Les Paul in L.A.?
 

Is there anyone near me (Encino) that has a Les Paul I can look over? I am interested in taking a bunch of pix and measurements. All can bee done onsite. I don't need to borrow it or play it. I'll even wear white cotton gloves if necessary.

TIA. SmileWavy

I'd also be interested in a Fender Stratocaster or telecaster - actually, more interested in the tele.

Too bad. I have a real nice Paul.

Just strap it one your back the next time you cruise out here on the bike. :cool:

Hell, that would cut my fuel economy in half.

On the serious side..

Is it a solid body or chambered? What pickups?

Solid body. Is there any other kind? Pickups are stock. It's a '60 reissue.

http://fototime.com/0CA6D9F566F34FF/standard.jpg

Yes, the current Standard version for example, is a chambered body.... Gibson seems to have switched over at some point for weight relief. You can still buy a real solid body, but they cost more.

EDIT: It looks like Gibson has been doing this in some form or another since the 80's.

Thinking about it.. The electric I built in the early 90's is made from a solid piece of zebra wood. I remember weighing it and comparing it to the weight of a LP at the time, not sure if it had been chambered or not, but mine was heavier by a bit. I don't mind the weight, I think I'll go with the real solid body.

Gibson is claiming that the chambering they are adding now is beneficial to the tone, but those musicians that have original '59 LP's are getting the sound from the solid body. The Slash custom guitars are solid as well. I think my decision has been made.

Bump. Still looking.

Call Slash. I hear he has a few.

i have an original 57 tv yellow special. if you can give me detailed requests i can get measurements for you over the next few days. shoot me a pm if i can help.

I have a sunburst strat you can take measurements off of.

Funny you mention this. I was just in Sam Ash comparing Les Pauls. Salesman mentioned the chambered bodies. To my ears, there is a big difference between a chambered and a regular custom they had on the shelf. Of course it may have been different pickups. The chambered ones sound "brighter" to me. The weight difference is noticeable. One thing is for certain. It isn't built anywhere near the old ones.

Nineball, thanks for the offer. Not sure if I could translate all my requests via typed word. I'll keep you on mind though.

Jared, thanks. At this point, I think my mind is set on duplicating a LP.

Thanks to a fellow Pelican, I now have a couple of nice blueprints to work off of and should be getting another set in the mail next week. I also found what looks to be a great source for the curly maple for the top. This is going to be a fun project and one I'm going to spend a lot of care with. I'm not expecting to make a flawless replica, but it should be pretty darn good.