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Posted by: Mike Seddon Oct 14 2007, 02:57 AM

Guys,

I have an old Les Paul Copy which has some serious sentimental attachment to me. As well as that, I've had it so long that it really feels right when I play it so love playing it but the sound is really losing it.

Its in real need of some care.

The tone controls don't really work (either muddy or clear, no variation).
The volume controls are also either full on or off.
Lead plug in rattles a bit which can cause noise.

I'm thinking of taking it into my local guitar shop and asking them to give it a good service.

So any advice?

I'd think I want to change the pickups - what would people suggest? I like a blues/rock sound.
Internal electrics - just get them replaced or are there certain type of internal electrics I should go for?

Thanks

Mike

Posted by: shredmandan Oct 14 2007, 06:06 AM

Hey man
Anyway you could post a pic of the guitar?Also whats the name of it?I know you say its a les paul copy but they still make some pretty cool ones.As for your guitar ,fixing it should not be a problem.You can buy a new input jack if needed for basically nothing along with volume and tone pots.I bet alot of your problem's are just in the wiring.May need to just be re-soldered which isnt hard and cheap to do.

The one thing that truly does need to be replaced though is your pickup's.As long as you get some good quality pickups you can make that guitar sound good no matter what.I choose seymour Duncan myself but,also Dimarzio ,EMG, are good choices.Check out this website www.seymourduncan.com ,they have all there pickup's listed and a detailed guide of what sounds they are mainly for which in your case your looking for blues and rock so just check around that site and im sure you will find one to fit your needs.I would take your guitar into the shop and just get it set-up .It wont be that expensive and im sure once you get it back it will be sweet.

Posted by: MickeM Oct 14 2007, 06:14 AM

I think you should replace the electrics inside - pots, possibly wires, input jack and the switch if neccessary. Some of it might just need resoldering. Open and check!

For pickups, there are soooooo many nice brands out there to choose from. Google and see what you can find, eBay is also a good source. Not only Seymour Duncal and DiMarzio but plenty of other that cost a lot less and are equaly good or better for what you're looking for tonewise. Look around closely!

Posted by: mattacuk Oct 14 2007, 06:14 AM

I have a lovely black Les Paul copy - im going to load it with Di Marzios just like the "head"

Posted by: lefty01 Oct 14 2007, 06:14 AM

Hi.
You can try a DiMarzio PAF in the neck, and a SuperDistortion in the bridge. I have a Les Paul coppy too, and it did wonders for the sound.

Posted by: Robin Oct 14 2007, 06:22 AM

Stewart Macdonald Golden Age pickups is the way to go if you want REALLLLLALALLALYLY CHEAP but good pickups for blues, rock and metal.

Heres some reviews: http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Guitar+Pickup/product/Stewart+MacDonald/Golden+Age+Humbucker/10/1


You can buy it here: http://stewmac.com/

Posted by: Mike Seddon Nov 11 2007, 05:43 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I tend to play my guitar clean without any distortion so a good pickup is essential.

Posted by: dogman Nov 12 2007, 10:39 PM

Ok, you want that thing to sound & play like a $3,000.00 les paul? Here's what you do.

1. Do not do it yourself unless you fall into the good guitar tech category.

2. Have them gut all the electronics shield the cavities and go with all CTS pots, jack, switch, electronics and wiring.

3. Go with all new gibson saddles (you dont have to swap out the whole bridge) and new schaller machine heads

4. For pickups, go with a Seymour Duncan JB (sh-4) in the bridge and a Duncan Jazz (sh-1) in the neck.

5. Now for the most important step. Get it set by a good tech including a fret dress and polish.

Now my friend if you tech is good and you are thifty (ebay) you can have a guitar that will play, feel and sound just as good if not better than any real gibson les paul out there for about a total of $400.00......