Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

[Big_Mike]

I have a Les Paul copy that I bought around 2005. It is an import from Korea, and I am trying to figure out if this guitar has a maple top or just a veneer finish.

Last night I was swapping a pickup, and I looked for any color difference in the pickup cavity. I did not see any difference in color looking in the depth of the cavity, but the guitar is bound. Is the non-difference in color in the pickup cavities a dead giveaway that this guitar does not have a maple top?

The reason that I ask is that this guitar has always seemed to me to be too dark, especially the neck. If so, I might want to sell this one and purchase a guitar with a true maple top.

 

[Brian Griffin]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

Can't you see it from the side of the guitar? If the wood looks the same everywhere like one piece with no top and bottom layers then it's a veneer, which is paper thin.

 

[Securb]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

From your description it sounds like veneer. I am curious what do you think you are going to gain with the Maple top? I am guessing if you are swapping pickup you are already unsatisfied with the tone. What are you looking for in the long run? Tone, playability?

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

You should see the cap seem in the pickup cavity, otherwise as mentioned its probably just a veneer.

 

[Securb]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

I am not sure what you are looking for out of the Maple cap, the difference is minimal at best, some people say there is no difference. Those in the camp that say it makes a difference say it adds some clarity and brilliance to the tone. The Maple cap is more cosmetic than tone defying.

 

[Big_Mike]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

The guitar is a bit dark, and I'm looking for a good neck humbucker. I've tried 5757 classics and a burstbucker 1, but I do not get the bite and sustain I want on the top end.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

A Full Shred or a Jazz will give you some bite.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

Stay away from A2 pickups if it is too dark. Look at those with and A5 or Ceramic.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Detecting a maple cap in a Les Paul copy

Both of those pickups are quite soft in the top-end, and neither are really great examples of pickups anyway. The Jazz neck might be a good option. I'd say the '59 bridge from duncan would be good for a dark guitar.