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The Musician Forums => Guitar Central => Topic started by: nalu on June 02, 2010, 10:09:06 PM
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I created this thread to document the mods that I will be doing on my Epiphone LP.
The goal here is DEFINITELY not to make mine sound like a 1959 Gibson LP.
Neither is it for justifying extensive mods on an Epi to make it sound like a Gibson.
So let's do away with arguments going that direction and just have fun sharing experiences on moding our guitars.
Your suggestions, recommendations, and comments are very much welcome.
So here she is... she's a Standard Plus Top VS that I got from Ishibashi through Hordex.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Epiphone%20Les%20Paul%20Standard%20Stock%20042410/IMG_7541.jpg)
And here are all the guitar parts and kits that will eventually find their way into her guts (except for the monster cables of course)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/guitar%20kits%20042410/IMG_7608.jpg)
Here's a list of the parts:
RS Vintage Upgrade Kit with Luxe Bumble Bee Repros
RS Modern Upgrade Kit (back-up just in case I burn some pots and maybe try out the tonal difference between the Luxe repros and RS GuitarCaps)
RS Top Hat Gold Knobs
Switchcraft 3-way Toggle Switch
Switchcraft input jack
2 pcs Vintage Single Braided Wire (4 ft each)
Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers (Set)
Gotoh Tune-o-matic GE103BT bridge (Nickel)
Gotoh GE101A-N Aluminum tailpiece (Nickel)
Stewmac Shaped 1-45/64" x 21/64" x 3/16", 12" radius bone nut
So the plan is to get all her cheap china guts out (wiring, pots, caps, toggle switch, pickups) and replace with supposedly better ones.
Most of the hardware on the body will be replaced as well.
I actually have no idea if all the parts I got will fit but I tried to get metric ones (as much as possible) to guarantee that they'd fit. I guess will see.
The neck is sticky because of the think Poly finish. So I definitely need to do something about that... research mode...
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Bookmarked! :-)
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awsome idea. although i think it would be helpful if you could list those parts/stuff/mods you are planning to do to your epi lp
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Suggestion:
before and after na video demo.. :-)
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awsome idea. although i think it would be helpful if you could list those parts/stuff/mods you are planning to do to your epi lp
noted. i'll modify the first post.
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Suggestion:
before and after na video demo.. :-)
we'll see what I can do with this
but definitely a good suggestion
i'm not a good guitar player, trust me i suck, so I may be hesitant posting it here :-D
buy i maybe able to send you a copy though... will get to that.
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we'll see what I can do with this
but definitely a good suggestion
i'm not a good guitar player, trust me i suck, so I may be hesitant posting it here :-D
buy i maybe able to send you a copy though... will get to that.
no need to worry about skills.. maganda lang tingan bro yung difference sa sound.. i'm sure may mag-iiba jan.. pero masaya tingnan kung naging mas maganda or drastic talaga yung effect nung mods..
:-)
looking forward to that bro.. cheers! :wink:
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nice.
sana may price list, i have an epi standard too. :-)
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this is interesting.. will wait for those videos :-)
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So the very first mod, which I believe has the highest impact given the condition of my guitar when I first got it, is the nut.
Mine came stock with a plastic one and it's causing terrible tuning stability problems.
The setup was also terrible... fret buzz, high action, incorrect intonation, etc.
So I decided to have the nut replaced with bone and have Jon of Elegee do the seutp as well.
For reference, here are some pictures before the bone nut replacement and setup.
Here's a close up on the plastic nut:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Before%20Setup%20042910/IMG_7615.jpg)
Here's a sideview showing how high the strings are from the fretboard:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Before%20Setup%20042910/IMG_7618.jpg)
Another shot closer to the body:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Before%20Setup%20042910/IMG_7620.jpg)
Will post the after setup pictures soon...
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Before taking it to Elegee I checked all frets across the fretboard with this
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Post%20Setup%20050310/IMG_8133.jpg)
It's a 4-in-1 Fret Rocker from Stewmac and the idea here is to take 3 frets at a time and see if you're guitar need some fret leveling like this
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Post%20Setup%20050310/IMG_8137.jpg)
If the frets are even the Fret Rocker will sit still on top of the frets.
Unfortunately, my LP has some notorious frets and definitely needs fret leveling.
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interesting......gusto ko marinig yung comparison nung bumblebee cap dun sa stock plan ko mag kabit ng isang ganun sa project guitar ko
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subscribed! :wink:
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Ok, so I went to Elegee and finally met the man himself. All I can say is that Jon really knows his stuff. A top class luthier and a down to earth guy... hands down.
So here's what Jon did to my LP:
Bone nut replacement
Fret Leveling, crowning, and polishing
Truss Rod Adjustment
Intonation
Action
While he (and his assistant) was doing all these I discovered that he is also a surfer so we got to chat about our surfing experiences. He also gave me a lot of tips, some guitar setup 101 along the way, and a refreshing watermelon juice (da best!)
Anyway, back on track... This is the nut that I ordered from Stewmac:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/guitar%20kits%20042410/IMG_7604.jpg)
It's a Shaped bone nut with the following dimensions:
1-45/64" x 21/64" x 3/16", 12" radius.
Unfortunately it is smaller than you're Epiphone stock plastic nut. Here's the link so that Epiphone users can stay away from it:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Nuts,_saddles/String_nuts/White_Bone_Nuts.html
It's Item #6012. Jon's assistant ended up shaping a cow's leg bone for my LP's nut.
Here's the close up after the bone nut replacement
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Post%20Setup%20050310/IMG_8116.jpg)
Here are the close-up pictures after the setup
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Post%20Setup%20050310/IMG_8119.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Post%20Setup%20050310/IMG_8121.jpg)
I was hoping that the tuning would become more stable after the bone nut replacement but it didn't. I might end up trying the Big Bends Nut Sauce and see if it helps. We'll see... Other than that I'm really happy with my LP's setup now. Playing conditions are far better than the stock.
Up next, wiring and electronics.
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^^^
There's a graphtech nut that fits Epiphone guitars.. that should be a direct replacement for your guitar sir.. hopefully it can also stable up your tuning provided that your bridge, tailpiece, and tuners are all in good condition.. :-)
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Before%20Setup%20042910/IMG_7620.jpg)
that's one dirty binding,
btw @Nalu
have you thought of applying graphite on the nut string slots? graphite pencil will do
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im in! looks nice!
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that's one dirty binding,
btw @Nalu
have you thought of applying graphite on the nut string slots? graphite pencil will do
you're right. the binding work on the guitar where the neck connects to the body is pretty ugly.
@ bryanarzaga: come to think of it, i haven't thought of using graphite yet. do i have to mix it with vaseline or just use it as it is?
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^^^
There's a graphtech nut that fits Epiphone guitars.. that should be a direct replacement for your guitar sir.. hopefully it can also stable up your tuning provided that your bridge, tailpiece, and tuners are all in good condition.. :-)
that's right, actually I already ordered a tusq XL from bossingBoss a week ago. it should be a direct fit but I think i'll try out the graphite pencil as soon as i get it all done.
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you're right. the binding work on the guitar where the neck connects to the body is pretty ugly.
@ bryanarzaga: come to think of it, i haven't thought of using graphite yet. do i have to mix it with vaseline or just use it as it is?
you can apply it w/o vaseline, i havent used vaseline for guitar nut's..
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you can apply it w/o vaseline, i havent used vaseline for guitar nut's..
noted. thanks!
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like. . .
starting to think of getting an epiphone korea/japan again then upgrade. . .hehehe
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So for today, I laid her down in the couch and stripped everything from her body. :-o
Hopefully nobody imagines something else from that.
Here are the metal and plastic hardware taken off:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8166.jpg)
There are a lot of screws that came out so remember to secure them and not loose even a single one.
We also take off her guts out starting from the pickups since they will be flying around without the pickup rings holding them in place.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8165.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8189.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8188.jpg)
Notice the RoHS Compliant sticker? That means that all the materials used on those pickups were made from non-hazardous stuff. Which implies a change in composition or a direct replacement on the material being used. Which makes me wonder if being RoHS Compliant has an effect on the tone.... Anyway, back to our topic.
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For reference, here's what the control cavity of an epiphone les paul MIC looks like with all the stock parts.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8182.jpg)
Doesn't it look ugly?
By the way, I'm not sure what's the point of using a 4-pin tamiya connector in their wiring since you still have to desolder some wires before you can completely take off any of the electronic parts.
The toggle switch is taken off as well...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8183.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8191.jpg)
And then the input jack...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8204.jpg)
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For reference, here's what the control cavity of an epiphone les paul MIC looks like with all the stock parts.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8182.jpg)
is that electrical tape i see? :roll:
anyway, what are the stock pots for MIC epi lp's?
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is that electrical tape i see? :roll:
anyway, what are the stock pots for MIC epi lp's?
actually, those are heat-shrink tubes that's supposed to bundle the wires or insulate the solder joints.
i will be posting the pictures and details of the pots in a little while.
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Next one to dismantle is the control cavity. The very first wire that I desoldered is the ground tap connected to one of the tailpiece anchor.
This ground tap is the black wire, which I secured with a masking tape, as shown in the picture below:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8194.jpg)
At this point you can just take off the nut from the potentiometers and you can lift the whole thing off without desoldering anything... saves you a lot of time.
By the way, just to make sure you don't scratch the finish on the top, you might want to put tape around the pots like this:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8195.jpg)
It protects the finish from accidental slips while using whatever tool in removing the nut.
Here's a picture of the pots with some of the wiring still on:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8205.jpg)
I tried to "decode" the spaghetti loops and it looks like the guitar came stock with MODERN WIRING. That may be the main reason why it had a really bright tone with the volume knob maxed.
The volume pots are unbranded B500K pots which means that it has a linear taper... no wonder the volume knob was practically useless. It's like an on and off switch which doesn't give you a usable taper.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8212.jpg)
The tone pot on the other hand is an Alpha A500K pot which means it has an audio taper.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8211.jpg)
The brown thing on the next picture that looks like a chiclet is actually the capacitor. It's a 0.022uF (I think it's Mylar) with +/-5% Tolerance.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8207.jpg)
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8182.jpg)
i also don't know why there's a wiring harness over there. I thought its like those non-solder emg's, makes you switch pickups in a snap but its not. Pickups are still soldered to the pots.
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i also don't know why there's a wiring harness over there. I thought its like those non-solder emg's, makes you switch pickups in a snap but its not. Pickups are still soldered to the pots.
Rmansh, does your epi lp have that 4-pin DC connector too?
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Rmansh, does your epi lp have that 4-pin DC connector too?
yes, all of them have. Wirings, pots, switches are the same with yours. Although, your pickups looks dirtier :-P joke
by the way, you dont need to put tape on it, just wrap a handkerchief under the knobs and gently pull it upwards :wink:
edit:
Only on LP's. SG's dont have wiring harness
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yes, all of them have. Wirings, pots, switches are the same with yours. Although, your pickups looks dirtier :-P joke
by the way, you dont need to put tape on it, just wrap a handkerchief under the knobs and gently pull it upwards :wink:
edit:
Only on LP's. SG's dont have wiring harness
i use that as well..
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bookmarked! 8-)
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yes, all of them have. Wirings, pots, switches are the same with yours. Although, your pickups looks dirtier :-P joke
by the way, you dont need to put tape on it, just wrap a handkerchief under the knobs and gently pull it upwards :wink:
edit:
Only on LP's. SG's dont have wiring harness
LOL. I see... this is my first time to fiddle with an epiphone LP. I'm more used to the insides of an Ibby.
I actually used the bottom part of my shirt in removing the knobs.
The tape was for protecting the top finish from my long nose pliers and my shakey hand while I take of the nut. :-D
If i had a hex wrench I probably would not use any tape.
Learned it from my RG experience... never did take second chances after that.
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:-o cool thread..:)
keep them coming ..:)
marami akong natutunan hehe :-D
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Ok folks, sorry for the long wait...
Right now, all of the hardware, pickups, and electronics were taken off. I didn't have to change the tuners though since it already came stock with Grover's.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Epiphone%20Les%20Paul%20Standard%20Stock%20042410/IMG_7574.jpg)
Here are more pictures of her stripped off of everything.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8197.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8203.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8202.jpg)
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Now it's time try this baby on for size:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/guitar%20kits%20042410/IMG_7609.jpg)
It's a RS Vintage Upgrade kit with Luxe Bumblebee Caps.
These are all the stuff included in the kit:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8219.jpg)
It comes with a nice glossy paper containing control cavity pictures of a 1959 Gibson Les Paul and a wiring diagram. It also has some history on the bumble bee caps. Notice that the caps are wrapped in paper.... wax paper to be exact.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8222.jpg)
There are two kinds of pots in the kit - 500KOhm RS Superpot and 500KOhm CTS Audio Pot. The RS Superpots are for the volume knobs and the CTS Audio Pots are for the tone knobs. Here's a photo with the pots side by side:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0824.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0826.jpg)
The one on the rigth is the RS Superpot and the one on the left is the CTS Audio pot. They both have the same dimensions and the same brass bushing. However, the RS Superpot is neither a Linear nor an Audio pot. It has a custom taper that was developed by Roy of RS Guitarworks... they sent the values (the actual resistance curve) over to CTS to have them design it. Bottomline, their goal was to have a smooth and usable taper from 0 to 10. Notice the different markings between the two pots - "RSG1" vs "CTS500".
If we put the stock cheapo pots beside the RS Superpot, you'll easily notice that their bushings are of different sizes.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8218.jpg)
I expected this since an Epi LP was made in china (metric standards) and the CTS/RS pots were made in the US (English standards). They differ to an extent that would not make the CTS/RS pots a direct fit for the holes in the control cavity. If you force them, you'll most likely damage or chip some wood off the guitar. But trust me, there's a very affordable and convenient way to handle that...
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I expected this since an Epi LP was made in china (metric standards) and the CTS/RS pots were made in the US (English standards). They differ to an extent that would not make the CTS/RS pots a direct fit for the holes in the control cavity. If you force them, you'll most likely damage or chip some wood off the guitar. But trust me, there's a very affordable and convenient way to handle that...
Now this thread is getting super interesting for me.. i'm curious how you'll go about fixing and doing this..
i'm also eyeing some RS kits for my guitar.. and for sure i'll have the same thing, smaller hole for the stock pots but bigger diameter for the RS and CTS pots..
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Very cool thread, i admire the step by step detailed pics. \m/
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Very cool thread, i admire the step by step detailed pics. \m/
ditto! just keep 'em coming sir!
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well documented !! nice !!
keep em coming.
one thing i noticed though, is that the string on the nut was buried deep in notches. maybe thats why you still have intonation problems. are your replacement nut from stewmac has slots? cant see it from the pic
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Now this thread is getting super interesting for me.. i'm curious how you'll go about fixing and doing this..
i'm also eyeing some RS kits for my guitar.. and for sure i'll have the same thing, smaller hole for the stock pots but bigger diameter for the RS and CTS pots..
roll a bit of (fine) sandpaper, into a small tube (or tape/wrap around a pencil) and sand the insides of the hole...more control over using a drill.
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i like this thread! nakakaatat tuloy ang mga susunod na kabanata! :)
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nice thread! i'm watching.. :-)
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roll a bit of (fine) sandpaper, into a small tube (or tape/wrap around a pencil) and sand the insides of the hole...more control over using a drill.
ahh.. right.. that's what i had in mind.. i was wondering if the TS will do that or get a bigger drill bit and bore it bigger.. :-)
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Now this thread is getting super interesting for me.. i'm curious how you'll go about fixing and doing this..
i'm also eyeing some RS kits for my guitar.. and for sure i'll have the same thing, smaller hole for the stock pots but bigger diameter for the RS and CTS pots..
Very cool thread, i admire the step by step detailed pics. \m/
ditto! just keep 'em coming sir!
i like this thread! nakakaatat tuloy ang mga susunod na kabanata! :)
nice thread! i'm watching.. :-)
Thanks guys! I'm glad you like it.
If there are any suggestions, recommendations, or experiences you want to share... please don't hesitate to chime in.
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well documented !! nice !!
keep em coming.
one thing i noticed though, is that the string on the nut was buried deep in notches. maybe thats why you still have intonation problems. are your replacement nut from stewmac has slots? cant see it from the pic
the nut that i bought from stewmac is unfortunately not a direct fit for epiphones. you can read the full details regarding this on Reply # 13 of Page 1.
but I think you're right, the notches maybe too deep and sharp at the bottom providing too much traction between the nut and the string.
a little bit of sanding may do the trick... we'll see.
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Patingin!
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roll a bit of (fine) sandpaper, into a small tube (or tape/wrap around a pencil) and sand the insides of the hole...more control over using a drill.
And... WE HAVE A WINNER! You're right bro.
There were actually 3 things that I had in mind the moment I discovered that the pots won't fit.
First option - Bring it over to a luthier with the right tools/equipment and let them deal with it. But then that would kill the thrill of DIY.
Secon option - Buy a cheap drill and a 3/8"(9.52mm) drill bit and pray that you don't mess up the fine looking top. I love to DIY but I'm not that crazy yet. :-D
Third option - Roll up a small piece of sandpaper and ream the mounting hole. May take a long while and requires a uniform reaming motion.
Obviously, I went with the third option. Lesser cost and yet the most effective way.
With that, i'll be posting the pictures and some details in the next post.
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Alright, moving on with the mounting hole issue...
The mounting hole diameter on a stock LP has an M8 spec - 5/16" (7.94mm) and the RS/CTS pots have 3/8" (9.52mm) bushings. Meaning we have to open up the mounting hole diameter by 1/16"... that's 1/32" around the hole.
I rolled up a piece of USED 600 grit sandpaper and started sanding the mounting hole.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8227.jpg)
I prefer USED sandpaper for this kind of job since you want a smooth and uniform motion that would not abruptly sand down your wood. You don't want your pot wiggling inside the mounting hole because you ended up having a non circular hole. The key here is not to move the sandpaper in and out of the hole but do a REAMING motion instead. This would ensure that you're uniformly sanding off wood from the mounting hole. Also, you want to try and fit the pot once in a while to check how far along it is from a snug and tight fit. It will be a somewhat slow process but it's safer and more affordable than using a drill bit.
There you go....
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8228.jpg)
After the first one, you'll have a good estimate on how many rotations you have to do to get a good fit and the rest would be fairly easy.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8230.jpg)
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cool tip nalu
if im gonna do this, i'll draw a cardboard template first, then put all the 4 pots and solder them capacitors, wires etc. then put them all together and just solder the connections. its easier that way. But i bet you knew this already. :lol:
continue continue :mrgreen:
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Ok folks, sorry for the long wait...
Right now, all of the hardware, pickups, and electronics were taken off. I didn't have to change the tuners though since it already came stock with Grover's.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Epiphone%20Les%20Paul%20Standard%20Stock%20042410/IMG_7574.jpg)
bro suggest ko lang make it a classic and switch it with something like this (chrome):
(http://www.stewmac.com/catalog/images_1lg/3754_1lg.jpg)
btw, im enjoying this thread! :D
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cool tip nalu
if im gonna do this, i'll draw a cardboard template first, then put all the 4 pots and solder them capacitors, wires etc. then put them all together and just solder the connections. its easier that way. But i bet you knew this already. :lol:
continue continue :mrgreen:
Right on the spot there Rmansh... thanks!
That's actually what i'm planning to do... the control cavity is a relatively small working area when you start bringing in both hands to work... cheers.
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Ok folks, sorry for the long wait...
Right now, all of the hardware, pickups, and electronics were taken off. I didn't have to change the tuners though since it already came stock with Grover's.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Epiphone%20Les%20Paul%20Standard%20Stock%20042410/IMG_7574.jpg)
bro suggest ko lang make it a classic and switch it with something like this (chrome):
(http://www.stewmac.com/catalog/images_1lg/3754_1lg.jpg)
btw, im enjoying this thread! :D
Nice suggestion bro!
I will consider that (slowly peaking into my wallet now) LOL
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Okay This is my Black Beauty LP. When a set of EMG-HZ pickups became available, I snapped this up and installed it.
(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5152/dsc1265z.jpg)
Then I made and installed a high-impedance unity gain preamplifier which greatly de-loads the pickups and makes the guitar sound "breathe".
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8341/dsc1266j.jpg)
I forgot to take a photo, but in the switch cavity is a crystalcore scalarizer, which transformed the tone. Now my LP sounds like a fat strat. Best of both worlds. LP playability, sweet strat tone.
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Nice suggestion bro!
I will consider that (slowly peaking into my wallet now) LOL
@nalu i would also consider locking grover tuners that have the same type of profile your exisiting tuner has, hey if you love that guitar you'll spend on it regardless :)
(http://images.gibson.com/Files/fd127351-2a17-4f47-b438-0eca73c9b7ba.jpg)
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Okay This is my Black Beauty LP. When a set of EMG-HZ pickups became available, I snapped this up and installed it.
(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5152/dsc1265z.jpg)
Then I made and installed a high-impedance unity gain preamplifier which greatly de-loads the pickups and makes the guitar sound "breathe".
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8341/dsc1266j.jpg)
I forgot to take a photo, but in the switch cavity is a crystalcore scalarizer, which transformed the tone. Now my LP sounds like a fat strat. Best of both worlds. LP playability, sweet strat tone.
wow! that's one heavily modded electronics right there. \m/
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@nalu i would also consider locking grover tuners that have the same type of profile your exisiting tuner has, hey if you love that guitar you'll spend on it regardless :)
(http://images.gibson.com/Files/fd127351-2a17-4f47-b438-0eca73c9b7ba.jpg)
I wasn't aware that Kluson had locking tuners with metal keystone knobs.... cool.
But I think i'd go with the regular keystone knobs if ever I do upgrade the tuners.
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I wasn't aware that Kluson had locking tuners with metal keystone knobs.... cool.
But I think i'd go with the regular keystone knobs if ever I do upgrade the tuners.
these arent klusons(2 screw), these are grovers..
Tuners Locking Grover Keystone
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/2008-Les-Paul-Standard/Specs.aspx
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these arent klusons(2 screw), these are grovers..
Tuners Locking Grover Keystone
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/2008-Les-Paul-Standard/Specs.aspx
Oh yeah, you're right.
Never seen those before, but if it has the same profile as the stock Grovers then that would mean you don't have to drill holes for the Kluson's with 2 screws. And yet you get the benefits of locking tuners and keystone looks. Excellent recommendation there bryan... thanks! I wonder what's the price tag on these though I can't seem to find a site to order from. :-D
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Alright, finally got the chance to resurface, grab some food, and post some progress here :-D
I'm finally going to assemble the RS Vintage Kit with Luxe Bumblebees and I'm going for the 50's style wiring which is shown below:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/wiring50s.jpg)
Good thing about the Luxe Bumblebees is that it's got this glossy sheet of paper with a complete guide and diagrams on the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring and electronics. Here's a snapshot of that sheet of paper:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8283.jpg)
So hopefully I end up with something that looks like this
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/1959%20Gibson%20Les%20Paul/60_lp-burst_7.jpg)
Before we move on to the actual soldering, let me introduce the tools of the trade.
I have this soldering stand which comes with a cavity were you can put the sponge on. Really useful when you don't want to burn stuff when you accidentally place your soldering iron somewhere else. Of course, the main tool, we have a 40W Hakko Red soldering iron.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8187.jpg)
40W I think has the most versatility specially for audio parts where you have to do some small solder joints and yet it gives you the needed power to quickly heat up surfaces like those of a pot.
I also use soldering paste.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8186.jpg)
I don't really apply it on any of the parts. Instead I regularly dip the soldering iron into it to help clean up any oxide build up for a more efficient soldering.
For the solder, I use a 60/40 rosin core. It has a flux in the center which is really inert at room temperature, but at highly elevated temperatures it helps clean the surfaces to be soldered, prevents oxidation, and its also an excellent wetting agent.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8185.jpg)
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Oh yeah, you're right.
Never seen those before, but if it has the same profile as the stock Grovers then that would mean you don't have to drill holes for the Kluson's with 2 screws. And yet you get the benefits of locking tuners and keystone looks. Excellent recommendation there bryan... thanks! I wonder what's the price tag on these though I can't seem to find a site to order from. :-D
there's speculation that gibsons buy the normal looking grover locking tuners and replaces the pegheads from allparts or what not..it maybe costly but thats up to you nalu
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there's speculation that gibsons buy the normal looking grover locking tuners and replaces the pegheads from allparts or what not..it maybe costly but thats up to you nalu
i see...
Looks like i need to do a bit more researching for the tuners but I think any keystone option that would have the same screw holes as the stock Grovers should be the right direction.
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Moving on...
I created a template where I can temporarily put all 4 pots on, and work from there. What I did was to get a cardboard, shape it using the cavity cover, put it against the mounting holes from the guitar, trace the holes then cut them out. I ended up having this:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8215.jpg)
Now I mounted all 4 pots into the template and start putting some solder over them.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8239.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8242.jpg)
It's like preparing all the pots for the ground connections. It is the best time to do this since there are no other components that will prevent you from tilting your soldering iron and heat up a bigger area in the pot.
So now we have all four pots with solder for the ground connections.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8241.jpg)
Next I soldered the vintage clothed wires for connections and then the bumblebees. This is the final product:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8251.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8252.jpg)
Honestly, I'm not very happy with what it looks like right now. I feel like I need to go the extra mile and scavenge for a bare solid wire for the ground connections (I know... it's just me being me :-D).
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wow, good job so far. YOU ROCK!
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Naks. Looks good !
Great idea using soldering paste specially with the pot casings. Its quite difficult to create a solder blob on these things without a little extra...mmm...help.
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really nice thread 8-)
Well documented, with pictures step by step.
Parang naging Tutorial na din sa mga iba pang magmomodify na similar ng sayo :-)
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really nice thread 8-)
Well documented, with pictures step by step.
Parang naging Tutorial na din sa mga iba pang magmomodify na similar ng sayo :-)
not only that, others get the chance to give/share their personal tips as well.
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wow, good job so far. YOU ROCK!
Naks. Looks good !
Great idea using soldering paste specially with the pot casings. Its quite difficult to create a solder blob on these things without a little extra...mmm...help.
really nice thread 8-)
Well documented, with pictures step by step.
Parang naging Tutorial na din sa mga iba pang magmomodify na similar ng sayo :-)
not only that, others get the chance to give/share their personal tips as well.
Thanks for all your kind words... I'm pretty stoked that you all dig it.
Alright, here's some progress on the wiring...
I was able to look for a solid wire hanging around my dungeon. It just felt like the Vintage Clothed Wire is not giving it enough justice. So here it is with the bare solid wires for the ground.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8253.jpg)
After that, I did check all connections and inspect for any cold solder. At this point, it's also good to check if you didn't TOAST any of the pots. All pots should still read approximately 500K.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8257.jpg)
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^ nice
so if the pots are below 500, they're toasted? will a toasted pot function properly? i mean can you hear the difference?
you got 3 hands nalu? who took the pics? :lol:
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^ nice
so if the pots are below 500, they're toasted? will a toasted pot function properly? i mean can you hear the difference?
you got 3 hands nalu? who took the pics? :lol:
It actually depends where your knobs are. If the knobs are set to full scale, resistance value is supposed to be in the 500K range. At minimum scale, it should have a negligible resistance value. Or even vice versa, it depends which pot log you're connected to. But the idea is that it should still swing from 0 to 500K (or 500K to 0), if you sweep through the full range and your DMM is connected between the middle log and any of the two outer logs.
I only experienced a toasted pot once before. It was a B100K mini-pot made in china. After it got toasted, it was just acting as an open switch.
Nope, no third hand bro... LOL. I have a gorilla pad for the camera. It's handy for doing those kind of pics. :wink:
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Time to post some progress, this thread is about to become stale... :-D
I've completed wiring the Switchcraft Short Toggle Switch...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/guitar%20kits%20042410/IMG_7598.jpg)
... with the Vintage Braided Wire
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0859.jpg)
Here's the result:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8259.jpg)
There are three wires connected to the toggle switch; one each for the two volume pots and one for the input jack. One thing that you really shouldn't miss is to make a common ground connection between the three wires like this.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8270.jpg)
I used the vintage clothed wire, wrapped it around three times, and put an ample amount of solder over it. Aside from a common ground connection, it'll also make the installation of the toggle switch easier as it adds mechanical strength to the harness.
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Now, it's time to prepare the pickups...
I'm gonna be installing the Seth Lover PAF set on this guitar. There's this article by legendary tones that influenced me in getting this pick-up set. Basically, it's supposed to be a faithful recreation of what a PAF design would be if you were to buy a brand new one today. It was a collaboration between Seymour Duncan and Seth Lover, the original PAF designer. He's like the PAF daddy of the guitar world I guess... LOL
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8289.jpg)
It comes with a wiring diagram (again), mounting rings (which we won't be using since it's black), srews, and springs.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8290.jpg)
Another good thing about this pickup is that it comes stock with vintage braided wires...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8291.jpg)
... so the only thing left to do is to peel off the shielding braid and cloth like this
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8293.jpg)
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[gooey brown stuff] parang teleserye! :) akala ko OK na ung tones standard LP ng epiphone. :-(
good work sir. aabangan ko ang mggng final results mo. :mrgreen:
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[gooey brown stuff] parang teleserye! :) akala ko OK na ung tones standard LP ng epiphone. :-(
good work sir. aabangan ko ang mggng final results mo. :mrgreen:
thanks! teleserye ba? LOL
hope you stick around until the final episode... *cheers*
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Seth Lover: the PAF Daddy! :P (i like that!)
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Seth Lover: the PAF Daddy! :P (i like that!)
ditto! I actually lol'ed! :lol:
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:-D bookmarked
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aw..Y_Y inspiring...
by any chance, baka pwede mong mabigay mga nagastos mo na jan sa guitar mo sir??Y_Y
naisipan ko tuloy iupgrade ang LP Custom ko..Y_Y
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Alright, my work is getting in the way of doing more stuff here... :-D
Just a recap... I'm done wiring the pots and caps, prepared the pickups, and wired the the toggle switch as well. Now before I put all of that together, I made a really life changing decision (just adding a touch of drama to this thread... LOL). The major complaint I had with this LP when I first got it was the sticky neck. I tried to convince myself that it would eventually go away or I will eventually get used to it. Guess what, neither of that happened.
Here are some photos of the neck. Look at how glossy and squeaky it is.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Epiphone%20Les%20Paul%20Standard%20Stock%20042410/IMG_7545.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Epiphone%20Les%20Paul%20Standard%20Stock%20042410/IMG_7544.jpg)
I did some researching and it looks like the Polyurethane finish is the culprit. I tried different things, from washing your hands before playing the guitar, polishing the neck with carnauba wax, using talcum powder, etc. But all of them had no effect at all or had a very temporary effect. And I was down to one final option... sanding and steel wool.
WARNING: THE PICTURES YOU'RE ABOUT TO SEE ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED.... LOL
First, I placed some tape just to make sure I don't accidentally go too far along the neck.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8247.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8246.jpg)
First pass is the 1000 grit sandpaper. Do long and even strokes. The point here is not to take of the entire poly finish but to dull/scratch the surface.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8250.jpg)
Next is the steel wool to do some finishing touches. Again, long and even strokes. I used ultrafine steel wool since there's no 0000 grade steel wool anywhere.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8248.jpg)
There you go, now the neck is as smooth as my RG's neck.
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^^^
Not for the faint hearted nga.. :lol: but it was a good thing you did that.. playability over cosmetics, ika nga.. nice. :-)
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i almost had a heart attack!
:-D
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:-o Whew! Ang lupet ng lakas ng loob mo sir!
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nako. ang sama siguro ng loob ko after ko isand yan. hehe. pero kung mas komportable. ayus yan :mrgreen:
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im gonna do this to my squier. how many times did you run the sandpaper on the neck? im not sure if you remember lol. Did you put some oil afterwards?
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8248.jpg)
There you go, now the neck is as smooth as my RG's neck.
Hmmm... did you wet-sand or dry-sand the neck?
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^^^
Not for the faint hearted nga.. :lol: but it was a good thing you did that.. playability over cosmetics, ika nga.. nice. :-)
nyahaha your guitars dont need that..much of the SE's have a thin finish anyway..
@Nalu good job, but wet sand would be nice too
btw there were new Epi Lp's MIC in GC today with FR Special trems at 700USD..push pull pots for Neck and Bridge pup's and stain neck finishes..frets werent well done though..
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nyahaha your guitars dont need that..much of the SE's have a thin finish anyway..
lol.. i didn't say anything bout my guitar.. satin finish is smooth enough for me.. :-)
@Nalu good job, but wet sand would be nice too
btw there were new Epi Lp's MIC in GC today with FR Special trems at 700USD..push pull pots for Neck and Bridge pup's and stain neck finishes..frets werent well done though..
Epiphone Les Paul PRO F/X?
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lol.. i didn't say anything bout my guitar.. satin finish is smooth enough for me.. :-)
i like satin, reminds me of a womens catalogue..thats a different story
Epiphone Les Paul PRO F/X?
yup that was it and some others..all high action, i could slide in my 2.7mm v-pick easily between the strings and fretboard
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OT na kayong dalawa! joke! :P
lagi kong inaabangan tong thread na to for updates. sarap manuod ng ngmomod ng guitars :P
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Ahhh... Alam ko na.
Isa-sand ko din yun neck ng guitar ko. Hehehe
Thanks for the idea Sir Nalu.
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If you're serious about it, I strongly suggest wet-sanding your neck. You'll still get the satin feel, pero mas pino yung scratches.
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im gonna do this to my squier. how many times did you run the sandpaper on the neck? im not sure if you remember lol. Did you put some oil afterwards?
@Rmansh:
Can't really remember how many times, the poly is really thick on this guitar. I didn't have to worry about overdoing it. Plus, I used a 1000-grit sandpaper so it doesn't eat up that much on the poly. Again, the idea is just to put enough scratches on the poly. This way, the lines and pores on your hands doesn't act as suction caps in a high-gloss poly finish.
I didn't put oil afterwards, there's no need. The Poly finish is still there. Oil will only be necessary if you've sanded the neck to a point where the wood got exposed.
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Hmmm... did you wet-sand or dry-sand the neck?
nyahaha your guitars dont need that..much of the SE's have a thin finish anyway..
@Nalu good job, but wet sand would be nice too
btw there were new Epi Lp's MIC in GC today with FR Special trems at 700USD..push pull pots for Neck and Bridge pup's and stain neck finishes..frets werent well done though..
@Al_Librero, bryanarzaga:
I only did dry-sanding and I ended up having un-even scratches on the neck. There's some of sort of grooves along the surface. I did a little more researching and it looks like wet-sanding is indeed the way to go to get a finer, smoother, and much cleaner result.
So, I finally decided to rewind a little bit and do wet-sanding this time around. Will post pictures soon...
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Ahhh... Alam ko na.
Isa-sand ko din yun neck ng guitar ko. Hehehe
Thanks for the idea Sir Nalu.
@colorless krayola:
Be sure that your guitar's neck really needs it. If you're guitar doesn't have poly finish, and it's not sticky anyway, then you really don't have to do it.
But if you have a poly finished neck and indeed going for it you might want to go with Al_Librero and bryanarzaga's recommendation.
Here you go...
If you're serious about it, I strongly suggest wet-sanding your neck. You'll still get the satin feel, pero mas pino yung scratches.
nyahaha your guitars dont need that..much of the SE's have a thin finish anyway..
@Nalu good job, but wet sand would be nice too
btw there were new Epi Lp's MIC in GC today with FR Special trems at 700USD..push pull pots for Neck and Bridge pup's and stain neck finishes..frets werent well done though..
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:-o Whew! Ang lupet ng lakas ng loob mo sir!
LOL... Tone and playability... that's what i'm focused on here.
Of course if it was a Gibson, it wouldn't even cross my mind to sand the neck. :-D
Plus, Gibsons would have lacquer instead of the ever so sticky polyurethane finish.
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Finally got the chance to resurface and post some updates here...
So, originally I did DRY Sanding on my LP's neck to get rid of the stickness. Here are some photos of the final result.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0874.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0875.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0876.jpg)
It may not be obvious in the photos but the result was a little bit uneven. So I decided to step back a little bit and see if I'm going to get better results with WET Sanding...
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ngayon ko lang nakita itong thread! i'm planning to get an Epi LP soon and this thread is very helpful if i want to have some upgrades. keep it going man! great job! :-)
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good work sir.
IMO 'di naman kita yang likod ng neck pag tumutog na.
kaya di naman ganun kasamang isacrifice yung finish ng wood para sa pagiging komportable.
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@colorless krayola:
Be sure that your guitar's neck really needs it. If you're guitar doesn't have poly finish, and it's not sticky anyway, then you really don't have to do it.
But if you have a poly finished neck and indeed going for it you might want to go with Al_Librero and bryanarzaga's recommendation.
Here you go...
Sinama ko kasi sa pag-coat ng Colorless spray paint, ayun super smooth na at dumidikit na yun kamay ko. Haha
I think it needs to be sand. Wet sanding I guess.
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Alright, now it's time to take a shot at WET Sanding.
Here are the tools of the trade.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0878.jpg)
We have a bowl of water, a 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper, a 1000 grit wet sandpaper, a squegee, and a dry cloth. Also, you'd want to make sure you have a sandpaper for wetsanding. The dry sandpaper has some glue in them that holds the sanding particles onto the paper. That glue may dissolve when you start putting water in it. So, check your labels.
Again, I masked the ends of the neck to make sure we don't accidentally sand some forbidden surfaces. :-D
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0884.jpg)
First pass, I dipped the 600 grit and run it through the entire neck. Again, long and even strokes. Since there already a considerable amount of poly that was taken off due to the DRY sanding before, I made sure that I just did very light strokes. We don't want to completely strip off the poly and expose the paint.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/IMG_8468.jpg)
Notice that some milky stuff will accumulate while sanding. Every so often, I took the squegee, dip it into the water and take off that milky stuff. This should make sure your getting a uniform traction with the poly surface.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/IMG_8469.jpg)
After a few passes of sandpaper and squegee, I wipe it off with dry cloth check the entire surface of the neck if another pass is needed.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/IMG_8472.jpg)
Second pass, I moved up to 1000-grit ecowet sandpaper. Basically, the idea is to smoothen out the scratches from the 600-grit sandpaper. No need to use steel wool this time.
Here are the final results:
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0890.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0891.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Neck%20Wet%20Sanding%20062110/DSC_0892.jpg)
Wow! Really big difference compared to DRY sanding. I got a more uniform and much smoother result.
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^cool, matt finish na sya :roll:
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Much better job you did there, man! Me likey! :-D
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nice,ganda :-D
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Nice work.. Did the same thing with my Epi LP. Difference is I sanded the whole back to bare wood then finished it with Tung Oil. I really love the feel now compared before. :lol:
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it would really be better cosmetic-wise if you also dulled the V shape where the neck and the headstock meets. but that's just me. great job on the neck! :wink:
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Much better job you did there, man! Me likey! :-D
nice,ganda :-D
Nice work.. Did the same thing with my Epi LP. Difference is I sanded the whole back to bare wood then finished it with Tung Oil. I really love the feel now compared before. :lol:
Thanks!
Stay tuned for the electronics and wiring.
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kapag kailangan ko imodify ung guitar ko papagawin ko sayo :-D
astig nag pag modify mo
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kapag kailangan ko imodify ung guitar ko papagawin ko sayo :-D
astig nag pag modify mo
Flattering bro... pero marami pang mas magaling magmodify dito sa philmusic no doubt.
I suggest you try if yourself... lots of fun and learning. I guarantee that. cheers
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By the way, before I move on to the electronics and wiring. I noticed that the fretboard was really dry and pale
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8180.jpg)
So I decided to soak it with some Dunlop 65 lemon oil.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8156.jpg)
After an hour so, I wipe it off with a dry cloth and you'll get that moist and darker look on your fingerboard.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8181.jpg)
These things that I do are just building up my excitement more... now I can't really wait to get her all done and plug her into my rig... LOL
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mas excited pa ata ako sayo! haha. bantay na bantay sakin tong thread na to. cant wait to see it done and ready to play already. good job sir. :mrgreen:
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pa PM ng tips mo kapag tapos mo na
mukhang astig na yung gitara mo ngayon kahit hindi pa tapos
hula ko kapag tapos na yan maraming tao iisipin bagong biling gitara yan =)
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mas excited pa ata ako sayo! haha. bantay na bantay sakin tong thread na to. cant wait to see it done and ready to play already. good job sir. :mrgreen:
LOL... pressure is on...
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Alright, moving on to the wiring and electronics. First that get's installed is the Switchcraft 3-way toggle switch.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8259.jpg)
I taped the ends together to make the insertion easier.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8260.jpg)
Now it gets slowly inserted into the cavity. One thing that I really like with the vintage braided wirse is that they're fairly hard and stiff which makes the insertion easier. Sort of like wires on viagra... LOL
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8261.jpg)
Wire is in... now it's just a matter of tucking in the switch and fitting it into the cavity.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8267.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8271.jpg)
I taped the ends of the wire so that it won't get in the way when I start putting in the pots/caps assembly.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8277.jpg)
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8156.jpg)
Where'd you buy that?
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wat can u say about MIC LP custom installed with megametal pickups by guitarheads?
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Where'd you buy that?
This particular one, I bought when I was in the US. But I believe it's also locally available in Lazer music shops.
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wat can u say about MIC LP custom installed with megametal pickups by guitarheads?
I have no idea... the mods i'm doing on this particular guitar is not aimed towards metal. I haven't tried the mega metal pickups from guitarheads as well. But, I do have an RGR320EX that I'm planning to do mods on for that genre but I pretty much have my plate full with this project.
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This particular one, I bought when I was in the US. But I believe it's also locally available in Lazer music shops.
Alrighty, thanks man!
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Now I took off the pots and caps that I've wired earlier from the template...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8276.jpg)
Fit it into the control cavity and basically prepare for it for soldering. Also placed the washers and nuts on the pots and made sure that there secured. You don't want your pots rotating when you're doing the soldering. It would definitely be a recipe for cold solder or some broken solder joints.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8279.jpg)
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^nice :roll:
you can also use a metal polish for the fret wires now that you have oiled it. Its a lot of work, rubbing them one by one, but believe me, you feel the difference and your bends will be smoother, yeah "bends" lol :-D
here's mine, some are pretty useless by the way hehe
(http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy291/rearocker/temp/IMG_3371.jpg)
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@Rmansh:
Elegee did that for me when I had the frets leveled.
Where'd you buy your metal polish though?
got them from a local hardware store. this ones for bathroom fixtures lol. its pretty cheap tool actually, all that grime and libag/pawis will go away. i also use it to strip the black coating on knobs and tuners so its not friendly on those gold hardwares :wink:
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got them from a local hardware store. this ones for bathroom fixtures lol. its pretty cheap tool actually, all that grime and libag/pawis will go away. i also use it to strip the black coating on knobs and tuners so its not friendly on those gold hardwares :wink:
I see, thanks for the info bro
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Awesome job you are doing here. Its definitely giving new life to your axe.
Best,
NINJeremy
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/1959%20Gibson%20Les%20Paul/60_lp-burst_7.jpg)
BBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS................ :lol: :lol: :lol:
kailan kaya ako makakahanap ng mura nyan :-D
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meron ako vitamin Q sa tokai goldtop ko hehe
@loveyoulen:
anong values ng Vitamin Q ginamit niyo sir?
-
.022 :-D
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.022 :-D
I see, i thought you did some experimenting on other cap values. I wanted to get some insights on different cap values. I'm planning to try out the 0.015uF after this one.
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hmmm repro bumble bee ang binili mo??
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hmmm repro bumble bee ang binili mo??
@luvyoulen
Yes, luxe repro bees to be exact. You can see some photos on post #35 of page 2. Luxe repro bees are actually NOS PIO Russian Vitamin Q's encased in a metal and glass tube.
Where did you get your NOS Sprague Vitamin Q's bro?
-
Alright folks, time for updates...
I had the pots and caps in place with the nuts tightened. Toggle switch is in as well. I'm currently soldering the toggle switch wires into their respective pots.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8285.jpg)
Be careful in soldering the toggle switch wires. Last thing you want to happen is your toggle switch turning on the bridge pickup when you have it in the rhythm position.
I also had the pickups installed and soldered now. Notice that the only thing left to solder is the toggle switch wire going to the input jack.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8297.jpg)
Again, I turned to the ever reliable masking tape to hold the pickups in place. I didn't want to install the mounting rings yet at this point.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8302.jpg)
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konting tiis na lang. ako'y sabik na sabik nang makita ang Lp mong "BUO" hehe. :mrgreen:
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konting tiis na lang. ako'y sabik na sabik nang makita ang Lp mong "BUO" hehe. :mrgreen:
LOL... hang in there man.
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Guess what, here's another problem I stumbled upon while finish up the wiring.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8282.jpg)
The Switchcraft input jack is not an exact fit with the plastic jack plate. Notice that the hole in the jack plate has a smaller diameter and 2 straight edges. I don't think this is something that I can remedy without the help of a drill. Looks like I got no choice for now but to stick with the stock input jack.
Before I soldering it in, I slid the wire into a heat shrink tubing like this. I was planning to use a spaghetti tubing but I can't find one anywhere.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8296.jpg)
I did this to make sure that the braided wire doesn't short anything inside the control cavity. The output wire going to the input jack runs across the entire control cavity. With the insulated tubing, I don't expect anything to get shorted to ground now.
Then, I soldered the stock input jack...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8298.jpg)
And that's pretty much it... photos up next...
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naeexite ako..:))
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Finally got all the wiring and electronics done.
Here's what the control cavity looks like before with all the stock wiring and electronics.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Epiphone%20Les%20Paul%20Standard%20Stock%20042410/IMG_7592.jpg)
And here's what it looks like now after the mods.
drum roll please... :-D
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8299.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8301.jpg)
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^^^
talk about neat wiring.. that looks mighty fine dude.. :-)
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^^^
talk about neat wiring.. that looks mighty fine dude.. :-)
sobra..:-D
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ang linis! nice job man!
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nice ang linis mag wiring talaga
@about the jack
why not try to drill?
you have the stock incase you make a mistake naman eh =)
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nice ang linis mag wiring talaga
@about the jack
why not try to drill?
you have the stock incase you make a mistake naman eh =)
Thanks!
I would if I had a drill and the exact drill bit for a 3/8" mounting hole.
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^^^
talk about neat wiring.. that looks mighty fine dude.. :-)
sobra..:-D
ang linis! nice job man!
Thanks for all the kind words! :-D
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master luthier nalu, how much do you charge for this pro quality work? i want my LP like this. :roll:
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master luthier nalu, how much do you charge for this pro quality work? i want my LP like this. :roll:
Sorry bro. I'm not a luthier. I can't even re-fret my own guitar. LOL
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master luthier nalu, how much do you charge for this pro quality work? i want my LP like this. :roll:
+1:D
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excellent work overall, solid and meticulous planning. obvious na medyo OC si nalu
Sorry bro. I'm not a luthier. I can't even re-fret my own guitar. LOL
I'll bet if you had your own tools you'd give it a go :-D
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It's been a long time since I've updated this thread. I'm not sure if it's my internet connection or if there's really something wrong with the servers, but I haven't been able to connect to philmusic for the past weekend.
Anyway, after finishing up with all the electronics and wiring. I'm about ready to install all the hardware upgrades. But before that I had to give this guitar some tendering loving care :mrgreen: and remove all the fingerprints, swirls, and filth :-D I've create while working on her.
So, first I gave it a good rub of Dunlop 65 Guitar Polisher and Cleaner. Although it's supposed to be a polisher & cleaner in 1. To me it's more of a cleaner and it's quite good at it. Then for the final polishing I used Big Bends Gloss Sauce Finish Rejuvenation Polish.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8304.jpg)
It has petroleum distillates which is what I prefer for poly finish. Then I buffed it with this.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8310.jpg)
Now, everything just got sexier LOL
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8303.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8309.jpg)
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I put the stock pick guard and stock pickup mounting rings back on since the one that came from the SD Seth Lovers were black.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8312.jpg)
I didn't have any problems fitting the RS gold top hat knobs as well.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8314.jpg)
Up next is the Gotoh Aluminum Stop Tailpiece.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8316.jpg)
Shown below is the stock Epi TP (made of cast zinc) beside the Gotoh aluminum TP.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8172.jpg)
You can immediately see a difference in craftsmanship between the two but the one thing that really surprised me is the difference in weight. The Gotoh aluminum TP I think is 5x lighter than the stock TP. Not that I expect the guitar to be lighter or anything, but I'm more interested in the resonant characteristics that the aluminum TP would give to this guitar.
Another good thing about the Gotoh replacement parts is that they have metric options which enables you to use the studs with the stock anchors. Here's a side by side photo of the studs.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8179.jpg)
There were no problems getting a good fit on this one.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8318.jpg)
Will post more pictures soon, got to go work on my pedalboard first :-D
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Here are some photos and a little bit of chat from my experience in installing the bridge. I'm replacing the stock with a Nickel Gotoh Metric Tune-o-Matic Bridge.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8175.jpg)
Again, the difference in craftsmanship is pretty obvious.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8174.jpg)
Notice that there is a retainer wire on the stock bridge. On the Gotoh bridge, you'll also notice that there seems to be no slot for the strings from this angle.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8173.jpg)
The Gotoh TOM bridge is wider, thus longer intonation screws which in turn means greater range for doing your intonation adjustments.
Here's a side by side photo of the posts.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8176.jpg)
Notice that the Gotoh post on the top left has an offset in the thread. That offset was preventing a full low position on the anchor.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8177.jpg)
Unfortunately, I had to use the stock posts.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8178.jpg)
Good thing about it is that the Gotoh TOM bridge perfectly fits the stock posts.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8325.jpg)
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^ this got me thinking. as much as possible i would prefer all gotoh parts rather than combine the stock parts with the new parts you have. 100% gotoh all the way. 8-)
OT: please feel free to donate the extra parts to me. :-D :-D :-D
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^ this got me thinking. as much as possible i would prefer all gotoh parts rather than combine the stock parts with the new parts you have. 100% gotoh all the way. 8-)
@Rmansh:
That would require all stock anchors to be replaced with the Gotoh anchors that came with the Gotoh parts. Which means you could either bring it to a luthier and have them deal with it or DIY and pray that you don't mess the nice top. lol
You see, the anchors in this guitar are most likely pushed in through compression fitting. If the Gotoh anchors end up just a little bit smaller than the stocks, an epoxy would be needed to fill in the gap else you wouldn't get the maximum vibration coupling between the bridge/tailpiece and the body of the guitar. The point is, it requires skills, the right equipment, and the right resources. Way to risky for me at this point in time. But yes, I'm actually considering bringing it to a luthier one day and have them replace the anchors with the Gotoh anchors.
OT: please feel free to donate the extra parts to me. :-D :-D :-D
LoL
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8179.jpg)
aluminum din ba yung posts? if not, then walang difference sa stock posts. might as well keep it as it is. hassle pa yung if the original whole left my the stock anchors are bigger. you have to fill in pa. if smaller naman, you have to route pa. hassle!
i dont think it would make a noticeable difference if the post were aluminum or not. the stoptail is a different story though.
then again, you can always taper that extra length on the screws with a little 'lagari' action. :D
anyways i have a question. how would you know if US or metric ung replacement na kinuha mo, ung magfifit sa measurements ng guitara mo? was it because it was MIC so it has the metric as opposed to had it been US made, it utilized US specd hardware?
i might need new poles so i wanna change the whole stop tail assembly altogether with an aluminum set. thanks.
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astig talaga to sir. ang ganda. :)
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cool thread... cant wait for ze result... i remember when i also upgraded my stock epi lp custom's hardware, pots, & pups too last year...
from this:
(http://i45.tinypic.com/fmkxax.jpg)
to this:
(http://i48.tinypic.com/20gh305.jpg)
oh i can taste the butter!... goodluck!... :wink:
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sir saan niyo po naibili ung mga parts para sa modification?
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8179.jpg)
aluminum din ba yung posts? if not, then walang difference sa stock posts. might as well keep it as it is. hassle pa yung if the original whole left my the stock anchors are bigger. you have to fill in pa. if smaller naman, you have to route pa. hassle!
i dont think it would make a noticeable difference if the post were aluminum or not. the stoptail is a different story though.
then again, you can always taper that extra length on the screws with a little 'lagari' action. :D
anyways i have a question. how would you know if US or metric ung replacement na kinuha mo, ung magfifit sa measurements ng guitara mo? was it because it was MIC so it has the metric as opposed to had it been US made, it utilized US specd hardware?
i might need new poles so i wanna change the whole stop tail assembly altogether with an aluminum set. thanks.
i want to butt in.. sorry, i can't help it..
usually mga MIK at MIC use metric measurements and those MIA ones have a US spec'd or standard measure.. about the parts, nakalagay dapat kung ano yung measurement nila.. they say if it's Standard or Metric.. pag standard, mga pang US na replacements yun, then pag Metric, you get the idea.. :-)
pag hindi nakasulat kung metric or standard, medyo magduda ka na muna.. pero maybe you'll get some hints sa details niya kung standard or metric.. kunwari nasa description na "for import sized etc etc..", then most likely, metric yun.. something like that..
so ayun.. research din talaga mabuti lalo na kung oorderin pa abroad, mahirap magkamali..
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(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8179.jpg)
aluminum din ba yung posts? if not, then walang difference sa stock posts. might as well keep it as it is. hassle pa yung if the original whole left my the stock anchors are bigger. you have to fill in pa. if smaller naman, you have to route pa. hassle!
i dont think it would make a noticeable difference if the post were aluminum or not. the stoptail is a different story though.
then again, you can always taper that extra length on the screws with a little 'lagari' action. :D
@grasyaps:
There was actually no problem with fitting the GOTOH TAILPIECE STUDS. It fits perfectly in the STOCK ANCHORS/BUSHINGS for the tailpiece. What Rmansh I think was referring to was the problem I had where the GOTOH BRIDGE STUD/POST can not be tightened all the way down the STOCK ANCHOR/BUSHING due to an offset in the post thread, so I had to use the STOCK BRIDGE STUD/POST with the STOCK ANCHOR/BUSHINGS.
Right now the only stock hardware left on the body of the guitar were the BRIDGE STUD/POST AND BUSHING and the TAILPIECE ANCHOR/BUSHING. For me, this is just fine. The important thing was replacing the bridge and the the tailpiece with Gotoh parts. The stock bridge studs fits perfectly with the Gotoh Bridge anyway so I'm not killing the coupling of vibrations from the bridge to the body by using the stock bridge studs.
anyways i have a question. how would you know if US or metric ung replacement na kinuha mo, ung magfifit sa measurements ng guitara mo? was it because it was MIC so it has the metric as opposed to had it been US made, it utilized US specd hardware?
i might need new poles so i wanna change the whole stop tail assembly altogether with an aluminum set. thanks.
I'm not sure for other brands or guitars but between a Gibson and Epiphone Les Pauls here's what I know.
For the bridge: saddle radius, string spacing, post spacing are the same.
Gibson LP - Standard posts (also referred to as small posts), M4 x 7 threads.
Epiphone LP - Studs with bushing (also referred to as large posts with anchor), M8 x 1.25 thread.
So if you're buying a replacement bridge for an Epiphone for example, you want one with large posts or studs and M8 (metric) thread.
For the tailpiece: radius, string spacing, post spacing are the same.
Gibson LP - USA Thread or 5/16"-24 thread
Epiphone LP - M8 x 1.25 thread
Hope this helps...
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cool thread... cant wait for ze result... i remember when i also upgraded my stock epi lp custom's hardware, pots, & pups too last year...
from this:
(http://i45.tinypic.com/fmkxax.jpg)
to this:
(http://i48.tinypic.com/20gh305.jpg)
oh i can taste the butter!... goodluck!... :wink:
@blackmanika:
wow! nice custom there. mind sharing the mods that you did?
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sir saan niyo po naibili ung mga parts para sa modification?
i ordered them from bossingBoss, you can see his monthly ordering/shipment in the classified.
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@blackmanika:
wow! nice custom there. mind sharing the mods that you did?
just the hardware and pups... nothing too special... :-D the usual emg81/85, 25k pots, tom bridge, saddle, tuners all from gold to black... i also changed the knobs before to gold, but returned the stock black para all black finish...
all stock:
(http://i47.tinypic.com/2gtnrdv.jpg)
pups:
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2s7uh5u.jpg)
tuners:
(http://i46.tinypic.com/33jiwj8.jpg)
gold knobs (but later changed to black again)
(http://i49.tinypic.com/34j9dw6.jpg)
overall finish:
(http://i49.tinypic.com/1zxqgzs.jpg)
i'll take a pic once i installed my black DR strings for total blackness... :-) goodluck with the proj man, the step by step pics are very neat!... really cool thread!... :wink:
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just the hardware and pups... nothing too special... :-D the usual emg81/85, 25k pots, tom bridge, saddle, tuners all from gold to black... i also changed the knobs before to gold, but returned the stock black para all black finish...
overall finish:
(http://i49.tinypic.com/1zxqgzs.jpg)
i'll take a pic once i installed my black DR strings for total blackness... :-) goodluck with the proj man, the step by step pics are very neat!... really cool thread!... :wink:
thanks man!
you must really like black. i must say with all the mods that you did it turned from a tuxedo LP to a custom LP with an attitude. cheers!
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thanks man!
you must really like black. i must say with all the mods that you did it turned from a tuxedo LP to a custom LP with an attitude. cheers!
appreciate man... yeah :evil:!...
now, we're all psyched to see your axe... goodluck!... :wink:
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@blackmanika
your axe looks like prophecy ex. :evil:
wicked
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Will some of these mods work for an Epi flying v? :-D
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From this...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v650/allan1977/EbonyEpiLP.jpg)
to this...
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs057.snc1/4516_79683707654_586372654_1828637_3263698_n.jpg)
I upgraded the pickups to a Seymour Dancan '59 in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan Distortion in the bridge. For that ESP Eclipse look, I removed the pickguard and the toggle switch ring then changed the cream pickup rings to black. (I also changed the cream plastic plates at the back of the guitar to black of course! :-D).
to finally this...
I've attached a black toggle switch ring and a black pickguard for that LP custom look. I've always wanted an LP custom but the I don't like the block inlays, so this is definitely what I'm looking for! :-)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs057.snc1/4516_79683742654_586372654_1828643_6210616_n.jpg)
She's my one and only 6 string! 8-)
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@blackmanika
your axe looks like prophecy ex. :evil:
wicked
thanks rmansh :wink:... yeah, i figure instead of gassing for the p-ex, might as well be resourceful, right?... ehehe... :-D
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I've always wanted an LP custom but the I don't like the block inlays, so this is definitely what I'm looking for! :-)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs057.snc1/4516_79683742654_586372654_1828643_6210616_n.jpg)
there is the Epiphone Les Paul Custom Classic. It's basically a Les Paul custom slash the block inlays and gold pickup covers. so you've got trapezoidal inlays, the open coil humbuckers with gold pole pieces, and all the goodies that come along with an LP custom. multiple bindings. etc :D
oh and I think it doesn't have grover kidneystones. i think it has the gold keystone tuners :)
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From this...
to this...
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs057.snc1/4516_79683707654_586372654_1828637_3263698_n.jpg)
I upgraded the pickups to a Seymour Dancan '59 in the neck position and a Seymour Duncan Distortion in the bridge. For that ESP Eclipse look, I removed the pickguard and the toggle switch ring then changed the cream pickup rings to black. (I also changed the cream plastic plates at the back of the guitar to black of course! :-D).
to finally this...
I've attached a black toggle switch ring and a black pickguard for that LP custom look. I've always wanted an LP custom but the I don't like the block inlays, so this is definitely what I'm looking for! :-)
She's my one and only 6 string! 8-)
nice axe you got there man!
how's the SD Distortion?
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thanks rmansh :wink:... yeah, i figure instead of gassing for the p-ex, might as well be resourceful, right?... ehehe... :-D
ah......8.15.10..... :evil: :evil: :evil: :-D
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Will some of these mods work for an Epi flying v? :-D
Yes, actually most of it.
In the electronics, the wiring would be different since you'd have a common tone knob for both neck and bridge. But you can still decide to go with 50's wiring if you desire. You may want to go for 500K short shaft audio pots and 0.022uF PIO caps. Again, that would be your personal choice, you may also want to try different pot and cap values but the key is to use short shaft pots. Pickups are humbuckers and there are tons of choices. For the electronics alone, the possibilities are endless. Choose the combination that suits your needs and your rig.
Here's a 50's style wiring diagram for a flying V.
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t88/happy_go_lucky_goth/wiringV50s.jpg)
If you're planning to change the bridge, look for a direct replacement for string-through-body type of bridge that matches the post spacing, saddle radius, and string spacing on your current bridge. You're lucky there's no tailpiece... lesser cash out. lol.
Changing the stock plastic nuts I think is also a very good investment in terms of tuning stability. Plastic nuts are just notorious for binding the strings
There goes my 2 cents. :-D
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d pa ata tapos ang tele-serye a. hahaha. tpos mo na ba sir? pics naman ng final looks nya. :)
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onga. tagal na natin nagaabang. hehe. :0
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d pa ata tapos ang tele-serye a. hahaha. tpos mo na ba sir? pics naman ng final looks nya. :)
onga. tagal na natin nagaabang. hehe. :0
Wow! It's been a while since I've updated this thread. I know... my bad! I just didn't have the strength to resist playing this guitar everyday after putting the strings on. LOL. Anyway, looks like this thread is coming to an end.
So, just a recap... all of the hardware and electronics have been upgraded at this point. What's left to do is to put on the strings and set her up. I decided to put on DR Pure Blues 10's.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8320.jpg)
It's a hand made pure nickel strings with a rounded core as opposed to the normal nickel wound with hex core. I've been using D'Addarios before trying the DR Pure blues and the difference is like night and day. Most noticeable difference is the lesser tension on the DR Pure blues. I can do easier bends and vibratos. Tonewise, the DR Pure blues has a rather warmer and more articulate tone than the D'Addarios. It's actually hard to explain in words. At first I hated it but then when I listened to it more, tweaked the volume and tone knobs, eq'd my amp and pedals and I ended up loving it. LOL. But for the record, I'd still use D'Addarios on my ibanez RG. The DR Pure Blues just won't have that aggressive bite for heavier music.
By the way, before putting the strings on. I applied some nut sauce on the bone nut to help lubricate the slots. Hope this will help in making the tunig stable.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/IMG_8328.jpg)
Now here are the money shots...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0934.jpg)
With the pickguard off..
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0927.jpg)
Some close up shots...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0916.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0915.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0913.jpg)
Close up on the electronics and wiring...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0912.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0911.jpg)
The smoothed out neck...
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad107/sandman080/Les%20Paul%20Project%20Update%20052710/DSC_0910.jpg)
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Nice. Lapit na. Hopefully there will be sound clips :-D
Best,
NINJeremy
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lapit na matapos =D
nice work sir
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Bravo! Bravo! :-)
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That was good stuff. :-)
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whew!ang hirap hanapin pag natabunan na!hahaha!
anyway sir TS, how much po kuha niyo dun sa mga parts na pinalit niyo??
thanks!
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^thats why naka bookmark saakin :-D
@TS
ano ulit ang radius ng Nut para sa mga Epiphone?
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Congrats sir. Ganda ng LP with the mods. I'm thinking of doing the same thing with my LP but I'm gonna try the RS modern upgrade.
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great read! really enjoyed this thread especially since I am also planning to do some hardware and electronic upgrades with my LP, although I'm bringing mine to a luthier because I don't have the same skills as yours to put them on :mrgreen:
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Tips po sa pag modify ng LP :-D
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..wow sir..nice work! sweet lp..can't believe didn't check this thread out before..la pa ako epi lp..maybe someday..hehe..natakot din ako baka ma-aggravate GAS attack ko dito..hehe..lumalala na nga..haha..
..nanghinayang din ako sa first guitar ko dati na les paul..sana di ko nlng binenta at inupgrade ko nlng (wala talga ako alam non and di pa ako mahilig sa gitara nung time na yon)
..astig mga thread na ganto (tulad ng mga ke sir bryanarzaga)..very informative..neat blow by blow account ..
..sa mga nagmod ng epi lp..ituloy nyo ang teleserye!hehe
..siguro pag ako nag DIY at gumawa ng step by step..comedy ang labas!haha..dami ko palpak pag DIY e..haha
..the other lp mods are awesome too - more!haha..maghahanap ako ng iba threads na ganto..hehe
..cheers!
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wow... nice mods u did sir...
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ang galing!!!!! ang lupet! i have a epi lp standard blck. sobra hanga ako sa ginawa mo. how much lahat lahat ng costs sa upgrade mo? ingiiiittttttttttt!!!!!!
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whew!ang hirap hanapin pag natabunan na!hahaha!
anyway sir TS, how much po kuha niyo dun sa mga parts na pinalit niyo??
thanks!
wow! can't believe my thread got resurrected... :-D
anyway, here's the parts and price list for the mods that I did:
RS Vintage Upgrade Kit with Luxe Bees - $74.95
RS Top Hat Knobs (Gold) - $12.00
Switchcraft Input Jack - $3.95
Switchcraft 3-way Toggle Switch - $15.00
Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Set - $208.00
Gotoh Tune-o-Matic GE103BT Bridge - $21.75
Gotoh GE101A-N Aluminum Tail Piece - $33.64
you might want to spend wisely. based on the mods that I did, the upgrade that has the most impact are the Vintage Upgrade Kit. upgrading your capacitors and your potentiometers alone would have the biggest improvement. putting in a good qualify audio taper POT is the key. it doesn't really have to be an RS kit. also, any good quality PIO caps would also give a big improvement from the stock chiclet caps.
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^ you forgot the nut :-D
and you need an epiphone lp
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^ you forgot the nut :-D
and you need an epiphone lp
oh yeah... thanks man!
TUSQ XL 1/4" Epiphone Slotted Nut (PQL-6060-00) - $10.99
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saw the final guitar great job nalu, where's the locking tuners? :evil:
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saw the final guitar great job nalu, where's the locking tuners? :evil:
thanks man! unfortunately, i ran out of funds for GAS. plus i'm torn between spending more on this LP or diverting some attention to my Ibby RG.
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Meron ba dito sa Pinas ang RS Vinatage Upgrade kit? :-D
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^thats why naka bookmark saakin :-D
@TS
ano ulit ang radius ng Nut para sa mga Epiphone?
hmmmm... good question. I'm not sure about the RADIUS of the nut. but the Tusq XL PQL-6060-00 supposed to be a direct replacement for epiphone nuts. since the fingerboard has a radius of 12", i'm assuming the nut would have the same.
as for the other specs:
thickness - 1/4"
length - 1 3/4"
height - 3/8"
E to E spacing - 1 3/8"
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^thanks :-D
by the way who was your supplier
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thanks man! unfortunately, i ran out of funds for GAS. plus i'm torn between spending more on this LP or diverting some attention to my Ibby RG.
are you planning on creating a similar DIY upgrade thread for the Ibby RG? :roll:
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wow! can't believe my thread got resurrected... :-D
anyway, here's the parts and price list for the mods that I did:
RS Vintage Upgrade Kit with Luxe Bees - $74.95
RS Top Hat Knobs (Gold) - $12.00
Switchcraft Input Jack - $3.95
Switchcraft 3-way Toggle Switch - $15.00
Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Set - $208.00
Gotoh Tune-o-Matic GE103BT Bridge - $21.75
Gotoh GE101A-N Aluminum Tail Piece - $33.64
you might want to spend wisely. based on the mods that I did, the upgrade that has the most impact are the Vintage Upgrade Kit. upgrading your capacitors and your potentiometers alone would have the biggest improvement. putting in a good qualify audio taper POT is the key. it doesn't really have to be an RS kit. also, any good quality PIO caps would also give a big improvement from the stock chiclet caps.
wow! :-o
ang mahal din pala noh.hahahaha!
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Meron ba dito sa Pinas ang RS Vinatage Upgrade kit? :-D
you can order online from RS and have them shipped here or puwede ka ding mag-order kay bossingBoss. got all my parts from him.
but then again, it doesn't have to be a RS upgrade kit. there are lots of good quality pots and capacitors to choose from online. (e.g. CTS, bourns, jensen, angela, vitamin Q's). find which one suits your needs.
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are you planning on creating a similar DIY upgrade thread for the Ibby RG? :roll:
well, most part of it won't be DIY since i'm planning to get the locking trem replaced, fingerboard radius'd and refret, new paint job, etc.
i'd most likely rely on DIY for the wiring, electronics, and pickup upgrade only.
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Ahh sige thanks nalang Sir =)
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Good job man!
great read! really enjoyed this thread especially since I am also planning to do some hardware and electronic upgrades with my LP, although I'm bringing mine to a luthier because I don't have the same skills as yours to put them on :mrgreen:
Ako rin. lol
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BTW sir
Video demo naman diyan :-D
Kahit cover lang ng isang kanta ok na xD
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BTW sir
Video demo naman diyan :-D
Kahit cover lang ng isang kanta ok na xD
in time sir... pag meron na akong oras to even work on my chops... :-D
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^ Chops or no chops, pag dating sir sa lakas ng loob (specially on the neck sanding part) :mrgreen:, saludo ako sayo!
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Reviving this thread, now that I'm an Epi Les paul owner. New inputs re mod and upgrading the humble Epi are welcome! Planning to have the pots, wiring, switch and input on mine upgraded.
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Where was I when this thread started?!!!
Nakaka encourage mag mod. Wala lang akong budget kaya stocks parin ang epi ko. :eek:
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now, i can't wait to hear that beast :)
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Are there any cheaper but decent enough alternatives to RS kits/bumblebee caps? I'm just trying to shorten my "ipon mode" period, he,he.
I searched the internet and found out that the online price of RS kits now are around 6 thousand pesos, wala pang shipping cost yun. Adding the installation fee and other possible pick-ups/hardware replacement, the over-all upgrade price might become too steep.
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Are there any cheaper but decent enough alternatives to RS kits/bumblebee caps? I'm just trying to shorten my "ipon mode" period, he,he.
I searched the internet and found out that the online price of RS kits now are around 6 thousand pesos, wala pang shipping cost yun. Adding the installation fee and other possible pick-ups/hardware replacement, the over-all upgrade price might become too steep.
LP Wiring kits at WDmusic.com (via spankyrigor) are bang for the buck! Complete from CTS pots, vintage cloth wires, braided wires, switchcraft switch, and orange caps.. Will run you around 3,500, iirc.. :-)
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Bakit ngayon ko lang to nakita.. :-( Awesome job especially on the neck.
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Thanks for the info Sir Chino! WD Music website says the item it's out of stock but at least now I know there are some alternatives out there.
Are'nt there any LP wiring upgrade kits available locally? Looks like these aftermarket parts companies always run out of stock. They can't seem to keep up with the volume of Epi's churned out of factories and upgraded by their owner.
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Thanks for the info Sir Chino! WD Music website says the item it's out of stock but at least now I know there are some alternatives out there.
Are'nt there any LP wiring upgrade kits available locally? Looks like these aftermarket parts companies always run out of stock. They can't seem to keep up with the volume of Epi's churned out of factories and upgraded by their owner.
They are not out of stock. Here are the links. :-)
http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_short.html (http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_short.html) (with short shaft pots)
http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_long.html (http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_long.html) (with long shaft pots)
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Thanks Sir Chino!
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subscribing! :-P
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nice!may pag-asa pa ang lp ko. :lol:
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Plan ko rin upgrade yung Epi LP custom ko.
Nakabili na ako ng mga parts pero di ko pa napapa install.
Parts:
1. Jonesy blues Vintage 50's style LP harness w/ CTS 500k pots .022 oil filled caps
2. Switchcraft 3 way Toggle switch and output jack
3. Gotoh TOM bridge (1511-G)
4. Gotoh 510 Bridge & Tailpiece (5738-G)
5. Graph Tech TUSQ XL 1/4" Epiphone Slotted Nut
Pickups di ko pa alam kung SD Seth Lover o Gibson 57/57+ classics... Baka may info ang naka subok na ng mga pups na ito? :?
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WOW. a really great read, this is really a must-read for those on planning major mods on their guitars, a very Goodjob for sir nalu :DD
sobrang ganda ng Finished product niyo hehe :-D
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Nice read indeed. Informative and very encouraging thread. LP LP LP LP LP! :-D
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Best thread i've read so far..
Pero asan na yung sound clip...di ako makaktulog nito !! :-( :razz: :drool:
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Parang na inspire ako mag restore at upgrade ng luma kong LP. Unahin ko pots at toggle switch, sana meron locally available. Pag online orders kasi ang hirap ata makakuha ng parts just from 1 supplier.
Gusto ko rin sana marinig yung tunog nung seth pickup sa Epi LP.
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listening to the audio samples of seth lovers pickups = eargasm.for me this defines or gives justice to les paul guitars!dang gas!
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astig... sound clips naman jan... please...
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wala bang demo tong modded LP mo chief? nag-iintay na ang madalang people to hear this beast :mrgreen:
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Mahaba-haba rin tong ni-backread ko ah. Cool. Sayang walang demo ng before and after.
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nice thread. very informative.
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Plan ko rin upgrade yung Epi LP custom ko.
Nakabili na ako ng mga parts pero di ko pa napapa install.
Parts:
1. Jonesy blues Vintage 50's style LP harness w/ CTS 500k pots .022 oil filled caps
2. Switchcraft 3 way Toggle switch and output jack
3. Gotoh TOM bridge (1511-G)
4. Gotoh 510 Bridge & Tailpiece (5738-G)
5. Graph Tech TUSQ XL 1/4" Epiphone Slotted Nut
Pickups di ko pa alam kung SD Seth Lover o Gibson 57/57+ classics... Baka may info ang naka subok na ng mga pups na ito? :?
brod,saan ka nakabili ng Graph Tech TUSQ XL 1/4" Epiphone Slotted Nut? meron kasi ako epi lp ultra,me fret buzz na..tsaka matanong na rin me contact ka ni jon of elegee?wala kasi ng aayos dito samin,btw im fr south cotabato,mindanao..tulong nman mga brod..tia
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mga tol,patulong nman sa epi lp ultra ko..me buzz na kasi sa low E fr 10th to 16th fret,wala kasing mabilhan ng bone nut dito o nag aayos ng gitara sa amin,im fr south cotabato,mindanao..need your help mga tol.
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mga tol,patulong nman sa epi lp ultra ko..me buzz na kasi sa low E fr 10th to 16th fret,wala kasing mabilhan ng bone nut dito o nag aayos ng gitara sa amin,im fr south cotabato,mindanao..need your help mga tol.
Hi bro, ewan ko sa luthier, pero subukan mo umorder sa www.epektos.com ng nut, nagshiship sila.. :)
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Nice thread!!! :cool:
Errrrrr.... Where's the video by the way? show us some demo!!!
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brod,saan ka nakabili ng Graph Tech TUSQ XL 1/4" Epiphone Slotted Nut? meron kasi ako epi lp ultra,me fret buzz na..tsaka matanong na rin me contact ka ni jon of elegee?wala kasi ng aayos dito samin,btw im fr south cotabato,mindanao..tulong nman mga brod..tia
Bro, sa US ko nabili yung sa akin. Pero after ko nakabili nun, may nakita ako dito sa Pinas di ko lang maalala ung music store. Bantayan mo lang dito sa classifieds, meron yan. And nabanggit din dati sa akin ni Micsis na gumagawa sila ng bone nut.
Hope this helps.
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brod,saan ka nakabili ng Graph Tech TUSQ XL 1/4" Epiphone Slotted Nut? meron kasi ako epi lp ultra,me fret buzz na..tsaka matanong na rin me contact ka ni jon of elegee?wala kasi ng aayos dito samin,btw im fr south cotabato,mindanao..tulong nman mga brod..tia
Dreff try mo sa Music Source Cubao. Hanapin mo number nila and maybe ask if they can ship. I'm sure pwede yan.
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Yung Music Source bro nasa Ali Mall. Kakapabili ko lang ng graptech tusq nut for gibson sa kanila. :)
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salamat sa reply bro..eto lang available sa site ng music source http://themusicsource.ph/?s=graph+tech+nut..pwede ba to sa epi LP ko?
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:wave: basa2x uli!
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They are not out of stock. Here are the links. :-)
http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_short.html (http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_short.html) (with short shaft pots)
http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_long.html (http://www.wdmusic.com/les_paul_wiring_kit_long.html) (with long shaft pots)
Sir Chino, for MIC Epiphone Les Pauls, yung wiring kit na short ba yung dapat?
i'm also thinking of having this as another choice:
http://store.rsguitarworks.net/complete-vintage-electronics-upgrade-kit-short-shaft/dp/131
TIA :)
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Sir Chino, for MIC Epiphone Les Pauls, yung wiring kit na short ba yung dapat?
i'm also thinking of having this as another choice:
http://store.rsguitarworks.net/complete-vintage-electronics-upgrade-kit-short-shaft/dp/131
TIA :)
Pwede yung short. Ang kalalabasan nun ay halos sakutuhan, parang flush down yung knob sa body. Could be good or bad. Yung stock pots ng MIC LP mo bro ay short shaft. So ganyan din more or less ang kalalabasan nung wiring kit.
Pwede rin yung long shaft kung gusto mo mas naka raise pa yung knobs with respect sa body.
Take note, though, na CTS pots ito. Fine knurled ang shafts, 24 spline. Yung stock pots ng MIC LP ay coarse knurled, 18 spline. Meaning, hindi magkakasya yung stock knobs mo dun sa CTS pots. Kung kukuha ka ng wiring kit or CTS pot or any pot na fine knurled (24 spline), kailangan magpalit ka ng knob na pang fine knurled din. Mga US spec knobs pwede, like orig gibson or so.. meron din sa WD music na mga Gibson knobs..
Masisira kasi yung knob (or pot) pag pinilit mo pagkasyahin tapos magkaiba sukat.. kung swertehin kang mapagkasya mo, panget naman ang ikot.. hindi pantay.. :lol:
Ok rin yung RS... mas mahal nga lang.. Sa mga gitara ko, ok na ako sa WD wiring kit.. magaganda naman yung mga components na kasama..
By the way, that long 3-way Switchcraft toggle switch won't fit sa MIC LP Epi.. Kailangan mo ay yung short na Switchcraft 3-way toggle kasi mas mahaba ang threaded shaft ng "short 3-way toggle" compared sa threaded shaft ng "long 3-way toggle". Don't be confused. Hehe. :-)
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Thanks Sir Chino.as always very helpful! :razz:
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Thanks Sir Chino.as always very helpful! :razz:
No prob. Post progress pics pag matuloy ka sa wiring kit bro. :-)
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ito pala yun, hehe.thanks! talaga palang may sosobra na parts.
http://store.rsguitarworks.net/switchcraft%C2%AE-short-toggle-switch/dp/189
thank you uli! :)
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ito pala yun, hehe.thanks! talaga palang may sosobra na parts.
http://store.rsguitarworks.net/switchcraft%C2%AE-short-toggle-switch/dp/189
thank you uli! :)
Aprub! Yan yung magkakasya. :-)
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i would suggest before buying parts etc2x, have the guys at TONE ROOM inspect your guitar, have them do work on the neck/frets then pick your poision
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Toneroom = Guitar Geek :lol:
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i would suggest before buying parts etc2x, have the guys at TONE ROOM inspect your guitar, have them do work on the neck/frets then pick your poision
kung malapit lang sana sa amin ang Tone Room malamang madalas ako dyan. :cute: