Finally decided (Bavarian content)

[LesPast]

Almost two years ago, I posted my first thread, asking your opinions about a vintage purchase vs. a makeover of a guitar I owned (actually, my number one). I didn't have a clear idea about what to do, but time has passed and the following happened: first, I couldn't find on the market a vintage specimen (I was looking for a player's grade late sixties goldtop, at a decent price, in europe); nothing really interesting, and anyway it would have been complicated to play the guitar before buying it.

In the meanwhile, I had the chance to play a few 2018 and 2019 gibson historics. They were all very good guitars, kudos to the Gibson Custom Shop. But I honestly felt unimpressed, except by a 2019 60th anniversary R9. This specific guitar was outstanding, but I rated it on par with what I already have. So, to me, there was no point in spending money to achieve something I already have in my hands. Maybe it's all in my head, maybe I was very lucky, but my 2009 R7 (with upgraded pickups and electronics) is still the best Les Paul I have ever played, tonewise.

In the end, exactly after 10 years of a succesful relationship (how romantic! I'm italian, can't help it), I wrote Florian Jaeger and decided to send him the guitar for a makeover One (refinish, recarve of the neck and maple top, inlays). I know, it may sound counter-intuitive after what I just wrote, but while the guitar sounds exceptional, I believe it can be vastly improved in terms of "feel" (plasticky finish, neck shoulders).

So for those interested, I will try to report the progress in the makeover, and share some details of the results, especially because this makeover will not include the fretboard substitution, which seems to be the usual choice.

Cheers!

Andy

PS. In the pic you see the R7 between a CC#7 and a CC#8. An old family picture!

 

[DanD]

I think Florian will do an awesome job. I've seen a few of makeovers and they all look great.

 

[fretboarder]

I wouldnt touch the neck if you like the sound of it already!!

 

[Netwarrior]

Very interested in seeing the result! I'm also thinking about sending my R8 for a Bavarian makeover.
BTW, I'm Italian too!

 

[1allspub]

I wouldnt touch the neck if you like the sound of it already!!

This is especially good advice, IMO. A guitar's given neck profile plays a large role in its tone. Change the profile and you're likely to change the tone.

 

[LesPast]

I wouldnt touch the neck if you like the sound of it already!!

This is especially good advice, IMO. A guitar's given neck profile plays a large role in its tone. Change the profile and you're likely to change the tone.

I hear you guys. My idea was to ask Florian to keep the depth of the neck unaltered (which is 0.926" at the first fret, and I find it just right) and just make the shape more of a round C. I know, I am making the assumption the tone will stay unaltered, or improve. It is a small risk I am willing to take. For the same reason, I didn't want to change the fretboard to a brazilian one, as the consensus is this will change the sound of the guitar radically. It's gonna be an interesting experiment!

Very interested in seeing the result! I'm also thinking about sending my R8 for a Bavarian makeover.
BTW, I'm Italian too!

Stay tuned Netwarrior! The guitar will arrive in Oberstdorf tomorrow!

 

[musicmaniac]

Can't wait to see the results!

 

[mudface]

For me i couldn't risk doing this to my "best" guitar,.... i would do it to one that may need a little help,... for experimenting reasons. I have a 2004 R7 and I couldn't dare try this. I bought a 2012 R9 really cheap because of the bi-layer fretboard,.. for the intention of having a Historic Makeover done to it,... fretboard and all. But i fell in love with it and couldn't do it.

But i wish you and your R7 the best of luck.

This is the 2012 R9 that i almost sent to Historic Makeovers

This is my 2004 R7

 

[DanD]

Florian could do great things to that GT mudface.

'50s spec bronze powder paint, plastisizer less nitro, a deep top carve and the right logo.

I doubt any of those would drastically change the tone.

I know all would drastically improve the looks.

 

[mudface]

Florian could do great things to that GT mudface.

'50s spec bronze powder paint, plastisizer less nitro, a deep top carve and the right logo.

I doubt any of those would drastically change the tone.

I know all would drastically improve the looks.

I agree,... i have seen some of those Florian jobs,... Outstanding work.

Still,... i would need a Guinea pig just for myself amigo,... something that was a good guitar,.. but not something i couldn't live without. Hell,... it could just get snuffed out during shipping little alone have a tone change...

One day i will run across a great deal that i will commit to one of these makeovers,... i very much still want to do it. I do love how these look.

 

[DanD]

Ive been considering the same thing.

I'm not worried about the year of guitar in question as I want to go all out with the neck reset, new truss rod, and Braz board.

I've my eye out for a clean CHEAP used GT under 9 pounds.

Emphasis on cheap and clean (finish damage is fine but not dented or dinged the f'up).

As for the refin an ambered top coat minus checking and wear is good by me.

All said and done it should be less than a new R9. Way less than any new Braz Gibson R.

I know there's no resale value but as far as the guitar goes my guess is it'll be better than most new Rs in feel as it'll have my personal spec neck shape and real nitro that Gibson can't use. The bronze powder paint is just icing on the cake!

 

[Sct13]

I have been through two Historic Makeovers, while its a fun and desirable road to take on refinishing,,, I would not send off my #1 instrument.

Send a guitar that needs it.

I can't speak for you and your playability needs. But a makeover will change the characteristics drastically, like weights, feel and other aspects of playability. I stress that its not a bad thing....it will just be different, I think you need to be prepared for that. It will not be the same guitar and it may not be better. It is a risk.

Next time I do one it will be a guitar I am not familiar with on an intimate level.

I wish you the best and cant wait to see the process and outcome.

Nice CC# 8 BTW ….

 

[LesPast]

For me i couldn't risk doing this to my "best" guitar,.... i would do it to one that may need a little help,... for experimenting reasons. I have a 2004 R7 and I couldn't dare try this. I bought a 2012 R9 really cheap because of the bi-layer fretboard,.. for the intention of having a Historic Makeover done to it,... fretboard and all. But i fell in love with it and couldn't do it.

But i wish you and your R7 the best of luck.

This is the 2012 R9 that i almost sent to Historic Makeovers
View attachment 405417

This is my 2004 R7
View attachment 405418

Those are two nice guitars. Best of both worlds!

Florian could do great things to that GT mudface.

'50s spec bronze powder paint, plastisizer less nitro, a deep top carve and the right logo.

I doubt any of those would drastically change the tone.

I know all would drastically improve the looks.

I totally get the "looks" aspect. But, believe it or not, I am am not doing it for the looks. I am aware the guitar will be more vintage-correct, but the main reason of this makeover is to bring it on a superior level in terms of feel, and get rid of the plasticky finish.

I have been through two Historic Makeovers, while its a fun and desirable road to take on refinishing,,, I would not send off my #1 instrument.

Send a guitar that needs it.

I can't speak for you and your playability needs. But a makeover will change the characteristics drastically, like weights, feel and other aspects of playability. I stress that its not a bad thing....it will just be different, I think you need to be prepared for that. It will not be the same guitar and it may not be better. It is a risk.

Next time I do one it will be a guitar I am not familiar with on an intimate level.

I wish you the best and cant wait to see the process and outcome.

Nice CC# 8 BTW ….

As you said, it is a risk. My bet is the guitar will turn out even better after the makeover. I believe the change in tone will not be dramatic, since I am not planning to replace the fretboard, truss-rod, re-set the neck. Still, it is a leap in the dark. I confess I am a bit anxious, and excitded at the same time.

I was the lucky owner of the CC#8 you see, for almost three years. It was the opposite of the R7: it had the best feeling, neck shape, weight balance I have experienced, and I really liked the finish and ageing. But in the end I let it go. It was a pleasure to play, but when I had to choose, the R7 just sounded better, and inspired me more.

 

[Gtarzan81]

Those are two nice guitars. Best of both worlds!



I totally get the "looks" aspect. But, believe it or not, I am am not doing it for the looks. I am aware the guitar will be more vintage-correct, but the main reason of this makeover is to bring it on a superior level in terms of feel, and get rid of the plasticky finish.



As you said, it is a risk. My bet is the guitar will turn out even better after the makeover. I believe the change in tone will not be dramatic, since I am not planning to replace the fretboard, truss-rod, re-set the neck. Still, it is a leap in the dark. I confess I am a bit anxious, and excitded at the same time.

I was the lucky owner of the CC#8 you see, for almost three years. It was the opposite of the R7: it had the best feeling, neck shape, weight balance I have experienced, and I really liked the finish and ageing. But in the end I let it go. It was a pleasure to play, but when I had to choose, the R7 just sounded better, and inspired me more.

What would Valentino Rossi do?

 

[LesPast]

What would Valentino Rossi do?

Go full throttle, of course!

 

[LesPast]

Well, the guitar has arrived at destination. The journey is about to start...

 

[Netwarrior]

There's a bigsby box next to the guitar!

 

[LesPast]

There's a bigsby box next to the guitar!

Good catch!

 

[Airplane]

Looking forward to see how this goes!

 

[Netwarrior]

Good catch!

Have you asked Florian to plug the stop tailpiece holes, or are you leaving the bushings in?