SE question

[WEDGE]

I scored a 2007 SE Tremonti that is in good condition and already has a Tusq nut. I threw in today a 59/09 squabbin in the bridge and a covered McCarty neck pup to give it the Tremonti look. I plan on installing a couple of USA PRS volume pots to replace the STIFF stock ones.

Anything else to help bring it up to snuff? Maybe a bridge or tuners? What brand lockers fit on the SE? Does the USA bridge fit right on, do I need studs also?

I figure this is a killer beater guitar and want it to play as good a sit can so I welcome any suggestions.

 

[justmund]

Grover 406C 3 x per side are a direct fit. I believe there's also some Planet Waves auto trims which work too, not sure of the model. USA bridge would be awesome, I think replacing the studs at the same time would help tone too. Hopefully I can find one to put in my SE semi-hollow as well.

 

[CoreyT]

The Planet Wave Autotrims like I run on all of my guitars requires redrilling and filling in some of the old holes.
There are some Schallers too that are a direct fit with no drilling that fit.
http://www.allparts.com/TK-0976-010-Schaller-3X3-Chrome-Locking-Tuners_p_3768.html
and M6
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/...ller_Tuners/Schaller_M-6_Guitar_Machines.html

 

[Shawn@PRS]

All of my SE's have the stock tuners and they work fine. If you want locking tuners though, the Grovers are a direct replacement.

 

[Mikegarveyblues]

I honestly wouldn't change anything for changes sake.

You mentioned you didn't like the feel of the pots so that's a good change. You'll possibly have to ream out the holes for the US pots but it's no biggie. May as well do the whole electrics... New switch, pots and cap.

If the tuning seems good then you may not really gain anything with new tuners, same with the bridge. For US studs you'd need to enlarge the holes. Schroeder and Tonepros do locking studs in metric sizes although you'll encounter side to side play until locked down.

I 'think' the US bridge will work with the SE studs....

 

[garrett]

The US bridge will work on the SE studs, or you can get metric TonePros studs. I bought a US bridge to put on mine years ago, but haven't installed it and I really should sell it. There doesn't appear to be much difference. The SE version looks great, is well made, and the weight is within a few grams of the US version.

I highly recommend the Grover tuners mentioned above. Simple to use, look great, work great.

 

[WEDGE]

Thanks guys, I got spoiled with the ease of string changes with lockers and dread spinning tuners more than I have to!

 

[dbonanno]

IMO, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[WEDGE]

IMO, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That sounds silly, you know we all have to tinker!

 

[dbonanno]

That sounds silly, you know we all have to tinker!

True.

I have an original '03 Tremonti.
The action is great, intonation spot on, and it stays in tune really well.
Having said that, I am very hesitant in swapping tuners, bridge, or anything that may screw that up.
The only mods I did to that guitar was refinishing the headstock with a PRS signature, swapping out the bridge pickup with a Deep Dish II (which sounds AWESOME), and relocated the volume/tone controls ala Les Paul.

On the other hand, my new Tremonti SE Custom, though a much nicer guitar (IMO), required a little more work.
I've swapped out the pickups with PRS 1985 T/B Reissues, which btw, sound incredible!
I also relocated the volume/tone controls, added PRS phase II locking tuners, a Tusq nut, and a tremol-no.
I also refinished the headstock with a PRS signature, but that's just because I like the "look".

Your guitar may be different, but I've found the stop tail SE's to be pretty solid with little need for mods, except maybe electronics.

 

[WEDGE]

How did you get the signature sticker? I don't think they are available, did you make one?

 

[dbonanno]

How did you get the signature sticker? I don't think they are available, did you make one?

I bought a few back when they were available and just saved them.
Figured I'd use them when I bought my new SE245 and Tremonti SE Custom.
Please know that it is not my intent to try to pass these off as Maryland made guitars.
The back of both headstocks still have the serial numbers and still say "Made in Korea".
I just think the signature logo offers a better "look", that's all.

 

[WEDGE]

I You have any left I might trade a kidney for one!

 

[Michael B]

Totally!! Headstocks look great!

 

[Hopeful Sinner]

If its a "keeper", I would upgrade as many parts as possible to their US made counterparts. You'll end up with a stellar version of an already great guitar... It's definite a personal preference kind of thing but after upgrading every thing I could on my SE Santana it has a more refined character than before. The brass block on the Maryland Made bridge was the most noticeable change for me. When I play it unplugged it has a nice bell-like ring..