Limited Edition Classic Custom Antique -project

[TonyH]

Hi,

Bought the Limited Edition Classic Custom Antique couple of weeks ago. Very nice guitar and I don't have any big complaints, I am infact pretty happy with it. But, I cannot keep myself from modding my gear. Makes me even more happy

So, my plans are to change the bridge, nut, electrics, pickups and get the fretboard looked at by a pro and then have it properly adjusted.

I ordered the parts for the project and today the first ones arrived: Graphtech Resomax NV2 and a TUSQ nut. I started with the bridge. Here are few pics. I will update this thread when I have further progress.

1+2. the guitar in stock form
3. took the first insert off as they are different to Resomax inserts
4. comparing the original (top) and Resomax (bottom). Both are 8mm but the Resomax has a widening in the top part of the insert. The Resomax bolt would not go deep enough to Epi stock insert.
5. both new ones installed. Note that the Epi inserts are a tiny bit bigger in diameter so the Resomax inserts are loose in the stock holes. I used some plastic tape to achieve a tighter fit. Pressed the inserts in by one finger alone so not too tight.

PS. to my surprise the tail piece has a locking mechanism in stock form so good thing I didn't order a replacement for nothing. This is my first Epi so I didn't expect this.

 

[TonyH]

And couple of more pics of the new bridge on my guitar.

Will be continued when I get more parts and get to install them. Now I will install new strings, do a basic adjustment and try it out.

 

[Skit]

Cool I have always liked those.

 

[Sustainamaniac]

That's awesome!

 

[TonyH]

Thanks for the comments! I was starting to wonder if nobody cared

I did install the new strings and did a basic adjustment (string height, intonation etc.). Low E corner of the factory nut broke off while changing the strings, must have been cracked or something. Superglued it back but WTH, no point in postponing this: its time to replace the original nut with the TUSQ -version. The finish on my guitar is so nice I do not dare to do it myself so its pro time.

So, yesterday I took it to my luthier for nut change and we agreed that he would do a full fretboard and fret (leveling, shaping, polishing) -jobs too. He will check bunch of other stuff too and adjust the guitar properly. Not cheap but I don't see myself selling this guitar so why not.

Today I received a message that my Martin Six Strings wiring harness and toggle switch are in the customs and I should receive them tomorrow, I will install them and the SD Hotrodded kit (JB+Jazz) next week when I get the guitar back.

From then onwards its mostly cosmetic

 

[JohnnyN]

Very nice - sure looks like a keeper

 

[Dun Ringill]

That'll be great when your done!! Nice score!!

 

[dmvksv]

Love the binding. Very nice guitar.

 

[Glegalee]

That's a nice looking geetar you got your self there. Looks in pretty good nick too. How old is it?

Cheers G.

 

[TonyH]

That's a nice looking geetar you got your self there. Looks in pretty good nick too. How old is it?

Thanks all for nice comments.

I bought the guitar new from an official dealer (brick & mortar store) few weeks ago. Serial dates it back to 2010. They were complaining very slow guitar sales lately, most of their guitars had sat in their shelves for way too long - especially the more expensive brands like G and F. So they arranged a 3 day campaign of "everything 20-50% off" and I picked this one up at very good price. I saw it right away when I walked in, I always wanted a black LP and this one draw my attention among the various burst-colored G's. I walked right to it and when I saw the price I was pretty sure I wanted it even before trying it.

My first Epiphone too.

 

[WannaBeTownshend]

And couple of more pics of the new bridge on my guitar.

Will be continued when I get more parts and get to install them. Now I will install new strings, do a basic adjustment and try it out.

The orange binding is weird, but I kinda dig it

 

[TonyH]

The orange binding is weird, but I kinda dig it

The guitar is named Classic Antique, so think the binding as 100 year old cream which has already turned yellow So, in real life its not so much orange but rather darkish yellow.

 

[harpman54]

You can't go wrong with the updates you've mentioned. All are upgrades that will bring your Epiphone to a different level. Keep us posted on your first impressions as you do the upgrades.

 

[ADangerToMyself]

I've seen these before but I hadn't noticed that it was a Custom with trap inlays. That's pretty interesting. I definitely like it, Happy New Guitar Day brother!

 

[TonyH]

I've seen these before but I hadn't noticed that it was a Custom with trap inlays. That's pretty interesting. I definitely like it, Happy New Guitar Day brother!

Thanks!

While I was searching for meaning of "trap inlays" I found the specs for the guitar. Hmm, nicer than I expected

Mahogany body with carved alder top
Set mahogany neck
Slim taper profile
24-3/4" scale
Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays
22 frets
12" radius
1-11/16" nut width
Alnico Classic Plus humbucking pickups
2 volume and 2 tone controls with 3-position pickup toggle
LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece
Grover tuners
Gold hardware
Limited lifetime warranty

 

[TonyH]

An update: I have my guitar back from the luthier. He complimented me on how good it sounds The Tusq nut is installed, frets are level, shaped and polished, the fretboard is oiled and the whole thing is now adjusted properly. So, stage 2 is done and it feels great.

Next stage 3, the rewire. Not exactly ment for Epi but I hope to fit this kit into it.