AK HB-8ACEQ Acoustic - Unbalanced Output

Just in today is this AK acoustic belonging to a full-time busker. He's such a busy performer that the strings, which he only put on a week ago, are already tarnished. The main issue is unbalanced output on the D and A strings, probably due to uneven string pressure on the under-saddle piezo element (pickup). Sad to say, he's replaced both the piezo element and preamp, but to no avail. 

So, we'll be running a full diagnostic check, and eventually identify the root of the problem. There's also the issue of the noisy and crackly output jack, which is most probably worn out from prolonged use. Easy enough to replace if need be. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.  

 

Kapok Acoustic - September 27, 2026 Update

Here's an honest-to-goodness Kapok six-string acoustic that belongs to a local busker. Sad to say, it's normal place of residence is hanging from a hook on the wall, and it's had a great fall. As expected, both the top and back are suffering from numerous cracks and serious delamination. We'll be dealing with the back first. And, as always, it's Titebond Original Wood Glue (red label), cauls, and clamps to the rescue. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.

Delaminated and Cracked Back

Delaminated and Cracked Top

Titebond Original Wood Glue

Regluing the Back

Clamps Applied

Jaguar Replica - September 27, 2026 Update

Jaguar Replica - September 20, 2026 Update

To date, we have confirmed a fretboard radius of 9.5 inches. We've also reapplied lemon oil as the fretboard was still looking a tad dry. The TUSQ PQL-5000-AG nut has been installed temporarily to enable restringing, and it's jutting out a little on the High E side. First fret action is also a little higher than we'd like. After restringing with D'Addario NYXL1046s, under-string radius, as set by the previous repair shop, was measured at 9.5 inches. However, there's noticeable fret buzz on all strings towards the end of the fretboard, and a slight disparity with regard to intonation. We'll definitely need to run a full setup once the strings and neck have stabilized. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.

Fretboard Radius is 9.5"

Second Application of Lemon Oil

D'Addario NYXL1046 Strings

Checking Under-String Radius

TUSQ Nut Is a Little Too Wide

First Fret Action Is a Little Too High

Ibanez GSR200 - September 24, 2026 Update

Ibanez GSR200 in Rather Poor Shape

After dealing with frozen screws, nuts, and the like, we've finally disassembled this bass. On the electronics front, a full rewire is on the cards, with only the pickups retained. As for hardware, we'll be retaining whatever is reusable after servicing, and replacing what's not. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.

GSR200 Control Cavity

9V Battery Compartment

Disassembly in Progress

Empty Control Cavity - Note Shielding Paint

Empty 9V Battery Compartment

Control Cavity Electronics

Pot Nuts, Flat and Lock Washers

B500K Neck Volume Pot

B500K Bridge Volume Pot

A500K Master Tone Pot

Phat II EQ PCB and B20K Bass Boost Pot

Output Jack Solder Joints

Neck Joint Sans Hardware

Neck Screws and Ferrules

Strap Buttons, Washers and Screws

Truss Rod Adjustment Nut

Die-Cast Machine Heads

Fretboard and Frets

Neck Heel

Bridge Mounting Screws, Saddles Disassembled

Bridge Plate Is Stuck Fast to the Body

Bridge Ground - Broken Connection

Jaguar Replica - September 20, 2026 Update

Work done on this guitar as of September 20, 2026. This includes installing under-pickguard shielding and prepping the replacement TUSQ PQL-5000-AG nut. There's lots more to be done so stay tuned, folks. CA Guitar Repair. Taman Impian Ku, 25200 Kuantan.