Customize Your Playtech for Under 30,000 yen! Unconventionally Shaped Guitar Edition #30kPlaytechChallenge

Cheena: How to Easily Modify a Playtech for Under 30,000 Yen—Twitter Project "#30kPlaytechChallenge" Now Ongoing!

Related Articles
＜Round 1＞
Modifying a Playtech PB450 for under 30,000 yen
Modifying a Playtech TL250 for under 30,000 yen
＜Round 2＞
Modifying a Playtech ST250 for under 30,000 yen
Modifying a Playtech JB420 for under 30,000 yen
＜Round 3＞
Modifying a Playtech LP400 for under 30,000 yen
Modifying a Playtech AB420 for under 30,000 yen
＜Round 4＞
Modifying a Playtech semi-hollow guitar for under 30,000 yen

Cheena: For this installment of the #30kPlaytechChallenge, we’ll tackle the unconventionally Shaped FV430 and EX-500, merging affordability with striking designs!

PLAYTECH / FV430 BLACK

PLAYTECH / EX-500 CHERRY RED

Regulations for the Challenge:

• Avoid significant modifications to the wood.
• Minor adjustments are allowed, such as drilling small holes or using a reamer for expansion.
• Stick to practical modifications that fit within the scope of an actual instrument.
• The 30,000-yen budget does not include the instrument's base price.
• Aim to create something as outrageous and unique as possible.

Nemoto:"I wrote the draft despite feeling uneasy, but honestly, the anxiety hasn't gone away.

Anyway, here we go. The base for this project will be the EX-500.

KENT ARMSTRONG / M213K Hurricane PAF Style Humbucker

SCUD / CTS-A250MM: CTS-manufactured metric-sized compatible potentiometer.

MONTREUX / Sprague Orange Drop 716P 0.1uF 400V

Total Cost for 6 Items: ¥12,930 (as of September 5, 2022)
(Note: Includes two M213K units and three CTS-A250MM potentiometers.)

The Explorer debuted in 1958. When considering what kind of music it was originally intended for, the answer seemed to be jazz. At the time, guitars in jazz were often part of the rhythm section, providing understated tones. This led to creating a sound that’s not particularly articulate—a slightly muffled tone with limited clarity. Ideally, the guitar would be played clean or with very light effects.

Cheena: Looks like someone already did what I was planning to do...
To be honest, this shape belongs to the more subdued category of radical designs. Unlike many unconventional shapes, it's relatively easy to handle, even for seated playing. The only things to consider are finding a suitable case and stand.
Alright, since the PAF-style route has already been taken, let's pivot in a completely different direction!

SEYMOUR DUNCAN / STK-S2n Hot Stack Strat Neck Black

SEYMOUR DUNCAN / SH-4 JB Black pickup

The front stacked single coil pickup will not be slanted. It should fit just barely. If it doesn’t, slanting will be the fallback option.
With this configuration, the three knobs are assigned as Master Volume, Tone, and Tone to achieve a balance between rich, nuanced lead tones and high-output rhythm playing.
For the capacitors:
- Black Candy will be used in the front.
- Tropical Fish will be used in the rear.
This setup aims for versatility and character in both tonal regions.

DEL RITMO / Black candy 0.047uF/630VDC

MONTREUX / NOS Tropical Fish 0.033uF 250V [9483]

Total for 4 Items: ¥27,108 (as of September 5, 2022)
This leaves just enough room in the budget for small accessories like a clip-on tuner or a pick holder—practical and fitting additions.

Nemoto: This is great too. Looks cool. The unique configuration, rarely seen on an Explorer, gives it a distinctive charm.

Cheena: With just one visible pickup, it does give off a quirky vibe. That said, since both pickups are humbuckers, it’s not a completely outlandish design. Probably.

Now, since we’re at it—and realizing we used Fender pickups for the ST250 and TL250 but didn’t do anything similar for the LP400—it’s time to experiment with Gibson pickups! But just doing it the normal way wouldn’t be interesting, so…

GIBSON / P-94T Humbucker-Sized P-90 Chrome

GIBSON / P-94R Humbucker-Sized P-90 Neck Chrome

Instead of using humbuckers or P-90s, we’ll go with P-94s! To take it a step further, the wiring will also be significantly revamped.
- Selector switch will remain in place.
- The control configuration will include Master Volume, Master Tone, and an additional Preset Volume.
- The V-T-V layout will likely work best with the preset volume placed furthest away from the playing area.
Additionally…

ALLPARTS / EP-4181-010 Chrome On On Round Bat Mini Switch

To switch between using the Master Volume or the Preset Volume for controlling output, we’ll include a toggle switch. The position is flexible, but keeping it near the pots would minimize the amount of wiring needed, which is convenient and efficient.
Total for 3 parts: ¥28,280 (as of September 5, 2022). Any remaining budget can go toward wiring materials, making this setup feasible.

As described, this pickup can "easily overdrive an amp or achieve clean tones by rolling back the volume." This allows for a setup similar to a Jazzmaster or Jaguar, where you can store specific volume levels and switch between them seamlessly. This enables one-touch, no-look transitions between overdrive, crunch, and clean tones. Pretty versatile! Hope that makes sense.

Nemoto: Got it. Totally makes sense. The idea of surprising someone with onboard effects capabilities without any pedals on the floor? That’s pretty wild!
Next up: FV430.

BILL LAWRENCE / L-500L Zebra

BILL LAWRENCE / L-500R Zebra

Total for 2 Items: ¥15,960 (as of September 5, 2022)

Looking at the reviews, there are plenty of high ratings, but also a fair number of negative comments. (Not outright bashing, but more like, "It’s so cheap that some flaws are to be expected.")
One concern frequently mentioned is the pickup mount being misaligned from the center. So, let’s address that by replacing it with a bar magnet pickup.
As for other components like electronics, tuners, or the bridge, it seems reasonable to let individuals decide whether they’re worth upgrading based on their own needs. Similarly, whether to round the fret edges is also a matter of personal preference.
If you choose to round the edges, make sure to select appropriate tools based on the fret size—research carefully before purchasing!

HOSCO / TL-FE2

Cheena: The pickup position is crucial. A significant misalignment can lead to intense tremolo effects.

Nemoto: Yeah, and you also get that volume dip during bends, which can be pretty noticeable. There are other points of concern, but I decided to fix only the most problematic one for now.

Cheena: For bar-style pickups that could be interesting… EMGs are pretty common, so how about trying Bartolini?

Nemoto: Sounds good! Lace pickups might work too.

Cheena: Ah, Lace Sensors, huh… With a 30,000 yen budget, you could even fit an Alumitone on one side. If you go with Aluma Stealth, you might even manage two pickups as long as you don’t add any extra components.

LACE / Aluma Stealth Humbucker

Spending ¥29,600 on this… it’s just, well…

Nemoto: Well, you know, sometimes it’s fine to go all out. Bartolini pickups start at ¥13,800 each, so it’s not that different anyway.

Cheena: This is a custom build designed to fully enjoy the best pickup possible. Yep, that’s the point.
But joking aside—let’s try a custom approach that outright defies the FV430’s conventional look.
Remove all the pickups entirely and install a complete set of Ghost system electronics instead.

GRAPHTECH / PN-8863-C0

GRAPHTECH / PE-0240-00

Total for 2 Items: ¥24,630 (as of September 5, 2022)

Hint: Consider how you position a V-shaped guitar for seated playing.

Nemoto: Seated playing with a V-shape… You use a strap, rest the guitar on your left leg, and position it vertically, like a classical guitar. Right?

Cheena: Correct!

ERNIE BALL / ERNESTO PALLA NYLON CLASSICAL BLACK & GOLD BALL END

Let’s push boundaries with black-and-gold nylon strings for an avant-garde performance. You can even crunch the Ghost output for some light distortion.

Nemoto: This is a fantastic approach. It would be great to hear classical guitar pieces played on this setup.

Cheena: Andrew York’s Sunburst could be a perfect fit. I think Kaori Muraji also played it on a classical guitar.

That section starting at 3:34 is such a highlight...

Nemoto: I just listened to it. Playing that piece on a V is seriously cool. Totally unrelated, but in my head, I pictured Fumihiko Kitsutaka performing it.
Alright, let’s try another custom project with the FV430!

GOTOH / TLB-1 Chrome

Total for 2 Items: ¥1,240 (as of September 5, 2022) (using 2 sets)

The original ‘50s V had a distinctive setup: strings were fed through holes in a V-shaped plate and passed through the body (string-through design), with no tailpiece. To replicate this, you could drill holes in the body and add string ferrules on both the top and back to achieve a similar string-through construction.
Instead of crafting a separate plate, you can simply drill V-shaped holes directly into the body. This approach aligns with the body’s shape and is much easier than trying to adapt something like a Les Paul with V-shaped holes.
With the remaining budget, feel free to add your favorite pickups (bar magnet pickups are recommended).
If possible, aim to...

GIBSON / PBBR-020

Adding an ABR-1 bridge would be ideal, but compatibility concerns and the need for cutting saddle slots (which requires specialized tools) make it impractical for this project. Since specialized tools are excluded from the scope of this challenge, we’ll skip it.

Cheena: I looked into options for a good V-plate, but most seem to come from manufacturers that don’t inspire much confidence, so I hesitate to recommend any. For the main part, cutting a piece of PVC sheet to shape might be the easiest solution.
Also, regarding the FV430 pickguard, I think this alternative might fit. Let me introduce it!

MONTREUX / Vibrola Tremolo set short Nickel new [1385]

TONEPROS / TPFR-N

GOTOH / SG381-MGT-04-L3+R3-Chrome

Total for 3 Items: ¥29,340 (as of September 5, 2022)

The Montreux tremolo seems reliable, but the inherent instability of blade-spring tremolos when returning the arm to its original position is still a concern. To compensate, let’s stabilize the setup with additional components. Ideally, the nut would also be a roller type. However, considering that an LSR Roller Nut likely won’t fit easily, a simpler solution is to apply some lubricant, such as oil, to the nut. Alternatively, you can use a pencil or mechanical pencil to coat the slots with graphite for lubrication.

Nemoto: Oh, an armed V? That’s awesome!

BIGBENDS / Nut Sauce Lil-Luber

There are also specialized lubricants available, so using one of those would be a great option for optimal performance.
Now, let’s shift the focus back to the EX500!

KENT ARMSTRONG / WPU900 Convertible P-90 Pickup In Humbucker Chrome Rw/Rp

KENT ARMSTRONG / WPU900 Convertible P-90 Pickup In Humbucker Case Chrome

MONTREUX / Vibrola Tremolo set short Nickel new [1385]

Total for 3 Items: ¥29,540 (as of September 5, 2022)

The Explorer typically features a dual humbucker + TOM bridge configuration, with very few exceptions (mostly in custom builds, as it’s rare to find these variations in off-the-shelf models). For this project, we’ve gone with an unconventional setup: P-90 pickups and a tremolo bridge. While a long-style tremolo would have been ideal, it would have pushed the budget up by about ¥10,000, so we opted for the short-style version instead.

Cheena: There’s something about the Explorer’s inherent design—it seems like almost any configuration ends up looking stylish and cohesive. In custom builds, I’ve seen Evertune, Kahler, and even Bigsby bridges used. The only thing I don’t recall seeing is a Jazzmaster-style tremolo.

Nemoto: True, what is it about them? Even the bass versions look pretty cool.

Cheena: Explorer basses are great too. If the EX-500 were bolt-on, I might’ve come up with something different.

Nemoto: It wouldn’t be impossible to swap the neck for a bass one and tweak things a bit.

Cheena: That would involve a lot of work, so we’ll skip it for now.
I think we’ve managed to showcase some interesting ideas without too many digressions. Nemoto-san, is there anything else you’d like to add?

Nemoto: No, I think that’s a wrap. Shall we end it here?
Thank you all for reading! We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Cheena: Thank you!

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