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Need some advice on my latest LP project

JJC

New member
Joined
Feb 25, 2008
Messages
1,027
I'm in the process of rebuilding and refinishing this '84 factory reject LP that was band-sawed into 4 pieces. I'm in fluctuation regarding what to do about the Les Paul signature on the headstock - it was band-sawed before they applied that. Should I leave it alone and keep that as part of the guitar's history, or should I try a decal? I'd rather have nothing than something that looks cheesy. I've played around with doing the graphic myself and have something that's okay - but you can still see the pixelation when printing from a laser printer. Here's the guitar in the stage of getting the clear coats - I went with a darkback goldtop using rattlecans:
IMG_2141.jpg
 

Hamerfan

Active member
Joined
Dec 20, 2004
Messages
791
Leave it is. Its not faked Gibson or what! It has its own history. "Risen from the dust bin!"

Looks great man!
 

unsleeper

Member
Joined
May 19, 2008
Messages
399
I've got one of those. No serial number but from certain traits ( 3 pc mahog neck, 3 pc maple top, no volute, etc. ) I've determined it to be a mid to late 80's reject. Between buying the cut up shell, the parts to finish it ( Seymour Dunc 59s btw ) and buying some beers for a luthier friend of mind to guide me ( I know how nibs are formed, or rather left on ) I maybe spent 250 dollars. And that was 10 years ago and this old road dog has seen many miles and bar stages. I swear it sounds better with age. And has a soft "v" neck profile that feels like some of the 50s lesters I've had privilege of playing.
Here's some photos of when it was new:
n1255196720_30352094_827799.jpg
n1255196720_30352092_1797542.jpg

They cut off the headstock and cut into the neck in 3 places all the way to the truss rod :
n1255196720_30352093_4802980.jpg
n1255196720_30352097_1392396.jpg
 

JJC

New member
Joined
Feb 25, 2008
Messages
1,027
Hamerfan, thanks for the advice and compliment - that's kind of where I'm leaning (leaving it alone).

@Unsleeper - very cool! Mine was bandsawed in almost the same places (but not on the neck). It did get a SN. I notice yours has thin neck binding too. Do you mind me asking about your bridge? Mine came with a 3rd-party ABR but it's the posts that have me confused - I've never seen anything like them. I'll try and post some pictures to show you what I mean - here's some shots of mine before I started the refin:
IMG_2022.jpg

IMG_2024.jpg

IMG_2026.jpg


It apparently was routed for a Kahler or something and then filled with a block of wood. Another shot:

IMG_2142.jpg
 

DANELECTRO

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 24, 2003
Messages
6,318
I recall seeing these pop up on eBay somewhat frequently maybe 10 years ago. I suppose somebody was dumpster diving at the Gibson plant???
 

JJC

New member
Joined
Feb 25, 2008
Messages
1,027
I recall seeing these pop up on eBay somewhat frequently maybe 10 years ago. I suppose somebody was dumpster diving at the Gibson plant???

Definitely, Dano - I think they're much more thorough now in how they discard things. This was one supposedly rescued by an employee. FWIW, I'm not trying to completely hide the cut lines - they're still visible in direct sunlight (at least on the back). I would never want a future owner to sell it as something it wasn't. True, they could refinish it in something solid - but then it would be their work and not mine.
 
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