Channels v. Tunnels
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Channels v. Tunnels
How come vintage jaguars use tunnels between the wiring cavities, while classic player has the channels?
The channels make sense, because you can take everything off at once without having to unsolder a bunch of stuff. Why, then, don't more builders offer channels instead of tunnels? And why doesn't fender use it on more of their jaguars? Is it just tradition at this point, or do they want to make it harder to swap stuff?
Basically: Is there some reason to want/prefer tunnels?
The channels make sense, because you can take everything off at once without having to unsolder a bunch of stuff. Why, then, don't more builders offer channels instead of tunnels? And why doesn't fender use it on more of their jaguars? Is it just tradition at this point, or do they want to make it harder to swap stuff?
Basically: Is there some reason to want/prefer tunnels?
- timtam
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
I can't see the logic of tunnels either. I'm considering converting the tunnels I have to channels, to make wiring easier. I can make the channels much narrower and shallower than on the Classic Player. The only issue I see is that the aligment between control plates and pickguard must be tight, so that there are no gaps where the channels can be seen. So perhaps more of an issue on a parts Jag where the plates and pickguard aren't guaranteed to be a perfect fit.
"I just knew I wanted to make a sound that was the complete opposite of a Les Paul, and that’s pretty much a Jaguar." Rowland S. Howard.
- Larry Mal
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
Isn't that something? I actually once ordered a pre-wired pickguard for an AVRI Jaguar, and then I opened it up and was like, oh yeah, I have to un-solder everything now.
Back in those days, everyone knew that if you were talking about Destiny's Child, you were talking about Beyonce, LaTavia, LeToya, and Larry.
- mackerelmint
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
It's a great question. I've always said that if I get another Jag, I'm routing those stupid things out to save myself some annoyance.
IIRC, there are models that do have channels, or were, but I could be thinking of aftermarket bodies, I guess. Kind of an obvious improvement, but then there are always those weirdos who screech about the sanctity of original designs even when an invisible and functional improvement is made. And they're the ones who always seem to get their way.
IIRC, there are models that do have channels, or were, but I could be thinking of aftermarket bodies, I guess. Kind of an obvious improvement, but then there are always those weirdos who screech about the sanctity of original designs even when an invisible and functional improvement is made. And they're the ones who always seem to get their way.
This is an excellent rectangle
- burpgun
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
I'd never really thought about this until I briefly owned a Fender "Sting" P-bass. As you may know, Mr. Tantric Sex Master's bass doesn't have a pickguard. But if you take your guard off the sig model there's a channel for the wires that looks terrible. Not a big deal, but at the time I was annoyed.
- Shadoweclipse13
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
I usually prefer channels myself as well, but for the Jag and guitars that had a separate (usually metal) plate from the pickguard, I always figured it was for stability, even if a screw doesn't go in there. I've got a couple guitars that have a tiny tunnel between cavity sections, and for the pieces between them, I'm wiring in a small quick disconnect for the hit and ground wires, so I can still remove them quick and easy.
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
- CROSS_guitars
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
I think Fenders originally had tunnels drilled between plates and pickguards because they used celluloid plastics which shrink.
So as the plastic shrinks it leaves a gap, which would look heaps uglier if you could see the rout underneath.
I could be wrong though.
So as the plastic shrinks it leaves a gap, which would look heaps uglier if you could see the rout underneath.
I could be wrong though.
- sirspens
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
To be even more complication...
The Telecaster has a channel with a tunnel on each side from the neck pickup... Why? It makes no sense!
The Telecaster has a channel with a tunnel on each side from the neck pickup... Why? It makes no sense!
- MechaBulletBill
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
The tele channel is super dumb and annoying
- sirspens
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
Agreed. You could take the pick guard off if it weren't there!
And you could easily take a drill through the neck pocket and create a tunnel from the neck pickup to the control cavity.
- Mad-Mike
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
I'm currently working out how to do a Jaguar the opposite - all drilled holes between cavities, so that the pickguard is swappable and changeable to taste - including no pickguard.
TBH, I kind of hate channels because of all the times I've had to spend 15 minutes fishing wires around under a Strat or Mustang pickguard to get shit to go into the channels it's supposed to be in, or having to be delicate with flopping around loose pickups in the Jazzmaster while I get the pickguard back on - but I use them anyway because sometimes they are more convenient. Luckily I rarely have electronc issues.
One of the most elegant full pickguard arrangements with channels I've ever seen are those on Mosrite Ventures/Mark V style stuff. Just a plate on one side, flips up, and the channels are wide so everything goes through easily. But then I do make my own stuff with VERY thin channels - my Mad-Rite is that way - so I guess I am kinda-sorta a Masochist, LOL.
TBH, I kind of hate channels because of all the times I've had to spend 15 minutes fishing wires around under a Strat or Mustang pickguard to get shit to go into the channels it's supposed to be in, or having to be delicate with flopping around loose pickups in the Jazzmaster while I get the pickguard back on - but I use them anyway because sometimes they are more convenient. Luckily I rarely have electronc issues.
One of the most elegant full pickguard arrangements with channels I've ever seen are those on Mosrite Ventures/Mark V style stuff. Just a plate on one side, flips up, and the channels are wide so everything goes through easily. But then I do make my own stuff with VERY thin channels - my Mad-Rite is that way - so I guess I am kinda-sorta a Masochist, LOL.
- JagInTheBag
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
- sirspens
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
I recently bought a Squier Affinity Butterscotch Telecaster on a whim, and today I decided to take off the pickguard to see what is underneath...
No channel!
Now I have the hard decision of deciding if it looks better with the black pickguard or with no / clear pickguard.
Decisions, decisions....
No channel!
Now I have the hard decision of deciding if it looks better with the black pickguard or with no / clear pickguard.
Decisions, decisions....
- Logrinn
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
Definitely no pickguard IMO.
- Futuron
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Re: Channels v. Tunnels
The potential for no pickguard is definitely there, but too bad about the screw holes. Would need to fix that, and put something around the neck pickup. A clear pickguard would solve the screw holes problem.