Matt Heafy Custom to "Classic Custom" Project

[Drave]

I wanted to create a thread and share as I convert this guitar into my own "Custom". Buying this LP I had every intention of doing this

My plans:
Fretboard clear coat removal
Bone Nut
PAF Nickel Pickups (59 SD pickup - Not sure which bridge PU still)
Nickel Hardware
50's Wiring
Different Knobs (still stuck between two)

My Goal?
To create a Epiphone version of Gibsons Classic Custom/1968 Custom.


Today's mod - Fretboard clear coat removal and oil

Top is already done, bottom is still with the clearcoat on the board:

All done and she's asking for the oil:

Oiled and drying:

Dried pic pending (Still drying)

This thread will be updated as I get more done, thanks for checking out my thread!

 

[LPGuy]

I love these kind of threads....where's the smilie guy with him eating popcorn??

 

[RZK]

 

[Drave]

Just thought I'd share the 3 things I used.

Gibson fretboard oil
Stanley Razor Blade
Clean cotton cloth

I finished applying the second and final coat of oil. Shes coming along nice! Letting it dry once again. I'll post the before and after when shes dry.

 

[JetBlast]

Sounds interesting. Can't wait to see more!

On a side note, what do you (or anyone) recommend for cleaning/polishing/etc the frets, fretboard, and the paint on the body?

 

[Drave]

Before:

After:

You can see and feel the wood grain and the ebony board looks the way it should

 

[TheAce93]

Wow, you polished so hard the strings turned invisible!

 

[Drave]

Lol thanks Ace

 

[TheAce93]

Can't wait to see the finished project!

I've got one in progress myself.

Codename 'Black Budokan'...

 

[Drave]

Sounds interesting. Can't wait to see more!

On a side note, what do you (or anyone) recommend for cleaning/polishing/etc the frets, fretboard, and the paint on the body?

Thanks! For the fretboard I wipe it down with a damp cloth between string changes. I dont really wipe down my strings much.(maybe I should?) For the body any guitar polish is good. My fretboard oil came with gibson guitar polish. Works fine on the Epi.

Just waiting for some stuff to come in the mail

 

[Ramsayjim]

ive got the same guitar and im really looking forward to seeing how your project goes..keep me posted...cheers

 

[Glegalee]

Will be following this thread closely!

Cheers G.

 

[Drave]

Nothing major just a small update. turns out the nut I ordered is on back order until March 12! I guess that explains the price lol.

Picked up a set of Elitist pickups on the bay for a good price. Just came in today.

 

[Drave]

More things came in today.

Already have the other two knobs

Aluminum Nickel Gotoh Tailpiece

Ordered a Gotoh Tune o matic bridge but its a little too big for my taste. Ordered the stock Epi bridge, which i like. Thinking of replacing the saddles with the nickel gotoh ones.

Nickel Grover Tuners 18:1

Nickel Strap buttons

Nickel pickup height adjustment screws and strings

Ordering a harness next week and still waiting for the tusq nut to come in. Slowly getting there..

 

[Drave]

Grovers fit perfectly!

 

[amostlystockdc2]

Looking good

 

[metale]

Subscribed!

 

[MrJudd77]

this is looking great. can't wait til I have my Custom paid off (layby) I think it will need a little lovin as well.

 

[JetBlast]

Looks great with the silver on it! I still like mine in jet black.

 

[Drave]

Thanks everyone, I also cant wait to complete this lol.