The Lick Loft Just picked up an old 2004 Epiphone Dot Studio in ice blue. I am installing all new electronics and converting it to H-sized P90’s. I’ll do a new nut eventually, but the stock but is surprisingly well cut. The tuners aren’t bad either.
My first electric guitar was an Epiphone SG-400. While I loved the guitar, it is really solid and very well made. But the electronics were second rate. Sooooooo I got me some Seymore Duncan Hot Rodded Humbuckers and a couple Bumble Bee Capacitors and put them in. I now call this awsome guitar my "Red Growler".
Hi I'm upgrading my epi trad pro my mates a tech in music shop all it really needs are different pickups to suit. Its coil splitable & seems a waste not upgrading it as I got it all set up hasn't needed a screwdriver near it since I got it last year . Any suggestions.
I can attest to even newer Epiphone's pickup switches going nuts, especially in the middle position. I have a semi-hollow, so rewiring is going to be a bit of a pain.
That guitar is beautiful! It's a keeper tone wise! The amp and speaker is key also. The best 59' les paul through a crap amp equals crap. The same guitar through a deluxe reverb, ac 30 or marshall will kick ass.
A couple years ago I bought a new 2019 model Epiphone ES-335 Pro. I really liked a lot about the guitar, particularly the looks, the feel, and the tone. I decided it was worth upgrading the things I wasn't so keen on. I replaced the plastic nut with a Graphtech Tusq nut, and the very poorly made output jack with a Switchcraft. The tuners, pickup switch, pickups, and pots were fine for me, so the only other issue that had to be addressed was some slightly uneven frets which prevented lowering the action as much as I wanted. I could have leveled the frets myself, but decided it was worth it to have the guitar Plek'd to truly make it all it could be. Since then I've also replaced the bridge with a roller bridge although it didn't need it, but just because. I absolutely love the guitar now and wouldn't switch it for any costing triple what I have into it.
Lovely looking guitar and great playing. Initially I was asking myself why anyone would do all of that work on an Epiphone, but I have to say it sounds and looks great. I have a 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard and have done some of those mods, specifically going for a vintage wiring harness and caps which made a massive difference, but then also swapping out the 490R/498T's for Lollar Imperials which bring clarity and tone.
97 Korean Epi LP in red sparkle... Switched stock pups with Gibson 57 Classics in both positions and Stew Mac electronics harness for lp with 50's wiring. Gotoh tuners and pick guard as well as pick up frames. Killer guitar!
I got a Grote 335 copy off Amazon for $129 delivered. The body and neck were solid so I spent $350 on pickups and pots, tail, saddle, nut and locking tuners and it is totally astonishing. It sounds and feels as good as my original Gibson 335, plus I can drive it like I stole it and not worry getting it banged up, and it feels like my own. In the end the tone is all about the pickups and pots. Feel is all about how comfortable the neck is. If the neck and body are solid then yes, mod it up a bit. Make it your own. The Gibson was 3.5k. I wanted to love it but you wind up being scared of scratching it, you worry about digging in. My advice, get an old beater ans see if you can squeeze some juice out of it.
Awesome video the intro is amazing! I just recently put an aluminum Gotoh tailpiece and I gotoh Nashville style Tune-O-Matic bridge on a Gibson that has aged, corrodedhardware and it made a world of difference putting a super light tailpiece added a lot of sustain and clarity.
Gotoh self-locking tuners (tulips shape) . TonePros T3BT System II bridge & Alu tailpiece. Earvana compensated nut. Stainless steel frets. 3way switch upgrade - steel lever shaft (perfect acting). Rock solid Pure Tone two ground contact output jack. RC compensation between top&wiper volume pots. But - original pick-ups, original pots sprayed with special lubricant (zero scratches). Of course many manoeuvers with truss rod. Result - perfect intonation, action, sustain straight from the body. Of course pretty good strings - 10-46 NYXL.
Graphite nuts are awesome. Many “self lubricating” manufacturers out there too. But I’ve honestly had the best (well, 2nd best) tuning stability with bone nuts. 1st best tuning stability is a double locking tremolo system. But that’s a different animal.
Nice video guys. Nice finish on the Epi as well. I own a Epiphone Joe Perry Boneyard Les Paul. Comes with Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups. Original equipment. If you have seen one you love or hate the finish on them. I Harley'd the guitar with some Chrome pick up bezels and chrome knurled volume/tone knobs, and some Grover chrome tuners. I also have an Epi Prophecy Explorer with Zack Wylde emgs in it. Both epi's kick my butt all over the place, and run them through either my Hughes and Kettner Grandmiester 40 or my trusty old 1980's JCM 800. Keep up the great video's! TC from this 63 year old from Canada!
Hey Dave! They sound like awesome guitars! Would love to see them! We also gigged the H+K Tubemeister 18's and 36's for years! Great amps! Thank you for watching Dave, we appreciate it a lot!
I still haven't found pickups, cheap or expensive, that really upgrade the quality of sound unless, of course, you're going to shred at eardrum breaking levels for life. I use amp EQs, gains, boosts and various pedals to affect the sound and give the audience what they want to hear. I totally agree with everything else.
I totally upgraded my Vintage brand Peter Green LP but still need to do the pick up selector Put Gibson pup's in it but have to say those Mojo's sound really good I used Emerson guts on mine Thanks guy's
Sounding good! I went a little silly with my epiphone... Re radiused and refretted, new nut, new electronics, Tim Shaw Pickups and Grovers both from a mates 1986 Gibson Les Paul Custom. It's on my channel if you wanted to see!
I do have an Epiphone Les Paul but I also bought another guitar and LTD EC256FM Which I knew eventually I would Mod and upgrade as hobby to learn Guitar Tech/ maintenance.
I just ordered a on back order an Epiphone 2020 Les Paul Standard 59' and it has a lot of already upgraded features on it out of the box like the Gibson burst bucker's and the 50's hand wiring and a Switch craft switch. Aside from locking tuner's it has everything I could want in a Les Paul that isn't costing me 2500 buck's, it comes at 799.00 with hard shell case. I've been reading rave review's on it every where I read them and aside from not being a solid top and having a veneer it sound's great. Looks great and is a full weight Les Paul which I am not really hyped about cause they weigh almost 9.5 lb's but it's as close to a Gibson as you are gonna get for the price. I'm saving a lot of money and I'm not a head stock snob so if it sound's great, play's great and looks great, then it's all I can ask for at my income level.
@@benallmark9671 I've had it now for a few month's and it's become one of my favorite guitar's. I've bought a few others in that time and I seem to always go back to the 59'. I also just got a Schecter C-1 Exotic Ebony that has far exceeded my expectation's for a 900.00 guitar.
@@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 cool to hear the Schecter punched above it’s weight class. So the Epiphone 59 reissue is a gem eh. What is it about the 59 , the neck the humbuckers or ?
@@benallmark9671 I just like the over all feel of the instrument as compared to the other 2 LP's I own. The neck feels great and I like the satin finish, it's nice and fast. The Pick up's are fuller and warmer than the Epiphone one's and I get better sustain with this long tenon neck. The whole guitar IMO rival's the lower end Gibson's to the point where I actually prefer this over the Gibson LP Tribute.
Thanks for the video that is a beautiful guitar you have there I have a silverburst with custom shop Billy Gibbons pearly Gates and I took the wiring out and I installed tone man 50s wiring and Grover locking tuners it's has a ebony fretborad I put a switch Kraft input Jack and and switch and I put over sized chrome pickup rings and I put some tone pros on it and last I got the frets leveled and polished it sounds awesome I own two Epiphone guitars I have a orange standard Pro that one I put a JB and Jazz and a walrus nut new switch Kraft Jack and switch I am modifing that one too little by little Epiphone Guitars Rock that's all I play once and awhile I pull out my Fender Stratocaster Elite.
I have a 90's sparkly blue Epiphone Les Paul I've had since a kid. I'm going to spend a decent amount of money to upgrade the parts. I know could just sell the guitar and use the money I would have spent of the parts to buy a Gibson, but I would rather just have my Epiphone because of what the guitar means to me.
That's awesome Europa, that's why we did this. We didn't buy a new guitar to try and change everything about it, it was a neglected guitar that was unplayable before this transformation and meant a lot to Rich
I have a 2008 Epi LP Special (also built in the Samick factory!)...I do want to put new tuners on eventually but it is a VERY good instrument overall :) Is it a Gibson??? No but it'll give a $2500 LP a good race in the recording studio :) :)
Considering getting a second hand Epiphone 60 standard and putting some Seymore Duncan “Slash” Zebra pickups on. But gather the pots might also need to be swapped out to make the most of them?
The Lick Loft Changed pickups to Gibson (498t and 490r), nut(graphitec), tuners (Gotoh, great ones 😃), pots. May have had other mod(s) that I don't remember but basically were these. :)
What are the best pick ups for hard rock and clean tones? The classic 57s? The SH-55s by Duncan? The 490T/498Rs that they are putting in new Customs at Gibson?
Thanks so much Ronald! I don't honestly know but all of the techs I meet swear by them so it's always something we tend to do as it's a relitively inexpensive mod. Saying that my favourite guitar has a brass nut so who knows!
Don't know if y'all are still at it, but came to this video trying to understand series and parallel pickup arrangements. Couldn't tell when y'all were in series and when in parallel. Just a heads up about the effectiveness of your information presentation, and your average dull viewer.
Great points Christopher! We are checking out the new range next week and really excited to do so, this was an old guitar that needed alot of work where as you are right, a new 2020 model will need little/no work depending on what you are after!
Thanks guys love your video that Epiphone sounds fantastic.I’ve just collected my new Epiphone ‘50s Heritage Standard Cherry Sunburst the pots are CTS 500 like yours with the ‘50s wiring they fantastic value for the money.🎼🎶👍
You more or less just described my epi 60s tribute ..swicthcraft switch ..gibson 57 classic & 57 plus pickups..grover lockers..etc..dont have the bone nut but that in its future..
Hey Derek thanks! Definitely got lucky finding it all those years ago! They are by www.mojopickups.co.uk and they are the Vintage PAF's. They aren't always listed on the website for some reason but if you shoot them an email, they will make you them for sure :)
@@TheLickLoft thanks for your reply, much appreciated 😃 I'm looking at buying one of the new epi les Paul customs due to the new electronics they are using and putting some good PAFS in and I think it will be these for sure🤘 Thanks again for your reply guys and keep rocking!
I have a 2019 Epi LP Traditional Pro III I like most things about it, but the pups are too hot imo. Those Mojo pups sound awesome, which model are they?
Thanks David! They are vintage PAF's. They were recommended by NRG effects and he actually got them for us from Mojo, I couldn't actually see them on the website the other day so maybe it's something he just offers if you email them?
I own 2 gibsons and just purchased a newer Epiphone the only thing i found dissatisfing is the toggle switch and strings everything esle is great the probuckers it came with are right on anything else that gets replaced ,well my oppinion that person should have just purchased a different guitar .its like this if you buy a new car and change the engine , transmission .you should just buy a different car with the specs your looking for .
Agree with you Fred, you should be happy with the guitar and the way it sounds when you purchase it! This had been very neglected and was unplayable so we thought it would be a fun video to see how we could bring it back to life, but I wouldn't buy a guitar these days thinking "i'll be happy if i change this, this and this etc"
Has anyone tried a human bone nut. Like a humerus from an industrial accident? Or perhaps a femur from a high speed motorcycle wreck? Or better yet, an aged ox coxae from a dead geriatric? Just a couple suggestions because tone is soooo inportant. 😀
@@steveroberts Handcrafted bone nut and new frets by Eastbourne Guitar Workshop, Switchcraft pickup selector switch and input jack, CTS pots with custom series/parallel switching capability by NRG Effects, Mojo Pickups - Low Output PAF's. That's all the info I have at the top of my head, if you want any more specifics let me know and I'll get back to you asap :)
@@TheLickLoft Thanks. That will keep me going. Don't recognise some of that stuff. Thanks again. As to your previous question, no I haven't modified a guitar. That's why I'm so interested. One day I will. Thanks again.
I have a lp epiphone 100 series, been playing it for over 3 years now I want to make upgrades because its all clunky and not intonated properly as well plus the neck is starting to feel really bad as well but I don’t know what to upgrade/change first.
Nothing Epiphone, at the time sadly, but do own a lovely 1995 Samick Artist Series LP type guitar I call Prudence! :) Have owned it nearly the 9 years my son's been alive and I adore both greatly!!! 😍🙂 Rock on you guys and keep up the great work! Merry Christmas! I've since upgraded it with Guitar Fetish zebra buckers, all new pots, and some neat old-school nickel top with black backing knobs! :)
Hey the two tones are push/pulls to access series and parallel between the coils of each pickup. We are friends with the tech who carried out the work and it was a custom thing that he recommended/did last minute and we hadn't actually seen that on a guitar before. So you're right we were unsure (not for the first time about something!) Thanks for watching :)
We only did this as the guitar had not been used in 15 years or so and was really unplayable, and it had sentimental value. We would always recommend saving up for the guitar you connect with instantly, and not one you think you can improve over time. If that's an Epiphone great, or a Gibson that's great too! I think the upgrades cost around £500 roughly with the labour included in that by a pro.
Let us know below if you have modded/upgraded a guitar?
I am currently upgrading a MIM strat. 2004 blonde.
The Lick Loft Just picked up an old 2004 Epiphone Dot Studio in ice blue. I am installing all new electronics and converting it to H-sized P90’s. I’ll do a new nut eventually, but the stock but is surprisingly well cut. The tuners aren’t bad either.
My first electric guitar was an Epiphone SG-400. While I loved the guitar, it is really solid and very well made. But the electronics were second rate. Sooooooo I got me some Seymore Duncan Hot Rodded Humbuckers and a couple Bumble Bee Capacitors and put them in. I now call this awsome guitar my "Red Growler".
Hi I'm upgrading my epi trad pro my mates a tech in music shop all it really needs are different pickups to suit. Its coil splitable & seems a waste not upgrading it as I got it all set up hasn't needed a screwdriver near it since I got it last year . Any suggestions.
It's weird to see a video which isn't selling you something these days! Very refreshing
1. Bone nut
2. Pickup Switch
3. Pickups
4. Volume and Tone pots
5. Input Jack
You’re welcome
Thanks! We do timestamp all of our videos now, but still getting to some of the older ones
I can attest to even newer Epiphone's pickup switches going nuts, especially in the middle position. I have a semi-hollow, so rewiring is going to be a bit of a pain.
@@bboyzagy Oh really? I thought the 2020 models had really high quality switches and pots? Sorry to hear you've had trouble!
@@TheLickLoft They use 500k cts pots, but I dont think that they have changed the switches. The tuners are grovers tho.
what about tuners and bridge.
I did not expect that awesome jam to happen when I clicked on this
That's really cool of you to say! Thank you!
Bravo!
Blumming ‘eck - smoking!
That top is sick! Wow! I've never seen a top like that on a Epiphone
That guitar is beautiful! It's a keeper tone wise! The amp and speaker is key also. The best 59' les paul through a crap amp equals crap. The same guitar through a deluxe reverb, ac 30 or marshall will kick ass.
Thankyou Russell I couldn't agree more about a good amp! :)
This top is so beautiful! This Epiphone looks like a Custom Shop Reissue
Thanks Naethen, yeah I got lucky big time!!
It may be a root beer finish!
A couple years ago I bought a new 2019 model Epiphone ES-335 Pro. I really liked a lot about the guitar, particularly the looks, the feel, and the tone. I decided it was worth upgrading the things I wasn't so keen on. I replaced the plastic nut with a Graphtech Tusq nut, and the very poorly made output jack with a Switchcraft. The tuners, pickup switch, pickups, and pots were fine for me, so the only other issue that had to be addressed was some slightly uneven frets which prevented lowering the action as much as I wanted. I could have leveled the frets myself, but decided it was worth it to have the guitar Plek'd to truly make it all it could be. Since then I've also replaced the bridge with a roller bridge although it didn't need it, but just because. I absolutely love the guitar now and wouldn't switch it for any costing triple what I have into it.
Lovely looking guitar and great playing. Initially I was asking myself why anyone would do all of that work on an Epiphone, but I have to say it sounds and looks great. I have a 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard and have done some of those mods, specifically going for a vintage wiring harness and caps which made a massive difference, but then also swapping out the 490R/498T's for Lollar Imperials which bring clarity and tone.
97 Korean Epi LP in red sparkle... Switched stock pups with Gibson 57 Classics in both positions and Stew Mac electronics harness for lp with 50's wiring. Gotoh tuners and pick guard as well as pick up frames. Killer guitar!
I got a Grote 335 copy off Amazon for $129 delivered. The body and neck were solid so I spent $350 on pickups and pots, tail, saddle, nut and locking tuners and it is totally astonishing. It sounds and feels as good as my original Gibson 335, plus I can drive it like I stole it and not worry getting it banged up, and it feels like my own. In the end the tone is all about the pickups and pots. Feel is all about how comfortable the neck is. If the neck and body are solid then yes, mod it up a bit. Make it your own. The Gibson was 3.5k. I wanted to love it but you wind up being scared of scratching it, you worry about digging in. My advice, get an old beater ans see if you can squeeze some juice out of it.
Awesome video the intro is amazing! I just recently put an aluminum Gotoh tailpiece and I gotoh Nashville style Tune-O-Matic bridge on a Gibson that has aged, corrodedhardware and it made a world of difference putting a super light tailpiece added a lot of sustain and clarity.
Thanks Nick! Thanks for the tips too
Gotoh self-locking tuners (tulips shape) . TonePros T3BT System II bridge & Alu tailpiece. Earvana compensated nut. Stainless steel frets. 3way switch upgrade - steel lever shaft (perfect acting). Rock solid Pure Tone two ground contact output jack. RC compensation between top&wiper volume pots. But - original pick-ups, original pots sprayed with special lubricant (zero scratches). Of course many manoeuvers with truss rod. Result - perfect intonation, action, sustain straight from the body. Of course pretty good strings - 10-46 NYXL.
I own 4 Epiphone's and love them all 🤘😎🤘
Awesome :) I love the look of the 2020 range!
Graphite nut is the go, precision & consistency, easily lubricated, handles heat, cold & humidity 🖖🏼
Thanks Sydney! Haven't owned a guitar or played one long enough with a graphite but so I'll check them out!
Graphite nuts are awesome. Many “self lubricating” manufacturers out there too. But I’ve honestly had the best (well, 2nd best) tuning stability with bone nuts. 1st best tuning stability is a double locking tremolo system. But that’s a different animal.
@@Wargasm644 Thanks for your comments and some great tips!
Nice video guys. Nice finish on the Epi as well. I own a Epiphone Joe Perry Boneyard Les Paul. Comes with Gibson Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups. Original equipment. If you have seen one you love or hate the finish on them. I Harley'd the guitar with some Chrome pick up bezels and chrome knurled volume/tone knobs, and some Grover chrome tuners. I also have an Epi Prophecy Explorer with Zack Wylde emgs in it. Both epi's kick my butt all over the place, and run them through either my Hughes and Kettner Grandmiester 40 or my trusty old 1980's JCM 800. Keep up the great video's! TC from this 63 year old from Canada!
Hey Dave! They sound like awesome guitars! Would love to see them! We also gigged the H+K Tubemeister 18's and 36's for years! Great amps! Thank you for watching Dave, we appreciate it a lot!
I still haven't found pickups, cheap or expensive, that really upgrade the quality of sound unless, of course, you're going to shred at eardrum breaking levels for life. I use amp EQs, gains, boosts and various pedals to affect the sound and give the audience what they want to hear. I totally agree with everything else.
I just traded my PRS SE for a Ep Les Paul with the lockers and it is much smoother and stays in tune 😎
Hey Hendricks! Glad your happier now :) Locking tuners are great!
Absolutely GREAT playing guys! Enjoyed the hell out it!!
That intro was incredible!
That’s some amazing riffage guys. That funky jam track is off the chain.
I totally upgraded my Vintage brand Peter Green LP but still need to do the pick up selector Put Gibson pup's in it but have to say those Mojo's sound really good I used Emerson guts on mine Thanks guy's
Those Vintage models look great! I bet it sounds great too now with what you've done! Would love to hear it :) thanks for watching Paul
Sounding good! I went a little silly with my epiphone... Re radiused and refretted, new nut, new electronics, Tim Shaw Pickups and Grovers both from a mates 1986 Gibson Les Paul Custom.
It's on my channel if you wanted to see!
the only thing I want from a les paul is to stay in tune..
Don't we all!!
Proper setup is key to it staying in tune
Gibson T6 tailpiece and Floyd Rose FRX locking nut. Or TW25B military gun lube on nut and saddles. Problem solved. Have a nice day 😀
Not gonna lie; my Epi Les Paul stays in tune wonderfully... Is it common for them to de-tune quickly..?
Epiphones stay in tune very good
I do have an Epiphone Les Paul but I also bought another guitar and LTD EC256FM Which I knew eventually I would Mod and upgrade as hobby to learn Guitar Tech/ maintenance.
I just ordered a on back order an Epiphone 2020 Les Paul Standard 59' and it has a lot of already upgraded features on it out of the box like the Gibson burst bucker's and the 50's hand wiring and a Switch craft switch. Aside from locking tuner's it has everything I could want in a Les Paul that isn't costing me 2500 buck's, it comes at 799.00 with hard shell case. I've been reading rave review's on it every where I read them and aside from not being a solid top and having a veneer it sound's great. Looks great and is a full weight Les Paul which I am not really hyped about cause they weigh almost 9.5 lb's but it's as close to a Gibson as you are gonna get for the price. I'm saving a lot of money and I'm not a head stock snob so if it sound's great, play's great and looks great, then it's all I can ask for at my income level.
It’s a gem bro.
@@benallmark9671 I've had it now for a few month's and it's become one of my favorite guitar's. I've bought a few others in that time and I seem to always go back to the 59'. I also just got a Schecter C-1 Exotic Ebony that has far exceeded my expectation's for a 900.00 guitar.
@@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 cool to hear the Schecter punched above it’s weight class. So the Epiphone 59 reissue is a gem eh. What is it about the 59 , the neck the humbuckers or ?
@@benallmark9671 I just like the over all feel of the instrument as compared to the other 2 LP's I own. The neck feels great and I like the satin finish, it's nice and fast. The Pick up's are fuller and warmer than the Epiphone one's and I get better sustain with this long tenon neck. The whole guitar IMO rival's the lower end Gibson's to the point where I actually prefer this over the Gibson LP Tribute.
Lots of fun (and informative). Thanks 🤙
"The Two Accountants" I've heard about you guys, but didn’t know ya'll had such chops!
Haha the 2 accountants! 😂 Thank you Butler! We've had a few comments like this, maybe we need to change our look!
The Lick Loft: no...don’t change anything! That’s you’re edge! 😉👍
@@BCTGuitarPlayer thanks Butler! Appreciate the support!
22 Epi 50s LP- Faber hardware, Wolfetone Legends pickups, and rewired it with more vintage correct components.
I could listen to those guys play alllll day!!! Yesss!!☺
That's so cool of you to say that! Much appreciated!
Thanks for the video that is a beautiful guitar you have there I have a silverburst with custom shop Billy Gibbons pearly Gates and I took the wiring out and I installed tone man 50s wiring and Grover locking tuners it's has a ebony fretborad I put a switch Kraft input Jack and and switch and I put over sized chrome pickup rings and I put some tone pros on it and last I got the frets leveled and polished it sounds awesome I own two Epiphone guitars I have a orange standard Pro that one I put a JB and Jazz and a walrus nut new switch Kraft Jack and switch I am modifing that one too little by little Epiphone Guitars Rock that's all I play once and awhile I pull out my Fender Stratocaster Elite.
Thank you for watching Patrick! That silverburst with the Pearly Gates sounds killer!! Sounds like you have some nice guitars! :)
What an awesome intro . . . Love it!
Absolute gentlemen! Great video, guys!
Back at you Jeremy! Thank you for watching
Very fine player. Well done guys👏🏻👏🏻😃
I have a 90's sparkly blue Epiphone Les Paul I've had since a kid. I'm going to spend a decent amount of money to upgrade the parts. I know could just sell the guitar and use the money I would have spent of the parts to buy a Gibson, but I would rather just have my Epiphone because of what the guitar means to me.
That's awesome Europa, that's why we did this. We didn't buy a new guitar to try and change everything about it, it was a neglected guitar that was unplayable before this transformation and meant a lot to Rich
Smooth and sweet like we like it ❣️
I have a 2008 Epi LP Special (also built in the Samick factory!)...I do want to put new tuners
on eventually but it is a VERY good instrument overall :)
Is it a Gibson???
No but it'll give a $2500 LP a good race in the recording studio :) :)
Just paid for a 2003 mik Epiphone les paul standard Plus top... coming from Japan and Wondering what I'm gonna need to do to it when it arrives.
Thanks - I'm about to do the Faber Master upgrade to an Epi '59 Les Paul. P.S. Bone nuts are made from bone - not from scratch :o)
Good lord the top on that thing!!!
Considering getting a second hand Epiphone 60 standard and putting some Seymore Duncan “Slash” Zebra pickups on. But gather the pots might also need to be swapped out to make the most of them?
I got a 1996 Korean Epi LP, I did a few mods and it plays and sounds great!
Awesome :) what mods did you do?
The Lick Loft Changed pickups to Gibson (498t and 490r), nut(graphitec), tuners (Gotoh, great ones 😃), pots. May have had other mod(s) that I don't remember but basically were these. :)
@@Marcoshary sounds amazing! Not too dissimilar to what we did here :)
The Lick Loft Exactly. Very similar,, actually. 😃
DUDES! awesome intro playing! Great work. Keep it up 🤓
I stole all of your licks when we jammed in Brighton! Glad to see this weekend went well! Hopefully see you soon :)
Ha! If only that were true! GB was great. See you guys soon.
@@GuitarBreaks I might look different next time you see me though as I think my face is still recovering from the melting you gave it!!
What are the best pick ups for hard rock and clean tones? The classic 57s? The SH-55s by Duncan? The 490T/498Rs that they are putting in new Customs at Gibson?
I had two gibson les pauls. Couldn't keep them in tune. Traded them in on epuphones and love em.
Glad your happy now!
Wow! The intro!
I have one of the 90s Korean LPs in dire need of all of this!
Awesome, let us know how you get on !
You guys play fantastic and that Epi screams, I love it. Do you feel that bone sounds better than Tusq?
Thanks so much Ronald! I don't honestly know but all of the techs I meet swear by them so it's always something we tend to do as it's a relitively inexpensive mod. Saying that my favourite guitar has a brass nut so who knows!
4:50 man if you’d kept playing like that for an hour I’d probably had kept on listening 😂
Don't know if y'all are still at it, but came to this video trying to understand series and parallel pickup arrangements. Couldn't tell when y'all were in series and when in parallel. Just a heads up about the effectiveness of your information presentation, and your average dull viewer.
2020 Epiphones LP Modern with TUSQ nut, locking tuners, and CTS pots save us some upgrade money. (pickups are decent too)
Great points Christopher! We are checking out the new range next week and really excited to do so, this was an old guitar that needed alot of work where as you are right, a new 2020 model will need little/no work depending on what you are after!
My 05 LP epiphone is stock and is great. Korean made.
Spot on regarding pickup output. Moderate output is infinitely better. All these active pickups are horrendous.
Thanks Don, plenty of people who love the higher outputs, but we get more dynamics with the way we play with lower output pickups
Woah - such a superb intro! Wonder what happened to this channel? 🤔
Thanks guys love your video that Epiphone sounds fantastic.I’ve just collected my new Epiphone ‘50s Heritage Standard Cherry Sunburst the pots are CTS 500 like yours with the ‘50s wiring they fantastic value for the money.🎼🎶👍
Looking at your guitar that Sunburst is amazing!!!!🙂
Hey! that's awesome, the new Epiphones are out of this world! Glad you are happy
It is pretty special! Definitely got lucky!
I do have a different Les Paul style guitar that may need locking tuners Which ones would you recommend? I liked and Subscribed.
Could you provide the brand and list of the new parts you have put in the guitar?
Do you have links for the products
Bonjour ,pourriez vous noter en réponse les nouveau micros que vous avez monté , Merci
The last guy who you'd expect to play guitar that good with those hair cuts Haha
Haha both of us? Or one bad haircut in particular? We aren't cool enough for long hair..
@@TheLickLoft I ain't educated enough to get a nurdcut ( some offense) ✌🤛
@@giftedplanksify (some offence taken)
You more or less just described my epi 60s tribute ..swicthcraft switch ..gibson 57 classic & 57 plus pickups..grover lockers..etc..dont have the bone nut but that in its future..
Sounds great Terry! Would love to hear it!
That is the best looking, best sounding epi I have ever seen/heard! What is the actual name of the pups on you epi?
Hey Derek thanks! Definitely got lucky finding it all those years ago! They are by www.mojopickups.co.uk and they are the Vintage PAF's. They aren't always listed on the website for some reason but if you shoot them an email, they will make you them for sure :)
@@TheLickLoft thanks for your reply, much appreciated 😃 I'm looking at buying one of the new epi les Paul customs due to the new electronics they are using and putting some good PAFS in and I think it will be these for sure🤘
Thanks again for your reply guys and keep rocking!
Where do you find an epi with a top like that??
I have a 2019 Epi LP Traditional Pro III I like most things about it, but the pups are too hot imo. Those Mojo pups sound awesome, which model are they?
Thanks David! They are vintage PAF's. They were recommended by NRG effects and he actually got them for us from Mojo, I couldn't actually see them on the website the other day so maybe it's something he just offers if you email them?
...a better bridge or clean up the bridge buzz, shellac finish, maybe? better strings or find some you enjoy" salute`
wow what a great vid and sound.. Is that going through the kemper? what profile is it?
Hey thank you, I believe it was an Andy James JCM 800 profile!
www.stltones.com/products/andy-james-signature-bundle
Profile 19 on his info sheet, thanks!
@@TheLickLoft incredible playing as well.. really good to find you on youtube
@@tanza1435 thank you appreciate it! Not sure we'll manage to do any more videos again but hopefully one day 🤞
@@TheLickLoft aw man i hope so.. i never subscribe to channels but i did to yours.. you guys work good together
Nice soloing! What background music is that?
Thanks alot! It's a backing track we used in our "lick like Phil x video". Rich made it!
Did it use the long shaft or short shaft pots?
I own 2 gibsons and just purchased a newer Epiphone the only thing i found dissatisfing is the toggle switch and strings everything esle is great the probuckers it came with are right on anything else that gets replaced ,well my oppinion that person should have just purchased a different guitar .its like this if you buy a new car and change the engine , transmission .you should just buy a different car with the specs your looking for .
Agree with you Fred, you should be happy with the guitar and the way it sounds when you purchase it! This had been very neglected and was unplayable so we thought it would be a fun video to see how we could bring it back to life, but I wouldn't buy a guitar these days thinking "i'll be happy if i change this, this and this etc"
Great playing
Thankyou! Really appreciate it
Best flame I've seen on an Epi..You scored a sweet gal there...thx for the vid
Wicked soloing man
Thanks Elisico!
Has anyone tried a human bone nut. Like a humerus from an industrial accident? Or perhaps a femur from a high speed motorcycle wreck? Or better yet, an aged ox coxae from a dead geriatric? Just a couple suggestions because tone is soooo inportant. 😀
Guys, great playing. I was hoping you would list the upgrades used. What pickups etc.
Hi Steve my apologies, I'll reply to this comment again later with the list of everything and put it in the description too.
@@TheLickLoft No problem. Glad you are going to do this.
@@steveroberts Handcrafted bone nut and new frets by Eastbourne Guitar Workshop, Switchcraft pickup selector switch and input jack, CTS pots with custom series/parallel switching capability by NRG Effects, Mojo Pickups - Low Output PAF's. That's all the info I have at the top of my head, if you want any more specifics let me know and I'll get back to you asap :)
@@TheLickLoft Thanks. That will keep me going. Don't recognise some of that stuff. Thanks again. As to your previous question, no I haven't modified a guitar. That's why I'm so interested. One day I will. Thanks again.
@@steveroberts let us know if you ever have any questions :)
Them pickups sound great! Rich are they the mojo pickups vintage PAF Low output ones cheers
Hey Mark thanks! they sure are :)
More interested in what amp and set up you use
Hey for this video I believe it was the Kemper, on an Andy James jcm800 profile. Thanks
Basically replace everything but the body
That flame top is superb! Too bad you have to get an expensive custom shop model to get this kind of top these days, unless you buy used.
Definitely got lucky with this top :) thank you for watching Dragan
@@TheLickLoft youre welcome, it was my pleasure, I enjoyed the episode and looking forward to more. Have a gr8 weekend!
@@dragan4658 thanks Dragan! You too! Glad to have you with us here!
I'm new to guitars but really love Epiphone guitars. What year model/s Epiphone LPs are the most preferred? Thanks in advance.
Hi the 2020 models are amazing. If I was getting one, I would get the standard 50's :)
@@TheLickLoft thank you very much.🇬🇾
1:01 Bend it as if you wanna break it! Fuck yeah!!
You know it!
So a TUSK or Graphtek nut is no good? WHY is that? Is it bone only???
I have a lp epiphone 100 series, been playing it for over 3 years now I want to make upgrades because its all clunky and not intonated properly as well plus the neck is starting to feel really bad as well but I don’t know what to upgrade/change first.
Just start with what bothers you the most first, you don't need to make whole sale changes like we did, this guitar was unplayable and very neglected!
Were is the link for pick ups
www.mojopickups.co.uk/product/paf-vintage-59/
I have a great playing guitar with emg active 80 85s I at some point am changing to passive pickups
We have no experience with active pickups really, would love to try some out for a long period of time
Nothing Epiphone, at the time sadly, but do own a lovely 1995 Samick Artist Series LP type guitar I call Prudence! :) Have owned it nearly the 9 years my son's been alive and I adore both greatly!!! 😍🙂 Rock on you guys and keep up the great work! Merry Christmas! I've since upgraded it with Guitar Fetish zebra buckers, all new pots, and some neat old-school nickel top with black backing knobs! :)
Thanks Sean! You too! Hope you had a great day, that guitar sounds awesome! Would love to see it!?
I have 2 Epiphone Les Pauls, and they play and sound as good as a Gibson. In a blind test no one would know the difference. (^_^)
Awesome, when you get a good one, they're great!
The number one upgrade you can do to any guitar is to save up and buy a really good amp thats 90% of your tone
Not gonna argue with you there!
I'm not sure if you can see it, but I just tried to send a pic of my Samick, Prudence. 😎
Thumbs up half way through the intro. ...and rewind.
Thumbs up again for the zoom on the guitar pass.
Thank you, that's really cool of you to say and glad you enjoyed it!
What Mojo pickups are those? Are those the 59' clone low outputs?
Hi Mark, yes they are :)
Didnt change the woods?
The neck and body were in good shape so we didn't..
That guitar sound excellent. How much did you spend on it?
Thanks Steve! If the guitar was in good condition it would have cost around £250, as it needed a complete refret it was closer to double that
@@TheLickLoft Thanks guys
what track
Those dual function knobs look like coil taps or splits. Sure they're not that? You guys seemed unsure.
Hey the two tones are push/pulls to access series and parallel between the coils of each pickup. We are friends with the tech who carried out the work and it was a custom thing that he recommended/did last minute and we hadn't actually seen that on a guitar before. So you're right we were unsure (not for the first time about something!) Thanks for watching :)
What did all the upgrades cost you? Would it be a good way to save $$ compared to buying a US made Gibson?
We only did this as the guitar had not been used in 15 years or so and was really unplayable, and it had sentimental value. We would always recommend saving up for the guitar you connect with instantly, and not one you think you can improve over time. If that's an Epiphone great, or a Gibson that's great too! I think the upgrades cost around £500 roughly with the labour included in that by a pro.
there what amp or software used ? and what is pickups ?
Hey Durica it was the Kemper with a Marshall silver jubilee profile I believe!
Plsss help..I have epiphone model 100.. what part do I need to change first?
Thanks for the answers :)
Nothing if you're happy with it! We only did all these changes as this guitar had not been played in years and years and was in a really bad way.
@@TheLickLoft Motivational answer 😍 thankss for that
I own a epiphone standard les Paul n I wanna get good n upgrade it bc I can’t afford a real gibson
Hey Epiphones are good enough for anyone if you find the right one. We just have to pick catchy titles to get views!
It's an "Output" jack, not input
I think epiphone standards came with bone nut
This one Definitely didn't!
WHAT COLOR IS THAT
We don't know officially as Rich got it 2nd hand so many years ago, sorry!