WIRED FOR SOUND

We all like to buy a shiny new toy – and guitar modders are by no means immune to the allure of expensive replacement hardware. But, argues Tim Mills of Bare Knuckle Pickups, you do yourself a disservice if you overlook your guitar’s basic electronic components, such as tone and volume pots, when you go hunting for tonal improvements. Best of all, such parts are relatively inexpensive and simple to replace. Many guitarists are deterred from making upgrades in this area simply because they don’t properly understand how changes in the spec of electronic components can enhance their instrument’s tone – and sometimes give unloved guitars a new lease of life.

If you are one of the uninitiated, fear not. Pickup guru Tim Mills says the principles involved are pretty straightforward. Below