1 Topic by lp_lover (edited by lp_lover 2011-06-11 04:09:35)

  • From: The Black Country
  • Registered: 2011-03-14
  • Posts: 32

Topic: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

Hey guys,

So I have a studio pre-ordered and cant wait for it to arrive. The plan had always been to make a few changes to it to try to emulate the custom shop model, so I've had a truss rod cover engraved, and will change a few other bits of plastic hardware that are different.
I'm also going to get a Callaham Nashville to ABR-1 conversion bridge and put nylon saddles on the unwound strings.

But then I saw a thread on another forum where someone had added binding to their LP studio, and started to wonder about that. I also wondered about having the guitar aged to match the CS model.

So, I contacted a luthier who also runs a Gibson warranty repair centre, and have been quoted a very good price for the binding for the body and neck. He would also be able to age the guitar using the same techniques as Gibson, but because of the different lacquer Gibson use now would require a full refinish to get the checking, so its quite expensive (all still much less than a custom shop model though!)

Basically I wonder what people think of these mods, especially Joe as I might be putting one of his children under the knife! I think it will improve the look and sound of the guitar, but I'm interested in everyones opinions!

Thanks guys

Guitars: Gibson JBLP Studio, Gibson LP '58 Reissue VOS Washed Cherry, Gibson LP Standard Ltd Edition Manhattan Midnght Blue, Gibson LP Custom Black Beauty 3PU with Bigsby, Gibson SG Standard, Fender Telecaster Jimmy Page Custom.
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

It's your guitar. You can do as you please and can afford. Unless a modification enhances the tone I don't recommend it. Esthetics really don't matter as long as your getting the tone your looking for.

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

I say it's your guitar, so do what you want with it.  I personally feel if you want a Lexus, then buy a Lexus and don't buy something else and try and make it something is isn't.  Simple mods like changing out pickups and caps is about the extent of what I feel is reasonable.  Hardware changes too maybe to freshen things up.  But I'm also guilty of having some necks scalloped...

The work you're talking about seems quite extensive, but I'd surely like to see the end results.  Either way, it is a good way to save some money over an actual custom shop model.  When the "modding" project turns into close to half of what I payed for the item, that's kind of where I draw the line.  But like I said, it's YOUR guitar so regardless of what anyone else thinks, do what YOU want! -S

  • Registered: 2011-05-28
  • Posts: 28

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

I have to agree with the other chaps.. It's definitely your decision.. who are we to tell you what to do! But the guitar itself has been specced to Joe's personal liking. He uses one regularly in the dressing room at a gig and he hasn't changed anything!

In my experience the most effective mods are definitely sonic ones - i.e. ones that actually change the sound of the guitar! But that's just me...

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Line 6 PODxt
  • Registered: 2009-10-27
  • Posts: 250

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

+1 million, don't make this guitar what it's not...a CS model.  Leave this fine guitar as is, just make sure to get a professional to set-up, even if you think it's good out of the box, they can always improve even a CS guitar.  It's your guitar, what ever makes you happiest.

Congrats on buying a guitar most of all. 


helrazr84 wrote:

I say it's your guitar, so do what you want with it.  I personally feel if you want a Lexus, then buy a Lexus and don't buy something else and try and make it something is isn't.  Simple mods like changing out pickups and caps is about the extent of what I feel is reasonable.  Hardware changes too maybe to freshen things up.  But I'm also guilty of having some necks scalloped...

The work you're talking about seems quite extensive, but I'd surely like to see the end results.  Either way, it is a good way to save some money over an actual custom shop model.  When the "modding" project turns into close to half of what I payed for the item, that's kind of where I draw the line.  But like I said, it's YOUR guitar so regardless of what anyone else thinks, do what YOU want! -S

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

I think I would avoid the binding.  You will most likely keep the guitar the rest of your life, but one day if you decided to sell its resale value is gone because its not original.  The bridge I give a +1 on but I would wait for the nylon until you saw what that thing will do.  Stock gibson bridges are pot metal and the callaham bridge is stainless steel that has been machined.  Its a better bridge.

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  • Registered: 2011-05-01
  • Posts: 113

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

The guitar will be worth nothing if you do this. As long as you are changing and refinishing the whole guitar, why not just buy a used black studio and do it to that instead? You would save some dough and not destroy the value of your jb. It's totally your guitar, but man, I would think super hard before doing this. There is no going back. Just my thoughts.

  • From: Canterbury
  • Registered: 2010-05-27
  • Posts: 310

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

Joe will come and adopt it back from  you. He said so himself if his sigs are treated badly.

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

I'm guessing "the look" is what you're after more than anything, so have you considered buying a used Standard or Traditional goldtop and having the back refinished to black??  It will already have all the bindings and probably burstbuckers too..  Can pick up a used standard usually for close to what the JBLP studio is going for new.  I wouldn't think having the back of a guitar redone would cost as much as having it routed out for binding etc..  I know you already have to studio on order but just incase you have a change in heart and decide to keep it stock or return it.

And yes like the others mentioned, it will definitely lose much of it's value if you have it altered to such a degree.  Like I said before, it's your guitar but I'd rather keep that 1500 and put it toward a real CS JBLP when you find one or toward a 59 RI or something closer to Joe's signature LP right out of the shoot.

  • From: The Black Country
  • Registered: 2011-03-14
  • Posts: 32

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

Thanks for the input guys.

Having slept on it and done a bit more research I've gone off the idea of having the guitar aged, I dont think its worth the money, and if I'm honest I'm not a massive fan of checking.

I'm still quite keen on the binding, just prefer the the look.

Its highly likely that I wont do anyting apart from the bridge once I get to see the guitar in the flesh and play it, as Spider said, the tone is the most important thing!

Guitars: Gibson JBLP Studio, Gibson LP '58 Reissue VOS Washed Cherry, Gibson LP Standard Ltd Edition Manhattan Midnght Blue, Gibson LP Custom Black Beauty 3PU with Bigsby, Gibson SG Standard, Fender Telecaster Jimmy Page Custom.
  • Registered: 2011-05-16
  • Posts: 7

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

I was surprised when I first saw the JBLPS up close and personal just how great the gold top with black sides/back looked without binding.  If I was going to add binding to the neck I would have it fretted over the binding, and I can't imagine that a quality refret alone wouldn't set you back at least a few benjamins.  Like it was pointed out earlier, it's your guitar to do with what you want.  Don't be afraid to "kill the resale value" if that's really what you want but you might give the stock guitar a ride around the block first as they are really high quality IMO for a LP Studio (or even a Gibson USA LP).

  • From: West Sussex
  • Registered: 2011-05-17
  • Posts: 307

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

lp_lover wrote:

Thanks for the input guys.

Having slept on it and done a bit more research I've gone off the idea of having the guitar aged, I dont think its worth the money, and if I'm honest I'm not a massive fan of checking.

I'm still quite keen on the binding, just prefer the the look.

Its highly likely that I wont do anyting apart from the bridge once I get to see the guitar in the flesh and play it, as Spider said, the tone is the most important thing!

The Callaham bridge is a nice upgrade and totally reversible. If you are going to do that I would also consider an aluminium tailpiece.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: JBLP Studio mods... What do you think?

I gotta say that Goldtops look better with binding. It's a style.
Plus if you always wanted a relic'd original JB sig and can afford the mods to the Studio, then why not?

It is, however a lot of extra money for not a lot of tonal improvement... but isn't mental satisfaction priceless?

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool