Les Paul re-build

[angelodp]

I ask here because I know there is so great a knowledge base. I am doing a LP rebuild and am looking for the best place to supply the wiring harness items. I want to get as close as I can to an early LP ( 50's -60's ). I am also looking for pickup ideas. All very standard approach, as close to the 'real deal' from that era.

Thanks Ange

[selloutrr]

Are you wanting to use current production parts or vintage?

For easy to locate authentic Gibson parts try tubesandmore.com or contact Gibson directly.

Vintage / NOS - Angela's, Tubesandmore, Ebay.

Wiring diagrams / actual photos
http://www.dominocs.com/AshBassGuitar/Gibson50s.html

Caps and wiring harness auctions
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=gibson ... m270.l1313

[angelodp]

I actually just re-intoned this baby with new strings and it sounds pretty damn good, but... I am looking at options for a more traditional period transformation. Thanks for the info.

[selloutrr]

Are you thinking P-90 or humbucker pickups?

What year / model is the guitar?

[angelodp]

Its a Korean job, has Epiphone on the headstock and Gibson on the truss rod cover. From a physical standpoint the guitar is really nicely built and fairly light ( have nor weighed it yet, but feels light ). The pots, switch and wiring are junk, probably the pickups are not that great either, but it sounds pretty nice right now, so I imagine there is some room to improve.

[selloutrr]

You should check out tubesandmore, no need to invest huge $$$ in period correct parts. The current production reissue 57's pickups, some new pots, switch, jacks, and consider new tuners.

[angelodp]

Yes, i agree, I can source all the right bits and bobs and put it together. Thanks.

[ToneMerc]

Here ya go

http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/Acme-Pre ... P2762.aspx

TM

[HeeBGB]

I just redid a 53. It was trashed and I had Dave Johnson rebuild and retop it. It came out stellar. When it came to electronices there are a number of options. For pups there are a bunch of great winders. I chose Peter Florance Voo Doo 57's because there was a guy selling a brand new set unsoldered in the boxes for $170 on the LPF. I had heard them in a friends guitar and liked them. This friend also has a 54/57 conversion with real PAF's and he uses the voo doo's in all his re-issue LP's. Pots....unless you get really lucky you're probably going to go with a set of CTS pots. Centralabs are almost impossible to find and REALLY expensive if you DO come accross them. The tone isn't much different but the taper may be. As for caps I used a set of NOS bumble bees I got from lastwinj. PM him and see if he has anymore. Only thing is that they are 600v and not 400v. Won't make a difference in tone. I have a bunch of NOS black beauties in 600v if you're interested.

[selloutrr]

wiring the original toggle and other information about 50's gibson pots and wiring

http://www.doctorvintage.com/electrics/ ... icals.html

here is a link to another style of toggle switch's wiring.

http://www.guitarnucleus.com/gitschems/lp_2pkup.jpg

[angelodp]

Thanks guys, great help.

A

[67plexi]

Sounds like putting earings on a pig. In the past the music store stoped selling me cheap guitars after the owners of the store watched me smash and burn the import trash on stage.

[angelodp]

Well perhaps, but this guitar as is compared favorably to a 'Gibson' LP and so for the lo cost of having a nice build I thought it would be fun to squeeze a bit more tone out of it. I am not a stage player so this is a fun project.

[HeeBGB]

As far as pups are concerned....if you want to get as close to PAF's as possible I think the concensus is that the Throbaks are closest but not cheap. I think he bought the original winding machines out of the old Gibson (Now Heritage) factory in Kalamazoo AND he has a stash of vintage wire. Pretty expensive for boutique pups but a lot cheaper than real PAF's or PAT number units

[angelodp]

Yikes, they are pricey, but seem to have all the mojo going. The clips with Gregor and Kit are pretty cool. Still, compared to a vintage LP.....
Appreciate all the fine info.

A