This project started because I wanted to learn more about guitar electronics and build something that had never been done before. Inspired by Eddie Van Halen's heavily modified Frankenstrat and the innovative, processed sounds of Neural DSP plugins, I became interested in how I could alter the electronics inside a guitar to change the sounds it could produce.

Instead of modifying the guitar's existing electronics, I decided to start from scratch and build a new system that would let me experiment with different sounds.

I started with a 1995 Squier Stratocaster, and removed its original electronics to start rebuilding the system from scratch. I also experimented with different components, adding 1MΩ potentiometers, a bridge with a wider range, a 0.015 µF capacitor, and a kill switch. These all contributed to the digital sound I was trying to achieve in this build.

The Concept

The Design

This project taught me how much goes into designing the electronics behind an electric guitar. Throughout the build, I taught myself how to solder, research electronic components, and design circuits. More importantly, I learned how small things can come together to make a big influence on the sound of an instrument.

Planet 9 was my first time designing an electronics system for a guitar, and it opened up many possibilities I hadn't considered before. I want to continue experimenting with different circuit designs, pickup configurations, and electronic systems in future projects, as well as continuing to explore these ideas and see what else I can create through instrument electronics.

What I Learned