My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

G3ordy

G3ordy

New member
I just recently picked up a 1997 Gibson LP Custom in black from eBay and this thing is SUPER CLEAN!!! All original and no mods whatsoever. Now that I have it, I'm toying around with the idea of some mods, more specifically the pups (Duncans or Motor City Pups) and maybe the bridge and tailpiece to a TonePros set and some strap locks. I'm torn between Dunlop and Schaller.

Do you think I should swap out parts and hardware, or should I just leave it alone? I have no intention of ever selling it as I've always wanted a LP Custom and I also dig Jerry Cantrell and his music. I also got a sweet deal on a G&L Tribute Rampage from Hello Music. I'm debating between leaving the pup on the Rampage as is, but I've also considered a swap for a JB or a Motor City like what Herry has.

Your suggestions, please folks! Mod 'em, or leave 'em alone? If to mod, what pups of you recommend? Do you think the TonePros bridge is a good mod? Thanks!
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

I really like the JB in maple bodies guitars. I have one in my maple Charvel, and in my G&L Cantrell.
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

Ayrton said:
I really like the JB in maple bodies guitars. I have one in my maple Charvel, and in my G&L Cantrell.
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Is yours an American or a Chinese? Mine is a Chinese one, but it's put together surprisingly well. The price tag was nice too! I picked mine up for $450 on Hello Music. Sweet deal!

I've toyed around with ditching the stock pup on it for a Motor City Afwayu, which is what I've read that Jerry has in his, but I've also read that he has a JB in it. Also read somewhere that Motor City is coming out with a JC signature pup. I'm interested in hearing what that will sound like!
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

Dude. I think you should play that lp the way it is. Straplocks yeah, but rippin' out the pups already why???? Give those stock pups a shot. you'll probably like 'em. imo. BTW she's a beauty! Good score!
 
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Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

G3ordy said:
Is yours an American or a Chinese? Mine is a Chinese one, but it's put together surprisingly well. The price tag was nice too! I picked mine up for $450 on Hello Music. Sweet deal!

I've toyed around with ditching the stock pup on it for a Motor City Afwayu, which is what I've read that Jerry has in his, but I've also read that he has a JB in it. Also read somewhere that Motor City is coming out with a JC signature pup. I'm interested in hearing what that will sound like!
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The Cantrell models are made in the USA or Korea. I am not aware of any Chines models (unless that changed happened in the last year).

Wade (Motor City) told me Jerry was using a custom wind based on Wade's Afwayu. Wade is supposed to be releasing the Cantrell pup, but I am not sure when.

I am happy enough with the JB at the moment...

Here is mine... :D

The Kahler was swapped for a USA model, and the tuners for Schaller.

uvyxKzc.jpg
 
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Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

I used to have a '69 LP Custom just like that. I don't have a clue as to what ever happened to it. All I know is I don't have it anymore, but wish I did. Gorgeous!
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

Ayrton said:
The Cantrell models are made in the USA or Korea. I am not aware of any Chines models (unless that changed happened in the last year).

Wade (Motor City) told me Jerry was using a custom wind based on Wade's Afwayu. Wade is supposed to be releasing the Cantrell pup, but I am not sure when.

I am happy enough with the JB at the moment...

Here is mine... :D

The Kahler was swapped for a USA model, and the tuners for Schaller.

DSC_0001-14.jpg
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VERY NICE AXE!!!

On the back of the headstock on mine, it says "China" next to the serial number. I read somewhere that the Tributes are made in Indonesia, but mine says China. It's still a sweet axe! Where did you get the graphics for yours? That looks killer! Very nice!

I have a JB that I have laying around right now, so most likely I'll throw it in there. Where did you get the USA Kahler from? I've looked for them online and they're pretty pricey. About as much as a Floyd Rose or more in some cases. Did you have to do any other mods (routing) to it or did the USA Kahler just drop right in?
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

congrats! That LP looks to be in amazing shape!! I too would like to score a Cantrell tribute.. I dont need a single pup guitar enough to pay full price, but you got a killer price. is there a site Address for hello music??

On the LP, def ad straplocks.. ive always had good luck with Dunlops.. i wouldnt change anything else unless it needs changed..

ive always heard Jerry used a JB back in the day anyhow.. So.....
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

BloodRose said:
congrats! That LP looks to be in amazing shape!! I too would like to score a Cantrell tribute.. I dont need a single pup guitar enough to pay full price, but you got a killer price. is there a site Address for hello music??

On the LP, def ad straplocks.. ive always had good luck with Dunlops.. i wouldnt change anything else unless it needs changed..

ive always heard Jerry used a JB back in the day anyhow.. So.....
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The web page for Hello Music is www.hellomusic.com. They do a different promo every day which usually includes 4 pieces of gear. Usually a guitar, an amp and sometimes recording gear or keyboards. You get emails in your inbox everyday as to what the sales are. I just so happened to be shopping for a G&L Rampage and I couldn't pass it up! $450 is a steal!
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

That's a good looking Les Paul.
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

G3ordy said:
The web page for Hello Music is www.hellomusic.com. They do a different promo every day which usually includes 4 pieces of gear. Usually a guitar, an amp and sometimes recording gear or keyboards. You get emails in your inbox everyday as to what the sales are. I just so happened to be shopping for a G&L Rampage and I couldn't pass it up! $450 is a steal!
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thanks! Yeah, from what I hear, they are a pretty good deal at the normal $599 price.
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

BloodRose said:
thanks! Yeah, from what I hear, they are a pretty good deal at the normal $599 price.
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Hey BloodRose, PM me your email addy and I'll refer you. If I refer you and you buy something down the road, it helps me out. If you don't mind!
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

JOLLY said:
That's a good looking Les Paul.
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Thanks, Jolly. I had been jonesing for one for a while. I'm psyched about it! Now all I need is a Mesa Boogie and I'm set for a while.
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

Very nice score!


I changed the bridge and tp to TonePros on my Custom and like them alot better than the originals.
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

Anyone know where I can get a USA Kahler 2320? I would like to swap the import one on my Rampage out with a USA model, but the only ones I have found are $330! Anyone have a cheaper dealer, or are they about the same price everywhere?
 
Re: My New (Used) Gibson Les Paul Custom and G&L Rampage

G3ordy said:
Anyone know where I can get a USA Kahler 2320? I would like to swap the import one on my Rampage out with a USA model, but the only ones I have found are $330! Anyone have a cheaper dealer, or are they about the same price everywhere?
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The Kahler 2320 Pro Series runs $329 from Kahler's website: https://www.kahlerusa.com, I would guess the only way to find one cheaper would be a private seller not a dealer. I have owned both the Tribute Rampage and I now own the US Rampage, I understand why you want to replace The Kahler X-Trem 4300 for the US made 2320, ( The X-trem 4300 is a Kahler tremolo produced in Southeast Asia for guitars that sell in the US for under $600 , The Kahler Hybrid Series are for guitars that sell $600-$900, The Pro Series like the 2320 is sold for guitars $1,000 and above ) Gary Kahler has a 3 part video on YouTube about Kahler Tremolos and in part 3 of the video he explains the difference in the trem systems Kahler has to offer, but in my opinion putting American made parts on an Indonesian or Chinese import is like hand drawing a Nike "swoosh" on a pair of bobo sneakers with a sharpie marker.... Try Ebay.
 
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