My LP Replica is nearing completion

[lhrocker]

I found an independent Luthier in Connecticut to build me a Les Paul Replica. He had no issues building the guitar for me, but he didn't want to have the Gibson headstock or logo, which I guess I understand.

So, he said that he had a NOS early 80's neck that already had the logo/headstock and would build the guitar around that. The neck is a short tenon early 80's neck, but he is reconstructing a long tenon. The headstock is perfect and has the Gibson logo. The neck is a slim neck, but still all mahogany.

The body will be based on the 59 Les Paul blueprints. It will have a solid 1 piece mahogany back with a 2 piece flamed maple top. The binding will be the same size around the entire body. The back of the guitar will be radiused to the proper size.

The guitar is almost at the point of being ready to paint, so I think I'm going to have it done in honeyburst/teaburst or Brockburst. I have a week to decide. The hardware will be Gotoh and Tonepros.

Here are some preliminary pictures - I guess after he paints, I'll have another month wait, due the the drying time of nitro.

Let me know what ya think:









Color choices:

[DonP]

I'm surprised you didn't make it yourself. You do really good work.

Either color looks good to me.

Since the neck isn't three piece maple, it would be after 1982.

[rjohnstone]

Looks great so far.
I like this color option myself.
Very classy.

[fenux_123]

Looks great so far.
I like this color option myself.
Very classy.

+1

[lhrocker]

Thanx for the compliment Don. Finishing would be pretty easy, but the actual building/cutting/glueing of the guitar would be pretty difficult as I don't have the tools or space to do that. Plus my wife would have a major fit. Maybe I should just tell him to finish up all of the building and I could paint it. But it's too cold now as I normally spray in the garage.

I'm surprised you didn't make it yourself. You do really good work.

Either color looks good to me.

Since the neck isn't three piece maple, it would be after 1982.

[StukaJU87]

This just looks beautiful. Your guitar is coming out very nice. I can't wait to see the finished pics. I am sure it will be bad a$$.

[JetFixxxer]

What that set you back?

[toejam]

Both colors are sweet, but I think I like this one better.

[Grandturk]

Pah - black is the best color for Les Pauls!

[SiriusAbbott]

very freakin nice axe you're building there
I personally prefer the darker sunbursts!

[DocNrock]

Very nice build there. And with a flame maple cap, I wouldn't dream of painting that a solid color. I like both finish choices.

[Sinistas]

I'd go with a darkburst. Love that color.

[lhrocker]

Less than a new Standard.

What that set you back?

[data187]

does that price include paint?

btw, guitar looks awesome...

[lhrocker]

Data - The price included everything except for the pickups as I had a pair I wanted to use. So it includes the guitar made to my specs, all wood, paint, assembly, hardware, etc. I'll let everyone know, in a month, if it surpasses the real Gibson Historics.