2003 Studio refin project begins

[Birdseyeview]

So I got it done! I bought a 50's wiring harness from Jonesyblues with 550 pots and caps. I brought the studio from bare wood to a nice thin Nitro finish; faux binding. A beautiful one piece mahogany back. The top was a triple maple, so I shot it with black-ebony nitro, after sanding it to 2,000 grit: enjoy!

I decided to install a Faber ABR bridge with 8mm screw studs, and a Philadelphia Luthier Tailpiece studs: they work great! This studio has 10 minutes of sustain.

I might change the tuners, but the originals are solid, and hold accurate tuning fine.

490 neck and 498 bridge, to be replaced later with Sheptone AB Humbuckers when the budget allows. As it stands, this guitar is not flawless, but is a TONE MONSTER...anyone here would be delighted with what it delivers.

 

[Birdseyeview]

This guitar had a headstock repair, but I think it hides really well, despite the original repair being very obvious. I stained the body with a redish mahogany stain, and filled it with grain filler from Stew Mac. The finish is about 12 to 15 coats of Nitro, but sounds thin and very open. More photos here:

 

[Birdseyeview]

8.9 #s. I put Dunlop Straplocks on it, and Ernie Ball Hybrid 9-46's, top wrapped. Damned sustain for a week; love the Jonesey 50's harness in this, have to get one for my Standard!

 

[the1jj]

You really brought her back to life in an amazing way brother. I love the end result sir.

 

[PixMix]

Nice work! Looks great.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Best Looking $260 Les Paul I've ever seen!!!

 

[endial]

That headstock repair all but disappeared!

Beautiful job! Excellent contrast with the faux binding.

550k pots. Interesting. I would have thought them to be way bright especially with 490/498's. Comment?

 

[nitrodave08]

Great job, how about a lil detail on how you managed to keep the serial number and "MIA" thoughout. I have my tribute that I did, but been thinking of going black on the back to make it even more accurate.

 

[Birdseyeview]

Great job, how about a lil detail on how you managed to keep the serial number and "MIA" thoughout. I have my tribute that I did, but been thinking of going black on the back to make it even more accurate.

Yes, I did not lay down the 'force' around the serial #. I almost lost a number 8, but used my trustie wood burning knife to bring it back. I have a few of those Nitro lacquer pens, and used a walnut (I believe) on the digits, then one more light sanding.

Thanks.

 

[Birdseyeview]

That headstock repair all but disappeared!

Beautiful job! Excellent contrast with the faux binding.

550k pots. Interesting. I would have thought them to be way bright especially with 490/498's. Comment?

Yeah, bright is correct. I am rolling off the volume to 8 and tone at mid. I really want to put some PAF clones in this.

 

[musicmaniac]

Looks great!

 

[donlumber]

That is a sexay beast now!

 

[Compulsor]

Remarkable job- it really looks incredible, I almost feel like you had some sort of top re-carve or something similar because it's just so well proportioned- everything just seems like it "flows" so much better/proportionally; like my second favorite era, late-mid 70's (75-78).

 

[Birdseyeview]

Remarkable job- it really looks incredible, I almost feel like you had some sort of top re-carve or something similar because it's just so well proportioned- everything just seems like it "flows" so much better/proportionally; like my second favorite era, late-mid 70's (75-78).

Thank you. The top turned out well. I learned a ton on this one. Next project may be of an even nicer, but broken standard, historic, custom, etc.

I find this sort of project draws you into the instrument. I know this guitar inside and out, and that was fun to be involved with!

 

[73Fender]

Freaking beautiful. On your next one, if it has a headstock break, maybe a stinger? I love stingers. Great job.

 

[NRVPaul]

Looks great but was hoping to see a nice burst on that killer three piece top!

 

[Birdseyeview]

Looks great but was hoping to see a nice burst on that killer three piece top!

It had a very boring top. I opted to cover it.