PTC Guitar Overhaul - Refinish and Pickup Install!

The Paul Reed Smith Tech Center (PTC) is in the business of making your guitar dreams a reality. In addition to standard PRS repairs and maintenance, the PTC specializes in overhauling your guitar to meet your unique needs as a musician. The PTC job we are exploring today features an extensive overhaul of an older PRS Singlecut Trem model. The PTC team did a great job, lets check it out!

This customer’s guitar began its life as a Singlecut Trem in a Satin Vintage Natural finish. The guitar’s 3-way toggle controlled the two humbucking zebra pickups with a volume knob and push/pull tone knob.

The PTC stripped off all the hardware and prepared the body for re-routing. The customer requested a third pickup to be installed in the middle position as well as an additional knob between the existing volume and tone knob. The PTC was able to perfectly route these areas to accommodate the request.

Next, the guitar would begin its refinish process. A grey stain and poly base coat was applied before being sanded out and stained again.

After the refinish was completed the new electronics / control assembly was laid out. This customer had a few unique requests that our techs were able to accommodate. Instead of the standard Volume/Tone lay out, this guitar was reassembled with a three volume set up - one volume for each pickup. Additionally, the knobs became “push - push” knobs that were spring loaded and split the coils when pushed. The routed area where the 3-way toggle use to live was changed to a master tone control!

We’re confident that the customer will be thrilled with the outcome. To dream up a new layout for your guitar, contact our guys in the PTC!