phil_104
Cheesesteakologist
So this is the story of my Les Paul. Not my first Gibson, but the one that won over my heart. I got this guitar after selling my PRS CE24 Maple Top, and my SG standard, because I always wanted a good LP, and wasn't in love with the two former. I gigged the hell out of this little guitar right here, and it really sold me on the brand. So much so, that I purchased a ES339 last year. Pictured here with my strat, pre myself going ape on the fender and changing some things, including the overall look.
Now the interesting thing about the 339, is that is started taking the starting job from my LP, and just dominating my arsenal in terms of stage time. My LP and 339 sounded quite similar, but I always picked the feel and tone of the 339 first. It just had more bloom to the tone, and produced the sound I was after in my head.
So, I made the decision this week to bring a few modifications to my LP. The first thing I did was drop a new bridge pickup. Now, this might seem like an odd choice for a lot of players, but I dropped a JB in there. Some people dislike that high mid spike, and the sometimes called harsher tone of the pickup. I embrace it, since I play in a band with a very, very present bass player who takes up a lot of the soundscape (he plays a MM Stringray 4 with a humbucker, and that player can really fill up the sound, in a good way) and a drummer who likes to sound huge (and he does ; he sounds like an army). So to be heard, I need know how to cut, and the JB is one of those pickups that does it for me. Not the best for basement playing alone, but on stage with my guys, it's just what I want.
Secondly, I wanted to add a bit of flare to the guitar. Last year, I purchased and resold a fairly awesome Gretsch Powerjet. It was an awesome guitar, but I just couldn't bond with it. Something I really did like though, was the Bigsby. It was the first time I had ever owned a guitar with a properly set up Bigsby, and I really enjoyed playing it. It really gave some chords flavor when I could add just a bit of fluctuation. Great flavour and vibe I just really enjoyed. So, I decided that one way to make my Paul different and add versatility to my arsenal was to add a Bigsby. I was able to pick up a B7 at the local store for a good price.
So here's where I stand now. The JB is installed, and I'm waiting on parts from Stewmac (should be here before wednesday). I ordered a Vibramate and a Schaller roller bridge. There were cheaper options, but I've had good experiences with Schaller products. You can bet that the day those parts come in, I'll be putting it all together, and hopefully I can hit the stage with her soon.
I will post pictures when everything is assembled. I just figured I'd post, in case some forum members wiser than myself had any pieces of advice, or experience, with this time of tomfoolery. Sorry for the bad cellphone picture.
Now the interesting thing about the 339, is that is started taking the starting job from my LP, and just dominating my arsenal in terms of stage time. My LP and 339 sounded quite similar, but I always picked the feel and tone of the 339 first. It just had more bloom to the tone, and produced the sound I was after in my head.
So, I made the decision this week to bring a few modifications to my LP. The first thing I did was drop a new bridge pickup. Now, this might seem like an odd choice for a lot of players, but I dropped a JB in there. Some people dislike that high mid spike, and the sometimes called harsher tone of the pickup. I embrace it, since I play in a band with a very, very present bass player who takes up a lot of the soundscape (he plays a MM Stringray 4 with a humbucker, and that player can really fill up the sound, in a good way) and a drummer who likes to sound huge (and he does ; he sounds like an army). So to be heard, I need know how to cut, and the JB is one of those pickups that does it for me. Not the best for basement playing alone, but on stage with my guys, it's just what I want.
Secondly, I wanted to add a bit of flare to the guitar. Last year, I purchased and resold a fairly awesome Gretsch Powerjet. It was an awesome guitar, but I just couldn't bond with it. Something I really did like though, was the Bigsby. It was the first time I had ever owned a guitar with a properly set up Bigsby, and I really enjoyed playing it. It really gave some chords flavor when I could add just a bit of fluctuation. Great flavour and vibe I just really enjoyed. So, I decided that one way to make my Paul different and add versatility to my arsenal was to add a Bigsby. I was able to pick up a B7 at the local store for a good price.
So here's where I stand now. The JB is installed, and I'm waiting on parts from Stewmac (should be here before wednesday). I ordered a Vibramate and a Schaller roller bridge. There were cheaper options, but I've had good experiences with Schaller products. You can bet that the day those parts come in, I'll be putting it all together, and hopefully I can hit the stage with her soon.
I will post pictures when everything is assembled. I just figured I'd post, in case some forum members wiser than myself had any pieces of advice, or experience, with this time of tomfoolery. Sorry for the bad cellphone picture.
