Problems (Dirty Knobs)

I recently have some problems with my Metal End King.

Whenever I tweaked my Middle knob to 4 o'clock position, there will be a very irritating screeching noise, which totally ruin the goodness of this pedal (I almost felt like throwing it outside the window). I thought it was the guitar's problem at first, so I switched guitars but the problem persists. After talking with Sub over this, he told me that this could be due to dirty knobs and advised me to get a contact cleaner and clean the knobs. And so a trip down to Home Fix and brought this home with me.

I've seen someone using this brand for cleaning electrical parts before so I thought this will do. It is also Ozone safe (free of CFC).  

I am not that much of an environmentalist but knowing that the products I'm using does not damage the already-damaged Ozone at least makes me feel less guilty. 

End of Exam celebration

Exams are over!
How did I celebrate the end of the exam?
1. Send my Squier for repairs!

Here are my details for repairs that will be done at SV!

1. Change all the pots. 2 out of 3 are totally not working, one is not responsive.

2. Change pickups to Tesla Plasma-1

3. Setup

4. Change cable jack. It is loose. No matter how I tighten it back, it will be loosen again. 

5. Add orange drop

2. Go for swimming!

3. Play pool!

Erm... I don't know why is the cue ball in there and why is the 8' ball not at the centre. O.o

and etc.....

Well, there is nothing much to be so happy about this exam though. I screwed up most of my papers. However, no use crying over spilt milk, isn't? Might as well stop thinking about it and work harder for the next exam!

The Squier Scenario

People said I am very anal when it comes to guitars, regardless of mine or others. I can't stand it when people fail to handle guitar with care. I just hate douchebags like that.

The below is a picture of my Squier.

As you can see, there are no strings on it. I cut them off. Here is the scenario.

I lent
 my Squier to someone. When it returns to me, I didn't make a thorough check but keep it away. It was only until 3-4 days ago when I felt that the action is too high. After a quick check, it confirmed my doubts; the neck has wrapped. 

I use gauge-9 for my Squier and 10 for my Fernandes. It seems that the one of the strings might have snapped and the person, without even asking me, bought a string of a larger gauge and changed them. I suspect it to be a 10 or even 11 (he uses 11). THIS could have cause the excessive neck relief. He seems to think that it is harmless. I think he is just plain ignorant. All I can do now is to cut off all the strings. 

If you are lending a guitar and the string snaps while playing it, please do call the owner of the guitar and ask him what gauge and brand he uses for the strings. Everytime you change a gauge, you need to readjust  the anchor screws and the truss rod according. 

Other problems after borrowing the Squier:

• Volume knob was loose at first, but now all the knobs are loose.
• The cable jack is loose

Lessons Learnt:

Never lend your guitar unless it is someone you can trust your instrument to.

I can hear it crying. It needs to visit the S.G.H (SV Guitar Hospital). 

Dealing with loose screws

Sometimes when you screw or unscrew your pickguards, cavity cover, strap lock, etc.. the screw holes will wear off overtime. This is the problem with my Vendetta you see. Considering its age, which I myself am not aware of, it is normal to result in a loose strap lock. So I went to Home Fix and get myself this.

Wood filling cement. To some, it may smell horrible. However, it is very effective in dealing with that loose straplock. Make sure to avoid contact with skin and eyes. It is an irritant.