Stanfr Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Hello, I am the proud owner of two Heritage Johnny Smith and I wonder Iif I could convert one by installing a Gibson humbucker into the top à la Gibson Wes Montgomery. Any informed advice from an expert, as I get contradictory answers from different sources. Thanks in advance. PS : sorry for the bad English I live on the wrong side of the pond
Kuz Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 You could have a humbucker installed, but it would negate the "tap tuned" acoustic properties of the guitar. The "tap tuned" feature of the archtops (with only floating pickups) is a very desirable option. The Johnny Smith was made with a floating pickup being the pickup to use for the acoustic properties of that guitar. If you installed a Humbucker you would GREATLY reduce the value in the guitar, in my opinion. If you want a Humbucker Heritage Archtop, I would recommend selling this Johnny Smith keeping it original, and buying a Heritage Archtop with a Humbucker already installed. That's my opinion anyhow.
Stanfr Posted January 12, 2012 Author Posted January 12, 2012 Thanks for the answer ! I know that it will somewhat kill the acoustic sound but the problem is that I am currently selling it and the new owner would only buy it if he were sure he could do it without breaking the bracing ... (I need money, but don't want to cheat on him). For me I have a 1 P.U. Super Eagle but he feels that it is too big ...
hinesarchtop Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 It's been done plenty of times with success, and is not a tough job if done by a pro. I would email Heritage and ask them about bracing clearance. I hope whoever has it done really likes the guitar, because it will hurt the value. It's a rare guitar, and personally I would not do it. That said, I have a Sweet 16 with an added humbucker that sounds amazing.
MartyGrass Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Mounting a pickup will decrease the collector's value, which is still much less than the Gibson JS made at the same plant, with the same woods, by the same hands. (Go figure!) You can mount a pickup without compromising the cross bracing. And it should be fine to shave a little of the bracing off if you are doing a more conventional mount. Your buyer should really consider what his goal is in taking a cross braced guitar and mounting a pickup. The cross bracing enhances tonal depth and sustain. This will be harmed by tethering a pickup to the sound board. You might suggest he buy a Gretsch! Ok, so I'm a dickhead.
Gitfiddler Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 If it were my JS, I'd continue to look for a seller who will accept it for what it is. We do not know your financial situation, or what you are asking for that rare archtop. But you've been given some excellent advice thus far. You could start by advertising it here for free. Lots of folks drop pass through the HOC, many looking for that special guitar. Good luck.
DetroitBlues Posted January 12, 2012 Posted January 12, 2012 Thanks for the answer ! I know that it will somewhat kill the acoustic sound but the problem is that I am currently selling it and the new owner would only buy it if he were sure he could do it without breaking the bracing ... (I need money, but don't want to cheat on him). For me I have a 1 P.U. Super Eagle but he feels that it is too big ... You'd probably do well to either sell or offer a trade here...
pressure Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Please don't screw a pickup onto the guitar top. The Johnny Smith model is special because it is a genuine acoustic, a very rare thing in the archtop world.
Kuz Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Please don't screw a pickup onto the guitar top. The Johnny Smith model is special because it is a genuine acoustic, a very rare thing in the archtop world. +1
Stanfr Posted January 13, 2012 Author Posted January 13, 2012 Many thanks to all for your advices ! Advertising my J.S. for sale here would likely be unsuccessful as my cost would be too high (I bought it here in France which is way costlier than in the US due to Custom Taxes and a 20.6% VAT, in France Heritages are boutique guitars so to speak : in the $6K range). Moreover I would look like someone getting onbaord a forum just to sell things, something I dislike when I see it so I won't do it. I am not in dire need for money but have two J.S.s and consider selling one to buy an other guitar that's all. If you want to have a look at it here is one of my babies https://picasaweb.google.com/stanfr08/TheRose1990?authkey=Gv1sRgCOmbo4q3-I2YggE May I add that my "The Rose" are better than their G. counterpart and I can compare : https://picasaweb.google.com/stanfr08/Family?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWnhderhsvpVg
RhoadsScholar Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Beautiful archtops there. thanks for sharing your link
Vincelewis Posted January 26, 2012 Posted January 26, 2012 Installing the HRW style humbucker will not really affect the acoustic sound that much, but the folks who think that only the floater pickups are the way to go probably would be a little put off. It is so funny that the Benedetto largest seller right now is the Bravo, with a set in Pup, and I love my GE and my custom 16's with the single HRW set up....For the player, I think it is the way to go...for the collector who wants the original JS, that's another story...
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