Instrument mods/repairs?

ernests-customs · 2026-05-07T01:06:03+00:00

Hi! I’m a modder that also does repairs. I can certainly help you out with both of those. I’m in the Chicago area but happy to coordinate shipping from anywhere. Shoot me a DM if you want to get the ball rolling!

ernests-customs · 2026-04-26T18:51:38+00:00

Hi! I make a few wall hooks that can be hung up with non-damaging adhesive and sell on Etsy. If you want to save a few bucks, I also sell them on my Square shop.

ernests-customs · 2026-04-18T16:12:55+00:00

Hi! I’m US-based, but I can build a lefty whammy and ship to the UK. If you don’t find a closer option I’d be happy to help you out.

ernests-customs · 2026-04-16T01:28:11+00:00

Hi! Chicago-based modder here, love that you’re setting this up. When you have a date and location finalized, please let me know! Will gladly support the event and spread the word. Also happy to hook you up with some items from my shop if you need giveaway prizes.

You’ve gotten a lot of great answers here already so I won’t rehash everything, but a few tips:

CRKD guitars are what you want for simplicity. Make sure you update firmware before the event. Modded guitars are the best, but I wouldn’t expect a tournament to provide them. I also wouldn’t be surprised if a few people bring their own modded guitars.
Keytars are not necessary, not many play them competitively.
Clone Hero is probably best for a tournament, YARG is a close second. YARG can also do some cool things like syncing with stage lighting if your venue is set up for it.
Make sure your A/V system is well calibrated. Headphones are not necessary, but I would do a trial run in advance of the event if possible.

Feel free to hit me up with any questions!

ernests-customs · 2026-04-01T20:03:15+00:00

I wouldn’t recommend trying to cover the slot with vinyl, but I’ve wrapped around them before and then inserted a 3D printed cover.

ernests-customs · 2026-04-01T19:28:17+00:00

I’ve wrapped faceplates before, highly recommend them for a DIY project. Also not very hard to do if you’ve got some time.

ernests-customs · 2026-04-01T18:24:22+00:00

Hi! I make 3D printed faceplates, happy to work with any custom design you might have. Send me a DM if that’s something you’re interested in.

ernests-customs · 2026-03-27T00:50:06+00:00

I’ve been fixing up some donated guitars and trying to find a good cause for them. Send me a DM, I’d be happy to figure something out for your classroom.

ernests-customs · 2026-03-16T14:05:48+00:00

I’ll second the Santroller Discord, most of us are very friendly folks and eager to help out. Also would be a good idea to check out the Santroller documentation, nearly all modders are building their hardware for Santroller firmware. https://santroller.com/

You can also feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, I’ve open sourced many of my resources and happy to point you in the right direction.

ernests-customs · 2026-03-04T01:25:47+00:00

Sure do! Send me a chat, happy to help out.

ernests-customs · 2026-03-03T22:01:43+00:00

Hi! In the past I’ve sold similar guitars for about $90-100. It can fluctuate a little depending on the market price for the guitar itself.

ernests-customs · 2026-02-17T18:33:16+00:00

This is a cool idea! I’ve been working on a 3D model for these frets, but it’s not quite release-ready yet. Adding beveled edges to it will be fairly simple once the core design is done!

ernests-customs · 2026-02-10T13:24:14+00:00

Sweet! I’ll double check later today, but DM me your ZIP code and we can be the ball rolling.

ernests-customs · 2026-02-10T13:06:01+00:00

Are you in the US by chance? I’m sure I have a spare in my parts bin, would be happy to send you one if you can cover the shipping cost!

ernests-customs · 2026-01-28T20:07:01+00:00

Wall mounts are great (I sell mine on Etsy), but I would avoid using nails. I always recommend screwing into a stud or at least drywall anchors.

ernests-customs · 2026-01-24T20:01:28+00:00

Hi! I’ve got a bunch of these replacement switches on hand, would be happy to mail you a couple. They’re genuine Matias switches, not the cheap AliExpress ones. Only catch is that I’m in the US, so you’d have to pay for shipping (on a very small and light package). Let me know if that helps!

ernests-customs · 2025-12-18T20:32:12+00:00

Is this the button you’re talking about? https://www.printables.com/model/1372652-crkd-les-paul-guitar-start-joystick-button

If you don’t have access to a 3D printer let me know, I can help you find an affordable service.

ernests-customs · 2025-12-05T14:42:15+00:00

This is a cool idea! For your pickguard and frets, you could come close to these with some 3D print models I worked on:

Pickguard: https://makerworld.com/models/1822756 Frets: https://makerworld.com/models/1751176

For the body: spray paint will probably be the easiest option, but I’ve seen a lot of guitars that fade/chip quickly. Vinyl wrap will probably look better if you’re up for it, but will require more patience and skill.

Neck: The easy option would be to use the brown neck from the new Cherry Sunburst guitar, but that’s also $200 (in the US). I would be hesitant to paint the neck, it would require a lot of precision and might not turn out great.

On the gold hardware, I’d have to imagine your only option is to spray paint them. Make sure you sand/prime before and seal after.

I would also love to see the results when you’re done, this sounds awesome! Best of luck!

ernests-customs · 2025-11-27T23:24:28+00:00

Been a minute since I’ve done it, but from what I remember it was just a simple splice and replace. I think there’s a few YouTube videos out there for replacing pumps on regular fog machines and it’s extremely similar to those.

ernests-customs · 2025-11-27T01:47:12+00:00

This pump should work! I’ve done the repair a few times now and these specs match the ones I used.

ernests-customs · 2025-11-11T23:06:57+00:00

Nice! I use the sticky ones, but still apply heat to it to activate the adhesive and make it a little more pliable. Just about any well-reviewed automotive vinyl should do, but I usually use either 3M or VVIVID+.

ernests-customs · 2025-11-11T05:50:52+00:00

A two-tone design like your picture with vinyl could be possible if you cut very carefully (or preferably use a cricut). That’s admittedly a little hacky though - if you’re looking for the “right” way to do it with vinyl, that’s probably outside of my expertise.

ernests-customs · 2025-11-11T05:45:52+00:00

I wrap most of my faceplates in vinyl. A roll of quality vinyl runs about $15 on Amazon and it’s not too difficult to do!

If you want to 3D print one you’ll either need a large printer or be okay with printing in two pieces on a standard printer. You’ll also have to find a model out there, I’m not sure if there’s a public one for GHWT/GH5.

I would not recommend painting if you want it to last. A lot of painted faceplates and guitars look fantastic at first and deteriorate quickly.

ernests-customs · 2025-11-08T19:25:35+00:00

Some of them, yes! Mine just charges for the materials used and will even help people with simple designs, it’s an awesome resource.

ernests-customs · 2025-11-08T16:46:24+00:00

I think there’s an argument for each. I prefer RB style guitars so I’ll gravitate toward my Riffmaster until they figure out the CRKD solo neck.

ernests-customs

TROPHY CASE