Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

[papersoul]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

Lew, good to have ya back bro! I wanted to ask you.....what if I rarely use the tone and volme knobs and I like how my guitar sounds with the current pots/caps? Any reason to change? I did change the aluminum tail though.

Also, guys on the LP forum are saying to get the correct studs for the aluminum tails because the stock LP studs will be too loose with the aluminum tail!

Finally, what do you guys think of the ABR-1 vs Nashville bridge for LPs? I have heard the ABR-1 will add a bigger and warmer tone.

 

[papersoul]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

Hey Darrin, How ya doin' buddy? I'll tell you: all I'd do is make sure the pots are quality 500K CTS and the tone caps .02 Orange Drops (I'd do the 50's mod when you install them: just solder the tone cap to the middle terminal of the volume pot instead of to the input) and then I'd install an aluminum featherweight talipiece. Unless you have a problem with your existing tuning heads that's all I'd do. Let me know if I can help. Lew

Lew, what do you think about replacing the stock bushings and studs with metal studs and bushings? Apparently they are stock zinc and tone suckers. Apparently on the Les Paul forum they mention the addition of the bushings, studs, and aluminum tail make a noticable tonal improvement.

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

Another change you could make, and it's purely cosmetic I guess, is to install vintage-style tall pickup rings. The '91 LP Classic I bought recently has these and I much prefer the way the bridge pickup is enclosed. It looks better and probably offers more protection to the pickup, especially if it's uncovered. I'm going to order a set for my '96 Standard before I take the covers off those double cream Seths again.

These are much recommended at the Les Paul Forum:

http://www.marshallparts.com/content/estore_details.asp?product=539

 

[papersoul]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

bump for Lew.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

I'd recommend a set of Schaller or Grover locking tuners, CTS pots, Tonepros bridge, and an Earvana nut. A fret dressing might not be a bad idea, but it's probably not totally necessary.

Ryan

 

[papersoul]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

I'd recommend a set of Schaller or Grover locking tuners, CTS pots, Tonepros bridge, and an Earvana nut. A fret dressing might not be a bad idea, but it's probably not totally necessary.

Ryan

I think locking tuners are not necessary in most cases. The stock tuners on my LP Standard are solid. The CTS pots are good ides but it won't have an impact if you don't use the tone or volume controls. I just don't like TonePros as I think they are over rated. No offense.
The fret dressing is always good idea!

 

[rinse_master]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

Well on mine I got grover locking tuners, tonepros stp/tom, cts pots and new caps and soon an earvana nut too...

 

[papersoul]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

Well on mine I got grover locking tuners, tonepros stp/tom, cts pots and new caps and soon an earvana nut too...

are the grover locking tuners direct fit? I hate drilling hols in a good guitar, plus did it effect tone?

What material is the Tone Pros bridge made from? I preferred to go the aluminum tail and metal studs route for better resonance and acoustic properties.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

Finally, what do you guys think of the ABR-1 vs Nashville bridge for LPs? I have heard the ABR-1 will add a bigger and warmer tone.

It's about time someone else mentioned this mod. For the longest time it seemed like I was talking to a ****ing wall. IMO swapping an ABR-1 for the Nashville TOM had about 10x the effect of swapping the lightweight tailpiece for the stock one. Before vs. after sounded like I'd been playing with a blanket over my amp that I'd suddenly yanked off. The guitar didn't get warmer, but it was definitely bigger. If I had to choose one phrase to describe the tone change I would say that the guitar sounded clearer and far less muddy.

You can get a set of conversion studs from Solidbody Guitar (www.solidbodyguitar.com) for $18. Kenny at Solidbody refers to the Nashville as the "bloat-o-bridge" and I'd have to agree with him. I've tried ABR conversions on several Gibsons and my Explorer was the only exception to the rule I've found so far.

 

[Pig_Charmer]

Re: Thoughts for upgrading LP Std.? (not pups)

What I think is this: from experience, if the guitar stays in tune, and the action is good. the tone comes from YOU. Stock Rocks.