Phat Staple in Modded 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

 

[Mincer]

Re: Phat Staple in Modded Vintage LP Custom

I don't think a mid 70's LPC is extremely collectible, and like you said, it it is far from pristine. I would rather you play it (that Phat Staple is a great choice) than it sits waiting for some big cash buyout one day. Make the guitar yours and play it proudly.

 

[vinnie1971]

Phat Staple in Modded Vintage LP Custom

What mincer said, a guitar's monetary worth us for collectors, a guitars worth to a player is how it plays


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[jtougas]

Re: Phat Staple in Modded Vintage LP Custom

As I said in your other thread:

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.

 

[Open lane]

Re: Phat Staple in Modded Vintage LP Custom

not quite as extreme but i had a similar dilemma a month ago, when i decided to switch the pups from my 90s LP to duncan antiquities. I had a friend whispering in my ear not to because i could regret it later. I ultimately decided to go for it, as the guitar has extremely special meaning to me, as it was a gift. I have anything but regretted it thus far and i'm playing it more since getting the antiquities.


Ultimately, the guitar is yours so it'll be a personal decision. Really, part of me would be tempted to keep it the way he left it, in his memory. But if i were your Uncle i'd prob be happier if it was the way YOU like it, if it means you'll play it a lot more.


As far as value goes, if he already modified it, i doubt it will be affected that much. I'd probably go for it. You only live once and because it was already modified, i wouldn't feel like sitting on it waiting for an appreciation of value would really make
much sense.

 

[Open lane]

Re: Phat Staple in Modded Vintage LP Custom

not quite as extreme but i had a similar dilemma a month ago, when i decided to switch the pups from my 90s LP to duncan antiquities. I had a friend whispering in my ear not to because i could regret it later. I ultimately decided to go for it, as the guitar has extremely special meaning to me, as it was a gift. I have anything but regretted it thus far and i'm playing it more since getting the antiquities.


Ultimately, the guitar is yours so it'll be a personal decision. Really, part of me would be tempted to keep it the way he left it, in his memory. But if i were your Uncle i'd prob be happier if it was the way YOU like it, if it means you'll play it a lot more.


As far as value goes, if he already modified it, i doubt it will be affected that much. I'd probably go for it. You only live once and because it was already modified, i wouldn't feel like sitting on it waiting for an appreciation of value would really make
much sense.

Sorry, i hadn't read the part about it needing repairs. Obviously get the thing in working order, and ignore where i said i'd be tempted to leave it "as is." I still see no harm in modifying it more since it has already had mods. Ultimately, your call.

 

[kdilla]

Re: Phat Staple in Modded Vintage LP Custom

Thanks everyone for your feedback. You've given me the courage to follow my muse. Plan to order a Phat Staple for the neck right away. For now I will get the coil-split humbucker in the bridge into working order and see how that sounds. Figure this will be a good way to experiment with a humbucker for leads. Hopefully it sounds good split and un-split, alone and in tandem with the Staple. If I decide to keep it, I will cap the bridge pup with a tarnished gold pickup cover. If I don't like it I will switch to a bridge P90 for the full 1954 experience. I'll post pics and maybe sound clips once the project is finished! Thanks again.

Dilla

 

[vinnie1971]

Re: Phat Staple in Modded Vintage LP Custom

Coil split using a small resistor say 4.7k do it does not sound thin and shrill. Instead of a wire from the split to ground you use a resistor.


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