Epi LP standard upgrades

[JoshT1031]

So I'm looking at upgrading all the electronics on my Epi LP standard PTP. I'm thinking about getting either some Burstbucker Pros or some Seymour Duncan pups. Either Pearly Gates or something else. Anyway, what other things do I need to upgrade? I basically wanna upgrade everything so it matches the quality of my T+. What else do I need to buy? If anyone could post some links too I'd appreciate it.

 

[Richie39]

The harness is worth looking at. Youd probably get more mileage out of your post in the Epi section.

 

[bassmannlespaulman]

I have a epiphone plain top lp standard my upgrades were

Russian PIO .022 caps
Upgrades to 500k cts pots
50s wiring
Faber aluminum tailpiece
Faber nickel plated steel bridge wth brass saddles
Bone nut installed
Throbak sle -101 pickups

My upgrades costed more than the guitar itself. ..but played next to historic 1958, 59 , 60 burst reissues my guitar kills them. ..I always get compliments on my sound. .they can't believe it's a epiphone

 

[KRaZeE]

My Epi LP Standard got a Jonesy harness, SD JB/59 pickups and a bone nut with a pro setup. Plays like a champ now.

 

[freefrog]

I agree with the advices above : Good pots and wiring, good tuners and good bridge + tailpiece should improve tremendously the guitar. I’d also change the nut.


Regarding the pickups, I’d select a model with rich mids, in order to "compensate" the acoustic resonance of the woods used by Epiphone.



In my experiments of unofficial guitar tech, I’ve found that PU’s like Duncan PG, SH1 or APH (and Gibson BB Pro's) among others are a good choice for a Gibson but don’t necessarily cooperate very well with an Epi LP (or other Gibson replica), which is often brighter and flatter sounding acoustically than a Gibson.



That's why an Epi requires PU’s with more beef and softness, IME. FWIW. YMMV.

 

[ARandall]

With Epi's go for a complete electrics upgrade......switch, jack, wire, pots - the whole lot. Whilst the switch and jack will do the job, the reliability of these items isn't their strongpoint.

I'd add the Duncan C/59 hybrid into the equation too - some thickness, but clarity as well.

 

[bassmannlespaulman]

I've never been a fan of Duncan pickups. ..they're just too *off the shelf* & I can't personally talk to him or get him on the phone n ask him what would work best for my guitar or customize a pickup to my liking like say throbak, ESPECIALLY electric city, or ox4, wizz, etc etc....plus they have way more variety. ...Seymour used the same. ...boring alnico 2 & 5 magnets. ...throbak has all the mids & especially beef you could want. Very honky midrange but idk alot of ppl willing to pay 529 bucks for pickups. ..I remember when they used to be 300 haha

 

[JoshT1031]

How much would a full electronic upgrade cost? Minus pickups I already know what those run.

 

[M@nChild]

you have only two real options if your looking to make that epi a contender..

1) Jonesy Blue's 50's wiring rig.. Fantastic set up got it in my #1 guitar -- Korean made PRS night and day difference while using the tone and volume knobs.. http://jonesyblues.com/

2) Martin Six String Custom's wiring rig.. Although no personal experience nothing but great reviews from many many Reputable Members here as well as being a stand up poster him self. http://www.martinsixstringcustoms.com/

For pick ups do your self a favor save a couple more bucks and Talk with Bill at Electric City Pick ups... http://www.electriccitypickups.com/

Doing the above will put you and your epi above and beyond the pack.. At that point the only thing holding you back is your own skill level..

 

[KP11520]

CTS Pots are usually around $5 each. (Short shaft. Long shaft are a bit more)

Orange Drop or Mallory 150 caps (I like Mallory exponentially better) from $1 to $2 each. PIO caps start at $5 ea and up!

Switchcraft switch, $15 to $20 depending where you get it from.

Switchcraft jack around $2.49.

Vintage braided wire around $5 for 4 or 5 feet.

Knobs... Shop around for them. I got Gibson Gold Speed knobs for around $12 shipped. New pots (US sizes like CTS) require new knobs.

Shop around. Art of Tone has great prices if you do the assembly.

There are several vendors here that do a very nice job on their harnesses, so look into that as well! Might save you hours if you've never done this.

I hope this helps!

 

[Scubaman]

So I'm looking at upgrading all the electronics on my Epi LP standard PTP. I'm thinking about getting either some Burstbucker Pros or some Seymour Duncan pups. Either Pearly Gates or something else. Anyway, what other things do I need to upgrade? I basically wanna upgrade everything so it matches the quality of my T+. What else do I need to buy? If anyone could post some links too I'd appreciate it.

I've got BBPros in my Epi Lp and whilst they can sound great they are VERY sensitive to both pickup and pole height adjustment. I got my BBPros stupidly cheap but if I was going full price I'd have to say that there are WAAAY better pickups out there for the price. Definitely check out the offering from Bare Knuckle.