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Post by zontar on Dec 26, 2020 23:58:27 GMT
The thread by johnreardon inspired me to share the story of my modded Les Paul, and also of my Les Paul copy. While not as extensive or as invasive in terms of the mods, they were mods, and they made the guitar better. The guitar in question is a Les Paul Custom, and one of my dream guitars was a black Les Paul Custom. But price was a barrier and while prices tended to go up & down, depending on how much Les Pauls were used & loved--they never came down a lot. I found mine when a local store had what they called a Dutch Auction--where the longer you wait (if nobody else buys it first) the lower the price. (in thsi case Tuesday was 10% off, Wednesday 20%, etc until Saturday was 50%) A friend told me they had a Les Paul Custom so I checked it out on the Thursday when they were open later. The guitar was beat up, well used & most likely gigged--but the neck was good, no damage other than dings & stuff. It had been modded-so combining that it had been modded, condition, and Les Pauls relative lack of popularity at the time the price was real good--especially with 30% off. I considered buying it right then, and I'd have had enough to buy the parts I wanted to change/mod. I already had a pickup from a previous project that was abandoned. But I held off as the extra two days would make a big difference--and possibly pay for what I would still want to buy. I almost went on Friday, but held on for the extra 10%, figuring if it was still there it was meant to be On Saturday morning I slept in, and so I hurried to get dressed & get to the store. It was packed when I got there-and the guitars were in the back. Making my way as best I could to the guitar room I saw a group of guys staring at the fancy guitars on one wall, ignoring the Les Paul in the corner. I piked it up and strummed a chord. Several of them looked over at me, and some were visibly annoyed they hadn't picked it up. Any of them could have bought that Les Paul that day if they'd thought to pick it up--and a couple mentioned something like that. I found a salesman and said, "I'm buying this guitar"--it was meant to be that it was my guitar. He went to find the case & I looked for other things, especially anything that I would want for modding it. I wasn't able to get all the mods done right away due to various circumstances, but eventually it was done. i will share pics & what I did to it. And also the Les Paul Copy's story. |
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Post by zontar on Dec 27, 2020 0:38:56 GMT
The guitar is most likely a '73 based on the serial number being 71-73 & the original pot codes being 73-75.
As well as other features such as the volute, pancake body, and neck wood (Mahogany)
It could be a late 72 or an early 74, but if it's not a 73, it's most likely a late 72
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Post by zontar on Dec 27, 2020 0:41:14 GMT
So to carry on, the previous owner (or one of them) put in P-90 sized pickups in a guitar built for humbuckers--so they gouged some of the wood, but the P-90 copies didn't fit properly & moved, and so did not work without further modification. I had a pickup form a previous project I abandoned (Which I may detail later)---but basically a friend & I were going to build a new body for my EB-3 copy bass and use the SG shaped body to make an SG copy. I bought a neck some switches & a pickup. But I didn't go ahead with that--I even still have the neck.  The pickup was a Seymour Duncan Duncan Distortion. So I made my plan--I was going to replace the machine heads (Originally they were wafflebacks, but someone had replaced those with large Grovers with an odd ratio. So I wanted to replace those--eventually I used a set of Scahllers with small buttons. (At one time I bought a set with the regular sized buttons--but when I got home I found they were all for a 6 on a side set--but the box indicated a 3 a side. The store thought someone had wanted a set with large buttons for 6 a side on the other side & someone combined the two sets. And the set I got for 3 a side may have been something similar with someone combining two sets.) So to carry on, the previous owner (or one of them) put in P-90 sized pickups in a guitar built for humbuckers--so they gouged some of the wood, but the P-90 copies didn't fit properly & moved, and so did not work without further modification. I had a pickup form a previous project I abandoned (Which I may detail later)---but basically a friend & I were going to build a new body for my EB-3 copy bass and use the SG shaped body to make an SG copy. I bought a neck some switches & a pickup. But I didn't go ahead with that--I even still have the neck. The pickup was a Seymour Duncan Duncan Distortion. So I made my plan--I was going to replace the machine heads (Originally they were wafflebacks, but someone had replaced those with large Grovers with an odd ratio. So I wanted to replace those--eventually I used a set of Scahllers with small buttons. (At one time I bought a set with the regular sized buttons--but when I got home I found they were all for a 6 on a side set--but the box indicated a 3 a side. The store thought someone had wanted a set with large buttons for 6 a side on the other side & someone combined the two sets. And the set I got for 3 a side may have been something similar with someone combining two sets.) I also replaced the pickups (& traded the P-90 copies) with the Duncan above-and a Duncan Distortion Neck pickup--both are wired series/parallel (Series is normal hum, where the signal goes through one coil & then the other. Parallel has the signal through both at the same time--almost as if two single coils were next to each other & both turned on-but not quite) That was selected with push pull pots on the volume controls. I also replaced the pickup rings & knobs with black plastic. The guitar did not have a poker chip when I got it, so I got a black one as well. I replaced the input jackplate (Which was plastic & cracked & non-original with a black metal one. I prefer a metal one as it doesn't crack & holds the jack better lessening the chances of the wires coming disconnected and crackling in general. I replaced the bridge with its corroded saddles with a newer one of a similar sort (& a Gibson one) The tailpiece is a TP-6 with fine tuners. I had bought it earlier & used it on my Iceman--but decided to put it on my TP-6 instead & go back to the Quickchange tailpiece on the Iceman. |
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Post by zontar on Dec 27, 2020 1:42:36 GMT
Here's what they both look like now, and then some more info. I don't have a greta picture of the Les Paul before. I wasn't into taking pictures much then.  |
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Post by zontar on Dec 27, 2020 8:50:46 GMT
The things I didn't list as changed on the Les Paul are, at least to the best of my knowledge, original.
The Copy was my first electric.
After getting other electric guitars I used it less & less, to the point of barely even taking it out of the case.
I lent it out at times, and after a while I decided to make it my slide/open tuning guitar.
The machine heads had already been replaced, as they had plastic casings, snd some of them had broken.
The nut has been replaced (Cheap plastic that wore out, with a Tusq nut)
The poker chip had goen missing & so I have a new one, and the switch tip has also been replaced.
I got new pickup rings, and knobs, and left the pick guard off--going with a black plastic theme.
I also replaced teh jack plate with a black metal one as on the Les Paul.
The pickups I have described before-but can mention again.
I have a P-Rail in the neck, with a mini toggle to choose P-90, Rail, or humbucker.
The bridge pickup is a Seymour Duncan JB, I got it cheaper as it was a special order a store had that teh original customer backed out of buying--so I got a great deal on it.
It's wired to a min toggle for series/parallel & single coil.
i also have a black bridge & tailpiece I will be putting on eventually.
this is more a cosmetic change--to go with the colour scheme better (& I got a good price on the new ones)
the current bridge & tailpiece, along with the neck above & a few other odds & ends may one day be used for a homemade guitar.
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Post by zontar on Dec 27, 2020 9:12:24 GMT
In another thread I posted what the LP copy looked like when I first got it, and here is what it looked like for most of its existence before the mods.  |
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Post by johnreardon on Dec 27, 2020 9:42:34 GMT
Great jobs. The Custom looks a bit like my Catalina, except I have a double white at the bridge. The copy looks nice as well
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Post by zontar on Dec 27, 2020 10:00:50 GMT
Great jobs. The Custom looks a bit like my Catalina, except I have a double white at the bridge. The copy looks nice as well Thanks, I like them, and play both, and with the Copy I was barely even looking at it--so that surprised some people. With the variety of tones I get in a way these two guitars would cover most of what I play, but still nice to have other options as well. The pickups for the Custom were the only colours I could find. I wanted both black, but that's what they had--and they weren't bought at the same time. But I grew to like them. |
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Post by johnreardon on Dec 27, 2020 10:25:41 GMT
Great jobs. The Custom looks a bit like my Catalina, except I have a double white at the bridge. The copy looks nice as well Thanks, I like them, and play both, and with the Copy I was barely even looking at it--so that surprised some people. With the variety of tones I get in a way these two guitars would cover most of what I play, but still nice to have other options as well. The pickups for the Custom were the only colours I could find. I wanted both black, but that's what they had--and they weren't bought at the same time. But I grew to like them. I like the zebra look. Mine looks a bit lopsided
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Post by zontar on Dec 27, 2020 10:38:43 GMT
Thanks, I like them, and play both, and with the Copy I was barely even looking at it--so that surprised some people. With the variety of tones I get in a way these two guitars would cover most of what I play, but still nice to have other options as well. The pickups for the Custom were the only colours I could find. I wanted both black, but that's what they had--and they weren't bought at the same time. But I grew to like them. I like the zebra look. Mine looks a bit lopsided
Maybe, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. |
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Post by Die Bullen on Dec 27, 2020 23:55:22 GMT
Looks like nice work- I also like the grain pattern on the light one
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Post by zontar on Dec 28, 2020 1:33:17 GMT
Looks like nice work- I also like the grain pattern on the light one Well the black one doesn't have any grain... But thanks. It is a veneer, but it still looks cool. The work was actually mostly done by others. I don't have the steadiest of hands for soldering. The Custom was doen ata hoop that has long been out of business. The Copy by a local guy that used to work in a store but one off on his own. He also set up my 12 string & my EB 3 Copy bass. |
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Post by Die Bullen on Dec 28, 2020 15:04:58 GMT
Looks like nice work- I also like the grain pattern on the light one I don't have the steadiest of hands for soldering. Ah the joy of getting older... My hands are so so for steadiness. My short distance vision is the real problem when soldering... |
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Post by zontar on Dec 28, 2020 17:44:33 GMT
I don't have the steadiest of hands for soldering. Ah the joy of getting older... My hands are so so for steadiness. My short distance vision is the real problem when soldering... For me it is not about age I have always had shaky hands & they used to be worse Some wondered how I could play guitar They seem to be less shaky as time goes on Maybe in my 80s/90s i will be good at soldering |
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Post by Die Bullen on Dec 28, 2020 22:30:09 GMT
Ah the joy of getting older... My hands are so so for steadiness. My short distance vision is the real problem when soldering... For me it is not about age I have always had shaky hands & they used to be worse Some wondered how I could play guitar They seem to be less shaky as time goes on Maybe in my 80s/90s i will be good at soldering Hey at least it is getting better |
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Post by zontar on Jan 17, 2022 5:23:01 GMT
SO I just came across this one.
I did a thread on them in this set action of the forum in December 2020
and then each guitar got a thread in the Mod section in August 2021
the things we sometimes forget.
So I'm just having fun looking back over my old posts & pictures.
But some extra stuff in this thread (like buy-ing the Les Paul Custom) and some extra stuff there.
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Post by edwardbloom on Jan 28, 2022 4:58:27 GMT
Ah the joy of getting older... My hands are so so for steadiness. My short distance vision is the real problem when soldering... Maybe in my 80s/90s i will be good at soldering don't feel alone. i took the greenboard out of my LP when i changed the pick ups. because of my soldering job, it doesn't actually work. i'll correct it at some point, but yeah, i totally know what you mean on the soldering thing. |
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Post by markr on Feb 4, 2022 1:59:21 GMT
I don't have the steadiest of hands for soldering. Ah the joy of getting older... My hands are so so for steadiness. My short distance vision is the real problem when soldering... This is my problem as well, I modified a LP similar to these recently with two mini toggles splitting P-Rails. I also have arthritis in my hand, especially my thumb joint. I ain't done yet! |
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Post by markr on Feb 4, 2022 2:00:59 GMT
I don't have the steadiest of hands for soldering. Ah the joy of getting older... My hands are so so for steadiness. My short distance vision is the real problem when soldering... This is my problem as well, I modified a LP similar to these recently with two mini toggles splitting P-Rails. I also have arthritis in my hand, especially my thumb joint. I ain't done yet! |
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Post by zontar on Feb 5, 2022 17:45:35 GMT
Ah the joy of getting older... My hands are so so for steadiness. My short distance vision is the real problem when soldering... This is my problem as well, I modified a LP similar to these recently with two mini toggles splitting P-Rails. I also have arthritis in my hand, especially my thumb joint. I ain't done yet! Well if my hands get shakier and I if I also had arthritis--that would impact a lot of things guitar wise. I think I need to play my LP & my copy today. |
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Post by markr on Mar 9, 2022 22:48:41 GMT
Playing guitar is good for my arthritis, keeps them from seizing up. The shaky hands creates a hell of a vibrato!
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Post by zontar on Mar 10, 2022 7:23:16 GMT
Playing guitar is good for my arthritis, keeps them from seizing up. The shaky hands creates a hell of a vibrato! I'm sure it affects my vibrato as well Hopefully for the better. but that may be when I have the steadiest hands--is playing guitar--but I can still shake for vibrato |
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sunshine
Burnt Rock Star
Posts: 76
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Post by sunshine on Mar 31, 2022 20:10:11 GMT
I have modified one Les Paul. That's only, because I wanted a black Les Paul with Bigsby, because John Fogerty has one in this video: There wasn't any guitar in the market and I didn't want to drill in my guitar... so I bought a Vibramate. This guitar has been my "workhorse" over ten years.  |
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Post by zontar on Apr 2, 2022 23:01:33 GMT
I have modified one Les Paul. That's only, because I wanted a black Les Paul with Bigsby, because John Fogerty has one in this video: There wasn't any guitar in the market and I didn't want to drill in my guitar... so I bought a Vibramate. This guitar has been my "workhorse" over ten years. Cool stuff. Enjoy! If I did something like that I would be tempted to try a copy of Neil Young's Old Black. But I really don't get along well with Bigsbys.... |
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Post by Bill h on Apr 24, 2022 20:13:59 GMT
I have modified one Les Paul. That's only, because I wanted a black Les Paul with Bigsby, because John Fogerty has one in this video: There wasn't any guitar in the market and I didn't want to drill in my guitar... so I bought a Vibramate. This guitar has been my "workhorse" over ten years. I put bigsby on my 70’s tribute, I did the same thing, vibramate adaptor, didn’t want to drill holes either. I haven’t played it that much but at least I have it if needed. |
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Post by markr on May 4, 2022 1:04:17 GMT
I noticed I hadn’t shown it off here! Attachments:
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Post by edwardbloom on May 4, 2022 14:35:19 GMT
I noticed I hadn’t shown it off here! it's a good looking instrument, but why no details/specs? what did you do to it? how did it start out? what inspired the mods you made? inquiring minds want to know! hahaha |
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Post by markr on May 8, 2022 11:38:37 GMT
I noticed I hadn’t shown it off here! it's a good looking instrument, but why no details/specs? what did you do to it? how did it start out? what inspired the mods you made? inquiring minds want to know! hahaha Well since you asked, the body is the first guitar I bought in 78. It is a MIJ bolt on LP copy, I had a drunken drummer kick it over and bust the headstock. I traded it for a Tokai LP in the early 90’s to the bass player in a band I was in that fixed the headstock and sold it to a drummer friend of mine when I lived in Prince George. Somewhere along the line the headstock got broke off again. I have kept in touch with the drummer and on a visit out to see me in SK he gave it back to me as he knew I had a special bond with the guitar a couple years ago. I put a MIC neck on it and totally set up the action, fret board and intonation. I found some used Prails and installed them with mini toggles to split each pickup into single, P90ish and humbucker. It has been brought back to life and I am digging it more than ever. |
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Post by edwardbloom on May 9, 2022 0:18:43 GMT
it's a good looking instrument, but why no details/specs? what did you do to it? how did it start out? what inspired the mods you made? inquiring minds want to know! hahaha Well since you asked, the body is the first guitar I bought in 78. It is a MIJ bolt on LP copy, I had a drunken drummer kick it over and bust the headstock. I traded it for a Tokai LP in the early 90’s to the bass player in a band I was in that fixed the headstock and sold it to a drummer friend of mine when I lived in Prince George. Somewhere along the line the headstock got broke off again. I have kept in touch with the drummer and on a visit out to see me in SK he gave it back to me as he knew I had a special bond with the guitar a couple years ago. I put a MIC neck on it and totally set up the action, fret board and intonation. I found some used Prails and installed them with mini toggles to split each pickup into single, P90ish and humbucker. It has been brought back to life and I am digging it more than ever. an awesome tail of electric redemption! |
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