So is this rare / valuable enough that I should not do a minor mod to install a switch to route both outputs to the jack tip for mono output? Seems simple enough and reversible, other than leaving a small hole in the side of the pickup housing. I already opened it up and checked inside - plenty of empty room to do what I want. It would just be so much nicer to be able to route the whole signal through the GK-2A "normal guitar" input so that I can control it and use the effects portion of the GR-55 on it. (Right now, I only get the bass side signal there, which has uses certainly, but I'd like it to be switchable for both in mono.)

Would that ruin any "vintage" resale value? (Not that I'm planning on selling, I hope to have this until I die.)

One workaround is to have a mono cable with an stereo jack on one side in which you wire Tip and Ring together. That way you get the stereo output of the stick to a mono cable and plug it into a single channel amp, or to the GK-2A pickup input. This is what I do and it works great. The idea of installing a mono switch is also simple and valid, but the other is simpler and maybe even cheaper (we're taking about cents or a couple of bucks).


If you really want to keep it forever, then the resale value should not be an issue at all. If it were, a simple mod like you're describing should not be a problem for most people, as this small mod is an additional option and does not stop you from using and playing the stick as it was designed. And if it were, I guess the next person can always order a new pickup from SE and replaced the old one. Maybe a collector or someone who wants a vintage stick 100% original would see this as a negative thing.

Bottom line, try the cable first and if you feel that it's too much hassle or not comfortable or not quick enough, I'd say go for the switch.
Hope this helps!

That came out pretty nice, besides pickups can always be swapped out if it was desired to go back to a stock arrangement.
I'm glad you posted the picture, as I was curious as to how this was going to look/come out...

I know this topic has been discussed here over the years, and on the old Stickwire email list. But, I can't find those references to point you towards.

Basically: in 1974 it started with Stick #101 and went to the upper 2000s by 1990-91. Emmett started over with #001 in the early 90s with the creation of the Stick's new truss rod (and adjustable bridge?).

Therefore, there are two Sticks with the numbers #101-2000something. My 10-string Maple laminate Stick is #1283, built in 1996 (with truss, adjustable bridge, fret rods, etc). But there is a #1283 Ironwood from 1984 out there somewhere.

Sticks are now in the #6000s. And there are no #3000s Sticks...I forget the reason why. Something about catching up the serial number to the amount of Stick in existence, I think.

And I don't know how NS Sticks fit into this, if they have their own numbering system.

And...I think Railboads simply have an "R" with it's number.

Hope this helps...