ezbass

If it were me and I wanted to retain a dummy bridge and middle, I’d replace the neck pickup as planned and wire that directly to the volume and tone controls, taking the selector out of the circuit altogether. I’d even consider removing the selector altogether as it’s just something to catch your hand on/get in the way of the knobs. However, as above, I like the idea of a complete remodel, with just one pickup on the pickguard and two controls, making a feature of it. It’s the most expensive option, but it would make it yours.

You don’t know us yet. Seriously, folk here are more than willing to help if they can.

Save yourself a good few £s and go 2nd hand. A T type Yamaha with contours…

As much as there are neck profiles that are more comfortable over others, it’s often the body shape that can cause a guitar to be uncomfortable. Slab bodied, or at least uncontoured, instruments can dig into ribs or forearms. Also some designs can make the first fret position an uncomfortable stretch (Firebirds for instance). To this end, I’d look at a Strat shaped instrument, or at least something that has a forearm and rib contour. My normal recommendation for any instrument is a Yamaha and, given your budget and my suggested body shape, the Pacifica 212 would fit the bill nicely (cheaper versions are also available) https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/search/?Query=Yamaha+212

Have a browse through the theory and technique section, there are a few threads where various online resources have been discussed. https://www.guitarchat.co.uk/forum/25-theory-and-technique/

It sucks when you can’t play your best at any time, let alone when trying out new gear. However, I’d I read your post correctly, you bought an amp anyway; nice.

Definitely pink, or should I say PINK!

You’re as likely to damage the tube amp too, as there will be no speaker connected. Unless you have a line out from your tube head and a dummy load on the speaker output of that amp, the answer is, AFAIK, no. Get a tube driven, overdrive/distortion pedal, that should sort it.

One of us, one of us. Mwah, ha, ha!

With a small alteration to your statement above…

One of my favourite players is Eric Johnson, usually associated with the Strat. However, his most recognised track is probably Cliffs of Dover, which he plays on a Strat live, was recorded with a 335, still sounds like him. Conversely, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him with a Tele. Some folks bond with certain guitars, others find sound/bond with others. Horses for courses and all that, don’t beat yourself up.

There’s nothing wrong with that, as you are aware, there are many other guitars out there and one is right for you, turns out it’s a Tele.

It all points to a fault with the switch. Reverse the wiring and see if the fault moves to the other pickup. If it does, replace the switch.

Result!

It’s a Westbury, but I can’t tell you what model. EDIT: I found a Facebook owners club and a quick look through that reveals that this is a Series 200 (W206). Probably Japanese made at the Matsumoko factory. Link to the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/58952112896?locale=en_GB

Despite being associated with LPs and SGs at the time, Pete Townshend used a hollowbody Gretsch on Who’s Next. Eric Johnson, using a Strat pretty much exclusively in his career (although he’s also been using an SG recently) actually recorded Cliffs of Dover, probably his most iconic tune, on a 335. Still sounds like EJ.

It was inevitable, reread part two…

Be careful going for narrower spacing, as that may compromise the alignment with the bridge pickup. Why are you thinking of swapping out the original one?

I can’t remember what preamp I was using but it was a Marshall, although not the nice valve driven one you have there (maybe a Valvestate). I definitely had a Marshall 2x12 cab and a Digitech RP10 in front of it all.

The JMP1 was a rack staple back in the day. I had one, but can’t remember much about it.

That’s a fantastic birthday present! Just finished rereading that a couple of days ago, you’re in for a treat.