Modded Custom Shop Les Paul Axcess

[vector]

I agree vector. The only axe that should be expected to be perfect are those high-end custom shop ones people are waiting 2 years+ to get. The only problem there is that peoples' taste can change over that much time so even those may not be exactly perfect by the time it gets to you. The only ones I could see not making changes to are collector or investment pieces. BTW, it definitely look better after your changes.

Yeah, I hear ya there- my CS Charvel Star was pretty damned close to perfect outta the box. But even then, I modded it by tuning it down to D#, taking out a trem spring (thus requiring a re-intonation and trem spring claw screw adjustment) adding a brass big block and swapping out the p'ups because, as you so insightfully put it, my tastes had changed.

I'm hoping that the upcoming CS Jackson Star will not require ANY such mods as I firmed up spec minutia with Matt, including having it arrive, from the factory, tuned to D# standard, set up with two trem springs, Floyd big brass block installed, and strung with .09- .42 Ernie Ball Cobalt Slinkys. Not sure how much of that will occur in Matt's workshop before he ships to me but it's worth it to have it come right outta the box ready to plug and play.

[CowboyFromHell]

Wow, now that's really getting into some seriously detailed specs. Considering it's coming from Mat's and everything I've heard about his establishment I'm sure it will in fact be "plug n play" straight out of the box without having to be gone over with a fine tooth comb before you get to play it.

[leftykingv2]

Thanks Lefty. Can't help but muse about the significant improvement to a supposedly "high end" ax by swapping out a few parts- this is certainly nothing new. Whole lotta folks on here (and all over) mod and tinker to get their axes just right- someone once quipped: I don't buy a guitar expecting it to be perfect right outta the box/ store, I buy it, knowing full well, I'll be making changes. Coloradoman is one that comes to mind when I think of like-minded modders.

Yeah I know what you mean. I have a bunch of Ibanez guitars and every time I got one I changed the pick ups. The only Models I left stock were the Satch and Vai models I have because they came stock with good pick ups. My Jackson's were perfect right out of the box for me but I think that's only because the dealer I buy from knows my playing style pretty well and knows how I like them set up considering I bought all 3 I own from him.

[Shawn Lutz]

looks better to me before It looks cool both ways but a bit too much black for me. I probably would have went zebras or dual cream. What is cool about guitars as you can mod them to look how you want them to be so if it appeals to the individual that is all that matters when making something unique to them.

[vector]

looks better to me before It looks cool both ways but a bit too much black for me. I probably would have went zebras or dual cream. What is cool about guitars as you can mod them to look how you want them to be so if it appeals to the individual that is all that matters when making something unique to them.

'Xactly.
Trust me, I've caught some grief because of my penchant for modding "vintage" and high end axes. But the bottom line is: If it's mine and it's a keeper in every other aspect then I'll do whatever the fuck I want to make it more playable and more aesthetically appealing to me.

[leftykingv2]

'Xactly.
Trust me, I've caught some grief because of my penchant for modding "vintage" and high end axes. But the bottom line is: If it's mine and it's a keeper in every other aspect then I'll do whatever the fuck I want to make it more playable and more aesthetically appealing to me.

+1 I caught flack off a lot of friends just for changing the pick ups on one of my vintage strats. I can't imagine what they would do if I routed one out (Not saying you routed this one) and put a Floyd on it! It'd almost be worth it to see their faces. I mean c'mon people! I just changed the pick ups. It's not like I can't put the originals right back in the guitar. I am of the same opinion. If I am keeping it and I want to mod it I am going to mod it so don't cry. To hell with the purists anyway!

[vector]

+1 I caught flack off a lot of friends just for changing the pick ups on one of my vintage strats. I can't imagine what they would do if I routed one out (Not saying you routed this one) and put a Floyd on it! It'd almost be worth it to see their faces. I mean c'mon people! I just changed the pick ups. It's not like I can't put the originals right back in the guitar. I am of the same opinion. If I am keeping it and I want to mod it I am going to mod it so don't cry. To hell with the purists anyway!

Oh I did that to my first "real" guitar- this '76 Strat was modded BIG time- routed for a Floyd and a Humbucker. Coil tapped and finger board shaved down. This would've fetched about $1400 if left in the original state/condition I bought it in. Now it's worthless as an investment or "vintage" Strat but priceless to me as my first super Strat and first modded guitar. Still have it!

[leftykingv2]

See that's what I mean. I don't see how anyone can think what you did to that strat lowers the value. In my opinion you made it in to a kick ass shred machine. Like I said the purists will scream off with his head but to me you just made that guitar a lot more playable and awesome in my opinion. Very Dave Murray by the way bro!!!

[sambencuda]

Both of these look great. Especially the SG. I had no idea that Gibson put MIK Floyds on the Axcess Les Pauls. For what they are asking for those, thats a crime! Does Alex Lifeson's have MIK or MIG?

[vector]

Not sure but an acquaintance of mine who used to work for Gibson CS stated that they were all MIK Floyd's on the CS and higher end axes.

[Matt_B]

Heh, I don't even consider the changes you made to be mods per say because all the changes are easily reversible. Unless one is dealing with routing, cutting or refinishing then you're not really modifying the guitar. That's just how I think about it and my perspective is not meant to diminish the impact the changes you made to your guitar make it look or function better for you. I do agree it looks better now, that's for sure.

[leftykingv2]

Not sure but an acquaintance of mine who used to work for Gibson CS stated that they were all MIK Floyd's on the CS and higher end axes.

+1 after our conversation about this very subject I did some digging and your friend is right. MIK Floyds on everything Gibson does including the new Kramers that are being made in the China Epiphone factory.

[vector]

+1 after our conversation about this very subject I did some digging and your friend is right. MIK Floyds on everything Gibson does including the new Kramers that are being made in the China Epiphone factory.

Oh don't get ME started now. I was a huge Kramer fan back in the 80's and I even interviewed for a graphic artist/design position with them in their Neptune NJ office. Got a nice tour of the facilities and got to see some incredible photos of cool shit they made for Eddie and fuck ton of other hotshot guitarists of the time.

I'm glad they're back in the market and frankly, we have Satchel from Steel Panther to thank for that but I likely wouldn't buy one especially knowing the trems are the MIK's.

[leftykingv2]

Oh don't get ME started now. I was a huge Kramer fan back in the 80's and I even interviewed for a graphic artist/design position with them in their Neptune NJ office. Got a nice tour of the facilities and got to see some incredible photos of cool shit they made for Eddie and fuck ton of other hotshot guitarists of the time.

I'm glad they're back in the market and frankly, we have Satchel from Steel Panther to thank for that but I likely wouldn't buy one especially knowing the trems are the MIK's.

I got a buddy with one of the new "Stagemasters." It's a heaping pile of shit compared to a Stagemaster. I have two old Kramer Stagemaster Deluxe guitars and they're some of the best guitars I've ever owned or played. Yeah I am with you on the whole "Going cheap" about the hard ware. There is no excuse for it on guitars that were built in the "Custom Shop." No American Custom Shop guitar should have sub-par hardware. It's actually a shame for it to even have middle of the road hardware.