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stan
30-12-2014, 06:16 PM
Found a nice Epiphone Les Paul on ebay - with a broken headstock. Brand new, a factory second, but looks great - delivered broken.

Convinced my wife it could be my Christmas present and bought it.

Of course it's a lefty

It arrived today and the resto begins:

Typical LP headstock failure after being dropped

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/062.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/062.jpg.html)

pretty clean break, fortunately

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/063.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/063.jpg.html)


look how thick the finish is on these, I was amazed

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/065.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/065.jpg.html)

mmmm Grover tuners:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/066.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/066.jpg.html)

stan
30-12-2014, 06:17 PM
Very hard to see, but the top of the headstock is stamped "used", must be what they do with seconds....

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/068.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/068.jpg.html)



Another look at the break - once again check the depth of the finish...

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/073.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/073.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/074.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/074.jpg.html)


Body and electricals are perfect. Don't know why they put amber controls on these, looks wrong to me. My wife said it would look better with black and silver ...mmm.. vintage style, I think she's right

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/070.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/070.jpg.html)

stan
30-12-2014, 06:17 PM
Cant really see it but there is a very faint stress crack at the neck join, probably happened when it was dropped.
Note the finish is so thick that it fills anything that looks like a join:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/072.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/072.jpg.html)

stan
30-12-2014, 06:19 PM
Well, we all know what happens next:

Titebond
Clamps
Time....

Those little spring loaded clamps are really strong, perfect for this

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/075.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/075.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/077.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/077.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/076.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/076.jpg.html)

stan
30-12-2014, 06:25 PM
have already been on ebay looking at knobs, pickups...

I was going to try super glue and black dye/ink mixed to repair and fill the cracks that still show.
Any other suggestions?

It has a plastic nut... I think I have a Tusq one in my stuff.... I think this will get the hot rod treatment...

Scott J.
30-12-2014, 06:35 PM
Geez Stan, what a score! ... looks like there isn't a scratch on it! (just bloody great break! :D) ... a nice little festive season project.

Considering where the break is (and the inevitable stress that will be put on the joint once the guitar's strung), have you thought about rodding/dowelling the join for extra strength, once it's set?

Scott J.
30-12-2014, 06:45 PM
Alternatively if the joint doesn't handle it, you could always pick up an appropriate bridge and nut (maybe Adam can rustle one up) and give it the "Steinberger" (headless) treatment

... a headless Les Paul - now that would be something different! :D

jarrod
30-12-2014, 07:32 PM
What a great project Stan, the tight bond should be sufficiant as its tuff as. Nice score sir

stan
31-12-2014, 06:13 PM
Hey Scott, I actually said to myself "Steinberger" when I took it out of the box.
There are a few small scratches on it that don't show up in the pics: think of shop worn

Titebond should be sufficient for the fix. It's now dry and seems pretty strong, no flex or movement. So we are agreed Jarrod!

bargeloobs
31-12-2014, 06:18 PM
Nice little project Stan, I've got a couple of these epi Les Pauls and they're bloody great axes, I hate to ask but how much did they make you pay? Watching with interest on this one.

stan
31-12-2014, 06:23 PM
Titebond seems to have done it's job.

24 Hours later:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/001.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/001.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002.jpg.html)

A few sticky marks, but this is about to get rubbed back

gavinturner
31-12-2014, 06:58 PM
Nice work stan! She is coming along now.. How are you gonna fill the gaps on the underside?

cheers,
Gav.

stan
31-12-2014, 07:05 PM
thanks Gav.
Either Timermate, spray black then gloss

Or mix some black ink in with superglue and use it like filler, sand smooth then gloss.

Anybody know what they use for gloss??

I was thinking of wipe on poly...

Scott J.
31-12-2014, 07:46 PM
Seems Epiphone is really not forthcoming on the finishes it uses but most of the informed sources I've come across say that its only the very few, top-end ($), USA-built Epi's that are Nitro finished ... all the other Epi's are polyurethane finish.

The primary reasons seem to be ... a. to keep the cost down (nitro finishes being more labour-intensive), and ... b. Different country's Environmental laws - the US isn't as restrictive on the use of nitro like countries such as Japan and Korea are.

... at least that's what the informed" sources say.

jarrod
31-12-2014, 09:36 PM
Your spot on with your info there Scotty. Epiphone use acrylic clears apart from the black beauty and USA finished customs which use nitro.

stan
01-01-2015, 05:15 AM
thanks guys, so from that can I assume that wipe on poly (minwax) will be fine?

Scott J.
01-01-2015, 05:51 AM
The factories spray it on ... but never having used "wipe on" myself, I couldn't say how it will go over the top of the existing finish.

stan
01-01-2015, 06:15 AM
thanks Scott. I have a feeling application is less important than finish compatibility.
I don't think wipe on or spray on matters too much, as long as the products don't react.
One way to find out....

kells80aus
01-01-2015, 08:16 AM
Hi Stan,
Rerpair looks pretty good.

If it was me I would hace been looking at How I could stuff it totally with some 6mm dowels or something. :)

I couldn't find a tuner for my Epi LP100. so I put a Dr Parts tuner on it. body shape was right, but the knob is a different shape.

PK

kells80aus
01-01-2015, 08:27 AM
Hi Stan, I remember seeing this on fleaBay, but I thought it was too nasty to touch

stan
01-01-2015, 09:38 AM
Hi Stan, I remember seeing this on fleaBay, but I thought it was too nasty to touch

yep seller in USA.
Looked like a clean break to me , so thought it was worth the effort.

If you put dowels or screws into it, you risk causing issues with the truss rod, there is not a lot of space at the thinnest end of the neck - you may even cause it to be weaker.

Titebond is strong, it might crack next to it, but the join itself shouldn't give up...

If you still need tuners PK have a look at this - Epi LP Custom - headstock only, but has all the tuners, $150:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Gibson-Les-Paul-Tuners-Epiphone-Headstock-Only-/331428405130?pt=AU_Instrument_Accessories&hash=item4d2aac1f8a

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTk3WDYwMA==/z/WhgAAOSwEK9T8HKR/$_57.JPG

kells80aus
01-01-2015, 03:36 PM
Tks Stan,

those epi tuners are the same shape as the Dr. Parts set I bought from Underground Music in Werribee for $49.
I still have five more to put on it. Next time I change the strings. :)

Dunno why anyone would buy just the headstock. Doesn't even show if it is sawn off or broken off.
I did see a Gibson on ebay today with a shattered neck. but the neck was fractured as well as the fretboard. this one was a mess and looked like he had tried to glue it by wiping glue into the break.

PK

kells80aus
01-01-2015, 03:44 PM
Sorry, not a gibo, just Cort Accoustic and Left handed as well http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cort-Left-Hand-Acoustic-Electric-Cutaway-Guitar-Broken-Neck-No-preamp-/221642826009?pt=AU_Musical_Instruments_Instruments&hash=item339af12119

The Gibo I was looking at was a LP Junior Special, but was $153 and pickup only,,,, from QLD

PK

stan
01-01-2015, 06:36 PM
yes saw that cort, looked like too much work

kells80aus
02-01-2015, 03:23 AM
I messaged the guy with the Cort, He says there has been no attempt to fix it, but the pic looks like it has been.

Problem is the fretboard needs to be lifted to get access to the fracture. Alternatively I could one could use a hyperdermic to insert glue in and then clamp it in place. But then it is a LEFTY

PK

stan
02-01-2015, 12:49 PM
The Cort is only $60 and the repair doesnt look that hard on second look, but the preamp is also gone, dunno if it would be worth the effort. Just got given a cheapie acoustic from a friend who was going to learn, but never did - might leftify that one...

stan
02-01-2015, 12:54 PM
OK, on with the show.

Time to fill the cracks.

Here I used Jarrah Timbermate (because it was what I had...) and black printer ink mixed to a runny ish consistency.

Then smear on:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003-1.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/005.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/005.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/007.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/007.jpg.html)

The repair wont be perfectly black, but painting over it should be easier that perhaps using straight filler... Who knows, seemed like a good idea!

kells80aus
02-01-2015, 02:42 PM
I am watching a Yammy accoustic(undamaged) for sale in Sleepy Hollow. I looked at the coort, but thought it was too much for a pretty complex repair. Complex in that you need to work out how to glue the break, by full dismantling the neck or by syringing glue in.

If I win the Yammy I plan to put a piezo or some sort of pick up in it. I already have a preamp I can use.

Cheers PK

stan
03-01-2015, 08:54 AM
Gook luck PK

Found the printer ink causes the Timbermate to be just a little too crumbly. Most of it sanded off again, regular Timbermate, primer and paint it looks like...

Nickosaurus
03-01-2015, 10:49 AM
Looks like tar in that pic :p ive heard super glue and dye works

stan
03-01-2015, 01:13 PM
Cheers Nick, I actually sanded it off again and made a mix of epoxy (Araldite) with a drop of ink.
Very black and should do the job.
Application looks the same as the black Timbermate tar previous - pics soon.

The joint repair seems strong enough - so this is all just to fill in the chips and cracks.

pablopepper
03-01-2015, 03:35 PM
Hey Stan, cool project! This is a very common break for Gibson types and if fixed well, which yours will be, can be stronger than the original.

Coming along beautifully, can't wait to see more.

stan
03-01-2015, 03:45 PM
Thanks Craig, cant wait until tomorrow when I can sand back my filling adventure and see how it went - will take pics

kells80aus
03-01-2015, 05:00 PM
Yeah Nicko, whne i first looked at it I thought it was bituminous paint.

PK

WeirdBits
03-01-2015, 07:20 PM
Just be careful with the drying time for your epoxy. With colour additives and deepish fills it can sometimes take a lot longer than expected to cure all the way through... like days. There's nothing worse than starting your sanding only to find it's not quite there deeper down.

Nickosaurus
03-01-2015, 07:27 PM
What Scott said ^

I've used epoxy a few times to fix parts in my car and it's taken ages to finally cure properly.

stan
04-01-2015, 01:00 PM
thanks Weirdy and Nicko, not as thick as it might look. Saw this after the first sanding fest: fortunately for me it cured completely.

Some sanding to find a few small divots, which were filled in, the cycle repeats...

If you are trying this method, you only need the smallest amount of ink, a dropor two is enough for a small repair:

The epoxy:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/001-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/001-1.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002-1.jpg.html)

Rubbed back:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003-2.jpg.html)

stan
04-01-2015, 01:00 PM
More rubbing back:


http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/004.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/004.jpg.html)

Second application:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/005-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/005-1.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/007-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/007-1.jpg.html)

bargeloobs
05-01-2015, 11:31 AM
Coming along really nicely Stan, should cover up well. What's your plan of attack for clear coat?

stan
05-01-2015, 01:13 PM
Thanks Bargie, looking at wipe on poly at this stage

wokkaboy
05-01-2015, 02:06 PM
first time I've read this thread, the repair coming along nicely Stan.
Might be worth trying a small amount of clear coat first Stan to see if there is any reaction with the current clear

stan
05-01-2015, 05:05 PM
Thanks Wokka, I was planning to do exactly that, somewhere near the repair.
That way, if there are any surprises I'll just sand it off.

stan
06-01-2015, 05:15 PM
gap filling and sanding, dont we love it?

oops, damn plastic nut came off when I hit it with a hammer, shame that:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/004-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/004-1.jpg.html)

Undercoat time:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/006-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/006-1.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/005-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/005-2.jpg.html)

Yes, I am going to remove the tuners and do it properly...

stan
11-01-2015, 06:02 AM
On with the black and wipe on poly.
The poly seems to go on fine and no reactions so far...(24hrs later)

The black however doesn't quite match and seems a bit grey compared to the Epi black. It bugs me enough to redo the colour, no biggie.

Clear not fully on , but gives an idea of with and without. I actually have clear on the whole rear of the headstock, and I can still see the colour difference

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/018.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/018.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/016.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/016.jpg.html)

stan
17-01-2015, 02:19 PM
instead of using paint of the same brand and doing it the easy way, I tried another gloss black which was a water based enamel: big mistake and paint reactions.

So sand back, and new primer:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/001-3.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/001-3.jpg.html)

Gloss black, same as the original paint I used (the gloss version seems to give a truer black than the satin - even rubbed back. I didnt think there would be a difference, but there is..)

Light mist coat initially, don't want another reaction...

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003-4.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/003-4.jpg.html)

Area of repair is getting bigger all the time. Live and learn, haha

bargeloobs
17-01-2015, 02:57 PM
Bugger about that colour variation. Unbelievable cover up job though man, it looks pro as Stan!
I should take a snap of a repair job I did on my old acoustic a couple of years back, shocking.

stan
17-01-2015, 03:18 PM
Thanks Bargey, it was hardly any variation, just enough for me to notice.
Nobody else probably would have, and I've added some hours work, but you guys understand....

bargeloobs
17-01-2015, 03:23 PM
Thanks Bargey, it was hardly any variation, just enough for me to notice.
Nobody else probably would have, and I've added some hours work, but you guys understand....

Yeah I'm hearin' that Stan, that's why the quality of the builds on here is so high I think, too much OCD:-)

kells80aus
17-01-2015, 05:53 PM
Come ON stan get a bit of sweat into it and no one will notice. If you plan to keep this you can live with it. If you play it for a while no one else will know.

PK

jarrod
17-01-2015, 06:44 PM
It's just as easy to make it right than it is to make it wrong. Perfection is the key even if it takes that little bit longer. Your right stan I cant live with things that are only nearly right.

stan
18-01-2015, 04:52 AM
PK - you are so right, I know, I even hid the join lines where tuners would be etc to minimise the visibility. On the back I could have lived with it, but on the headstock I couldn't, so it was just as easy to do the lot and get it all right.

At least if I do it right and it goes well, I can offer a service that includes these types of repairs and have a good example of it. Anyone paying for a repair will usually be ruthless with quality

And if I don't, I'll still have a nice axe

I hear you Jarrod and Bargy, OCD costs us all, haha

stan
27-01-2015, 05:32 AM
Well, turns out the new paint is very similar to the first effort. Not painting this a third time, it really is good enough, and other projects to get on with. Especially my sister's LP.
Get some gloss on it then it becomes a fun axe and a good base for modding. I have some zebra PRS SE pups at about 10k ohms that would look awesome in this...

Getting the minwax wipe on poly on this, some pics soon , photobucket appears to be down...

stan
27-01-2015, 01:01 PM
Pics!

Getting close now.

Minwax is pretty good, but there is too much dust in my shed, so I will have to make a booth of some sort.

Repair nearly complete:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/011.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/011.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002-3.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002-3.jpg.html)

wokkaboy
27-01-2015, 01:04 PM
nice one Stan looking very shiny. So is this the build with the broken headstock ? come up a treat, looks like new !

stan
27-01-2015, 01:21 PM
Yes Wokka, busted headstock.
Thanks mate, the poly is still wet in these pics, but, it's looking OK.

wokkaboy
27-01-2015, 01:24 PM
nice, so roughly how many coats of wipe on poly to get to this level ?
It has blended in nicely to the existing clear

stan
27-01-2015, 02:02 PM
Thanks.

Didnt count to be honest - several is my best guess... about 10 or so

The entire neck was rubbed back with 1500 and I poly wiped the lot. No reactions and didnt have a join or actual blending to worry about

wokkaboy
27-01-2015, 02:14 PM
nice one Stan, so the logo did you have to put new logos on ?
Looks like the Epiphone is an inlay

stan
27-01-2015, 03:19 PM
Epiphone is an inlay, and yes, the logos are the originals.

I rubbed back the whole headstock with 1500 and I taped over the logos leaving a bit of a gap under neath, towards the truss rod cover and painted up to my tape point.

Where the two blacks met I tried to keep it as thin as I could , so that there would be no ridge, and sanded with 2000 to blend.

The blend line is through the two tuner holes closest to the nut. That way, if it is visible (and it is a bit at the correct angle in the right light), then the tuners and truss rod cover should cover most of it.

Most of the clear on the face of the headstock is the original, and gentle rubbing back hasn't completely gone through or affected anything underneath.

When I do the front, I'll just poly wipe the lot, like the reverse and neck, and it should all look like one (I hope...)

wokkaboy
27-01-2015, 03:30 PM
nice one Stan, should come up a treat after the last clear coat, glad it worked out

stan
27-01-2015, 03:45 PM
Cheers Wokka, it's pretty much done, just tidying up and getting the front right - not quite as slick as the pics look

wokkaboy
27-01-2015, 03:48 PM
sure it looks great in the flesh Stan, put it this way no one will ever know the headstock was broken off the neck !

gavinturner
27-01-2015, 04:12 PM
Looking great Stan! Such an amazing fix dude.

cheers,
Gav.

stan
27-01-2015, 04:14 PM
Thanks Gav, perhaps I can get a kit finished, haha

Will take more pics when it's all done

jarrod
27-01-2015, 09:32 PM
looking good there Stan, good that you could keep the original logos on too.

bargeloobs
28-01-2015, 03:18 AM
She's turned out really well Stan, I'd be changing that "distinct lack of skill" thing in your sig if I were you.

kells80aus
28-01-2015, 03:31 AM
Great repair job Stan.

I was talking to Bill at Underground in Werribee, and he gave me a little secret for filling holes and stuff. Yeah I know it's a bit late for you, but what he does is apply some superglue and baking powder it sets like concrete, but can be sanded down and painted.

Cheers PK

stan
28-01-2015, 05:16 AM
@ Bargey, haha thanks, it's turning out pretty well. Some minor blemishes and dust to deal with, but very close now

@Jarrod, thanks mate, They weren't too hard to work around. The original clear is pretty thick and they are well protected, and the break didn't interfere with their position

@PK cheers mate, I have heard of that method, but of course didn't think of it at the time,I tried epoxy which didn't work as well (especially trying to add ink to it, that screwed it) and then finished minor dents with Timbermate. You have, however, reminded me of another job where this will be ideal, hiding the plugs in the headstock of my sister's LP

kells80aus
29-01-2015, 02:44 PM
Hi Stan.
All good work.

The epi DR200 I bought has a busted spa under the bridge, so I have spent all day looking at Youtube on how to glue it all back together. I need to get a whole pile of bits and pieces together just to apply some glue. I have to make some 'Brace Jacks' need a light a mirror, a pallet knife(bent scraper). I've also bought a hundred pipettes off ebay, cost $3.40.

Cheers PK

stan
31-01-2015, 05:34 AM
sounds tricky PK.
You could simply measure the inside depth of the guitar and wedge it with a calibrated stick or block!
I have an inspection mirror I got from the auto section of the Green Shed that remains nameless, works a treat and telescopic handle.

stan
03-02-2015, 06:08 PM
Well after a cut and polish , I think we are done here.

Time for the hardware, a decent nut and to string her up...

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/007-2.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/007-2.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/008.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/008.jpg.html)

gavinturner
03-02-2015, 10:11 PM
Great work Stan! No fix to be seen at all.

cheers,
Gav.

vh2580
04-02-2015, 04:13 AM
Great repair Stan, very interesting to watch the progression, definitely something I would never attempted until seeing this.

andrewdosborne
04-02-2015, 04:18 AM
Good as new! Great repair job

stan
04-02-2015, 04:28 AM
Thanks Gav and Andrew!
Tony, It's all stuff I learned here, and youtube, but don't tell anyone

wokkaboy
04-02-2015, 09:57 AM
nice fix Stan, it does look good as new, be good to see her buttoned and strung up !

bargeloobs
04-02-2015, 10:01 AM
Excellent repair Stan, job well done.

stan
04-02-2015, 05:40 PM
Thanks Wokka and Bargey, should have this done in a couple of days

jarrod
04-02-2015, 07:46 PM
To late Stan we now know

stan
05-02-2015, 04:34 AM
We are here to share Jarrod... lol

kimball492
05-02-2015, 11:02 AM
Well done Stan thats a fantastic repair job . Be nice to hear how you say it plays , and see some finished pics of her strung up in full glory

Congrats
Kimball

stan
05-02-2015, 02:56 PM
Thanks Kimball, will do, working for a couple of days so will finsh her off soon

stan
14-02-2015, 03:14 PM
time to put the shiny bits on and see how it all looks:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/030.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/030.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/031.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/031.jpg.html)

stan
14-02-2015, 03:20 PM
Sorry but the Epi amber knobs just don't do it for me, time for the Gibbo black ones:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/032.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/032.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/033.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/033.jpg.html)

vh2580
14-02-2015, 03:51 PM
Stan gotta agree looks good with the black

pablopepper
14-02-2015, 04:27 PM
I do like the amber knobs on certain finishes. They always look a bit out of place on black though.

stan
15-02-2015, 04:48 AM
thanks Tony

Pabs, I agree, but only on certain ones, the Gibson gold is a nicer colour to me

bargeloobs
15-02-2015, 04:54 AM
Sweet job Stan, it looks amazing and I'm calling bullshit on that "distinct lack of skill" thing;-)
How long have they been putting Grovers on Epis? Never had them on any that I've ever owned.
And just to rock the boat I though the amber knobs looked much better:P

stan
15-02-2015, 05:09 AM
thanks Bargey for the kind words, yeah, might get rid of it.
No idea how long Epis have had Grovers for, but they seem pretty nice.

The colour of the amber knobs is quite nice, it's just that they completely clash with every other part of this guitar. Cream that matches the other plastics would have looked good too... but I hear you, there is something about them

bargeloobs
15-02-2015, 05:14 AM
thanks Bargey for the kind words, yeah, might get rid of it.
No idea how long Epis have had Grovers for, but they seem pretty nice.

The colour of the amber knobs is quite nice, it's just that they completely clash with every other part of this guitar. Cream that matches the other plastics would have looked good too... but I hear you, there is something about them

I think I'm biased because I had the exact same knobs on the "Blacktop".
Yeah what's up with the different coloured rings and pickguard?

stan
15-02-2015, 05:23 AM
yeah, dunno what is going on there, with all the different colours and shades, it looks a bit like a Friday afternoon assembly...

Might replace the lot for matching... Also have a set of zebra pickups from a PRS SE that are about 10.5k , so they might get a look in too. Will see what stock sounds like first

WeirdBits
15-02-2015, 09:59 AM
You need 1800-Pablo for a matching cream pickguard.

The repair looks amazing, better than factory new... now, if only the guitar faced the correct way.

stan
15-02-2015, 11:57 AM
Thanks Wierdy, it's consistent with the factory finish, but not better.

I have a fair bit of stuff from Pabs, and it's all superb, dont know how he would go matching colours, but might be worth an ask.

As for orientation, it's the right way around. I am not sure what is going on, only about 5-10% of guitars seem to be made the right way around....

stan
22-02-2015, 02:55 PM
OK some final pics, strung up and tuned, seems like it will be fine.
More amazing it that I actually finished one of my projects

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/010.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/010.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/011-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/011-1.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/018-1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/018-1.jpg.html)

gavinturner
22-02-2015, 03:03 PM
Looks amazing Stan. I gotta say I really like the LP blacktop look. You've really nailed the repair dude.

cheers,
gav.

stan
22-02-2015, 03:10 PM
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/012.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/012.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/015.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/015.jpg.html)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/020.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/020.jpg.html)

stan
22-02-2015, 03:11 PM
Thanks Gav, pretty happy with it

kells80aus
22-02-2015, 03:41 PM
Stan Stan Stan, you've put the strings on wrong..... ROFL

PK

stan
21-03-2015, 07:51 AM
Decided vintage knobs look lots better:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002_1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/Epiphone%20LP/002_1.jpg.html)

vh2580
21-03-2015, 08:05 AM
Stan amazing job. Probably on of the most informative threads Ive read.

gavinturner
21-03-2015, 08:28 AM
Looks amazing Stan! I think I have the inspiration for my next LP build. You've done a phenomenal job with this repair! Any chance of a sound demo? Would be interested to hear what the stock pickups sound like.

cheers,
Gav.

stan
21-03-2015, 09:49 AM
thanks so much Tony, very kind.

@Gav, cheers mate. I guess I should, and I will, but if you though you sucked at playing....

Guitar has been strung up for a couple of weeks and played most days to some degree. Repair is holding up perfectly.

jarrod
21-03-2015, 02:47 PM
Well done Stan looks great but it's all upside down and the relief horn is on the top ! it's like all back too front and clearly the strings are on upside down . Also what good is a scratch plate on the top of the guitar lol.......

stan
21-03-2015, 04:53 PM
thanks jarrod.
It's ok mate, I took the pics in a mirror....

andrewdosborne
21-03-2015, 05:19 PM
The work of a master craftsman!

Sent from my GT-I9506 using Tapatalk

andrewdosborne
21-03-2015, 05:20 PM
And also loving the vintage knobs

Sent from my GT-I9506 using Tapatalk

stan
21-03-2015, 05:38 PM
Thanks Andrew!
Dunno about master, but it did turn out well thanks

keloooe
21-03-2015, 07:03 PM
Seriously, why is everything the wrong way round? What weird alien being requires this sort of sorcery?

stan
21-03-2015, 07:55 PM
stops it from getting stolen by LP bandits

dingobass
22-03-2015, 03:24 PM
Nice save.
That was a classic Epi headstock break... Talk about luck that it was a clean seperation of the scarf joint :)

Still, no easy task getting these repairs right so well done that man!

stan
22-03-2015, 06:02 PM
Thanks DB!

plenty of surface to glue, that's for sure

keloooe
22-03-2015, 08:33 PM
stops it from getting stolen by LP bandits

Nah, I'll just restring it the CORRECT way :D

stan
23-03-2015, 12:04 PM
you'll look like a reverse Jimi Hendrix, Callum!