FTP - Fender Fishman Tripleplay Strat - install an internal GK Kit

Started by hired gun, August 24, 2015, 03:33:50 PM

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Trevor

Quote from: mooncaine on December 20, 2015, 10:47:03 AM
WOW. I like it all. That's a beautiful thing you've made.
I appreciate that, it's a neat design, instead of building traditionally I went counter to most build theories, and except for the string through neck part I built it as you would tailor cloth to a persons body, then made every thing electronic fit afterward.It forces me into proper posture,
and it's almost impossible to play it with bad wrist position, your wrist is always straight up to 24.

Interesting notes, it all came together when I found out that a PowerGig game controller has a mag hex pickup that is a straight replacement for the Peavey AT200 piezo pickups, it's not supposed to work, but does.In hacking that pickup into the guitar, I noticed the pole spread changed and no longer fit my hand-made bridge, the PowerGig is an actual plastic guitar, so I look at the bridge.As chintzy as it looked it was not plastic but a stamped hollow alloy, not hard, not soft, of course perfect spacing.I did my tone wood test (flick it as you throw it in the air and listen for bell tones)  it was ringy as all get out, and I could always make another bridge so I mount it up.
Sounded great without any of it's needed filing/sanding adjustments, I filed/sanded in the proper action, and got the slots round with 1200.I had to file low E and G back a little, the intonation is spot on.It now holds tune as well as a fat stringed acoustic, doesn't sharp or flat overnight.
Another neat side note, the PowerGig has a fretwired matrix fretboard, my next project is to see if I can wire that to an arranger keyboard so I can trigger all the cool rhythms with something I can play.

Elantric

$599 on Ebay

Includes

* FTP OEM Kit with Mag PU

* 24bit USB Class compliant Audio interface ( works great with iPad)

* MIM Strat Body with Seymour Duncan Custom Bridge humbucker, and two Fender Vintage noiseless single coil PUs

its a good platform for mods ( I'm adding ATG Luthier kit, and GK-KIT-GT3 13pin out and add a Warmoth Strat Neck with '59 LP profile, and Hipshot Staggered height locking tuners

And the Divided PU is superior, Radius correct and mounted much better compared to the Roland GK - i can play fast "Dick Dale" style on low E near the bridge without hitting the damn hex PU (as occurs on my Roland GK PU's)   

whippinpost91850

Quoteits a good platform for mods ( I'm adding ATG Luthier kit, and GK-KIT-GT3 13pin out and add a Warmoth Strat Neck with '59 LP profile, and Hipshot Staggered height locking tuners

This is what I was thinkin. Are you going to be able to use just the FTP Pickup for all?

Elantric

QuoteAre you going to be able to use just the FTP Pickup for all?
CORRECT -


Start at 1st post in this thread

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15974.0
Quotejust run the FTP Mag Hex PU to a parallel jumper ribbon cable and feed both Fishman FTP Controller and GK-KIT-GT3 preamp board
as explained above!  ^ ^

and read here for "how to" strategy
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15974.msg120637#msg120637
Trevor wrote>
QuoteLuckily I have a bunch of midi guitar equipment around (anyone want some optical 13 pin pickups?), so I gutted a GK pickup controller and am going to mount it directly on the FTP, as my home built ergo guitar has no room for even pots. Hacked together for testing, works fine, edges will eventually be sanded off, and the whole thing morphed to the FTP plastic top with moldable plastic.
I did think I had a ground prob, but simply pluggin in the guitar jack fixed it.This is too cool FTP, AT200 guts, GK-3 all on one guitar.Endless possibilities.

Elantric

Fender Strat with built in Fishman Tripleplay is now discontinued  -

Confirmed with Fender, 2015 is the final year for this model

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StratTPBk

Vade

So, if they're discontinuing these FTP strats then perhaps it's time to make a move on one of these while there are still some left in stock. I was hoping to get a clearer report so that I didn't have to ask but am I correct in thinking that the hex pickup used by the FTP can be split, using a splitter cable, and just be fed to the already installed FTP and an internal GK unit I'd install; without the PCB boards etc. discussed in the following thread?

FTP - DIY adapter to use GK 13 Pin Guitars with Tripleplay
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8413.0
Drachen; Fender FTP Strat w/internal GK-3, Godin xtSA w/FTP, Boss GP-10, VoiceLive 3, Scarlett 18i8, ZBox IQ01, On-Lap 1502i, D:fine 4088, 4E Dual Axis Exp Pedal, VoiceSolo FX-150, Yamaha DXR 10, Gem. M2 Flute, Special 20 Harmonicas. Fender Deluxe Reverb Mahogany Cane.

https://soundcloud.com/vadie

gumbo

" the hex pickup used by the FTP can be split, using a splitter cable.."

FWIW, have done some work on this and have made that cable for the OP.   I have the required connectors in stock..PM me if interested in DIY.
Cheers,
Peter
Read slower!!!   ....I'm typing as fast as I can...

Vade

Thanks for the quick reply Gumbo. I've been reluctant to drop that much cash into a guitar without double checking that the design would work. I am really really tempted...
Drachen; Fender FTP Strat w/internal GK-3, Godin xtSA w/FTP, Boss GP-10, VoiceLive 3, Scarlett 18i8, ZBox IQ01, On-Lap 1502i, D:fine 4088, 4E Dual Axis Exp Pedal, VoiceSolo FX-150, Yamaha DXR 10, Gem. M2 Flute, Special 20 Harmonicas. Fender Deluxe Reverb Mahogany Cane.

https://soundcloud.com/vadie

Vade

Some thoughts and question regarding this mod...

@ "Even better news is that it may be available from Fender as spare parts (7703232000 and 7702480000) and could potentially be retrofitted to any other guitar!" From Reply #10

I spoke with Fender about these parts and as of 02-01-16 they have two in stock to be used for warranty repairs by Fender. I also spoke with Fishman and they still do not have these FTP internal kits available with no plans to begin producing them for retail; although they indicated they would fix the Fender units if Fender couldn't. So, it seems Steve's solution to obtain the internal FTP units by buying the Fender FTP bodies is still the best way to get these new for installing into a different guitar. (see Reply #26 of this thread)

If anybody has pics and/or advice about this mod I'd be interested in seeing them. I've never done any significant guitar mods but I'm seriously considering picking up a Fender FTP Strat as a base for mods and installing the Roland GK3 Internal Pickup Kit.

http://www.andertons.co.uk/electric-guitar-pickups/pid12319/cid705/roland-gk3-internal-pickup-kit.asp.

Drachen; Fender FTP Strat w/internal GK-3, Godin xtSA w/FTP, Boss GP-10, VoiceLive 3, Scarlett 18i8, ZBox IQ01, On-Lap 1502i, D:fine 4088, 4E Dual Axis Exp Pedal, VoiceSolo FX-150, Yamaha DXR 10, Gem. M2 Flute, Special 20 Harmonicas. Fender Deluxe Reverb Mahogany Cane.

https://soundcloud.com/vadie

admin

Here is the Fishman "Wall of OEM parts" on display at 2016 Winter NAMM

They are focused on the Fluence Pickups

Also FWIW - the Fishman Tripleplay OEM guitars from Godin ( Godin Session Tripleplay
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/godin-session-custom-tripleplay-electric-guitar?rNtt=godin%20tripleplay&index=1
& Godin Montreal Tripleplay
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MontrealPTPSB

  and Fender Fishman Tripleplay Strat  - all were noticeably absent at 2016 Winter NAMM 


Vade

So I'm guessing the FTP's support lifetime will be somewhat limited and that there will either be a replacement product or just a slow withdrawal by Fishman. In any case, I'm impressed with capabilities you gain by combining FTP with 13 pin and this seems like a very good way to get the warts off my guitar but still have the function I like. Hopefully it will serve for a good few years and by that time hopefully there'll be replacement tech that has us transfixed yet again.

On another note, how's your Strat

"I'm thinking of attempting the impossible

Add both Antares ATG internal kit and GK-KIT-GT3"

coming along? It seems like you'd have a monster on your hands with that one.
Drachen; Fender FTP Strat w/internal GK-3, Godin xtSA w/FTP, Boss GP-10, VoiceLive 3, Scarlett 18i8, ZBox IQ01, On-Lap 1502i, D:fine 4088, 4E Dual Axis Exp Pedal, VoiceSolo FX-150, Yamaha DXR 10, Gem. M2 Flute, Special 20 Harmonicas. Fender Deluxe Reverb Mahogany Cane.

https://soundcloud.com/vadie

Elantric

Hopefully I'll be able to complete my Fender Fishman Tripleplay Strat.

The "hurdle"  - i intend to add more guitar mounted controls ( 4 new knobs , three new switches)  - and a stock Strat has little spare real estate. I'll probably pursue a new larger pick guard that covers the area above existing Strat recessed 1/4" output jack - and use side mounted I/O Jacks or relocate the 1/4" output jack on rear  - like a Brian Moore iGuitar.


But I want easy access to electronics ( with Rear access covers)   - so I may use a completely different body


Ive been down this road before
   

Vade

That makes sense as that FTP Strat pick guard does seem pretty crowded. It sure does seem like I'll be able to mod in that internal GK-3 without major issues though the lack of available real estate on that pick guard is one of the reasons I'll probably skip some of the redundant functions as I mentioned. I thought about putting them on the body of the guitar as you did with the greenie meenie in that pic but I'm just not sure I think it's worth the hassle.
Drachen; Fender FTP Strat w/internal GK-3, Godin xtSA w/FTP, Boss GP-10, VoiceLive 3, Scarlett 18i8, ZBox IQ01, On-Lap 1502i, D:fine 4088, 4E Dual Axis Exp Pedal, VoiceSolo FX-150, Yamaha DXR 10, Gem. M2 Flute, Special 20 Harmonicas. Fender Deluxe Reverb Mahogany Cane.

https://soundcloud.com/vadie

Elantric

This is when owning a $99 "Stunt Strat" becomes helpful

http://www.amazon.com/Jay-Turser-Jt-300-mbl-Electric-Metallic/dp/B0023ZOF6U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454539082&sr=8-2&keywords=electric+guitar+jay+turser


- allows you cut and route & mount controls / electronics , to try various control layouts before you cut into the genuine Fender

Vade

I like it! Especially for something as advanced as you're considering. It'd probably be prudent for me as a beginner but adding an internal GK-3 just doesn't seem like it's going to be that big a deal. The biggest hurdle for me is probably going to be the wiring rather than the design and I'm pretty sure I'll get better advice on this forum than elsewhere since the 13 pin stuff is not all that common or appreciated.


Drachen; Fender FTP Strat w/internal GK-3, Godin xtSA w/FTP, Boss GP-10, VoiceLive 3, Scarlett 18i8, ZBox IQ01, On-Lap 1502i, D:fine 4088, 4E Dual Axis Exp Pedal, VoiceSolo FX-150, Yamaha DXR 10, Gem. M2 Flute, Special 20 Harmonicas. Fender Deluxe Reverb Mahogany Cane.

https://soundcloud.com/vadie

whippinpost91850

I just bought a fishman Triple play body. Now how do I get the software that comes with it ? ???

Elantric

QuoteI just bought a fishman Triple play body. Now how do I get the software that comes with it ?

That will be tough

You also need the FTP USB Receiver

http://www.fishmanstore.com/subgrouping.htm?cat=31071&searcht=&results=15&type=&&orderfield=prsdesc&sort=&mid=0&ofcomp=IC&n=16


whippinpost91850

Hell. I may be smarter to get a whole guitar and sell it Minus the FTP guts. I have all the parts to build more of a stock strat

$733. For FTP body and all hard ware and software. Couldn't you just use a usb cable direct to a Hardware synth or computer?

Elantric

Many of the $600 Fender Fishman Tripleplay Strat Body's for sale on  Ebay today in fine print mention they have hardware problems
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOADED-Fender-Fishman-Triple-Play-Stratocaster-Strat-BODY-Pearly-Noiseless-SALE-/381293589919?hash=item58c6de759f:g:G-EAAOSw~OdVe27V


( USB Audio Board missing, Broke MIDI PCB,  etc) 
The raw $600 Fender Fishman Tripleplay Strat Body is only ideal if you already own a Fishman Tripleplay system, and working FTP USB Receiver  and a license for the software.

I became acquainted with the 2015 Fender Fishman Tripleplay Strat as gently used example for $820, and it came with everything including a non registered warranty card and the sales receipt from Sweetwater. and a great fret level and dress ( best Fender Strat I have played) 






whippinpost91850

Yeah, I cancelled the body order and am currently looking for a Triple Play Strat with everything, for my all-in-one FTp, GR, ATG guitar build . I'll gut it and sell the guitar as a stock strat. 

GuitarBuilder

Quote from: whippinpost91850 on February 04, 2016, 12:02:27 PM
Yeah, I cancelled the body order and am currently looking for a Triple Play Strat with everything, for my all-in-one FTp, GR, ATG guitar build . I'll gut it and sell the guitar as a stock strat.

Just keep in mind that the FTP Strat body is not stock; it has large cutouts in the back, as well as an extra one in the side.
"There's no-one left alive, it must be a draw"  Peter Gabriel 1973

whippinpost91850

Thanks, Yeah, I'll just block , seal, and paint the body like stock. I also have some painted and  unpainted Strat bodies. I could use

Elantric

I'd just resell the empty body.

There are folks who can solder and do electronics   -but cant do woodwork.

The "empty" Fender Tripleplay Strat Body will be attractive to any electronic hacker - and works well as a basis for a "Roland Ready" install.


Most folks involved in Cars or Guitars  know you can double your money by :

1 ) Buy any new Fender or Gibson - and pay new street price.

2 ) Take it apart, and list each part separately on Ebay / reverb.com

3 ) wait 3 months for all parts to sell, and add up the profit  = roughly double your initial cash investment   

essentially what the ebay seller "Stratosphere" is already doing here:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Bodies-/41406/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&_ssn=thestratosphere



https://classicmotorsports.com/forum/grm/how-much-profit-on-a-part-out/99059/page1/

whippinpost91850

Good Point. As a builder that just seems kind of counter intuitive. ???. But makes a lot of sense.

whippinpost91850

#49
I just ordered a reboxed Fender Triple Play Strat, I thought $800 was a decent price. Should be here in a couple of days.

So now I'll have all the pieces to hopefully make a Lefty Triple Play, Antares ATG-1 internal kit, and GR all in one.

I'm gonna be following Elantric quite a bit on this one  8)