since I didn't really care about attacking a twenty year old one hundred quid Squier's sunburst finish.
Now of course that was not with the intention of fooling anyone to sell it to them as a fake '63 Fender, since not only would I be keeping it, but it of course has a headstock end truss rod access hole which no genuine '63 Fender would have, nor did I put all of the headstock decals a genuine Fender Strat would have on it, nor even a spurious serial number for that matter, so it wouldn't fool anyone who really knows Strats. But what I did do, was get a mint green 'vintage' scratchplate, scuff and dirty that up somewhat to match the finish relicking, and put a fake crack on one of the top screw holes like the real ones tend to get owing to the scratchplates shrinking a bit and cracking at that screw hole. So it does look pretty cool and apart from the obvious truss rod difference, from a passing train you might think it was a genuine '63 Strat, and since I gave it a good set up and it has decent pickups, plays and sounds like one too, and is now one of my go-to guitars. But...
You would think that a vintage Fender Strat scratchplate would fit on a 1980 Squier Strat no problem, however, you'd be wrong, I had to Dremel a fair few millimetres of that scratchplate away where its curve meets the neck under the fingerboard. So a modding lesson here is, just because you have a legit Fender or Squier, or some kind of Strat clone, don't assume that any parts you buy which are intended for a Strat will automatically fit like a glove and not need any fettling, because that isn't always true. It's not usually an insurmountable problem if you are a decent DIYer who has some tools and ability, but it's worth bearing in mind if you are under the impression that everything modding-wise will be a simple screwdriver and soldering iron job.
Incidentally, I like the fact that you are taking your modded guitars on the road for a real test. Unlike a lot of youtube guitarists, it's good to see someone actually going out and playing the things live, as I have done with my own modded guitars. In fact, my main gigging acoustic guitar is a cheap Silvertone which I souped up and added a pickup to, rather than my more expensive ones, because frankly, it plays and sounds a lot better than the fancier ones I have. I've got a lot of expensive guitars, but I've long since got over that headstock logo snobbery at gigs; it's what you play and sound like which matters. No fancy logo on the end of your guitar will cover up a bad live performance, and in all honesty, most people at your gig who are not guitarists, wouldn't know a Fender from a fishcake anyway.
@@ChockHolocaust Wow mate! 😅 Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience man 😎👍 I'll keep an eye out for an older Sunn as per your suggestion 😃
You're right about not all parts being compatible. Even thought this was part of Leo's original plan for everything to be interchangeable. To share some other experience be wary of Fender's MIC "modern player" series - these necks are 22 frets with no overhang and are not compatible with - pretty much anything else Fender have made 🙈
Thanks again mate 😃👍
I've recently put some DiMarzio twin humbuckers in my HB fusion 3 and now its a joy to play the one I reach for the most!
@@markdoolan3424 Great stuff mate! 😎👍 I did the same with My Fusion ii - Whipped out those Roswells immediately 😜 Got a SD 59 in the Neck and an Iron Gear Rolling Mill in the Bridge
That's Dolph Lundgren in the beginning videos...So is it him that plays, or JCVD?
This guy should have thousands more subs.
Awww mate! Thank ya so much! 😃🙏 You've totally just made my day 😃
It's true though innit. You obviously put a lot of time into your work, your advice and humour is spot on, tidy player. I'd go as far as to say Jet should be at least giving you free guitars. I bought a JS400 two days ago on the strength of your one of your videos comparing it with a Fender Strat. Cheers Steve.@@stevecassidyguitar
@@Ogma3bandcamp Thank ya kindly bro! 😀🙏 I hope you're loving your new Jet! A belated HNGD to ya 😃👍
I've got another vid where i did A LOT of mods to mine. It's mainly personal preference, but there's a couple of wee upgrades I'd highly recommend if you want to get the best out of your Jet:
th-cam.com/video/ihd-k_8NLX0/w-d-xo.html
To save ya time, the main takeaways are the string tree, tuners, and possibly output jack (If you're gonna gig it - I do 😁)
Saw that video yesterday bro, guitar arriving Thurs/Fri this coming week and I already have some hardware ready to put straight on it, locking tuners, string trees, strap locks etc. Future plans include replacing the humbucker and output jack. Cheers Steve.@@stevecassidyguitar
@@Ogma3bandcamp Great stuff mate - have fun! 😀👍
Jet is the future
I think you might be right 😁👍
Steve, it’s because of you I’m taking the dive. JS400 in white, swapping to Tonerider Overwound set, Tusq string tree, 920D harness, and Gotoh tuning machines. Jeezus man, you really know how to inspire a project or two.
Love the channel, keep it up!
Whoops! 😬 🙈
To be fair that sounds like an awesome project! That Guitars gonna kick A$5! 😎👌
Yes to a comparison video! 🎸🎸🎸
It's looking like it has to happen! 😁👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I’ll look forward to it! 👍
You have no idea how excited I was to see this video. You did exactly the things I want to do once I get my first Jet. Thank you.
Awww that's great to hear! Thank ya mate! 😃👍
Good luck with your project 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Thank you!
I'm looking to buy 2 or 3 guitars to have some fun with a variety of pickups.
Funny as I have a number of high end instruments which I'm afraid to touch. But these, I'm looking forward to having some fun experimenting with them.
Cheers
Looks and sounds great! 🤩 Jet JS400 is great (and modern) mod platform. I did a lot of similar updates to my white one. For me, changing also the pots did a huge difference because I use them a lot. My favorite guitar right now!
Thank ya mate! 😃🙏
And same here this Jet is my current no 1 too 😎👌
It was already close without the nods too 🙈
Great video and guitar..i love how you showed all the parts and prices..awesome 😊
Cheers mate! I need to do an update to this vid - It's since had Stainless Steel Frets installed!! 😂😬🙈
Think this my favourite video of yours yet Steve (definitely in a while) 👏👏👏. I am biased having just got my 2nd Js400 only yesterday. I’m behind you in my discovery of Jet etc so I’m still learning and find this very useful. So far I’ve only upgraded to locking tuners and strap locks, but I’m open to more. And I agree with your analysis of the colour of the plastics (even though i hadn’t really noticed tbh ha). My latest one is a Red (think they call it candy Apple) to me there is a definite pink hue off it (know you like that ha) and it’s got an almost faded look to me and so the worn faded looking pickguard matches it very well imo almost like a Vintage model from a distance (without the relicing etc)
And I totally get why you upgraded with mostly 2nd hand parts too (I think) it wouldn’t make sense to buy a set of pickup’s that cost more than the actual guitar. But you have some guitar there for the money mate, very nice indeed.
Also, I f€&kin hate push pull knobs, the idiot that invented them should be slapped in the face with a bag of his own shite. They are so impractical while playing live. Your sweatin away and trying to get a grib on a feckin knob while attempting not to miss any feckin notes and keep time…..it’s shite. Push push is so much better, and should be the Universal choice imo.
I’m gonna have to get my act together with all this soldering malarkey, I don’t have a breeze. Perhaps you could recommend a kit I could buy? I’d appreciate that mate, then I too could take my Jets to the next level.
Btw, I’m really looking forward to the comparison video with the Fender. There really aren’t many on that here on The Tube (any?) and at the end of the day that’s what we all wanna know right? Looking forward to it 👍
😅Phew! Thank Ya mate - Very glad to hear this 😀
Loved your punishment for the Push/Pull knobs inventor 😂👌 But yeah not ideal especially with strat knobs.
I am THE worst at soldering. I mainly get my tech to do these things. Sometimes I'll try it when I'm feeling brave but it always stresses me out 😅 I just got my soldering iron from lidl when they had them in. I'm not the guy to ask tho soz.
I need to get a hold of an un-modded player strat preferably HSS to do a proper comparison I think. Cheers again for the support mate 😎🙏
Face, bag, shite. Totally agree about the push pull punishment. As a lefty it’s even harder to get a push push log pot.
That’s logarithmic, not another shite reference.
Thank you my friend! As you have showed me precisely what I want to do with my axe!
Great stuff mate! Have fun! 😀👍
This is great information - especially clear on the thinking behind each mod. The tone control for bridge only makes a lot of sense. Ideally on all guitars there would be a separately wired tone control for each pickup - so on a strat that would mean 3 tone controls and one volume - though of course there is also a very good case for 3 separately wired volume controls and a master volume control (Gretsch style) for the overall level output of the mix. So that would mean finding space for seven pots and control knobs. This would require additional routing for the pots, but I think the seven knobs could be of a smaller diameter size to fit together on the pickguard. The master volume could go at the front like on a Gretsch. Well that is my idea for the perfectly controlled strat. Of course if humbucker on bridge, one might want the coil split option also.
Thank ya mate 😃👍
That's a lot of options! 🤯👍
Sounds brilliant Steve, just shows you don't eed to get a Suhr, and the figuring in the fretboard looks great too
Thank Ya Mate! 🙏 You're spot on - this thing is an absolute machine now. And yeah I got really lucky with the neck - I think that deserves it's own video 😜
Fender / Jet comparison video please! I've sold all my Fenders and only have Jets now (along with Gibsons, Yamaha and a squier), I can't honestly say the Fenders were that much better, pound for pound.
Nice one mate - I'll try and get that video done before the end of the year. Ideally I can get a hold of an un-modded Fender Player Strat (HSS would be perfect). Then I could do a proper comparison. 😀👍
Pulled the plug on the shell pink! Now looking for the gotoh 510 and some used fender pure vintage to upgrade mine. Perfect addition to my guitar collection. This video is awesome i keep coming back to it. Happy i got this over the st modern plus tbh.. Keep it up mate!
Nice one mate! HNGD! 🥳(when it arrives)
and thank you! 🙏
I've since went a bit crazy and had Stainless Steel frets installed on my JS400 now too 😂🙈
Vid in the works 😁👍
Glad I came across this I’ve a jet and was wondering how to make it better.
Perfect timing 😃👍
Well my way is only 1 way.... You can make whatever changes you like - nodding is great fun 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar first job was the vanson locking tuners
@@waynetykocki3964 A good decision mate - great for the price 😎👍
Don't forget to replace the string trees - I'd highly recommend graphtech (tusq XL only). The stock string trees are the source of most tuning stability issues. Especially when bending or using the trem 👍
One nice project, Steve! That’s a versatile gigging guitar you’ve got there, which will be even better when you finish all the mods. I’ve picked up some good deals of eBay too, for my partscaster Tele. Totally agree with you on the plastics - the pickguard swaps and white-on-white is a great improvement with the blue (love the body colour)!
Thank ya kindly mate! 🙏 Are you a fellow ebay addict? 🙈
So glad to hear I'm not the only one who is bothered by the pickguards 😅👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Colour definitely matters - not sure if it affects the tone but looks are important! Sometimes cream or white can work - that’s my conclusion with my sonic blue Tele, having tried both but the Strats you showed were just wrong and you made them look right!
@@derekclacton Totally agree - looks are more important than I like to admit 🙈 The type of fretboard plays into it too with pickguards imo. Certain colours look better against maple/rosewood/ebony/roasted maple etc
@@stevecassidyguitar 💯🎸👍
3 string graph tech string tree would be totally amazing!
Also, always great to hear a Scottish voice
Agreed! 😃👍 Have they STILL not made it yet? 🧐
Thank ya kindly sir 🙏
Nicely done sir! That geetar would give my charvel a bloody good run for its money :)
Even at the none deal price its a steal!
That bridge pickup is just a bit on the tasty side, doesn't sound rediculously hot :)
Love the fact you done that wiring, did the whole neck activating switch thing and a kill switch on a mates squier, such a fun mod! :)
Modding geetars is the absolute best! Currently in the process of modding my baritone with individual parallell push pull, mini toggle kill (was going to go whole hog with phase split and coil tap but that's a lot more faff with extra pots and switches i dont think the cavities big enough for) and a full strip and oil on the neck (prs gloss is bloody horrid to play on).
All the mods you've done to that geetar are top notch, more than worth while since its made a great instrument even better.
Awesome as always sir and them sounds are most tasty indeed :)
Thank ya so much mate! 😃🙏
Your baritone project sounds very cool indeed! So after all the mods... what tuning will you go with? 😃
I need to work on my soldering skills to do these nods myself. So envious of guys like yourself that just do it - good on ya mate! 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitarcheers sir :)
The baritones going in A sharp (tend to play everything either 1/2 or 1 1/2 steps down) tis a low meaty beasty :)
Youd be sound soldering to mod the wiring, your a bright fella :)
Only recently (after a good 20 years) discovered flux and by eck its changed the game, can actually do tidy-ish work ;)
Cant wait for the next installment of awesome sir :)
@@AnimalJohn85 Aww thank Ya very much mate! 😀👍
Your PRS Bari does sound killer!
I've got my Baritone tuned down to A standard with Jazzmaster pickups playing mostly clean/ambient stuff 🙈 (well trying to!)
I'm not familiar with flux 😬 - will look into it tho - Cheers! 🤓👍
As you are a gigging musician (and a really good guitarist, btw), these mods are certainly worth your time and money. Me? Well, let's just say I suck a little less than a complete newbie whi has never picked up a guitar before. I've only done 2 mods- 1 being a roller bridge for my HB TE-40- the back of the bridge was making contact with all the strings. My 2 was on my DIY tele for new EZ lok tuners from Wilkinson as the originals were too bleeping bleepy to talk about without getting a little angry about it. (Why provide totally garbage hardware? Do you think I'll go back for upgraded parts on your site?) Nice video, Steve!
Awww mate! Thank ya kindly! 😀🙏 But don't be so hard on yourself mate - I'll bet you can play a lick or 2 😎👍
That's great you've did some mods too, and seems like you've only changed the things that needed it. I'm a nightmare for completely unnecessary mods 🙈
Cool stuff!
Wowza! 🤯 Thank ya for checking it out mate! 😀🙏
Great video as usual, Steve! Really made me smile 😊😊😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤😊❤
Awww thank ya mate! 😀🙏 I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
@@stevecassidyguitar PLAY WEEZER NOW. 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮
i completely agree with @trelationship ‼️ Steve can you please play a weezer song , it would be so great if you did 💗💗
@@TakeControl_02 I agree with kir 😊 we would be so happy 😊🎸😊
@@TakeControl_02 Thank ya kindly! 😃🙏
I'm currently having to avoid covers at the moment due to the copyright infringements - maybe I could do a short 🤔 I don't know any Weezer songs though 🙈
I got a jet js400 in sea foam green. I got the relic version. Put new wiring with full size pots ect. Seymour Duncan invader. New vintage tuners and pearloid scratchplate. My Tom delonge is now complete. Sounds epic. The neck was worth the price alone it's amazing . Just get one..awesome mod projects.
Nice video by the way.. you now have a much better guitar which kicks ass
Thank Ya mate! Yours sounds like a BEAST too! 😎👌 I'll bet it's at least as good as the Fender offering (probably better 😁👍)
@@stevecassidyguitar I've played the Mexican fender equivalent. This is easily as good. Has all Same components pretty much and the neck is sublime. Cost about £400 all in so much cheaper as well. One of my favourite guitars in my collection now
@@davidkay3443 Brilliant mate! That's the way to do it! 😀👍
Did you use a Fender or Fender compatible scratchplate? If so, do the holes line up?
Thinking of replacing mine, but I've never been able to find out if Fender parts fit.
@@Sandy-dd4le Hey mate!
Unfortunately Fender and 3rd party aftermarket ones wont fit 👎.
There's a couple of options:
You can get one custom made (around £40) where you send the existing pickguard away to get traced then have a new one cut in the colour you want. There is a guy on ebay "earlpilanz" who provides this service. I think he's in Glasgow, I've had pickguards from there before.
Another option is not ideal... But The Fazley Phynica FSST720 and FSST820 (both now discontinued) and Jet JS400 (sunburst) and Jet JS450 have some different coloured pickguards. I've been swapping some between guitars I have or my friends who have them and... I just bought a Sunburst Jet JS400 off ebay the other day for £100... just for the Tort pickguard! 🙈
I know... I have issues 🙈
Hope that helps mate - good luck! 😀
Loved this video, I just get my JS400 and I love to know all mods will get me an incredible gts as I thought
Cheers mate! 😃🙏
I've got a new vid coming out this Friday - The Jet JS400 (stock - I got another one! 🙈)
Versus A Fender player strat.
Ya might find it interesting 😁👍
The Jets are awesome! 😃
Do you know Fender pickguards fit on it? I never liked white or mint pickguards.
Thanx for your great review !! Have a Jet JS-400 Lefty . Only change the bridge pickup for a Dimarzio Super Distorsion. Tuners a very good( stay in tune almost of the time) Maybe will change the bridge for a Gotoh 510 . The Wilkinson's one have to be adjust with a little allen key on the trem block ( not very convenient) Very nice guitar !!
Thank you mate! 😀🙏
Yeah the bridge humbucker was the first thing to go on mines too. Good choice sir 😎👌
So tempted by a lefty 400, glad to hear or seems as good as the backwards one.
Great video Steve,
I bought a JS400 last year out of curiosity and loved it so much I bought a second one in lake placid blue as soon as I seen it!
I upgraded to locking tuners and it’s currently my go to guitar even though I have more expensive guitars including a fender road worn and a charvel dk22. The neck just suits me perfectly.
I might upgrade to tonerider pickups in the future to see how they sound.
Wow! It's like you're my clone and we share all the same memories and experiences! 😀
Or... maybe I'M the Clone!! 🤯
😜
Anyway mate - pretty much EXACTLY the same here. I've "kinda" got 4 JS 400's now 🙈 (Technically 2 of them are Fazley's...)
Obvs upgraded the one in the video and I've got the Charvel DK22 (also reviewed on the channel) and I much prefer the Jet Neck too.
Also! It was a toss up between the Fender Player series pickups and the Tonerider Surfari's 😀
Still want to try the Surfari's in future.
Anyway.. Cheers BRO! 😄🍻 👍
Yep, it looks like you have a clone, just accross the water in Northern Ireland @@stevecassidyguitar 👍
@@gregoryhaire4322 😂👍
And how does the guitar sound with the new pickups? Was the change worth it? What do you notice now?
this video was very helpful i will up grade to those tuners and will upgrade the pickups as well i think
Thanks mate - I'd highly recommend Vanson Tuners &... get whatever pickups ya like! 😀👍
Very Cool, Thankyou. Interesting, Informative and Entertaining Video, Cool seeing The Upgrade process. Guitar Looks AMAZING with all white plastics. Amazing playing as Always. Awesome. All the Best. Cheers
Thank ya very much mate! 😃Glad you enjoyed it 😃🙏
Cheers! 🍻
First video I have watched in full for a while! I have the same guitar in sea foam green - Im a beginner and I love it but I don’t love the overly used cream! I find the knobs even more offensive than the pickguard so that’s a first step easy win to swap those. Everything else you mentioned is on the future upgrade list for when I am further along. The white pickguard with chrome humbucker looks very tasty! Nice work.
Thank you very much mate! 😃👍
Man... It's a great time to be a guitarist. You're starting out on an incredible guitar! 😎👌
and you're totally right. You don't have to do any mods - everything works as/is, it's mainly just preference.
If you change the knobs you can also change the pickup covers - you can get a set of three (you only need 2) for under £10 on eBay. Just make sure you get the correct hole spacing. 👍
All the very best to ya! 🍻
@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks! Great you can get the pickup covers too. I saw a set earlier that has the knobs, switch tips and pickups covers. Even came with the backplate which looks like it would line up ok. That will help reduce down the cream for sure. Take it easy man!
@@craigshuttlewood3971 Nice one - have fun! 😃👍
Lovely guitar, mate. I'm not a strat guy but even I was getting GAS for one of those Jets to tinker with
👍
Surely not John!?!? Must have had too many at Redcarmageddon last night? 😂
Hope you all had a great one! 😃
Cheers mate! 😃🙏
Great video mate!!
Is the Gotoh 510 FE1 Trem fitted perfectly into the Jet JS-400, or you did extra holes or adjustments? I'm thinking to upgrade mine with the Gotoh 510 SF1. Do you know if it has the same measurements? Cheers
Thank ya pal! 😃🙏
Ok - I've just did some investigation. Checked the schematics for both the FE1 and SF1 on the Gotoh website - they appear to have all the same measurements (where it matters). I'd never seen the SF1 before - Is the only difference the bent steel saddles?
Anyway... (Disclaimer - I did not install this myself - I had my tech do it).
What I do know is the measurements are the same on the Jet from post to post, and the string spacing and alignment are the same - so you're all good there. But there is a "tiny bit" of routing involved. The space for the trem block will need about 1mm shaved off the bottom right corner to accommodate the barrel housing for the trem arm. You could "probably" get away with doing this with a rounded file. You might not even have to do it, or you might have to take off more, it's such a small amount it will depend on how uniform they are on the CNC's and how much paint/finish is in that area.
"But just 1 last thing" - Columbo.
How is the trem on your JS400? I don't think the Gotoh was a massive improvement. The stock trem on mine was actually pretty great. Good quality, reliable, with a good sized block. The only advantage off the Gotoh is it feels very slightly smoother. I wouldn't pay full price to "upgrade" it.
Hope that helps - All the best mate 😃👍
Much appreciate your reply mate!! I’m keen to install the SF1 just because Suhr uses it in most of their guitars… so it must be good! And kinda like the vintage look as well!
I haven’t done any setup yet so the tuning is pretty dodgy on mine… will change the locking tuners anyway but the stock bridge feels a bit hard for my taste!
Thanks for the info again pal 👍🏻 it was very helpful!!
Keep rocking! 🎸
@@Akiradsgn Great stuff mate 😃👍
The Vanson Locking Tuners are a drop in replacements and great quality for the price.
Just replaced mine with the Gotoh 510T-FE1, and had to drop a comment.
There was no knife edge on the Jet baseplate so the Gotoh upgrade was a must.
Both the Jet and Gotoh inserts are 10mm OD with the same spacing so it’s a super easy swap.
I did have to do a small bit of routing around the pocket to fit the Gotoh arm holder and allow the block to move freely.
Good luck!
Ok, only just seen this vid. I have played a few Jets at the guitar show and I was properly impressed. What has really caught my attention today is the new Harley Benton st modern plus just released looking very very familiar!!! Hmmm!!
Also I am seriously digging the pickup combination you have chosen, they match very well indeed! I will be investigating mex pickups and the gfs on fleabay.
I am about to bite the bullet on a HSS S style and the Jet is still in the mix…
Thank ya kindly mate 😃🙏
I just had a look at the new Harley Benton ST Modern Plus today:
th-cam.com/video/sCOA2JXdHWk/w-d-xo.html
These look awesome! I've ordered one 😁🙈
Really like what you have done with your Jet and it sounds great. You have given me plenty of ideas on possible upgrades in the future which could be done, some easier than others. You have turned it into a very versatile guitar starting with a low cost model.
Thank ya Richard! 😀🙏I can't take the credit for the work - I had my tech do it. I could do "some" of the mods myself, but I've only got like 40% success rate with these things 🙈 I gig this guitar on the regular so needed it done right 😁👍
The only thing I would do myself would be the locking tuners 😆. I wouldn't attempt the wiring or any of the other things even on a lower cost guitar.
Great video. Please do, do the comparison vid. I have a Jet JS 300. I'd say the neck on it is way nicer than my mim Tele and so my jet is going to get some mods. Hadn't thought of second hand fender pups. eBay, here I come. Cheers.
Thank you mate! 😀🙏 It's looking like I'll definitely have to do the Jet VS Fender vid. I have a modded US strat but ideally I'd like to get a hold of an unmodded Player strat preferably HSS to do a "proper" comparison.
But I might just go with what I've got 🙈
I've got a heavily modded JS300 too! Really great guitars 👌 People make comparisons to Squiers because of the price, but really, I think these are closer to Fender MIM. Some specs better/some worse, but I think the fit & finish on the Jets are better 😐
Good luck with the hunt for pickups - Please leave some for me 😜
I'm always looking for used Fender, Iron Gear and Tonerider pickups 😁👍
I use pure tone jacks in my guitars and small cab I made. They are awesome.
Nice one mate! They're the best! Nothing else should even exist 😜
Perfect timing. I am just trying to work out which pickups to put into my Jet JS450. I will leave the trem and turners alone for now as they seem pretty good. I have been looking for a good deal on the tex-mex but there are a few others I have been considering. I really like the guitar, but for me, the sound of the stock pickups is not "straty"(is that even a word) enough. Thanks for the well-timed video.
NIce one mate - cheers!
Luckily there's loads of options for pickups. I'm keen to try out a set of Tonerider Surfari's next 😀
@@stevecassidyguitar I'll check em out. Thanks
Great vid!. Been eyeing a second hand js400 myself as my first strat and also a Indonesian squier standard for about the same price, still debating myself on which one would be the best way to go.
Thank ya mate! I'd definitely recommend the Jet. The Squiers are decent guitars, but the Jets will surprise you 😁👍 Especially the JS400 (that's the best model they make imo).
I don't work for Jet btw 😂👍
Being left handed I have had the wiring and pots replaced on quite a few of my guitars. At the same time, out goes the output socket for something better.
PTB wiring is my fav configuration.
Nice! 😃👍 I've never tried PTB wiring - will have to chuck that on the list of mods to try 👍👍
@@stevecassidyguitar being able to cut bass directly from the guitar's controls is really handy.
Great video… again !!
Just a note, that was Dolph Lundgren not JCVD… might have been a joke I missed but who cares….
The Jet may be my next purchase.
Well spotted mate 😁👍
It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel
I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). 😂 Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun ). 🙈
Like "John Klod Van Damn" etc 😜
I know it's a terrible joke 😂🙈
I also just love this bonkers clip of Dolph Lundgren, Singing, Playing Drums, then displaying his martial arts 🤣👌
@@stevecassidyguitar I love it !! Too funny 😂
@@kennyleejohnson5253 😁👍
Very nice Steve, like the colour of that one too
Thank Ya Rich! 😀👍 They call it Lake Placid Blue - But It's a tiny wee bit bit more green & Grey than Fenders new Lake Placid Blues. It's somewhere inbetween LPB and Tidepool. But I Lurve it! 😍
@@stevecassidyguitar it’s nice!!
@@thenovicenoisemaker Thank ya pal! I do believe you're yet to try a Jet eh? Maybe one for the list? 👹
Delighted with my pick guard trade. I feel sorry for the ppl that don’t have the option of such a trade.
There he is!
Thank ya mate! 😂👌
Guitar fetish has some good pick-ups...I hear it's hit and miss for me it a hit...I bought a 62 loaded mint green pick up guard..I put it in a sonic blue strat body..
I'm very happy however the pickup selector switch went out I replaced it and.. it's perfect...😎👍
Nice one mate! 😀 If thier shipping to the UK was cheaper I'd definitely try out a lot more of thier stuff.
Glad you got good results with yours 😎👍
Nice one1
Going to buy a Jet, do one mod at a time, I may just keep the single pickups.
My 2008 50's mex stat player had amazing pick up's - they were US ones as standard - on reflection wish I had kept it but hey ho!
Bloke travelled 350 miles to pick it up and what a player he was, he was an acoustic guitar player and wanted his 1st electric, jeez Louise what a sound that came out of that guitar
Cheers mate!
Ach... the one that got away eh? Sad times :(
The stock single coils are decent - If you like the slightly hotter SRV tones - they're spot on.
I've since had Stainless Steel frets installed in this one too😂🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar Often wondered how to replace the frets?
I thought think the standard singles sound great/ good enough for me.
Looking at amps at moment - which one?
Back in 2008 I had a Fender Vibro champ XD part transistor part valves
@@IanHornsby-g7t I had Agrajag Guitars do the refret - they're experts and did an outstanding job. That kinda stuff is way beyond my "skill set" 😂
Amps? I'm ampless these days for gigs, using a Line 6 HX Stomp XL. But I also like the old Fender Mustang Modelling amps at home. The Mustang iii v2 in particular is a bit of an underappreciated great wee amp (imo) 😎👍
Lovely project - you did everything I'd want to do to one of these. I live in Scotland so if you're ever selling it...
Cheers mate! 😀🙏
Since all the mods, this has been my number 1. It's actually just about to go under the knife again - I'm having it refretted with stainless steel frets very soon! 😂🙈
So it's definitely a keeper - soz 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar Jet make some with ss frets, I would buy one and swap the neck instead. You can always sell the leftover body/parts .
@@johncollins5552 I don't think Jet do have any models with SS frets 🤔 Which models have you seen this on? I would definitely consider doing as you suggested 😀👍
Wow, how weird that i did the same upgrades (except for the pickguard) on my JS400 seafoam green? and im really impressed with the results btw!
That IS weird! 😀👍
Did you make the same brand/parts choices too? - That would be unbelievable! 😂
My local store just got a bunch of JET's ,I'm gonna go and test JET's Les Paul...see if it's worth doing the same thing, see if it's worth upgrading.
Nice one mate - I've seen the LP online but not in the flesh and there's not too reviews out there either. If the quality spec and fit & finish is as good as the other models then they'll definitely be worth a look - have fun! 😃👍
Great video! I'm going down the route of building a H-S-P90 guitar, with a coil split and blend options, on a Tele Deluxe style platform. Might be complete rubbish, but st the very least should give me some interesting tone combos. Great shout on the push-push, no idea why people use push-pull.
Thank you mate! 🙏
And .. your project sounds very cool! 😎👌
Will you be going with a 5 way switch then? 😃
@@stevecassidyguitar Yes indeed!
@@kingcal53 Nice one 😎👌
Awesome video!
Excellent presentation, reasoning behind the mods, and demonstration of how great it sounds. Thank you for your time and effort!
I've been looking for a replacement of my American Standard Strat, and I'm between the JS-400 and the newly announced Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus that they will launch in Q1 2024.
For pickups, I would get the Fleor staggered AlNiCo 5 HSS set (from AliExpress) which are basically clones of the Tex-Mex with an 8 kOhm AlNiCo 5 humbucker for around $40/set. Great-sounding and excellent value for money.
Wow mate! Thank you for your feedback 😃🙏
I'll keep an eye out for the Fleor set - thank YOU - sounds legit.
The new HB's look great - but unfortunately they're gonna be (I think) like 12 - 16" compound radius fretboard. Which is a bit too "shreddy" for me 😕
My Fender USA standard strat has been gathering dust since getting the Jet, especially now with the mods.
The neck profile, radius and feel are identical to my USA 2004 strat. C shape neck with 9.5" radius - love it 😎👌
@@stevecassidyguitar Good point about the compound radius. I'm also a little skeptical about that. I will have to try a Schecter at a store before pulling the trigger on the Harley Benton.
Otherwise, yes, the 9.5" of the Jet should feel most familiar.
@@ErebosGR Smart move sir 😃👍
J'ai une JS 400 et je l'ai amélioré... Mécaniques à blocage Kluson, potards 500K Dimarzio, condensateur Orange Sprague, prise jack Switchcraft, Micro Chevalet Dimarzio DP191 Air Classic, Micro milieu Dimarzio DP117 HS3, micro manche Dimarzio DP217 HS4... Maintenant ma JS 400 est juste parfaite. 😉
Wow! That sounds Killer mate! Nice Job 😎👌
I modded an epiphone sg special, I took out the dull bridge humbucker and installed an epi P90 there, I messed up tje rewiring so now it just works with the p90 only, neck humbucker is still in position but disconnected. The single p90 is kinda cool but pretty noisy.
Nice! 😆👍 I only recently discovered a new appreciation for p90's - Great stuff! 👍 Sounds like it could be worthwhile having another go at it 😀
Did the Gotoh 510 FE1 Trem fit into this JET JS400 without problems or did you have to route the body further for it to fit?
I had my tech do the work. It didn't need routed. But... You do need to file away about 1-2mm in the corner of the trem block cavity, so there's enough clearance for the trem arm barrel to move freely.
I had to do the same thing when I installed a Gotoh 510 on a Fender body 👍
Hope that helps
@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks for your quick reply! Do you still dig this Jet guitar? If you had to rank it with all the mods , would you put it in the MIJ Fender Strat tier or maybe even the Fender Ultra Tier?
@@stjepanherceg7365 Yes mate - I've since went even further... I've had Stainless Steel frets installed! 😂🙈
Another vid in the works about that 😁👍
It's still my favourite.
As for tiers, I'm not exactly sure where it fits, in terms of quality it's very high tier (to me). But Resale value would be nowhere near what I've put into it - But I'd never sell it anyway.
As far as I know you can't get a modern C shaped 9.5" radius Roasted Maple neck with 22 Stainless Steel frets anywhere else. It was still great without the Stainless Steel frets too 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitar That's really high praise! I was thinking about trying the Jet, but now I'm almost certain I'll buy it! Still can't believe that the guitar wood and general quality of the instrument is this good at this very low price... Is the sound difference between stainless vs nickel frets apparent?
@@stjepanherceg7365 Not that I noticed - But that doesn't mean there's none. If there's any difference it would probably only be heard acoustically I'd guess.
The Guitar was away for about a month to get the Job done, so my memory of the tone before and after would be far from perfect 😜
that wee guitar sounds great and tasty playing too. i bought 2 second hand guitars - Ibanez RG270R and Jackson Dinky - both with locking trems for less than the total cost you paid for your guitar. that's by no means a criticism, i just prefer to get a guitar, tune it up and plug it in hahaha. all the best man. 😁
Wow mate! That sounds like 2 Killer deals! 😀👌
Thank you thought mate - different strokes for different folks n all that jazz innit?
I had a Jackson Dinky performer back in I think... 98
Traded it a week later for an Ibanez RG470 - that was my first proper Guitar - loved it 😎👌
Hi Steve!
Can you remember exactly which Graphtech nut you ordered for your guitar? I see that you have a white one on the guitar, and the link you posted below has a black one. I tried to measure the nut as precisely as possible (guitar is the same model as yours) and the width of the nut is 41.8 mm, the thickness is 3.52 mm. I did not measure the height because it is still on the guitar. There are quite a few on the Graphtech site, but I don't see any that match these measurements.
Which one do you use?
Very well spotted sir! 🤓👍
Apologies for the confusion. I did mention In the vid that the nut had not yet been installed (actually still hasn't been 🙈). But... your 41.8mm nut... just read that as 42mm 👍 Nuts on all guitars are often slightly less than advertised. it probably started off as 42mm then they filed or sanded off the ends. The Jet nuts are listed at 1.65" which is 41.91mm.
Anyway.. the Tusq XL nut I linked to in the description is the correct one that will fit 👍 I' had my tech put it on my Jet JS300 which has the same neck and, I've put it on 2 Fender player necks, also the same profile - 9.5" radius and 42mm nut width.
I hope that helps and apologies again for the confusion.
I’ve been on the look out for ages for a white squier starcaster and then want to upgrade the nut bridge pots and pick ups to some evh ones as I do love the sound on my Wolfgang
That sounds like a very cool project mate! 😃👍
So for a white Starcaster - it will be the affinity one you're after yeah?
I can't remember if they're discontinued (they might be). But I've seen them used from time to time on eBay. Usually go for around £200-£250. Which is pretty much the same as the new prices iirc.
Very cool project though mate - go for it! 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar - yeah the affinity one although the classic vibes one would be an option in the 3 burst tone too if a good deal can be found,
@@MrRei11y Oh yeah! The classic vibe is "almost" identical to the Fender modern player specced ones.
I always fancied the CV in walnut 🤩
Maybe one day 😁
enjoying your videos! I've modded my Jet also. Great guitar for the price. Keep it going!
Aww.. Thank ya very much mate! 😀🙏
What mods did ya do? 😀
@@stevecassidyguitar similar to yourself, pickups mainly and a few other little tweaks, as seen here-
th-cam.com/video/lwdq4i2DgM8/w-d-xo.html
Sounds great gent 👍
Fank ya very much pal 😊🙏
Thank you Steve! Can you give more details on original tremolo? String spacing, block size, trem arm adjustments, any deformations of knife edges after use, etc. Since you take it off maybe you can make a short video just on the trem? )) Thanx in advance
I have it in my hand right now. I won't get time to make a vid - Got a mega vid up tomorrow.
But one thing to note is... I have 2 Jet JS 400's here and the trems are not identical. The sunburst one has WVB stamped saddles and the LPB one just has blank saddles - that's the one I'm measuring...
Dimensions:
Baseplate: Length 83mm x Width 40mm.
Full size block - Depth 40mm, Length 73mm, Width 13mm
Strings spacing E to e 54mm. The distance between strings 10.8mm.
There's a grub screw on the back of the base plate to tighten the trem arm. Knife edges appear to be pristine.
Hope that helps! 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Thank you, very detailed answer! Waiting impatiently for new vids!
@@goder18 No worries at all mate! 😀👍
New uploads (almost) every Friday at 6pm UK. Tomorrows is a banger - Fender Player Strat Vs Jet JS400 (Stock)
🤯
I got a JS-400 Black Gold. There were no markings on the saddles, and there was *no* knife edge, cutouts for the trem posts were just squared off and sitting against the tremolo post which has the usual V taper.
Immediately replaced with a Gotoh 510T and it’s perfect.
Great video Steve! I think the guitar is fantastic now. I am tempted to do something similar and get a js400 as the platform. I must sell my old 112 Pacifica to fund it but I plan to do a video review of my 112 👍
So you recommend as a minimum, upgrade bridge pickups, Jack, tuners and string tree.
Thank Ya mate! 😀🙏
and yeah mate - those would be my minimum upgrades. But by all means try it out for a while as/is first. I've had some people comment on previous vids that they're happy with the tuners 😀👍
Would be a shame to see a Pacifica go - but I reckon you won't be disappointed
I just got the same one but vintage yellow, I’m gonna add some nitro to the neck and some different pickups but overall I really like the guitar
Nice one 😎👍
Pretty great guitars as/is for the price. But even better potential for mods 😁👍
Have Fun!
Hey, buddy. Do you know the exact model of the tremolo bridge in the JS-400? I just finished making my Hank Marvin tribute guitar, and I might want to get a steel block for the tremolo as the last upgrade. 🙂
Sorry mate - I don't know the model. And it looks like they may have either used different units on earlier runs. I have one with "MVB" stamped saddles, but the newer ones are just blank 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar ok, than you. It’s probably easier to replace the whole bridge than to hunt for a block that fits. The stock one works fine though. 👍
@stevecassidyguitar Got a few questions about the Vanson VO7SP locking tuners. Big thanks!! 1.Did they fit the existing holes in the headstock that had been made for the stock Jet tuners? 2. Or did you have to make the holes bigger or smaller to accommodate the Vansons? How have the Vansons performed compared to the stock tuners? Big thanks again!!
No worries mate - The reason I went for the Vansons is they are drop in replacements. No adjustments needed, no new holes, the screw holes line up. It's just a 15min job with a screwdriver and a wee spanner/wrench. No issues so far - these are the korean made "Jin-Ho" tuners, so will be EXACTLY the same as Wilkinson branded lockers in terms of quality. Hope this helps 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Big thanks! I should be able to buy them with confidence now!
@@mikenorman6697 no worries mate! Have fun! 😃👍
I’m confident changing out hardware all day long but electronics for me is a massive ❌ need to find a local guitar tech.
Really enjoying your content Steve but would love to see more of your playing dude. Give us some more noodling when you do tones demos 👍
Exact same here! I can't do electronics - I've tried, I have like a 40% success rate and it stresses me out! 🤯
Re the playing - 2 reasons I don't play as much on vids: 1 is for some reason when the camera is on my fingers don't co-operate as they should 🙈 (I need to work on that - maybe playing more as you suggest would help!) 2: When I'm watching YT vids, I usually skip through all the playing to hear the talking 😬.
That's all just excuses tho - I will try to play more - cheers! 😃🙏
(Might even do a video on just that)
@@stevecassidyguitar ha ha yeah I get that. Just relax pretend we’re not watching 👀🤣
@@pauldavid22212 This is what I try to tell myself around Take 46 🙈🎥
Hey Steve! Did you use 250k pots in this build or 500k? That humbucker sounds great. 👍
Thank you mate 😀👍 I'm actually not 100% on that - soz. 😬 I had my tech install the pots. I'd asked for push/push, but got push/pull. I'd assume he would have changed like for like - so most likely 250k (I think 😬). I will be changing to push/push in the future though.
@@stevecassidyguitar cheers !
Great video 🤘🔥
Thank ya very much pal! 😀🙏
Good stuff! 😀
Thank ya mate! 😃👍
Great video Steve, I’m interested in buying a Jet JS-400 but as you mentioned would definitely want to upgrade the tuners. I prefer staggered locking tuners and no string trees on guitars with trem’s. Did anyone come back to you with any recommendations / links for any cheap staggered locking tuners?
Thanks mate 😃👍
No updates on cheap staggered locking tuners yet 🙁
I've had some luck on eBay recently though. I got a Cort branded staggered set used for about £25. I think they were from the Matt Bellamy model. Screws line up with the Jet/Fazley.
There's a Harley Benton staggered set for £35 only comes in nickel and I'm yet to try them.
The search continues..... Please do let us know if you find anything 😃🙏
40 quid for those pickups was a killer. I've often heard that Vanson produce good quality budget hardware and they also sell pickups. As you said , doing these upgrades to budget instruments is only worth it if it's a keeper or you want the experience. For your dollar price they would be able to get a used MIM. I'm not saying it would be better but it would have the'F' logo and the resale value is almost quaranteed.
Spot on Mate! 😀👍 I've also heard good things about the Vanson pickups, but I'm yet to try a set.
and Yes indeed, the final modded prices are in the used MIM realm - so you'll get that resale value. The particular mods I did to this particular Guitar - has put it close to the dream custom shop category (for me). But anyone else could start on a different platform with different mods, and get close to their dream axe for... less 😜
For example - I'm a stickler for the 9.5" radius fretboards, If I wasn't - I'd probably look at something like the Harley Benton ST-62 as the mod platform etc n' stuff 😁
Cheers 🍻
@@stevecassidyguitar My best modding platform so far was a Squier SE strat. Full body thickness, nice neck with a bit of sprout. Replaced pickups, wiring and tuners. Aria STG are also good for modding because they are dirt cheap. Last one cost 15 quid and I put a set Epi alnico humbuckers in it no problem as it has the bathtub cavity. Only problem was the colour which is creamy pink but I don't really care about cosmetics anyway.
@@laurencehastings7473 Man! You get ALL the best dealz! 😀👌
Hey Steve, how did you get the pickguard on the Jet? I have a bunch of Fender pickguards and they dont fit! Thanks
Aww mate - I feel your pain. Yeah the 3rd party aftermarket ones wont fit unfortunately 👎.
There's a couple of options:
You can get one custom made (around £40) where you send the existing pickguard away to get traced then have a new one cut in the colour you want. There is a guy on ebay "earlpilanz" who provides this service. I think he's in Glasgow, I've had pickguards from there before.
Another option is not ideal... But The Fazley Phynica FSST720 and FSST820 (both now discontinued) and Jet JS400 (sunburst) and Jet JS450 have some different coloured pickguards. I've been swapping some between guitars I have or my friends who have them and... I just bought a Sunburst Jet JS400 off ebay the other day for £100... just for the Tort pickguard! 🙈
I know... I have issues 🙈
Hope that helps mate - good luck! 😀
Hi Steve, Did the Gotoh trem posts fit the jet ferrules or did you have to swap them out as well? cheers bud 🙂
I had my tech do the install and I'm certain he used the Gotoh posts. If you're planning on doing this one, I think Gotoh offer 2 different spacings. The one I got was the same spacing for the posts and saddles as the Jet.
But... As much as I love the Gotoh, it's only marginally better than the stock trem.
The stock trem is unbranded, but it's actually quite an impressive unit.
Hope that helps mate 😃👍
Sorry to bother you, but probably due to my bad English I couldn't understand if you kept the original bridge or put the gotoh bridge; I would also like to know if the gotoh bridge is perfectly compatible or you had to change something such as the tremolo pylons and their seat in the wood. Many thanks!
No bother at all mate 😀👍
I used the Gotoh - But I didn't do the work I had my Guitar tech do it. The post holes are the same alignment as the Jet bridge. You would need to file away around 1-2mm in the trem block cavity, just where the trem arm barrel sits to give it enough clearance/space to move. This is very common for Gotoh trems and an easy job if you have a good file. I also had to do this on my Fender partscaster.
Hope that helps 😀🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks, help a lot! I have a JS400 and it's a surprisingly good guitar, I also bought it after seeing your reviews
@@Vigilius60 Gtreat stuff mate! I'm so glasd you like the guitar! 😀👍
I still think the JS400 is thier best model 😎👌
From the link, it seems you got the 10.8 string spacing Gotoh. Any specific reason you went for that over the 10.5?
Hey mate i'd never tried the NS 10.5 before. I've used the 10.8 on a Fender partscaster, with no issues. (I think) it's the same on my Charvel. I got this one for the Jet used on Ebay (great deal) and it happened to be the same size. I've also got another new one sitting in a box waiting for another project 🙈
So no particular reason other than familiarity and it was a great deal 😀👍
I just linked to the same one I used in the vid
@@stevecassidyguitarthanks a lot for the answer:) I've asked Jet about what they recommend and waiting for an answer. I'll measure the jet bridge also.
Nice sound of these GFX bro. I never heard about them before.
Thank you mate 😀🙏 I really love them - and... they're not crazy expensive 😅👌
@@stevecassidyguitar Right! I have already find out the price. Lovely choice!
@@vladimirvovovan6565 Cheers bro! 🍻
Great video 👍👍🤠🎸
Thank ya very much mate! 😃🙏
Interesting mod Project.
The annoying thing with push-push pots require a bigger diameter. So refitting the old electronics is not an Option.
Hey mate! Thanks for the heads up 👍
I've never installed a push/push pot myself (yet) but I've had my tech do it in a load of my guitars. I suppose the need to replace the electronics would be a good opportunity to upgrade more parts 😃👍
In case you know, do the gotoh 510 studs fit in the stock bridge inserts? I'll probably want to use the studs from the gotoh bridge and I'd prefer not to pull the stock inserts. At least, i hope that the new inserts fit the holes left behind by the stock inserts.. which is perhaps likely. Thank you :)
Never mind, I found your responses to other such questions:)
@@Dimiguitar Sorry mate just back home and seen this but yeah - I had my tech do the work as you probably seen - sorry I couldn't be of more help 😬.
If you do find an answer please do let us know what you found - cheers mate 😀🍻
Sorry mate just back home and seen this but yeah - I had my tech do the work as you probably seen - sorry I couldn't be of more help 😬.
If you do find an answer please do let us know what you found - cheers mate 😀🍻
Hey there, I was wondering if I should buy this guitar as my very first one! I want a guitar that will be able to gig in the future, I’m not really sure about mods or anything but I want to be able to play different genres from blues-metal; i want to spend majority of my budget on an HX Stomp/XL just because I want something I can use for a long time, so I can’t really go too overboard with a high priced guitar. Hope I explained my interests enough!
Apologies for the delay....
But yessir! For the uses you have described.... Most people would recommend you get an HSS strat. Probably a Yamaha Pacifica or a Squier.
For me... That's quite outdated advice these days.
I'd recommend this Jet over any other guitar in this price range.
The HX Stomp XL is excellent for gigging too (that's what I use too! 😃)
The Jet doesn't "need" mods but there are a few small changes you could make to make it perform a little better 👍
Happy Guitar Hunting! 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar it’s no problem at all! Thanks for the help, I just watched some videos on the jet and I’ve heard even more good reviews so it’ll probably be my first! Once I actually find any problems with it, should I take it to guitar center to see if they can fix it or should I find a local person(idk if they’re called luthiers)?
@@stevecassidyguitar oh also, will I need an amp to play with the HX stomp or can I like plug the guitar into it and it’ll make sound
@@f1n3ss3r4 Ah.. I'm guessing you're in the USA? I've not much experience with Guitar Centre - only been a couple of times on holiday. Maybe check some online reviews of their repair services first. Also worth checking out some TH-cam tutorials on Guitar set ups. Phillip McKNight has a great channel for that kind of stuff 👍
@@f1n3ss3r4 The HX Stomp XL doesn't have a built in speaker so you won't hear anything from it like that. But your options are - headphones, or you can use the unit as an interface and run it through your PC speakers, or you'll need a powered speaker of some kind - I run mines through a small PA system at home. I made a video not too long ago called "minimalist GIG RIG" this explains how I use mine for Live gigs.
Graph tech nut fits exactly? Because the lenght is 42mm and the amazon links says is 42.8mm thanks
I've actually still not had it installed on this guitar yet. But it will be fine 👍
I just checked it now and placed the GT nut in the slot of my JS300. All good. It may protrude ever so slightly from the edges but that's negligible and fairly normal. I always file and round my nut edges anyway.
As for the string alignment you'll be all good too. The extra 0.8mm divided across the 6 strings will be unnoticeable, won't have any problems with string alignment.
Hope that helps 😃👍
Jet guitars=good guitars for a reasonable price, Im considering getting one, after all 12 guitars aren't enough. Enjoyed your video, I gave it a 👍and subscribed. Cheers!
Aww thank ya very much for the like & sub mate 🙏
Welcome to the channel 😃
I'd say the Jets are better than good tho 😁
This JS 400 is my favourite out of the 4 Jet models I've tried. Best spec and features imo.
Totally smokes Squier and price equivalent Harley Benton's - it's closer in Quality to Fender player I reckon 😬
@stevecassidyguitar thank you! I look forward to more videos. Slovenia has always had prude in their products and this line of guitars is no different, and yes you're right, they are excellent guitars. They need to offer a sonic blue strat and I would buy one.
@@dragan4658 They do a Jet JS300 strat in "blue". I have one of those too I'd say is very close to Sonic Blue 😃👍
What was the spacing on the humbucker, did it drop right in. You've talked me into buying a jet. Getting the same one as yourself 😊 already bought the locking tuners and a pre-wired harness. Currently bidding on a pair of player series pups. Going to get a Fender double tap humbucker for the bridge but don't know if it will drop in without any hassles.
Actually - good point! There WAS minimal routung required for this particular GFS Humbucker, (Dream 180) but it's housing is a little bit larger than standard, due to it's weird, almost dual p90 design. (My Tech fitted it and told me this)
Good luck on the player pickups bid 🤞- They're awesome! 😎👌
I'm sure you won't be dissapointed with the Jet JS400 - It's already pretty great stock as/is 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I phoned Merchant City music in Glasgow. The dude said they are worth it just for the neck. He said 2-300 buck on mods and you have a guitar equal to a pro 2. Thanks for your reply and looking forward to your next vid. Your my new favourite tuber but don't tell anyone, I don't want Dave Simpson finding out lol
@@derekjohnson5720 Woohoo!!! 🥳 Totally not comfortable with the "TH-camr" name tho 😆👍 But thank ya all the same! 😀🙏
Your boy at Merchant City is spot on I reckon 😎👍
They've got a stunning looking JS450 in stock there too. Still fighting the Gas on that one 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar sorry you are my new favourite guitar, musical, professional guru, that better 😃🙃😃🙃😃
@@stevecassidyguitar sorry you are my new favourite guitar, musical, professional guru, that better 😃🙃😃🙃😃
i want to replace the pickguard on my js400 but im having a hard time finding one that fits i orderd two and both dont fit they are to small
where can i find a replacement pickguard that would fit a jet
noticed one of your jets had a pink one
Unfortunately, you can't get a direct fit pickguard for any of the Jet models. The 2 ways I have got round it is, swapping pickguards with other Jet models with different colored guards.
The Pink one is actually the original creme pickguard, but I used a sheet of pink vinyl to cover it and cut out all the holes etc with a craft knife.
Another option is to get a custom pickguard made. Depending on where you are located, there are companies that you can send your pickguard to, they'll make a copy of it in any colour/material you like.
This would cost £40 - 50 though.
I've did this before too (on other guitars) and was happy with the results.
Hope that helps 😃👍
Hiya Steve! Hoping you see this - I'm having some tuning stability issues with my js400 - which tuners would you recommend that are in stock now, without busting the bank please? (preferably on prime so I can get them tomorrow)
Anything else you'd recommend I look at replacing/upgrading to improve tuning stability? I'm going to hardtail the trem too to see if that helps. Cheers!
Hullo mate!
So... the tuners actually don't contribute as much as you'd think to the tuning stability, and locking tuners also don't improve tuning stability much either, but they do make string changes quicker and easier, which is well worth it imo. Just had a quick look on Amazon, the only other ones I have tried that kind of fit are the musiclilly ones. They need a bit of an angle with the screw.
Actually I did a vid about installing these on a Jet (Fazley) here:
th-cam.com/video/8k9-Q0ARP5Y/w-d-xo.html
Have you upgraded the string trees yet? That's where I'd start. See the link in the vid to the Graphtech Tusq Xl ones.
Next up is... Are your saddles stamped "MVB" or are the blank? If they're blank, they might have this issue I've recently encountered on new jets where...
The center of the saddle has a slight hump in the middle, instead of a valley/channle for the string to run through the centre. With the hump, the strings end up resting against either the left or right saddle screws which can throw off the string alignment and move out of position when bending etc.
So if you have that issue, I'd definitely change them too.
The string trees and saddles (if you have the issue) should make a massive difference.
I hope that helps 😀👍
Thanks so much for the advice - I'll order the string trees for sure. Just checked and the saddles are indeed marked MVB. I may try changing them anyway for some brass saddles, hopefully that'll help to sort out my tuning issues! Thanks again! 👍👍👍
Just thought I'd drop you an update on my jet js400, I've installed the new tusq string tree you recommended, decked the trem, added another trem spring, brass saddles, lubricated the nut and new 'guyker' tuners. The trem system now actually works - and the guitar stays in tune! 🤘😁 Chuffed! Thanks for the advice, Steve 👍👍👍
Now whether to change the shell pink body?... 🤔🤣
@@jonburke8655 Woohoo! Sounds awesome mate! Glad you got your issues sorted 😀👍
Now you have an expensive jet
Cost about £325 total. About the same price as the Jet JS450. But waaaay better imo.
I think this is way better than a Fender Player strat too. I recently did a shootout vid on a stock (unmodded) Jet Vs the Fender player. The Jet punches way above it's weight 😃👍
Doing mods is great if you intend to keep the guitar or refit the old parts to sell it
as i have found out, you never get your money back on the upgrades.
As for how it compares to a Fender USA Strat, i would say very well if not better,
you won't find locking tuners even on the latest USA models without paying crazy money.
I bought a mint unplayed USA Strat many years ago for £600, the only mod it needed
were locking tuners, today you will pay double that and still not have locking tuners.
That Fender decal comes at a high price!
You've hit the nail on the head 😎👌 Even if you "upgrade" a guitar put more expensive pickups etc on it - it doesn't mean it's to the next persons taste. They might want it stock etc...
But for me - I'll mod it to the point it's got to be a keeper. I'm not remotely thinking about resale value with this one. It's my no.1 gigging guitar. The fact that it costs less is a massive bonus too - not just for the wallet, but I'm not too precious about it getting a ding or 7 😜
The only benefit of a Fender I can see is the Alder bodies (debatably "better") and pretty much any Fender (non-noiseless) single coils are hard to beat (imo). But other than that - The Jet is kicking Fenders A$$! 😁
Leo Fender gave us the perfect starting point with the Strat, problem is that even today
they are still stuck in the 50's but at crazy prices.
Thankfully unlike Gibson they don't hand out law suits when someone else makes a better
guitar.
The USA £600 Strat was the last Fender that i bought, today i prefer Ibanez, Schecter and ESP
but i also like Harley Benton's Fusion Strats, and they come with locking tuners at a fraction
of Fenders prices.
Thake care of your upgraded Strat, it will last you many years.@@stevecassidyguitar
Do Fender pick guards fit on this guitar?
When I've tried to line them up, they don't. Screw holes and dimensions slighlty different. But It can be done if you're ok with filling and re-drilling and perhaps a bit of filing. A few people have told me they managed to get Fender pickguards on thiers.
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks
I kinda get what they were going for with the colours of the parts.. The 57 strat reissues are like this, as back then Fender used two different plastics. The guard would stay white and the other plastics 'yellowed' due to the bromide in them reacting with sunlight... However that 'style choice' usually goes with a single ply guard, and the 'cream' they've chosen for the parts here is a disgustingly over the top 'nicotine brown'.. or maybe that colour they used to use on artificial limbs.. 😅😅
They should totally call it that! "Artificial limb stain" 😂👌
I get it that it's kinda like how they would age - but I don't know who decided that was a good thing 🤔 But then again, I remember getting getting ridiculed from my Gran for wearing faded jeans with wee rips in them 😂 "What!?! They're new? You bought them like that!? - Take them back!" 🙈
How do Steve I’m in Inverurie nae far from Aberdeen
Love the videos min!👍🏻
But the guitar 🎸 playing by yourself is absolutely superb!!
Good luck with this , imo the only way is up ⬆️ 👍🏻
Awww mate! Thank ya so much!!! 😃🙏
Awful kind o ya! 😊
Hiya Expert from jets&fazleys😃 the vansons locking tuners fits like the gloves on both,I asked u yr ago about them,but now have question about bridge...Wilkinson 2 Point Guitar Tremolo System Set For Stratocaster ST will be fit to Jet js 400?-for some reason stock one do not working that good like on cheaper Fazley,so i think i want upgrade for better one..thank You..
Thank ya mate - glad the tuners worked for you 😀👍 As for the Wilkinson Trem - You'd need to know the exact model/unit and measurements before deciding. If it's any help... I "upgraded" a Jet JS400 trem for a Gotoh 510 trem (Check it out here: th-cam.com/video/ihd-k_8NLX0/w-d-xo.html )
But It wasn't a massive upgrade tbh... The Jet JS400 stock trem was really good for me - better than Fender player 😯
Depending on what your problem is (If it's tuning stability) I'd start with upgrading the string tree to a Graphtech. If you still have problems - have a look at the nut - possibly upgrdae to a Graphtech again. I'd changet the saddles/trem last - hope that helps 👍
Yes,goes out of tune when I little bit crazy with the trem,but on Fazley works absolute fine..the slots on nut Perfect honestly maybe i try out the graptech tree what u recommend and problem will be Solve😁🤔
@@Herman138 Yeah mate - I'd start with the string trees - Bridge/trem is "usually" the last thing to replace/upgrade Re tuning stability 👍
Especially if it's the 1st & 2nd Strings after trem use or big bends - then it's very likely to be the string tree 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar ok,thank you Sir😁
@@Herman138 No worries mate - Good luck 😀🤞
Hey Steve! Maybe I can not catch the humor because of my non english origin, but you call Dolph Lundgren Jean Claude Van Damme. Anyway, I hope it was the only mistake in your great video. :)
Thank you mate! 😀🙏 and well spotted 😁
It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel🤪
I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun 🙈).
Like "John Klod Van Damn" etc 🤡
I also just love this bonkers clip of Dolph Lundgren, Singing, Playing Drums, then displaying his martial arts 😂👌
It's nothing to do with your non-english origin.. It's just not that funny 😂🙈
Soz mate! 😀🍻
hi mate is it possible to change the volume and tone knobs and also the 5 way switch?
Of course mate 😃👍
I'm useless at soldering, So usually have my tech do it. But yeah all very doable mate. Both the pots on mine were changed to push/push 👍
Just bought one from the guitar show in Birmingham yesterday. The mods im gona go for is graphtech nut and string tree and the vanson locking tuners. I’ll keep my eye out for a cheap used gotoh trem. Do you think the tuning stability will be ok without upgrading the bridge? I dont gig or anything like that btw.. The necks lovely to play isnt it! Looking forward to doing the upgrades.
Awesome mate! I was at the show sat/sun too! 😀👍 Which Jet did ya go for? Looked like they sold loads at the show yesterday.
Re the Gotoh Trem - It's not a massive upgrade mate. The stock 2point trem is actually really decent (on the JS400) 👍
and yeah... The necks are class mate - worth the price alone 😎👌
@@stevecassidyguitar i went for the pink js400. Yeh such a great guitar for the money, it’ll be going to my local tech in a few weeks for a set up and the parts fitted. I will probably just end up doing all the upgrades you have 2bh 😅 yeh i hadnt been to the guitar show for some time, was a good day.
@@Jase.Manley Nice one mate 😎👌 That was my first time at the show - Loved it 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar got my parts now, the gotoh trem, graptech nut & string tree, vanson locking tuners and tone rider overwound hss pup set. All being fitted on 9th april, can’t wait!
@@Jase.Manley Oooft! Exciting times 😎👍 Looks like your new and improved Jet will be born same day as I was 🥳
Story Steve,i got a JET tele type guitar 2yrs ago with the same intention as you, to maybe stick a set of p90's,have to change the tuners i hate them,but i haven't done nothing to it yet,i cant put it down long enough to get any work done to it😂,i have a strat here & also an ibanez 335 copy but pick up the tele every day,whats that about 🤷♂️👍
Ha! 😆👍I know exactly what you mean - I reckon it's the necks 🤷♂️
They really nailed that part. I had the JT300 here briefly too - that one had the best feeling neck out of them all - even though they're supposed to be the same. Maybe it was just the set up on that one 🤔
@@stevecassidyguitar yeah I love my strat but there's just something about the neck on the JET, its 1 of the nicest guitars I've played, it cost me €169🤦♂️🤣👍 long may good cheap guitars keep coming!
@@liamgillespie67 Hear hear!! 😀👍
Hi Steve, did you have to do some kind of routing for the Gotoh tremolo to fit in?
I had my tech do the work. It didn't need routed. But... You do need to file away about 1-2mm in the corner of the trem block cavity, so there's enough clearance for the trem arm barrel to move freely.
I had to do the same thing when I installed a Gotoh 510 on a Fender body 👍
Hope that helps
@@stevecassidyguitar ah that shouldn't be too much work. I'm thinking about getting one JS400 like yours and slapping in a Vega trem, although the thought of the tremolo being more expensive than the guitar itself is haunting me. lol
@@greedbc Ha! I hear ya mate 😁 I've just had this guitar modded even further. Had it refretted with Stainless Steel Frets 😂🙈
Someone on the Jet Guitars club facebook page also recently put a Vegatrem on thiers 😎👍
@@stevecassidyguitar holy cow, SS frets? Now that's a proper upgrade! I still am deciding between the Jet or the HB ST Modern Plus for a modding platform. Or maybe scrap all that and go straight for a Ibanez AZ prestige. What is your opinion on this?
lacquer crack in the neck pocket heel. 180 pound guitar, are you sure that is wort it put on this guitar 300 pound of upgrades?
Lacquer crack in the first 2 I got. But this one doesn't have any Blems.
Is it worth it... It most definitely is - to me! 😃
and it gets worse... I've just spent another £300 having stainless steel frets installed on it! 😂🙈
But I regret nothing 😁👍
@@stevecassidyguitar 🤣 if you like mods it’s ok! I have a fender telecaster road worn player from 2011 probably buy one of these jet
You should try pickups by Bill Lawrence. Major improvement! Plus their pickups are noiseless
Thanks for the recommendation 😀👍 Any particular models? I had a Bill Lawrence Humbucker in a Washburn N4 a while back, a bit hot for my taste though 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar Check their line out. It depends on your taste in pickups. I personally don’t like bright sounding pups. I like well balanced, bold tone. They do have a nice selection though. I really enjoyed your Demo. Clean tones that let you hear the details. Thanks 🙏🏽
@@HollisMusic919 Thank ya mate! 😀👍 Just had a wee look online. It seems it's Bill & Beck Wild now? 🤷♂ The noiseless strat pickups don't have to much info. They might be the SCN types - I've never enjoyed those too much. I'll have to research further. cheers for putting me on to them tho 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I suggest the rails
Dude - this is Dolph Lungren - not JCvD LOL :) Cool video btw. Cheers!
Thank you mate! 😀🙏 and well spotted 😁
It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel🤪
I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun 🙈).
Like "John Klod Van Damn" etc 🤡
I also love this bonkers clip of Dolph Lundgren, Singing, Playing Drums, then displaying his martial arts 😂👌
Did you order your guitar from ebay too? I'm a bit doubting. Almost there ordering one. Haven't tried ordering from ebay. I hope it's safe.😢 Please help
I didn't order the Guitar from eBay. Unfortunately, this colour is out of stock most places in the UK. ☹️
I have bought guitars from eBay before though and I've been using eBay for over 20 years. You need a PayPal account linked to it - that's for your safety. And always check the sellers feedback score and ratings 👍
Alrighty pal. New suby, great channel, fellow braveheart. Brilliant patter bud. I'm looking to get back into electric guitar world, been off guitars for a year. Moved house and had to sell all my gear, fender pro 2 strat, roudhouse deluxe strat, vintage V100 pauly, cort g290 fat, vox ac15 and i wont list my pedals or I will be hear all day. Was devasted but the joys of family life 😂😂. Looking to buy another strat but here's my problem. I'm a fender fan boy but I cant justify paying there prices anymore, especially when you look at the bang for your buck your getting with brands like, Sire, Harley Benton and these Jet guitars have really caught my eye. Would you go for a players series strat or a cheaper brand and upgrade the electronics, pups and hardware?
Hullo mate! 😀 Glad ya like the vids - cheers for the sub. Sorry you had to punt your gear - sounds like a great collection 😬
I'll tell you this - I'm in the exact same boat - Fender Fan Boy but I don't think I'll "EVER" buy another Fender (at least not new anyway). I'm actually in the middle of making a vid about this now. I just picked up another Jet JS400 off ebay As mines is upgraded, I "needed" a stock one to compare against a Fender player which I've just borrowed.
The Jet's are the closest in feel to a Fender out of all the budget options - They've just absolutely nailed the neck profile and radius (plus it's roasted!) 😎👌
I've had a Sire Bass for a few years and it's great quality - but I've not tried an S7... yet. Although for some reason it doesn't appeal to me too much. For the price you could get a used Fender player strat too.
Harley Benton ST62 is close but the Neck isn't gonna feel as "Fendery" The ST 25th looks incredible for the cash but again - The neck feel is gonna be modern.
The Jet JS400 (modded) is my current top pic and my current no1 gigging guitar. The pickups aren't terrible, the single coils are actually quite decent but I didn't like the Humbucker. If your used to higher quality gear, I'd upgrade the string tree to a Graphtech, The Tuners to a set of Vanson locking tuners and that's pretty much it. Like -£50 all in.
Can change the pickups to your taste if you want - I wouldn't bother upgrading the trem - it's actually pretty great - probably better than the one you'd get on a Fender player.
But that JS400 neck heel.... OOOFT! 😎👌
Hope that helps! Happy Guitar Hunting 🥳🙌
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks for the reply bud, much appreciated. I'm planning the black Jet sss, going to turn it into a weapon. Going for the Gilmour black strat look, going to put the Gilmour ssl5 in the bridge and a Fender vintage noiseless in the neck and middle. Once again thanks for your feedback. Look forward to more of your vids 🤓🤓
@@derekjohnson5720 Nice one mate - that sounds killer! 😎👌
Just so you know If you want to go for the full DG look - after market 3rd party pickguards don't line up on the Jets - You might have to get one custom made. There's a guy on eBay based in glasgow who makes them: "earlpilanz". Might set you back around £40 to send in your old one for tracing and getting a new black on cut 👍
If you go that route - give me a shout if you wanna sell the old Tort Guard, I'll buy it from ya! 😀 Might take a bit of the sting out that £40 for a new one 😜👍
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks for the info pal, if I get it I will send you the old pickguard for free bud, it's nice to be nice. I'm currently looking at the jet telecsaters as well, they look epic, especially the butterscotch 350, who dosent love a butterscotch tele. I'm actually blown away with what you get for the money. 660 for a player series with a plastic nut 🤣🤣
@@derekjohnson5720 Aww mate! Awfy kind of you - but I'm happy to pay!
I know eh? You can get 3 Jets for that price! 🙈
Soz - one last thing to consider for your DG strat. I'd also look at the Black JS400. I know it's more expensive (special edition) and has Gold hardware (Not very DG) and is HSS. But.. for that price you're getting the more carved neck heel and the much better 2 point trem - You'd still need a new SSS guard too tho 🙈
Loads of options! 🙈
Are those Gotoh 510 bridges actually better than the Wilkinson bridges that are on the 25th Fusion 3's? Or kind of similar?
It's a Wilkinson 50iik bridge on the Fusions - I have the same one on my HB Fusion 2. My preference is the Gotoh - it just feels more responsive and smoother to me. But there's not much in it.
However... The stock trem on the Jet is almost as good. It's actually pretty great considering it's unbranded and on such a cheap guitar. The Gotoh wasn't a massive upgrade on this jet.
Hope that helps 😃👍
Hi friend. Do you know wich material are de bridge saddles of jet js guitars?
Sorry mate - not off the top of my head 😬
If your saddles are stamped "MVB" then they're bent stainless steel. If they're blank, then I'm not sure what they are made of. Sorry I couldn't be more help 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks Steve!
@@Chichilele No worries 😃👍
Very inspiring video Steve !
Would you include the cost of the guitar tech doing the work - this would help those of us that can’t do the mods ourselves. 😛
Thank ya mate! 😀👍
The reason I didn't include the cost of the tech work, was 1st, I've been using his tech for a couple of decades and I get really good deals, so I don't think it would be a fair representation of cost for everyone. 2nd some of the mods the tech did I could have did myself, and I did do some like changing the tuners, pickguard, string tree etc... But I wanted to get the video done and didn't have the time or patience to do the mods (probably badly myself).
Anyway.... Apologies for the TLDR 🙈
IIRC... I think it cost me around £100, possibly just under 👍
Thanks Steve !
Is your opposition to using bone as a nut material ethical or tonal or something else?
Ok.. so this is the bit where I expect the Subs might drop a bit 🙈
It's ethical. I'm almost always trying to have a laugh here on the channel...
But real talk - I'm an 8 year ethical Vegan (almost). I can't claim to be 100% as I have bought a couple of guitars knowingly (and ashamedly) with Bone nuts. I know this won't matter to most people - but it matters to me. The way I try to get round it is to buy them used (I know it's not a perfect solution).
GraphTech Tusq XL exists - Fazley have proved we can have it on Guitars at the lowest price point and it is a better functioning self lubricating, more consistent material.
However... as It is essentially made with Teflon, it's also not guilt free from environmental impacts.
Not trying to push my beliefs on anyone - I DO believe GraphTech is an improvement over bone, in the same way I'd recommend upgrading tuners etc.
I'm not claiming to be a perfect Vegan or anything - just trying to do my best and live in a way that is consistent with my morals.
The End 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar Fair enough. My question was out of curiosity and not an attempt to gotcha.
I don't agree with your stance, but I'm not a vegan. I think there are bigger issues with guitar manufacture, especially on the low end of the price range than using what is essentially an animal byproduct. But to each their own. I buy cheap guitars too, use single use plastics, etc. No one is morally pure. We're all just doing our best, hopefully.
@@clairbeeguitar Phew! 😅
I knew it was going to come up eventually 🙈 That's cool that we don't have to agree to still be Guitar Pals 😊🙏