Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

[kdilla]

I recently inherited a black Les Paul Custom (dated 1970-75 by serial #) from my favorite cool uncle. It has aged beautifully, but I believe it has lost all its value as a collectible because it was modified long ago. I'm not sure if the neck pickup is original, but the bridge humbucker was definitely swapped out for a DiMarzio, and an extra switch added to the controls -- I assume to toggle between single-coil and humbucker sounds -- but the wiring is all wrong. It needs repairs at least.

Now that the damage has been done, would I be crazy to mod this vintage instrument even further to match my own playing preferences? I am a single-coil guy and am in love with the style and sound of the 1954 LP Custom with the "staple" pickup in the neck and the P-90 in the bridge. (It has been reissued several times, and even the reissues are very expensive.) Seymour Duncan offers a "Phat Staple" that fits a humbucker cavity, and it looks and sounds amazing. I'm seriously thinking about putting one in the neck. I haven't decided whether I'd keep the coil-split DiMarzio in the bridge, or look for something better.

I love modding guitars but I've never been a collector of vintage instruments before. Am I contemplating a huge mistake here from your perspective?

Thanks,

K

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

Go for it. Swapping pickups is always reversable!

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

Welcome!

Pics are mandatory...


I'd say go for it,just don't drill any more holes,IMO...

When I got my LP(same era),the stock p'ups were already gone & all that was there for the nk p/up was a mounting ring...

edit:
& throw those godawful Witch Hat knobs in the case,I traded mine for some labor...

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

Pics for sure! Mod it...you're only talking about pickups which, as stated previously, can be reversed. Go for it.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

Yeah, as long as you're not doing anything that can't be undone, go for it.

If you're thinking of taking a Dremel to the top to add a relief sculpture of the Vinus de Milo, put the tools down, and back away.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

Yes....NO ROUTING!

Pickups, upgrade RS Kit (caps, pots, switch, jack), a LW aluminum tailpiece, new studs, replacement bridge, new tuners (hopefully they will match the pattern of the old ones...new holes not recommended). That's about all you want to do...BUT....SAVE ALL THE OLD PARTS!!!

A refret may be necessary at some point, and that's fine. Some purists will want to "save the nibs" and not have the new frets extend over the binding. Lot of extra work, and cost.

With a vintage guitar, it is always best to not do irreversible mods.

Bill

P.S. If you are going to gig the guitar extensively, I would suggest getting an upgraded case and storing the original case. One of the new SKB "i-Series" cases will be more protective and save wear and tear on the factory case. And yes, little things matter.

Bill

 

[mjsmanahan35]

Re: Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

Seymour Duncan Blackouts AHB-1 Active
https://youtu.be/zgIQkYK_yWA
https://youtu.be/jh89I27Nh08

Seymour Duncan JB Bridge Passive
https://youtu.be/1ve4t_PxWrA
https://youtu.be/Oruf42vYWrM

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Advice on Modding a Vintage LP Custom

At the end of the day though, it's your guitar. Do whatever the **** you want with it.