3 “Easy” Guitar Mods (That Can Ruin Your Guitar)
I just read an article on Premier Guitar that reminded me of a job that came into our shop yesterday.
Their title was:
“Three Easy Guitar Mods That Will Transform Your Instrument.”
A more accurate title?
“Three Ways to Destroy Your Guitar.”
Let’s break it down.
The “Easy” Bigsby Install
Their first suggestion: installing a Bigsby (on an Epiphone LP).
Let’s be clear—this is not an “easy” DIY job.
You’re removing the original tailpiece, aligning a new system precisely, and drilling holes into the body of your guitar. That’s permanent. There’s no undo button.
What really got me was how they showed removing the tailpiece posts—using a claw hammer with a thin piece of plywood between the hammer and the guitar.
No. Absolutely not.
One slip, and your finish is gone.
Even if you don’t slip:
- Mahogany dents easily
- Many Epiphones have thin veneers that can crack
- You’re applying uneven force to a press-fit insert
This is how guitars get damaged.
Any experienced tech knows the safe method:
Thread the post back in with washers or spacers underneath to pull the insert out cleanly—no hammer, no risk.
The Real-World Version of This Story
Yesterday, we had a customer bring in a guitar.
He said a “friend” installed a Floyd Rose tremolo system. (Translation: I tried it myself and it went sideways.)
Here’s what we saw:
- Bridge misaligned
- Trem block had insufficient clearance
- Routing job looked… improvised
We declined the repair.
Why?
Because fixing it would likely cost more than the guitar is now worth—and still might not be right.
The worst part?
It started life as a USA Fender S-Style.
A good one. Easily over $1,000.
Now?
Best case, you’re looking at:
- ~$400+ for a replacement body
- Neck fitting
- Full setup
That’s if everything else survived.
The Reality Nobody Tells You
Here’s the part most articles won’t say:
Some mods permanently change your guitar—and not in a good way.
A Bigsby or Floyd Rose isn’t just a “feature upgrade.”
It changes:
- The feel
- The tuning stability
- The structure of the guitar
And once you drill… that guitar is never original again.
So What Should You Modify?
Not all mods are bad. Just know where the line is.
👍 Generally safe:
- Electronics upgrades
- Pickup swaps
- Tuner replacements
⚠️ Think twice:
- Anything requiring serious drilling
- Bridge conversions
- Structural changes
The Simple Rule
If you want a guitar with a Bigsby—buy one.
If you want a Floyd Rose—buy one.
You might say:
“But I love this guitar.”
Yeah… you might not after the mod.
Instead:
Go play guitars that already have what you want.
Find one you love as-is.
Final Thought
We’re not against mods.
We’re against turning a great guitar into a problem.
If you’re not 100% sure—bring it to a pro first.
A 10-minute conversation can save you a $1,000 mistake.
