NGD..Redux

[dsouza.b.a]

2010 Custom Shop Les Paul Custom to replace the 2012 one that didn't work out for me. This one is in better condition. It is mint save some wear to the gold plating on the bridge pickup...but that doesn't matter because I am going to black out the hardware and drop in some EMGs. It is also lighter, has a better case (IMO), and has the all important real ebony fingerboard instead of recycled paper. Once I get done with all the hardware changes (could be a while), I will post more pics.

http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150717_091925.jpg
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150717_091918.jpg

[RVA]

Nice - congrats! Are you sure it needs EMGs? It looks rather tasty the way it is!

[-CM-]

:cool: Very nice, congratulations.

This must be "Get a Custom Shop LP week."

[dsouza.b.a]

Nice - congrats! Are you sure it needs EMGs? It looks rather tasty the way it is!

Maybe not need but they are on the way. I am blacking out most of the hardware so gold would look out of place...although if I just wanted EMGs and kept the stock hardware, they now make EMGs with gold covers. I have those on my ESP KH-DC.

BTW I have already removed the pickguard. IMO looks much better w/o it. As for the unfortunate holes, I just put the screws back in. They are gold now but I do have some spare black backplate screws ESP sent me that I can probably use. Right now I have the black Sperzels and the EMGs and black Tone Pros bridge will arrive next week. The only remaining gold would be be the screws for the back plates and truss rod cover as well as the toggle switch. Think I should worry about changing those or just leave as is. I am ok leaving as is because I have paired this guitar with the Ernie Ball Joe Bonamassa black patent leather strap which looks and feels really good with this guitar and also has a touch of gold to accent the remaining gold on the guitar. Just wasn't sure if I should think about going all in for black....cuz as you know there's no going back!

[dsouza.b.a]

:cool: Very nice, congratulations.

This must be "Get a Custom Shop LP week."

Thanks. Did you get one or did someone else? I was traveling in Nashville most of the week so wasn't able to keep up with the board as much as usual.

[-CM-]

I didn't post it, but I bought a 2014 R8. It isn't here yet.

http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx275/CMphotographs/Guitars/lp58-1_zpsgdybuhxib_zpskmwptowp.jpg

[dsouza.b.a]

Me likey. Is that an Iced Tea burst? I really like the looks of the 58s but not sure if the neck would be too fat. I had a R7 and sent it back because it was just too much. I believe the CS LPC I just got is based on a 59 neck and it feels OK to me. I imagine yours would fall somewhere in between.

[RVA]

BTW I have already removed the pickguard. IMO looks much better w/o it. As for the unfortunate holes, I just put the screws back in. They are gold now but I do have some spare black backplate screws ESP sent me that I can probably use. Right now I have the black Sperzels and the EMGs and black Tone Pros bridge will arrive next week. The only remaining gold would be be the screws for the back plates and truss rod cover as well as the toggle switch. Think I should worry about changing those or just leave as is. I am ok leaving as is because I have paired this guitar with the Ernie Ball Joe Bonamassa black patent leather strap which looks and feels really good with this guitar and also has a touch of gold to accent the remaining gold on the guitar. Just wasn't sure if I should think about going all in for black....cuz as you know there's no going back!
I always considered the LP pickguard to be like training wheels on a bike. They serve the intended purpose but get in the way and it always looks like it was not really meant to be there. As obtrusive a device as it is, I have never removed it. With some limited exceptions, I am addicted to stock setups, so I try to choose wisely. I am sure all black will look killer, so please post some "after" pics.

[RVA]

I didn't post it, but I bought a 2014 R8. It isn't here yet.

http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx275/CMphotographs/Guitars/lp58-1_zpsgdybuhxib_zpskmwptowp.jpg
Congrats! I love the classic tops on the R8s.

[dsouza.b.a]

CM,
I am done with the mods to the Les Paul Custom. Let me know what you think!

Mods:
removed pickguard
custom milled corian nut
EMG 85/81 pickups, shrink wrapped battery
Tone Pros locking bridge & tailpiece
Sperzel TrimLok locking tuners, doweled holes
Switchcraft chrome toggle switch
Gibson vintage toggle washer with white lettering
Schaller security locks
Stewart McDonald black screws/jack plate & nickel jack washer/nut

A modern twist on a classic

http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150930_070622.jpg
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150930_070651.jpg
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150930_070707.jpg
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150930_070729.jpg
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150930_070739.jpg
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20150930_070818.jpg

[-CM-]

Sharp! I like the black & white look better than the gold on that guitar. Did you replace the bridge & stop tail or paint them somehow? The Sperzels are a nice addition, but I would just put black screws in the left-over holes.

[dsouza.b.a]

No it's a new bridge and tailpiece. Tone Pros. I never thought about just putting screws in there. I may consider that.

The other thing I am considering is swapping out the speed knobs for black bells. Not witch hats with the reflectors, just the trans black bell shaped.

[-CM-]

Black bell knobs would finish it off nicely.

[LeftAngelPlayer]

Dude, that is one mean looking Les Paul! Awesome upgrades all around.

[dsouza.b.a]

-CM- updated pics with bell knobs and screwed dowels

http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20151013_201316.jpg
http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn443/dsouza_b_a/20151013_201814.jpg

[-CM-]

Those knobs look much better than the speed knobs on that guitar. The overall package is really nice. Good job at making it your own.

[Pietro]

I actually liked it better stock... but I'm not the one playin' it.

And, I admit, for certain kinds of music, EMGs rock in a LP.

[dsouza.b.a]

I'm primarily a hard rock player so both the look and sound appealed to me. Although I have a vintage styled les paul showing up today that shall remain vintage styled.