Ok J, about the pickguard, if you have a sign shop around, get some vinyl pieces of different colors, shouldn’t cost to much, and put it on the back side. Works great! That’s what I did on my custom Spalding Strat. No paint to mess with, or try to remove! Does it have potential, in your hands, Absolutely!! I liked the Superman squeeze on the string tree💥💪💪💪💪💪
The biggest reason for the plastic backing plate on the neck plate is to help keep the plate from sinking into the softer wood found in many guitar bodies.
1) Kaish makes a “heavy duty” enclosed box-style switch, which is what I would recommend if you want to upgrade the stock switch without having to enlarge the route. 2) As 2bikemike said, the vintage and modern-style bridges have totally different specs. Modern bridges NEED to be a bit longer than vintage, given the length of the stamped steel saddles vs the barrel-style saddles. I think you might still be able to find a drop-in replacement for the stock bridge, but honestly, I’m not sure it’s worth it. 3) Overall, this is one guitar I’d take a pass on, given all the workmanship and compatibility issues you identified. If this guitar had some truly unique or compelling aesthetics, and if the workmanship were better, then it might be worth upgrading the hardware, but as it stands, it’s ugly, and it’s not a particularly remarkable Tele-style specimen in any way whatsoever. Don’t worry, I’ll still be eager to watch and see what you do with it if you do keep it! 😉
Yeah, the KAISH switches are not bad. I don’t know how they might compare to blade switches, but they do seem to offer a much better feel and theoretically a longer lifespan than standard box switches, in a form factor that will fit smaller routes.
Good timing! Somehow you are always doing videos on “budget” guitars that I’m either thinking about or have just purchased. I just bought the LJ tele with US flag print (for playing Star Spangled Banner at my kids summer swim meets) and ended up returning it because the flag design was low-res and cheap looking. I love to tinker with budget guitars so I had fully planned to upgrade it to “proper” tele specs…even considered replacing with a Guitar Fetish tele neck for a truer tele-style headstock. So basically just bought it for the body. But I didn’t love the look of it enough to put the money or time into it. And seeing how much work it would’ve taken to take it on that journey, I don’t regret it…I can use that time to finish my Pango flying V kit instead!! So thanks for validating that call… That having been said, I’ve got 2 other LJ guitars en route (their budget SG and the slightly higher end Hurricane Deluxe) so we’ll see if they get to stay…😅
My specific experience with LJ (twice - both times through Amazon) has not been good. Both guitars were in a foam coffin - beautiful finishes, but both unplayable out of the box. They were so bad, I wondered if they were returns even though I ordered them new. I sent both back, too much to fix. Got a firefly instead and got luckier.😅 I'm enjoying your journey! Cheers, J-man! 🎸😎
@j-man9457 I see a lot of good or great reviews of LJ, and I do trust most of them. Maybe it's just a crapshoot with what you get, I dunno. Or maybe the higher end models get better QC...
I too thought it was strange that both LJs guitars I received were just in boxes (well on of them was) the other not so much as you know. Neither were in a styrofoam coffins (so its just not CA that is not getting the real packing that so many talk about). Maybe that is because we bought through Amazon and not the Leo website (?). Of course the guitars I bought would have been $50 more buying from the Leo site. That's why title my vids Leo quality control or Amazon deception. Thanks for sharing the under the hood stuff. I never got that far with mine. Rock on!
These GLO's are related to other brands , such as Raffle, Surprize, and interestingly enough, Side Show Bob guitars , where every now and then you get a pink elephant , a wall hanger or a cuddly wooden toy . 😊 You're chasing the holy grail , J-man , a rainbow in the clouds . There's a latrine potty at the base, no pot of gold to be found
the bridge from Leo is the Modern version and the ones you have are vintage design. the speck are different. get a black modern ver bridge. all the clear tele guards I got didn't have plastic on the front, including my up-scales Leo tele.
If the pickups are alnico,is it really worth changing them?Dime sise pots can be ok if you can find some high quality ones..........................................
If you put that blaack bridge on to align with the pickup cavity then the string scale would be out from what i see. S for the routiing quality, it should be good if its cnc made.
I'd go with the ash tray, the holes wouldn't bug me too bad because of the budget aspect. The color I'm not a fan of. Fun stuff, though. Way better than tv.
I think you should do whatever you want to it thats why im building my dream telecaster now on my Chanel 😮.. you know your budget on parts and the main thing is only you know if its worth it.
Interesting. I think the consensus is, if the seller isn't leo jaymz themselves, don't buy them lol. It shouldn't be that way but I wouldn't trust it if it's not sold by leo jaymz.
@@j.powellnetwork yeah good to know... But shouldn't Leo Jaymz step in here somewhere? Seems weird that someone else can sell his stuff for profit and it not be him? 🤔
@@barackmycat9448 I have pickups here, and lots of mini pots, and Jacks... A few parts coming in, and with some knowhow, even the little bit I have, it should be a good player!
wild stuff brother! great informative info! i just recieved a beauty of a T style by censtar....sounds nice and feels amazing...but theres something wierd about both pups which ill demonstrate in a future film... if dick dale was a tele guy this gold censtar would look great on him haha!!!
Looks like the Leo James is like a box of chocolate's, you never know what you are getting. I have seen other bad and good reviews on Leo James guitars. Sounds like something is wrong at QC. PS I really enjoy your reviews they are great.
Hmm, my comment disappeared. Leo Jaymz sells direct to US, while Dixindike sells in Canada with 40% less pakaging. It's trash. Return it today. Leo Jaymz isn't backing it up.
@@calbrockocat8728 hmmmm that is strange. LJ must be giving permission to these other guys to sell his brand? These have to be B stocks..my wrong color, loose neck pockets, bad fret jobs etc... Something is up for sure!
I bought a Leo Jaymz American flag LP. The neck is bowed. Its unplayable. The fretboard radius is 14 and the bridge is 12. I emailed Leo Jaymz support 4 times and never received a reply. I have a 200 paperweight. Im in the US…..PISS ON LEO JAYMZ
@@dbrown6451 man that Sucks! Someone mentioned that they are good to reply on their Facebook page... Maybe give that a try. As far as the back bow, did you add relief to the neck by turning the truss rod counter clockwise? That should correct it if the truss rod is functional 🤔
@ i dont use Facebook and shouldn’t have to go there to get support. I bought from Amazon and emailed Leo through Amazon. I just wanted them to ship me a new guitar not get a refund.
@dbrown6451 yeah I hear ya... They didn't answer my emails either... Somebody suggested I try Facebook so just passing that on. Yeah not impressed with customer service at all!
Ok J, about the pickguard, if you have a sign shop around, get some vinyl pieces of different colors, shouldn’t cost to much, and put it on the back side. Works great! That’s what I did on my custom Spalding Strat. No paint to mess with, or try to remove!
Does it have potential, in your hands, Absolutely!!
I liked the Superman squeeze on the string tree💥💪💪💪💪💪
@@guitarzan0515 hahaha thanks... Gonna use carbon fiber under the pick guard 😃
@ perfect!
The biggest reason for the plastic backing plate on the neck plate is to help keep the plate from sinking into the softer wood found in many guitar bodies.
@@brittboyette461 yeah I have never found them to be problematic. If I have em, I use them!
1) Kaish makes a “heavy duty” enclosed box-style switch, which is what I would recommend if you want to upgrade the stock switch without having to enlarge the route.
2) As 2bikemike said, the vintage and modern-style bridges have totally different specs. Modern bridges NEED to be a bit longer than vintage, given the length of the stamped steel saddles vs the barrel-style saddles. I think you might still be able to find a drop-in replacement for the stock bridge, but honestly, I’m not sure it’s worth it.
3) Overall, this is one guitar I’d take a pass on, given all the workmanship and compatibility issues you identified. If this guitar had some truly unique or compelling aesthetics, and if the workmanship were better, then it might be worth upgrading the hardware, but as it stands, it’s ugly, and it’s not a particularly remarkable Tele-style specimen in any way whatsoever. Don’t worry, I’ll still be eager to watch and see what you do with it if you do keep it! 😉
@@zuperdee hahaha it's a keeper now lol so stand by 😉
I've used the Kaish switches too, and also recommend them!
@toddr2375 I actually have used those as well, but I think I'll have clearance for a standard blade switch...
Yeah, the KAISH switches are not bad. I don’t know how they might compare to blade switches, but they do seem to offer a much better feel and theoretically a longer lifespan than standard box switches, in a form factor that will fit smaller routes.
@zuperdee yup I have used them before. Simple and well made. An option for sure if plan A fails!
Good timing! Somehow you are always doing videos on “budget” guitars that I’m either thinking about or have just purchased.
I just bought the LJ tele with US flag print (for playing Star Spangled Banner at my kids summer swim meets) and ended up returning it because the flag design was low-res and cheap looking. I love to tinker with budget guitars so I had fully planned to upgrade it to “proper” tele specs…even considered replacing with a Guitar Fetish tele neck for a truer tele-style headstock. So basically just bought it for the body. But I didn’t love the look of it enough to put the money or time into it. And seeing how much work it would’ve taken to take it on that journey, I don’t regret it…I can use that time to finish my Pango flying V kit instead!!
So thanks for validating that call…
That having been said, I’ve got 2 other LJ guitars en route (their budget SG and the slightly higher end Hurricane Deluxe) so we’ll see if they get to stay…😅
@@billgregg6836 awesome man! Yeah on the fence about these... Gonna mod this one and see how good I can make it!
My specific experience with LJ (twice - both times through Amazon) has not been good. Both guitars were in a foam coffin - beautiful finishes, but both unplayable out of the box. They were so bad, I wondered if they were returns even though I ordered them new. I sent both back, too much to fix. Got a firefly instead and got luckier.😅 I'm enjoying your journey! Cheers, J-man! 🎸😎
@@TonJager hey.Thanks!
Yeah something is up with this company for sure!
@j-man9457 I see a lot of good or great reviews of LJ, and I do trust most of them. Maybe it's just a crapshoot with what you get, I dunno. Or maybe the higher end models get better QC...
@TonJager72 yeah I'm thinking like you man!
I too thought it was strange that both LJs guitars I received were just in boxes (well on of them was) the other not so much as you know. Neither were in a styrofoam coffins (so its just not CA that is not getting the real packing that so many talk about). Maybe that is because we bought through Amazon and not the Leo website (?). Of course the guitars I bought would have been $50 more buying from the Leo site. That's why title my vids Leo quality control or Amazon deception. Thanks for sharing the under the hood stuff. I never got that far with mine. Rock on!
@@TedTalksGuitars 😉👍
These GLO's are related to other brands , such as Raffle, Surprize, and interestingly enough, Side Show Bob guitars , where every now and then you get a pink elephant , a wall hanger or a cuddly wooden toy . 😊
You're chasing the holy grail , J-man , a rainbow in the clouds . There's a latrine potty at the base, no pot of gold to be found
@@PulauSwan nah man... Not the holy Grail, just good bones to build a custom tele with. This one is not bad. But the QC on these is flat out terrible!
the bridge from Leo is the Modern version and the ones you have are vintage design. the speck are different. get a black modern ver bridge. all the clear tele guards I got didn't have plastic on the front, including my up-scales Leo tele.
@@2bikemikesguitartopics145 thanks bud, good to know!
Never trust a Leo. Only buy Capricorns and Virgos from now on.
@@danrunnoft6642 hahaha!
Just put it back together and send it back. It isn't worth the effort and you hated the color anyway.
@@aeynghus I already ordered the parts hahaha! I think it'll be good once I'm done 👍
If the pickups are alnico,is it really worth changing them?Dime sise pots can be ok if you can find some high quality ones..........................................
The back is the only way to go, I've used those on guitars, they are much cheaper in the US , i only gave 120 American for the last one i bought
@@No1414body 120$? Now that's a good deal! 😃
If you put that blaack bridge on to align with the pickup cavity then the string scale would be out from what i see.
S for the routiing quality, it should be good if its cnc made.
@@Johnny.D bridge plate is shorter but saddle placement would be correct.. I ordered a direct drop in... Should be good!
I'd go with the ash tray, the holes wouldn't bug me too bad because of the budget aspect. The color I'm not a fan of. Fun stuff, though. Way better than tv.
@@Timtime67 yup more fun than TV for sure haha! Got a Bridge ordered that will drop right in!🤞
@j-man9457 those 3 holes would have bugged you big time, huh J Man. : )
@Timtime67 just slightly hahaha! 😉
I ordered a Firefly and I think it was seized with the Chibsons. My shipment stopped in LA on the 29th at 2am.
@@banced1 wow that sucks!
I think you should do whatever you want to it thats why im building my dream telecaster now on my Chanel 😮.. you know your budget on parts and the main thing is only you know if its worth it.
Interesting. I think the consensus is, if the seller isn't leo jaymz themselves, don't buy them lol. It shouldn't be that way but I wouldn't trust it if it's not sold by leo jaymz.
@@j.powellnetwork yeah good to know... But shouldn't Leo Jaymz step in here somewhere? Seems weird that someone else can sell his stuff for profit and it not be him? 🤔
I bet your correct. Someone probably buying seconds and selling as new and good condition.
@@jerrymccabejr something is up for sure!
This is getting involved . Hope it`s worth it.
@@barackmycat9448 I have pickups here, and lots of mini pots, and Jacks... A few parts coming in, and with some knowhow, even the little bit I have, it should be a good player!
wild stuff brother!
great informative info!
i just recieved a beauty of a T style by censtar....sounds nice and feels amazing...but theres something wierd about both pups which ill demonstrate in a future film...
if dick dale was a tele guy this gold censtar would look great on him haha!!!
@@birdman316 thanks. Sounds interesting!
Looks like the Leo James is like a box of chocolate's, you never know what you are getting. I have seen other bad and good reviews on Leo James guitars. Sounds like something is wrong at QC. PS I really enjoy your reviews they are great.
@@lesterwatson8519 Thanks man! Yeah something is up for sure!
I got 2 coming my way. I think their Facebook is more responsive than their email. I have never gotten a reply back from emails
@@SearchingForTone ahhhh good to know! Thanks. Let me know how yours are out of the box once you get them and if you have a minute.
Thanks!
You played my 45 thousand dollar #stratocaster
@@PeterMacfadyen-k5d yup!
Hmm, my comment disappeared. Leo Jaymz sells direct to US, while Dixindike sells in Canada with 40% less pakaging. It's trash. Return it today. Leo Jaymz isn't backing it up.
@@calbrockocat8728 hmmmm that is strange. LJ must be giving permission to these other guys to sell his brand? These have to be B stocks..my wrong color, loose neck pockets, bad fret jobs etc...
Something is up for sure!
I bought a Leo Jaymz American flag LP. The neck is bowed. Its unplayable. The fretboard radius is 14 and the bridge is 12. I emailed Leo Jaymz support 4 times and never received a reply. I have a 200 paperweight. Im in the US…..PISS ON LEO JAYMZ
@@dbrown6451 man that Sucks! Someone mentioned that they are good to reply on their Facebook page... Maybe give that a try. As far as the back bow, did you add relief to the neck by turning the truss rod counter clockwise? That should correct it if the truss rod is functional 🤔
@ i dont use Facebook and shouldn’t have to go there to get support. I bought from Amazon and emailed Leo through Amazon. I just wanted them to ship me a new guitar not get a refund.
@ even worse. I replaced the pickups with a red bobbin seymour duncan in bridge and blue bobbin in neck. The guitar is just firewood.
@dbrown6451 yeah I hear ya... They didn't answer my emails either... Somebody suggested I try Facebook so just passing that on. Yeah not impressed with customer service at all!
sent you a e-mail about the bridge that i used.!!
@@rogerrousell9789 thanks!
NO!!!
@@theguitarprofessionals8584 too late!
@@j-man9457 Hahahahahahahaha