Modifying and upgrading

[Alexej]

This is not a build, but some modification on my first ever bought guitar (2017). An Epiphone Les Paul Gothic. I really like the shape and the feeling of this instrument, so I wanted to optimize and individualize it. I already made some small visual changes before, like changing the pot knobs and removing the pickguard. But what I dreamed of for this guitar was changing the humbucker rings to direct to wood mounting.

Here you can see the old version compared to the new one.



No new build is planned atm, so I took some time to do this project. And this was not that easy, for the cavities were horribly drilled and looked ugly inside. With huge space, that makes the humbuckers look lost and crummy. But I think it is normal for that price category. You can see the comparison before and after.



So, I had to make the cavities look smaller (filling material) and the Humbuckers look bigger (using covers).
This was my approach... Gluing woodpieces and then using wood paste and some super glue to fill and cover all the fine cracks and bumps. And of course a lot of sanding. Painting and sanding again.





Meanwile I thought I would ruin the whole guitar, for it was not easy to get a smooth surface between old paint and new layers. But step by step it worked.

I also changed some of the electronics by moving the switch to the pots and removing the second tone, for I always use it on 10 anyways.

And during the work I had an idea for the former switch space. Placing an unique element, to make the guitar more individual and adding some special detail. After searching for some cool coins, I found this medaillon of archangel Michael that fits the look of the guitar quiet fine, having some sort of relief. And the meaning of battle between dark and light forces seems to fit quiet fine in my eyes to the original gothic/metal theme...



About 4 coats of paint together with clear coat could hide all the mess that I have done to the surface. So, it went out quiet fine. It is not perfect, but it looks good. Maybe someone has a similar idea and can find my approach helpful.

Greetings!

[Trevor Davies]

Nice work. The pup cavity changes worked well, and look great!

[Jetblack]

A lot of work, what did you replace the switch plate with ??? Looks good.

[Alexej]

Thank you guys!

@Jetblack, as mentioned I found a small Medaillon, enlarged the hole up to 2 cm and glued it from the inside. Yes, it was a bit of work, but this was fun 🙂

[Jetblack]

I meant what are you using in place of the switching ?? I know you have the medallion in there but how are you now switching between the Rhythm and treble pickups ??

[Alexej]

I moved the switch to the place of the second tone. So 3 potis and one switch now.

[fender3x]

I like your idea for the switch ;-)

[Jetblack]

Ok I thought that would be something like that.

[Alexej]

Thank you Fender3x! It was really a spontaneous idea. First I did not want to make it that big, but drilled too much and that was just fine 😁

[PaulFromSydney]

And during the work I had an idea for the former switch space. Placing an unique element, to make the guitar more individual and adding some special detail. After searching for some cool coins, I found this medaillon of archangel Michael that fits the look of the guitar quiet fine, having some sort of relief. And the meaning of battle between dark and light forces seems to fit quiet fine in my eyes to the original gothic/metal theme...


About 4 coats of paint together with clear coat could hide all the mess that I have done to the surface. So, it went out quiet fine. It is not perfect, but it looks good. Maybe someone has a similar idea and can find my approach helpful.

Greetings!

that is a cool color. I have an old BC Rich I'm planning to re-paint and sell. An unsuccessful relicing attempt. I like your black.

Every LP I have done, I moved the switch down and removed the 2nd tone pot. I always re-use the old hole for a kill switch.