Currently upgrading a Epiphone 2014 Custom Pro silverburst with either Fishman Fluency Modern pickups or maybe new CTS pots and some Duncan Distortions. I've taken it down to no electronics, polished the frets to a chrome like polish, fret board looks like a million bucks, and soon to order parts. Tuners are Grovers so not changing them now.
Too many to keep track of! Modding a DS-1, and an MT-2. Refurbishing a Squier Strat, Fender amps, a Marshall amp, DIY pedals, upgrading an Epiphone G-400 with new tuners and nut, and many more. Epiphones are perfect platforms for upgrades, experimentation and luthier practice.
I have an 04 Les Paul special 2, wife got it for my 50th, at music go round, it was set off in the back, it has locking Grover's on it, sounds absolutely phenomenal, it's heavy, full mahogany, think she got a diamond in the rough
I did a build on one of these. Still have it. I want to say I had to remove a bit of wood to make the cts volume pot fit. It sounds great. I used seymour duncan blacked black winter pickups, Schaller roller bridge and tailpiece, and hipshot tuners with schaller buttons. I Shielded it also and tossed on a string butler. Black guitar with all black hardware and screws. it's awesome looking.
Does anyone know of a perfectly fitting, drop in replacement for the tuners? I'm upgrading my Slash AFD Epi LPs-ii as well. Just changed the pickups for vintage probuckers and did a coil split for the heck of it. The guitar sounds creamy and divine now compared to the original tone which was a little screechy to my ears. Haven't been able to put down the guitar since the upgrade. I'm in love again.
If you have a guitar that plays well built with decent wood nothing wrong with upgrading it. better to learn on a cheap guitar. This special II was my first guitar as a beginner have since got more expensive guitars but still like the way this guitar plays. I put in hipshot locking tuners (had to enlarge the holes use a hand reaming tool not a drill go slow no damage to head stock) replaced pots and switch, leveled & polished frets and slapped in zebra seymour duncan pearly gates pickups. Sounds and plays great. I could always use these parts on another guitar down the road (saved original pups & could always swap out tuners for cheap ones (10mm pretty standard hole size except on cheap & chinese guitars) if I decide to sell the guitar.
Mmoran64…….sounds like you had some pretty good ideas for the upgrades. I may borrow/steal some of them. I think the zebra coil pickups look great in about any guitar even though I don’t think the color of the bobbin has anything to do with tone but the cool factor goes up to a 10 out of 10! The Pearly Gates pickups are pretty good from what I understand and what I have heard. Of course Billy Gibbons is bad…..and nation-wide. As far as tuners, I am kind of a traditional guy and like the old tulip tuners, maybe cream colored for me and I want them to be light in weight so the guitar stays balanced. My Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a dark red color so maybe those tuners I mentioned, cream colored plastic frames around the pickups, and zebra coils would give it a sharp look. Maybe even adding a cream pickguard to make it look like a more expensive Les Paul. This video and your comment inspired me!
I upgraded my pups in mine, I originally put Seymore Duncan phat cat p90s in them, but ended up switching the bridge one for one of the SD Slash Alnico2 humbuckers. I liked the warm bluesy tone of the phat cat in the neck. Cool combo. Rewired the mess of electronics with gavitt braided wire. New pots and switch. Need new tuning pegs now. Not sure what to get.
I totally agree more I got a squire starter pack 20+ years ago. I have since bought 2 other guitars. My main go to is a telecaster but I can’t lie I still find myself going back to my squire strat. IT STILL PAYS VERY WELL
There are only 2 sizes 8mm vintage and 10 mm modern yours was designed with press in ferrules around the tuning machines meaning you should have just gotten 8 mm tuning machines. 8mm is way more widely used than modern 10mm due to its versatility and serviceability.
Just acquired a 2024 that shockingly stays in tune for days despite loose feeling tuners! I’ve spent 15+ hours setting it up, plus I wait 2-3 days for the neck to fully settle after small adjustments up to 1/2 turn. Rinse n repeat, being patient bc you don’t want to blow a truss rod! / Although I have many great, even a few legendary, rare pickups (and over 40 guitars), I don’t feel any hurry to replace the pickups because they ROAR! Anyway, you can tweak most amps for more gain, add a distortion or boost pedal and an Eq pedal so you can make one guitar sound like any of four completely different sounding guitars/pickups. (Pros and sound engineers know this). // Yes, if I were in any need or desire to gig with the Special, surely I’d install locking tuners, *before I’d change the pickups. I actually enjoy the high end clarity of the ceramic magnets. I’ve lost my multimeter, but I estimate the bridge to be at least 12 ohm, mv between 600-750. Idk, or even care. I only paid $60 cash for the guitar, but it’s on sale today at GC for $200+tax. Plus it includes a brand new w/ tags $50 Jackson soft case which I can use with my Jack!
i upgraded the tuners, bridge/trem block and a loaded pickguard on a strat SE. It was great because it didnt cost a lot (maybe $120 cdn) and it taught me a lot about my guitar and i also learned polished/leveled the frets. i got lucky with the tuners and pickguard fitting correctly without modification.
Mine is rattling? Got a Guitar Center LP special ii player pack for $220 because they matched Amazon’s price. Would it be a nut upgrade or the truss to fix it? Keep in mind I know nothing about guitars so maybe I’ll watch a video on TH-cam. I’ll probably just play it like it is but if there’s a simple mod to help the rattle I’d be all for it… heard people talking about truss tightening or something. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! ✊ It’s so fun playing this
@@greg6162 this sounds like the truss rod isn’t even engaged. You should give it a tighten up. Not too much to start. Just enough to engage it. It’s not as tough as you think.
@@ravindramesh1397 Wilkinson 18:1 tuners. They aren't locking, but I was trying to keep costs down. I think they were less than $40 CDN. Big upgrade over what it came with, though and thankfully didn't require any re-drilling.
Mine is Studio LT version. The stock pickup was too weak for me so I changed it to active EMG pickups. Then I changed the tuners to Gotoh brand tuners. Another special project is that I custom create the guitar nut using brass for sustain. Now my guitar got good tone!
The stock pickups are really mostly for beginners who wouldn’t notice the difference. The EMG would be sweet for metal. Used to not like them but revisited and quite like them. The nut would be a big improvement I feel. I have never replaced one
Thank you M8! I got same guitar but the Sg version. I was planning on changing the tuners cause the stock ones are pretty much garbage! I think I was going to buy Gotoh tuners and I let the stock pickups for now! Things are kind of expensive in Argentina nowadays. You saved me a lot of money! Thanks for the tips! Cheers!
I have one of these guitars with those crappy tuners. Here’s the deal- Modern sealed gear tuners use a 10 mm hole. Those sh!t tuners we had use a 8mm hole, which are considered a vintage style tuner. Vintage 8mm tuners use a (push in style bushing). Modern 10mm tuners have a nut and washer. There seems to be only the two sizes too. It’s either a 10mm hole or an 8mm hole. If you follow this rule of thumb there will be no surprises when you go to swap tuners. I bought Gotoh vintage style locking tuners for mine. They dropped right in the original bushings. Gotoh even gives you a special little punch tool to remove your old bushings if you want to change them. If reading this, follow what I’m saying and you won’t have to ream the holes. Order the correct size tuner for your headstock. Again, it’s either a modern 10mm or a vintage 8mm. The Gotoh locking tuners I bought on Amazon were only 50 dollars. I bought the vintage style locking tuners for my telecaster too. They both look exactly like old school tuners. There is no thumb screws in the back of the tuner. The mechanism they use is quite clever the way they designed it. I also recommend getting a digital veneer caliper if your going to do your own guitar work. It’s super easy and handy to use. Get one on Amazon for like 25 or 30 dollars. Okay good luck everyone 👌
You can get almost any size between 8mm and 10mm. Just buy a tapered reamer and use the new tuners as a measure every 3 or 4 turns, stop when it's snug - not rocket science and takes just a couple of minutes. I also get some guitars the other way around - the guitar has holes that are just too big. I just measure that, fill it with wood and install the tuners as if it was a brand new headstock.
Thanks so much for this video Brian and for the warning about the tuners. People shouldn’t mess with them if the standard ones are functional. This video and some of the comments have inspired me to tweak my wine red Epi LP Spec II. Thanks to you guys I am inspired to make this guitar as good as it can be. It was a gift so I have no money invested yet. So some new tuners, new pickups, and maybe a cream colored pickguard to give it that classic look may be the way to go. Thanks again for the video and the helpful content.
Thanks for watching and I hope this video actually helps people from making the mistakes I did! This guitar still plays great though! Good luck with your project.
This might inspire me to pick up a soldering gun for a couple of projects I've never seriously considered before now. I've got a couple of guitars sitting around that are already unplayable in their current state, can't hurt to practice a new skill on 'em.
thx for describing your experiences; I bought one of these as a test platform for different pickups; I've been intrigued by P90s and have considered changing pickups, but was hesitant to "hack up" a "real" guitar; this is a cheap alternative to test out some ideas; I'm considering using diMarzio Virtual P90s; had some good experiences with diMarzio pickups years ago; generally, I'm impressed by the guitar build = much better value than the price! the fret dressing on the edges was less than perfect, and I don't like the strings; will change to d'Addarios that I have used before (recommended by my guitar salesman, also a player).
Very nice updates! Nice and shiny in the end and the pickups were clearly an upgrade. I thought you were excited to see me when I first got here but I guess it was just the locking tuners in your pocket. 😢
I would love to see this the other way around: Ibanez Prestige S-series, DiMarzio out - Gibson '59,/'60 Humbuckers_Burstbuckers in.😊 A super comfortable fast guitar with high class sound.... will this work ?
Why not do this?! I have a Epiphone Special I that has a good feeling neck, but the tuner heads like to fall off and I constantly have to tighten a few of them. It is getting Epiphone ProBuckers, Gotoh 510UB wraparound bridge, GraphTech Tusq nut and good budget locking tuners
Modern tuning machines are 10mm older ones are 8mm the easiest way to tell without removing your tuning machines is buy looking at the ferrules around the tuning pegs. If they press into the headstock they are 8mm vintage and if the hex head and are threaded into the tuning machine then they are 10mm modern. I always recommend tuning machines thats a priority upgrade for the special II you just have to know that not all tuning machines are created equal.
I upgraded one. the playability is great so I replaced the tuners and bridge pickup. big difference. The nut is a cheap piece of plastic with deep grooves which stuck a lot. some sort of nut lubrication helped with that, but still not as nice as a higher quality guitar. I paid $50 for the guitar and another $150 on parts and now take it to every show as a backup guitar. If someone steals it from the bar, I"m only out $200.
I was stubborn modded the guitar(added a kill switch) refinished it changed every single piece in the guitar and paid for a professional setup/fret job. Was it cost efficient? No . Was it worth it? yes
I got an epiphone for free that some one totally vandalized. Had deep gouges and burns where the guy tried to pull off a laminate top Horrific. But. It pissed me off so I'm going for it. I polished the frets. Sneak Several body filler coats. Got stain and layer along with bouffant Body filler primer and white primer. And a entire standard set up for 300 bucks has everything. Not fine with that yet should be easy for color by tomorrow. Dmso I agree, maybe not the best idea but I wanted the experience plus like I said. It pissed me off. Bright or home and the kids told me it looked cool sick Which put high octaine on the fire do get I go. Nasty have a couple questions for you. Lol
Something like this, if you love a good project that is, is always worth it. Why is it worth it? If you don't think it is, then it isn't but for those that like to personalize/customize their gear, I don't need to explain why ;) You also don't need expensive pickups and hardware, there are a lot of great affordable alternatives if all you want is to change things up and personalize your gear. Covered pickups? Rails? All the options can be had for $50 or less a set if you are willing to try them out. It's how I stumbled on Vanson pickups, great tones at a great price. I needed a cheap set for a project build I didn't want to spend too much on and now I have multiple Vanson pickup sets in a number of my guitars. Worth a look if you don't want to fork out for "known brands".
When swapping tunners. Always put the nuts on the front first so you can get the tunners lined up where you want them. Then sinch the nuts down to hold the tunner in place before you drill for the set screws.
I had bought a 90s Epi. Les Paul Standard, and i was dissatisfied as most will be with sound and tone of the stock axe. However, when i replaced the P Ups w/ a Seymour D. JB set, new wiring, new 500k pots, new switchcraft toggle. bone nut, intonation check, polished frets, and it was a totally changed guitar. So much tone and sustain. My friend had 3 Gibby LP's and frankly the Epi has a more distinct sound and i like the neck on the Epi better. I did the rebuild about 6 years ago now. The Les Paul Standard model is a great build guitar.
i'd damn well hope it was a "new guitar" with that level of changes! it's like buying a toyota, and then after new suspension, an engine swap, new brakes, new steering rack, new wheels, and weight reduction, it was like driving a different car!
I don't know if you have other Epiphones, but it would be a great help if you knew if an Epiphone Les Paul Special neck. Is the same size as the Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT neck. My grandson accidentally bumped one of my guitars off its stand, and one of the tuners of the one that fell hit the neck of the Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT that I was playing at the time. It didnt break or anything like that. It just has a ding in it that you can sort of feel. It doesnt hinder playing. I guess knowing it's there bugs me. It was a complete accident, and I know he feels really bad so I told him it was equally my fault as well since I put the guitar stand so close to where I was sitting. Which was true. He may not have hit it had it not been further over. At any rate I found a great looking Special neck that looks identical to the one that got the ding in it. They want an acceptable price for it so I have been searching around trying to find the specs of the necks to confirm if they match.
Unfortunately I don’t know that. Man that sucks though. It’s the thing about having guitars. Could always have something like that happen. Hopefully you can get that neck. The good thing with these is that they are bolt on necks.
I'm currently going overboard with mine it's a epiphone custom shop limited edition that I've routed for a floyd and I'm installing a emg 61/85 set and also routed for binding. I know what's the point on this cheap guitar, that's my point exactly I got it for free and already had all the parts for a guitar I no longer have so why not
Sounds Great if you don't want to drill harbor freight has a reamer tool for 4 bucks I had to buy to install my new tuners tusq nut stock pickup s polished frets with 3000 grit paper fifty times after a leveling baby oil 3-4 times set tailpiece height bridge intonation dadario 08s stretch few time's plays Great and nice and slinky
just tin the tip of the iron with a bit of solder and it should desolder much quicker.... I am thinking of getting one of these beginner level LP style guitars, to tinker with and be able to play along with my son as he learns....and as I learn also.... if you're not after metal tones or high gain sounds do you think the stock pickups and electronics are decent?
Oh yeah the stock pickups are fine especially earlier on in your playing. I have a video on here using the stock ones and it worked fine. This was just a project that I wouldn’t recommend to a beginner. Stock works. Just get a setup on it
Reemer tool £7 Amazon, or if you drill the headstock use scrap piece of wood at the back of the head stock which stops the wood splitting and ruining your guitar, although a Piller drill is brilliant for this job
I have the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Deluxe model, which is a bit different than the basic Epiphone Les Paul Special II. It cost me a bit more, but I consider it was well worth the Price difference. Have never had a problem with it staying in tune. I have thought about changing out the Ceramic Pickup Magnets to Alnico 5's for a bit more range, but I do like the sound of it, as it is. I did have a professional Luthier set it up in the beginning and it was well worth it. In the beginning, I did buy it to gig with, as I almost had another more expensive Guitar stolen off the stage (security caught him with it), but now I would hate to lose it. Now being semi-retired, I have time to customize my Guitars as well as play them, so the time customizing is just well spent.
Thank you! I try to make it less crap. Also thank you for subbing the channel. Your prize is a Gyoza and 30 cents off your next purchase of Shake n Bake
I have a lp special series 1 ruby with black hardware. Sounds great but I would like to put Grover's on but it's hard to get black. I have replaced the output jack with a switch craft and I want to replace the rhythm/lead switch but have yet to find a good black one! I am happy with the pickups on it. My Epi sg is cherry red and chrome hardware, I just don't like it. The body has terrible plywood with too much glue so It doesn't resonate and the chromed tuners suck!
I should have replaced the Jack on this too but it wasn’t really necessary. There a bunch of things you could do. I feel like I’m done with this project though. Sucks that your SG is like that. I like my friends Epiphone SG.
Hey Brian, So I bought the Epiphone les Paul Special-1, everything is the same except the bridge. Guess I'm going to have to take it in to be set up as its tuning out across the neck.
@@BrianBower Yeah I don''t know what else to do, it came brand new in the box and there's been no set up done. First electric guitarand yeah I bought a cheap one @$129. I have watched a bunch of these reviews, so I've known I would probably upgrade tuners and pickups, but I'll wait to see if they can intonate it first then maybe tuners. Concerned because it just has the single bridge, there's no middle up and down adjustment unlike the Special II. if they can intonate it I'll be happy, then maybe tuners.
@@seandowney5549 get the setup done. Don’t worry about the pickups and the tuners right now. That can be done later down the road and you might even just want another guitar at that point. It’s up to you. That’s just my best advice.
@@BrianBower Cool Brian, It came with strings on it, are there strings you'd recommend? Still consider me a beginner, I've had an acoustic for about 3yrs and let's just say I've played it about half that time and my 1st electric. Thanks for all the input. SWD
I’m going to be starting a similar project. I just bought one of these, with the black trans flame top. It plays great, neck is dead flat. I have extra parts/pickups laying around from other projects. I think I’m going to throw a dimarzio PAF master in the neck and a Fender Shawbucker 2 in the bridge.
@@BrianBower in thinking about it further. I’m thinking about slapping a LP junior pickguard on it and running it as a single pickup guitar. Just a solid rock machine. Idk. I can’t do anything yet, because I can’t actually take the guitar home for another 3 weeks. Lol
Talk about a mixed message!! LOL, "Don't do this" "This guitar sounds great and has a lot of "potential" "The locking tuners feel amazing!" HAHAHA. I actually like the pickups on my LP Special, but the combo of the wrap-around ("pre-intonated") bar bridge and the cheap tuners makes it impossible to get/keep in tune. I got a new nut for starters, but am considering a bridge that allows adjustments for each string. I'm wondering if I could find locking tuners that are a more precise fit and don't require drilling. Thanks for your video.
Yeah it didn’t go to plan. The tuners are awesome just don’t buy them for an epiphone haha. Gibson yes. The mistake I made was not knowing there was different sized tuning key holes. Definitely look into this. That’s why I say dont do this. The video didn’t go quite to plan. Just didn’t want to return the tuners. Also I have a lot of guitars so messing with one is fine.
DONT USE A DRILL FOR WIDENING THE HOLES Get a reamer specifically for that, it’s much more controllable and using a drill bit it’s going to be a lot harder to center and can lead to gouging the wood or chipping it. A drill is still nice to have, like if you ever need to refill and refill pickguard or jack plate screw holes, but please use a reamer for tuner holes.
You’re totally right. I didn’t know this or that I was going to have this problem. Thank you for the advice. There’s a reason I said don’t do this. Live and learn on my end. So much to guitar parts that I just didn’t know before attempting stuff. I do appreciate the constructive feedback!
@@BrianBower no problem dude, it was a great video otherwise. I found it because I’m planning to do a similar project for my friends epiphone special II so I was looking for ideas.
@@WhoAmIWill my advice would be to find the correct sized tuners. I didn’t know this was a thing. I think Asian/ European sizing to American sizing changes. I bet in an Gibson from the Us, my tuners would have been a direct swap
Yep. This. Also template, or at least take a bit more time to line up the small screw holes for the new tuners. Freestyling it leaves things a bit wonky.
Tonewoods only matter in acoustics. With acoustics I can justify boutique builders(I own a Santa Cruz vintage jumbo and a bill bonanzinga) oh and I have two bespoke lap steels. Only because there ain't many lap steel builders.
I need help, i wnat to learn how to play the guitar, would you recommend this one as my 1st guitar? Im on a budget so i can only afford this one or the jackson JS11. Wich one is the best for me. Thank you and keep with the good work!
This would work great as a first guitar. See if you can try them both out. As a beginner guitar, it just needs to play decent and stay in tune. Get a setup though. What I mean is to get them to adjust the neck and strings so they’re close to the fretboard. Might not even need that. Starting out, brand really doesn’t matter. Just gotta get playing! Thanks man!
I swear I have to explain that all the time. I definitely messed that up. I should make another video. This is one critique that people say that I will forever accept because I just did it wrong. Cheer dude
I don't know if it's the algorithms TH-cam has or what but every video I've watched about these Epiphone Specials have been from Canadian TH-camrs. It's been 3 or 4 different channels so far and all Canadian. I'm not even in Canada. But I don't mind. Love the accent you guys have. On another note, what exactly were you using to polish the frets? Was it sandpaper? Scotch Brite? Just a rag and polish? I have one fret on my Special SG that has a ding on it. I'd like to see if I could smooth that out a bit. It's just deep enough to catch the string slightly but I can still bend beyond it.
Haha well apparently this is popular to do in Canada. Probably cause they’re sold at every Long and McQuade too. Well glad you left a comment. That is the Planet Waves Fret Polishing system. It’s just sold clothes and you use the cardboard cutout to protect the fretboard. That problem you have won’t be solved with these or at least how I think.
I'm an old-fart, metal head, and I enjoyed this video til the end. Yeah I had one of these a few years ago. Worn cherry finish. I liked that little guitar. I gave it away. Got me a Gibson Les Paul Tribute satin cherryburst finish. Its nice. Anyway, this was a great video brother. God bless you and yours. Happy pickin'!☺👍
Thanks man and I am glad you enjoyed this one. The Gibson would be a nice upgrade. I feel like someday I'll end up with a Les Paul. I like the ESP Eclipse a lot too. About to practice some now.
I have a black version of this same guitar, I am going to jazz up for fun. I also noticed in-between starting and finishing your project, you got new monitor speakers! I have the KRK's, like you had originally, but I see you swapped out for something else.
That is cool and it is a fun project. As for the monitors. I probably wouldn't have ever changed them but one of the KRK's died and I needed a set of monitors for mixing and playing when not using a cab (or playing bass) so I replaced them with the Kali Audio LP6's I like the Kali's more too. This video was filmed in pieces and I think I didn't touch that guitar for a month so there you go!
Oh man, fluence would be cool. I think that is going to require some more work and possible routing. I have no experience though so make sure you look into it how they are installed. The tuners are easy. Just be careful with the drill.
I got one of these to upgrade for my girlfriend (our anniversary is coming up) it was beat up and missing parts so an upgrade is the only way to save it
Doesn't actual lemon oil dry the guitar fretboard out? I could be wrong, but I think I read somewhere that real/rich lemon oil shouldn't be used on guitars. Don't really know why Dunlop and other companies call their products lemon oil, since it only makes up like 1% or less of the product
I never had an issue with it. I am not sure really. I have heard a few people say this before. I needed to use something to clean it better though. I will eventually get a bottle of the Dunlop fretboard cleaner
yes lemon oil can dry out fretboard & may loosen frets by breaking down adhesives holding frets in place. You can buy proper oil for rosewood fretboards from guitar shops or just use plain mineral spirits that is what is recommended for rosewood
Yes lemon oil is a cleaner, great for VOS finishes, and mineral spirits for the fretboard never vegetable oil unless you want your guitar to stink. You can also use ronson fluid (lighter fluid) on the fretboard.
The pickups made only a slight difference to my ears and not necessarily better. I liked the sound of the stock pickups better at the beginning of your comparison. The tuner replacement is the mod to do, for sure, if you want better intonation. But the pickup swap doesn't seem worth it, even if you just play master of puppets.
Yes and no! Having a platform to learn on is great though. Just want to make sure people don’t run into problems with their only guitar as playing is still king. You’re absolutely right on setups too. It’s all perspective. Upgrades can be fun too.
@@BrianBower I have come to think of doing upgrades on a guitar and learning how to do setups as part of the learning process at this point honestly. Practicing playing is fun, but it can become a bit of a grind, so learning how to do a setup or finding something on the guitar to upgrade can be a way of breaking up that grind. Though when people are brand new to playing, its probably best they pay for a good setup and just focus on learning to play, but once that grind sets in, that is when learning how to set up a guitar or doing upgrades comes in handy.. Oh and tuners tend to come in a couple difference sizes shaft wise, so there would of been a drop in upgrade of locking tuners that you wouldn't have had to make the holes bigger... I know this video isn't exactly knew, but Since you responded to me, I figured i would mention it.
@@BrianBower Oh and the guitar looked great, I use MusicNomad F-one Oil on my fretboard, it cleans the fretboard so you don't have those areas that look dirty even after putting on fresh oil.. I don't know, everyone likes there own kind, but so far for me it seems to do the best out of all the types I have tried so far... Worth a try at least in the future...
@@BrianBower "Dunlop Fingerboard 01 Cleaner & Prep" That is the name of the dunlop stuff according to Musicains Friends / Guitar Centers Website. The stuff didn't work as well for me when I used to use it, but maybe they have adjusted it to be better now days.. I am not big into brand loyalty, I find that all brands can be a waste of time sometimes lol. These oils and fretboard products are cheap when bought alone, like the Dunlop stuff is like 8 dollars and the Music Nomad stuff is 9 dollars, plus what ever shipping you do of course. Now the kits you can buy for this stuff can get pretty pricey, depending on the kit its self and what all it comes with.... Holy crap, I just noticed I was sounding like a salesman... that is scary, sorry its the affect of being old and having been subjected to trillions of advertisements over the years lol.
You got the wrong tuner's they have ones for the Epiphone import and the Epiphone USA models. The USA models have a thinner hole. And the imports use 10 mm. You just got the wrong size ones but you can drill them out no big deal
It seems to me that it would be a fair trade if Epiphone would delete the neck pickup in exchange for halfway decent tuners as a cost-saving measure. Get sort of an LP Junior thing going on.
Dude I bought kluson tuners for my Cort cr250 and the fittings are too big. Gotta Reem the holes! I loved the pickups in the special 2 but my mine was from 05 so maybe they've changed.
Be careful. Maybe tape the holes before drilling. Just be careful before getting the drill out. The special 2 pickups were passable. However these are a lot better. I feel like this guitar is probably from around 04 or 05 as well. I just don’t remember right now. Man it doesn’t seem like that long ago.....
Wait, he drilled the tuner holes? Wrong! Use a reamer tool. Far safer and vastly more conservative of wood loos/damage. $0-10 at Harbor Freight w coupons, lol. / Just acquired a 2024 Special II that shockingly stays in tune for days despite loose feeling tuners! I’ve spent 15+ hours setting it up plus I wait 2-3 days for the neck to settle after a small adjustment up to 1/2 turn. (Careful y’all) // Although I have many great, even legendary, rare pickups (over 40 guitars), I don’t feel any hurry to replace the LP II pickups because they ROAR! Anyway, you can tweak most amps for more gain, add a distortion or boost pedal and an Eq pedal so you can make one guitar sound like any of four completely different sounding pickups. (Pros and sound engineers know this). Yes, if I were in any need or desire to gig with the Special, surely I’d install locking tuners, before I’d change the pickups. I actually enjoy the high end clarity of the ceramic magnets. I’ve lost my multimeter, but I estimate the bridge to be at least 12 ohm, mv between 600-750. Idk, or even care. I only paid $60 cash for the guitar, but it’s on sale today at GC for $200+tax. Plus it includes a new w/ tags $50 Jackson soft case which I can use with my Jack. Rock on friends!
@@erichkaanikin3555 and that’s why I say don’t do this! I didn’t know. / that’s awesome though. Also I probably would have kept those pickups in this. I might put them back in at some point as they’re not bad.
You do NOT need to redrill holes for tuners on an Epiphone LP special. The tuner holes are to vintage spec, with a diameter of 8mm. Modern tuners have a bushing diameter of 10mm. You simply need to buy the right tuners.
Its honestly a shame that a lot of forums and videos i see don't specify that information. there is an entire market of tuners that work with epiphones and squires, just people always get the wrong info and risk damaging their instruments as a result.
Let's make this easier. Put some solder on your iron before removing wires. Make it much easier and less chance of burning a pot. Also get a decent hole reamer for enlarging holes. Less chance of wood chips.
I have an Epi LP special ii as well that I got as a mod project as well. Already did the setup, actually plays pretty well, but it also has tuning stability issues and the pickups are a bit muddy. So, new tuners, nut, pickups, pots, jack, etc....on the way. Probably will refinish as well just for kicks
Or maybe you did the wrong modifications? You could just bought cheap better locking tuner and cheap better humbuckers... Like they do with the squiers, just scallop, change the tuners and put a set of wilkinson alnico V thats around 35 bucks.
So i should have bought different sized tuners but never knew there were differences. I am learning that with pots too. Mike from my recent video on pickups knows all of it well. The pickups were laying around here in the house. I just wanted to use them. Theyre good pickups so no regrets.
God damn it Bower! You clean the fret board with Dunlap 01 to get the crud off, you polish the frets and then you apply the oil! And for the tuners, next time check the kind of tuners you want to use. You wanted to install 10mm tuners into 6mm holes. Just talk to me next time before doing that. But you did a good job anyway. Congrats on the 1k
I never tried the Dunlop cleaner but I will! Haha I didn’t realize these were gonna be too big and this was a cheaper guitar so I’m like let’s do it. Wouldn’t have done that to something of higher value. I had fun though. Also thanks!
Newbs! do not dispair if you fuck up drilling the hole no worries: holes can be filled a variety of ways (tooth picks, clamp, glue and time FTW) - CRACKS are a serious problem however - Always drill the hole out never hammer the hardware home. anyway nice work on the mod, i'm in the middle of repairing a botched repair on one of these instruments =]
I recorded one of my last videos with this one and it’s a nice guitar playing wise! Little heavy during the long jams. Honestly even stock, it was good.
I think you’re right! However it was good to do this video so maybe someone learned. I bet these work flawless with the Gibson USA models. I am sure I saw a guy do it with an SG on here. Gibson and locking tuners would be awesome. They get hated on but I still love a good Les Paul. Thanks man!!
I’ve had this guitar for like 8+ years now, the toggle switch broke the first day I got it and I was too afraid to tell my parents. I’m 22 now and just busted that bad boy open and managed to fix the broken guide piece with a toothpick (after thinking I broke the guitar entirely when I closed it up without a complete circuit and nothing was going through the amp) it now works like it should lol, now I’m tempted to do exactly what you’re explicitly stating do not do.
Tell me about your guitar projects!
@Lee WOOD haha I’m using it though
Currently upgrading a Epiphone 2014 Custom Pro silverburst with either Fishman Fluency Modern pickups or maybe new CTS pots and some Duncan Distortions. I've taken it down to no electronics, polished the frets to a chrome like polish, fret board looks like a million bucks, and soon to order parts. Tuners are Grovers so not changing them now.
Too many to keep track of!
Modding a DS-1, and an MT-2. Refurbishing a Squier Strat, Fender amps, a Marshall amp, DIY pedals, upgrading an Epiphone G-400 with new tuners and nut, and many more. Epiphones are perfect platforms for upgrades, experimentation and luthier practice.
I have an 04 Les Paul special 2, wife got it for my 50th, at music go round, it was set off in the back, it has locking Grover's on it, sounds absolutely phenomenal, it's heavy, full mahogany, think she got a diamond in the rough
@@brianglade848 That is awesome. Sometimes we just are in the right place at the right time
I did a build on one of these. Still have it. I want to say I had to remove a bit of wood to make the cts volume pot fit. It sounds great. I used seymour duncan blacked black winter pickups, Schaller roller bridge and tailpiece, and hipshot tuners with schaller buttons. I Shielded it also and tossed on a string butler. Black guitar with all black hardware and screws. it's awesome looking.
All black. Sweet!
Does anyone know of a perfectly fitting, drop in replacement for the tuners?
I'm upgrading my Slash AFD Epi LPs-ii as well. Just changed the pickups for vintage probuckers and did a coil split for the heck of it. The guitar sounds creamy and divine now compared to the original tone which was a little screechy to my ears. Haven't been able to put down the guitar since the upgrade. I'm in love again.
If you have a guitar that plays well built with decent wood nothing wrong with upgrading it. better to learn on a cheap guitar. This special II was my first guitar as a beginner have since got more expensive guitars but still like the way this guitar plays. I put in hipshot locking tuners (had to enlarge the holes use a hand reaming tool not a drill go slow no damage to head stock) replaced pots and switch, leveled & polished frets and slapped in zebra seymour duncan pearly gates pickups. Sounds and plays great. I could always use these parts on another guitar down the road (saved original pups & could always swap out tuners for cheap ones (10mm pretty standard hole size except on cheap & chinese guitars) if I decide to sell the guitar.
Mmoran64…….sounds like you had some pretty good ideas for the upgrades. I may borrow/steal some of them. I think the zebra coil pickups look great in about any guitar even though I don’t think the color of the bobbin has anything to do with tone but the cool factor goes up to a 10 out of 10! The Pearly Gates pickups are pretty good from what I understand and what I have heard. Of course Billy Gibbons is bad…..and nation-wide. As far as tuners, I am kind of a traditional guy and like the old tulip tuners, maybe cream colored for me and I want them to be light in weight so the guitar stays balanced. My Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a dark red color so maybe those tuners I mentioned, cream colored plastic frames around the pickups, and zebra coils would give it a sharp look. Maybe even adding a cream pickguard to make it look like a more expensive Les Paul. This video and your comment inspired me!
I upgraded my pups in mine, I originally put Seymore Duncan phat cat p90s in them, but ended up switching the bridge one for one of the SD Slash Alnico2 humbuckers. I liked the warm bluesy tone of the phat cat in the neck. Cool combo. Rewired the mess of electronics with gavitt braided wire. New pots and switch. Need new tuning pegs now. Not sure what to get.
I totally agree more I got a squire starter pack 20+ years ago. I have since bought 2 other guitars. My main go to is a telecaster but I can’t lie I still find myself going back to my squire strat. IT STILL PAYS VERY WELL
There are only 2 sizes 8mm vintage and 10 mm modern yours was designed with press in ferrules around the tuning machines meaning you should have just gotten 8 mm tuning machines. 8mm is way more widely used than modern 10mm due to its versatility and serviceability.
Just acquired a 2024 that shockingly stays in tune for days despite loose feeling tuners!
I’ve spent 15+ hours setting it up, plus I wait 2-3 days for the neck to fully settle after small adjustments up to 1/2 turn. Rinse n repeat, being patient bc you don’t want to blow a truss rod! /
Although I have many great, even a few legendary, rare pickups (and over 40 guitars), I don’t feel any hurry to replace the pickups because they ROAR! Anyway, you can tweak most amps for more gain, add a distortion or boost pedal and an Eq pedal so you can make one guitar sound like any of four completely different sounding guitars/pickups. (Pros and sound engineers know this). //
Yes, if I were in any need or desire to gig with the Special, surely I’d install locking tuners, *before I’d change the pickups. I actually enjoy the high end clarity of the ceramic magnets.
I’ve lost my multimeter, but I estimate the bridge to be at least 12 ohm, mv between 600-750. Idk, or even care. I only paid $60 cash for the guitar, but it’s on sale today at GC for $200+tax. Plus it includes a brand new w/ tags $50 Jackson soft case which I can use with my Jack!
Use a tapered reamer to widen tuner holes, drills risk splitting the headstock
i upgraded the tuners, bridge/trem block and a loaded pickguard on a strat SE. It was great because it didnt cost a lot (maybe $120 cdn) and it taught me a lot about my guitar and i also learned polished/leveled the frets. i got lucky with the tuners and pickguard fitting correctly without modification.
You did well then! I didn't know tuners had different sizes. The more you know
Mine is rattling? Got a Guitar Center LP special ii player pack for $220 because they matched Amazon’s price. Would it be a nut upgrade or the truss to fix it? Keep in mind I know nothing about guitars so maybe I’ll watch a video on TH-cam. I’ll probably just play it like it is but if there’s a simple mod to help the rattle I’d be all for it… heard people talking about truss tightening or something. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! ✊ It’s so fun playing this
@@greg6162 this sounds like the truss rod isn’t even engaged. You should give it a tighten up. Not too much to start. Just enough to engage it. It’s not as tough as you think.
What tuners did you use?
@@ravindramesh1397 Wilkinson 18:1 tuners. They aren't locking, but I was trying to keep costs down. I think they were less than $40 CDN. Big upgrade over what it came with, though and thankfully didn't require any re-drilling.
Mine is Studio LT version. The stock pickup was too weak for me so I changed it to active EMG pickups. Then I changed the tuners to Gotoh brand tuners. Another special project is that I custom create the guitar nut using brass for sustain.
Now my guitar got good tone!
The stock pickups are really mostly for beginners who wouldn’t notice the difference. The EMG would be sweet for metal. Used to not like them but revisited and quite like them. The nut would be a big improvement I feel. I have never replaced one
I have a studio LT and I dont mind it, it is a back up guitar for me. The only LP I own. Im more into sgs and strats.
Thank you M8! I got same guitar but the Sg version. I was planning on changing the tuners cause the stock ones are pretty much garbage! I think I was going to buy Gotoh tuners and I let the stock pickups for now! Things are kind of expensive in Argentina nowadays. You saved me a lot of money! Thanks for the tips! Cheers!
Just make sure to get the right size tuners so you don't have to drill like I did.
I have one of these guitars with those crappy tuners. Here’s the deal- Modern sealed gear tuners use a 10 mm hole. Those sh!t tuners we had use a 8mm hole, which are considered a vintage style tuner. Vintage 8mm tuners use a (push in style bushing). Modern 10mm tuners have a nut and washer. There seems to be only the two sizes too. It’s either a 10mm hole or an 8mm hole. If you follow this rule of thumb there will be no surprises when you go to swap tuners.
I bought Gotoh vintage style locking tuners for mine. They dropped right in the original bushings. Gotoh even gives you a special little punch tool to remove your old bushings if you want to change them. If reading this, follow what I’m saying and you won’t have to ream the holes. Order the correct size tuner for your headstock. Again, it’s either a modern 10mm or a vintage 8mm.
The Gotoh locking tuners I bought on Amazon were only 50 dollars. I bought the vintage style locking tuners for my telecaster too. They both look exactly like old school tuners. There is no thumb screws in the back of the tuner. The mechanism they use is quite clever the way they designed it.
I also recommend getting a digital veneer caliper if your going to do your own guitar work. It’s super easy and handy to use. Get one on Amazon for like 25 or 30 dollars.
Okay good luck everyone 👌
This is why I risk coming down to the comments. Thanks for helping strangers 😊
You can get almost any size between 8mm and 10mm. Just buy a tapered reamer and use the new tuners as a measure every 3 or 4 turns, stop when it's snug - not rocket science and takes just a couple of minutes.
I also get some guitars the other way around - the guitar has holes that are just too big. I just measure that, fill it with wood and install the tuners as if it was a brand new headstock.
Well said sir! Ty! 🇨🇦
Just got one in a yard sale for $25. Ordered pickups and new internal parts.
OMG That is awesome
Thanks so much for this video Brian and for the warning about the tuners. People shouldn’t mess with them if the standard ones are functional. This video and some of the comments have inspired me to tweak my wine red Epi LP Spec II. Thanks to you guys I am inspired to make this guitar as good as it can be. It was a gift so I have no money invested yet. So some new tuners, new pickups, and maybe a cream colored pickguard to give it that classic look may be the way to go. Thanks again for the video and the helpful content.
Thanks for watching and I hope this video actually helps people from making the mistakes I did! This guitar still plays great though! Good luck with your project.
I wish I had a firend like you who would mentor me to do geeky guitar stuffs like this.
This might inspire me to pick up a soldering gun for a couple of projects I've never seriously considered before now. I've got a couple of guitars sitting around that are already unplayable in their current state, can't hurt to practice a new skill on 'em.
You should try it out. It is a solid skill to have and you might bring some new life to an old guitar
thx for describing your experiences; I bought one of these as a test platform for different pickups; I've been intrigued by P90s and have considered changing pickups, but was hesitant to "hack up" a "real" guitar; this is a cheap alternative to test out some ideas; I'm considering using diMarzio Virtual P90s; had some good experiences with diMarzio pickups years ago; generally, I'm impressed by the guitar build = much better value than the price! the fret dressing on the edges was less than perfect, and I don't like the strings; will change to d'Addarios that I have used before (recommended by my guitar salesman, also a player).
This is exactly what the video was about. I think you have some cool ideas too. Good luck!
Very nice updates! Nice and shiny in the end and the pickups were clearly an upgrade. I thought you were excited to see me when I first got here but I guess it was just the locking tuners in your pocket. 😢
I think so too. Just give me the locking tuners. Oh before you go, can I borrow $5 dollars?
I would love to see this the other way around:
Ibanez Prestige S-series, DiMarzio out - Gibson '59,/'60 Humbuckers_Burstbuckers in.😊
A super comfortable fast guitar with high class sound.... will this work ?
Why not do this?! I have a Epiphone Special I that has a good feeling neck, but the tuner heads like to fall off and I constantly have to tighten a few of them.
It is getting Epiphone ProBuckers, Gotoh 510UB wraparound bridge, GraphTech Tusq nut and good budget locking tuners
Modern tuning machines are 10mm older ones are 8mm the easiest way to tell without removing your tuning machines is buy looking at the ferrules around the tuning pegs. If they press into the headstock they are 8mm vintage and if the hex head and are threaded into the tuning machine then they are 10mm modern.
I always recommend tuning machines thats a priority upgrade for the special II you just have to know that not all tuning machines are created equal.
i only added tusq nut and locking turners for my entry level LP. Also did some copper shielding.
Those are solid upgrades especially the nut. Cheap guitars only have a plastic nut. Shielding is a smart idea as well
Thanks. At least you gave some advance warning of what not to do. You've provided reasonable advice. A good lesson. Much appreciated.
Oh yeah man, I am not perfect and I tried to show what you shouldn't do. I don't want to deliver the wrong message to anyone.
I upgraded one. the playability is great so I replaced the tuners and bridge pickup. big difference. The nut is a cheap piece of plastic with deep grooves which stuck a lot. some sort of nut lubrication helped with that, but still not as nice as a higher quality guitar. I paid $50 for the guitar and another $150 on parts and now take it to every show as a backup guitar. If someone steals it from the bar, I"m only out $200.
And for that 150, you have a much nicer guitar. They do the job. Hard on the back though
I have an new Epiphone Les Paul IiI for now just strings and intonation.
I was stubborn modded the guitar(added a kill switch) refinished it changed every single piece in the guitar and paid for a professional setup/fret job. Was it cost efficient? No . Was it worth it? yes
I got an epiphone for free that some one totally vandalized. Had deep gouges and burns where the guy tried to pull off a laminate top
Horrific. But. It pissed me off so I'm going for it. I polished the frets. Sneak
Several body filler coats. Got stain and layer along with bouffant
Body filler primer and white primer. And a entire standard set up for 300 bucks has everything. Not fine with that yet should be easy for color by tomorrow. Dmso I agree, maybe not the best idea but I wanted the experience plus like I said. It pissed me off. Bright or home and the kids told me it looked cool sick
Which put high octaine on the fire do get I go. Nasty have a couple questions for you. Lol
That sounds like an intense project. Just don't do what I did with the tuners and find the right sized ones.
Something like this, if you love a good project that is, is always worth it. Why is it worth it? If you don't think it is, then it isn't but for those that like to personalize/customize their gear, I don't need to explain why ;)
You also don't need expensive pickups and hardware, there are a lot of great affordable alternatives if all you want is to change things up and personalize your gear. Covered pickups? Rails? All the options can be had for $50 or less a set if you are willing to try them out. It's how I stumbled on Vanson pickups, great tones at a great price. I needed a cheap set for a project build I didn't want to spend too much on and now I have multiple Vanson pickup sets in a number of my guitars. Worth a look if you don't want to fork out for "known brands".
When swapping tunners. Always put the nuts on the front first so you can get the tunners lined up where you want them. Then sinch the nuts down to hold the tunner in place before you drill for the set screws.
Great tip! I definitely learned a few things not to do with this project.
I had bought a 90s Epi. Les Paul Standard, and i was dissatisfied as most will be with sound and tone of the stock axe. However, when i replaced the P Ups w/ a Seymour D. JB set, new wiring, new 500k pots, new switchcraft toggle. bone nut, intonation check, polished frets, and it was a totally changed guitar. So much tone and sustain. My friend had 3 Gibby LP's and frankly the Epi has a more distinct sound and i like the neck on the Epi better. I did the rebuild about 6 years ago now. The Les Paul Standard model is a great build guitar.
i'd damn well hope it was a "new guitar" with that level of changes! it's like buying a toyota, and then after new suspension, an engine swap, new brakes, new steering rack, new wheels, and weight reduction, it was like driving a different car!
I don't know if you have other Epiphones, but it would be a great help if you knew if an Epiphone Les Paul Special neck. Is the same size as the Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT neck.
My grandson accidentally bumped one of my guitars off its stand, and one of the tuners of the one that fell hit the neck of the Epiphone Les Paul Studio LT that I was playing at the time. It didnt break or anything like that. It just has a ding in it that you can sort of feel. It doesnt hinder playing. I guess knowing it's there bugs me. It was a complete accident, and I know he feels really bad so I told him it was equally my fault as well since I put the guitar stand so close to where I was sitting. Which was true. He may not have hit it had it not been further over. At any rate I found a great looking Special neck that looks identical to the one that got the ding in it. They want an acceptable price for it so I have been searching around trying to find the specs of the necks to confirm if they match.
Unfortunately I don’t know that. Man that sucks though. It’s the thing about having guitars. Could always have something like that happen. Hopefully you can get that neck. The good thing with these is that they are bolt on necks.
washer and dryer doubles as a workbench
It was for a while. Currently I have a better setup but this one was at a nice height for me standing.
Anyone find tuners that swap right over?
Hell yeah! Some diy stuff is always great. Looking forward for more
Thanks man! I had fun doing this one. It was a lot of work too with the filming and editing
Love the workbench. Lots of us have those multi-purpose tables!
I'm currently going overboard with mine it's a epiphone custom shop limited edition that I've routed for a floyd and I'm installing a emg 61/85 set and also routed for binding. I know what's the point on this cheap guitar, that's my point exactly I got it for free and already had all the parts for a guitar I no longer have so why not
Sounds Great if you don't want to drill harbor freight has a reamer tool for 4 bucks I had to buy to install my new tuners tusq nut stock pickup s polished frets with 3000 grit paper fifty times after a leveling baby oil 3-4 times set tailpiece height bridge intonation dadario 08s stretch few time's plays Great and nice and slinky
Yeah don’t drill! That was my mistake
However it sounds like you have an awesome mod now!!
you could get vintage style tuners that will fit the hole
grovers and modern tuners have bigger pegs
just tin the tip of the iron with a bit of solder and it should desolder much quicker.... I am thinking of getting one of these beginner level LP style guitars, to tinker with and be able to play along with my son as he learns....and as I learn also.... if you're not after metal tones or high gain sounds do you think the stock pickups and electronics are decent?
Oh yeah the stock pickups are fine especially earlier on in your playing. I have a video on here using the stock ones and it worked fine. This was just a project that I wouldn’t recommend to a beginner. Stock works. Just get a setup on it
Reemer tool £7 Amazon, or if you drill the headstock use scrap piece of wood at the back of the head stock which stops the wood splitting and ruining your guitar, although a Piller drill is brilliant for this job
Just saw this video and I have that exact model, color and everything! By far my favorite guitar to play other than my ibanez artist 120 series.
They are a really good guitar for the money. Mine is pretty stable. Just hard on the back haha
Just picked one up black special II, 60$! wana add a tremolo as
Ah, the "rent-to-own" special washer and dryer!!! Got the same ones, lol.
Hahah well I don't have this washer anymore. It broke. I went with a new Maytag and it is a lot better.
I have the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Deluxe model, which is a bit different than the basic Epiphone Les Paul Special II.
It cost me a bit more, but I consider it was well worth the Price difference. Have never had a problem with it staying in tune.
I have thought about changing out the Ceramic Pickup Magnets to Alnico 5's for a bit more range, but I do like the sound of it,
as it is. I did have a professional Luthier set it up in the beginning and it was well worth it. In the beginning, I did buy it
to gig with, as I almost had another more expensive Guitar stolen off the stage (security caught him with it), but now I would hate to lose it.
Now being semi-retired, I have time to customize my Guitars as well as play them, so the time customizing is just well spent.
Your contents gets better and better! Great video. And congrats again for your 1k subs! 🥳
Thank you! I try to make it less crap. Also thank you for subbing the channel. Your prize is a Gyoza and 30 cents off your next purchase of Shake n Bake
@@BrianBower oh I’m glad the prize isn’t 50 cent off at OPB Garbage day! 😃
@@wardance5846 you’re lucky and you’d never claim the prize. It’s too awful
@@BrianBower I’m the worst... I only deserve soggy buns filled with sadness and boiled onions
@@wardance5846 Well unfortunately you missed garbage day deals. We could have went and watched the crows pick at the garbage
Don’t use a drill, use a reamer.
I have a lp special series 1 ruby with black hardware. Sounds great but I would like to put Grover's on but it's hard to get black. I have replaced the output jack with a switch craft and I want to replace the rhythm/lead switch but have yet to find a good black one! I am happy with the pickups on it.
My Epi sg is cherry red and chrome hardware, I just don't like it. The body has terrible plywood with too much glue so It doesn't resonate and the chromed tuners suck!
I should have replaced the Jack on this too but it wasn’t really necessary. There a bunch of things you could do. I feel like I’m done with this project though. Sucks that your SG is like that. I like my friends Epiphone SG.
Can someone pls tell me what song this is at 12:27
Or you could buy tuners that fit. Take a tuner out. Measure everything. Match measurements when buying tuners.
Hey Brian,
So I bought the Epiphone les Paul Special-1, everything is the same except the bridge. Guess I'm going to have to take it in to be set up as its tuning out across the neck.
Great idea! That’s more important than any upgrade and not enough people do this. I wish I knew that 18 years ago haha
@@BrianBower Yeah I don''t know what else to do, it came brand new in the box and there's been no set up done. First electric guitarand yeah I bought a cheap one @$129.
I have watched a bunch of these reviews, so I've known I would probably upgrade tuners and pickups, but I'll wait to see if they can intonate it first then maybe tuners.
Concerned because it just has the single bridge, there's no middle up and down adjustment unlike the Special II.
if they can intonate it I'll be happy, then maybe tuners.
@@seandowney5549 get the setup done. Don’t worry about the pickups and the tuners right now. That can be done later down the road and you might even just want another guitar at that point. It’s up to you. That’s just my best advice.
@@BrianBower Cool Brian,
It came with strings on it, are there strings you'd recommend?
Still consider me a beginner, I've had an acoustic for about 3yrs and let's just say I've played it about half that time and my 1st electric.
Thanks for all the input.
SWD
I just put on hipshot locking tuners no big deal to inlarge the holes.
That is awesome
what model guitar is that black one in the background?
That is an Ibanez RGA 7 string with BKP Nailbombs which I installed terribly lol.
I’m going to be starting a similar project. I just bought one of these, with the black trans flame top. It plays great, neck is dead flat. I have extra parts/pickups laying around from other projects. I think I’m going to throw a dimarzio PAF master in the neck and a Fender Shawbucker 2 in the bridge.
I think that would be a cool pickup combo
@@BrianBower in thinking about it further. I’m thinking about slapping a LP junior pickguard on it and running it as a single pickup guitar. Just a solid rock machine. Idk. I can’t do anything yet, because I can’t actually take the guitar home for another 3 weeks. Lol
My Ibanez got Crunch Lab pickup too! Cool video, Epi sounds really nice!
My Ibanez S has a D Sonic. I think this one is nicer. Thanks man and it plays really nice too! I like it a lot
Ditched ceramics and put Seymour Duncan perley gates. Tuners ok, just tighten, Find this model not setup properly. Even truss was off
Hi, what gauge strings do you recommend for this guitar?
@@salort2934 either 9-46 or 10-52. If you want lower tunes, 11s of some sort
Talk about a mixed message!! LOL, "Don't do this" "This guitar sounds great and has a lot of "potential" "The locking tuners feel amazing!" HAHAHA. I actually like the pickups on my LP Special, but the combo of the wrap-around ("pre-intonated") bar bridge and the cheap tuners makes it impossible to get/keep in tune. I got a new nut for starters, but am considering a bridge that allows adjustments for each string. I'm wondering if I could find locking tuners that are a more precise fit and don't require drilling. Thanks for your video.
Yeah it didn’t go to plan. The tuners are awesome just don’t buy them for an epiphone haha. Gibson yes. The mistake I made was not knowing there was different sized tuning key holes. Definitely look into this. That’s why I say dont do this. The video didn’t go quite to plan. Just didn’t want to return the tuners. Also I have a lot of guitars so messing with one is fine.
DONT USE A DRILL FOR WIDENING THE HOLES
Get a reamer specifically for that, it’s much more controllable and using a drill bit it’s going to be a lot harder to center and can lead to gouging the wood or chipping it.
A drill is still nice to have, like if you ever need to refill and refill pickguard or jack plate screw holes, but please use a reamer for tuner holes.
You’re totally right. I didn’t know this or that I was going to have this problem. Thank you for the advice. There’s a reason I said don’t do this. Live and learn on my end. So much to guitar parts that I just didn’t know before attempting stuff. I do appreciate the constructive feedback!
@@BrianBower no problem dude, it was a great video otherwise. I found it because I’m planning to do a similar project for my friends epiphone special II so I was looking for ideas.
@@WhoAmIWill my advice would be to find the correct sized tuners. I didn’t know this was a thing. I think Asian/ European sizing to American sizing changes. I bet in an Gibson from the Us, my tuners would have been a direct swap
Yep. This. Also template, or at least take a bit more time to line up the small screw holes for the new tuners. Freestyling it leaves things a bit wonky.
is it possable to make it from vol tone to vol vol
@@hikupmusicofficial I am sure you could but I don’t know how
Tonewoods only matter in acoustics. With acoustics I can justify boutique builders(I own a Santa Cruz vintage jumbo and a bill bonanzinga) oh and I have two bespoke lap steels. Only because there ain't many lap steel builders.
You’re right. The issue with this one is weight but it’s fine. Made of plywood lol. Now lap steel is a cool project. I bet that’s a fun instrument
6:28 Ferrules.
I need help, i wnat to learn how to play the guitar, would you recommend this one as my 1st guitar? Im on a budget so i can only afford this one or the jackson JS11. Wich one is the best for me. Thank you and keep with the good work!
This would work great as a first guitar. See if you can try them both out. As a beginner guitar, it just needs to play decent and stay in tune. Get a setup though. What I mean is to get them to adjust the neck and strings so they’re close to the fretboard. Might not even need that. Starting out, brand really doesn’t matter. Just gotta get playing! Thanks man!
Use a fan when you're soldering.
Good idea!
So tell people that the new tuners are 10mm and and the old holes are 8mm correct? No
Micrometer mate? Cheers 🇨🇦Ty
I swear I have to explain that all the time. I definitely messed that up. I should make another video. This is one critique that people say that I will forever accept because I just did it wrong. Cheer dude
I don't know if it's the algorithms TH-cam has or what but every video I've watched about these Epiphone Specials have been from Canadian TH-camrs. It's been 3 or 4 different channels so far and all Canadian. I'm not even in Canada. But I don't mind. Love the accent you guys have. On another note, what exactly were you using to polish the frets? Was it sandpaper? Scotch Brite? Just a rag and polish? I have one fret on my Special SG that has a ding on it. I'd like to see if I could smooth that out a bit. It's just deep enough to catch the string slightly but I can still bend beyond it.
Haha well apparently this is popular to do in Canada. Probably cause they’re sold at every Long and McQuade too. Well glad you left a comment. That is the Planet Waves Fret Polishing system. It’s just sold clothes and you use the cardboard cutout to protect the fretboard. That problem you have won’t be solved with these or at least how I think.
I'm an old-fart, metal head, and I enjoyed this video til the end. Yeah I had one of these a few years ago. Worn cherry finish. I liked that little guitar. I gave it away. Got me a Gibson Les Paul Tribute satin cherryburst finish. Its nice. Anyway, this was a great video brother. God bless you and yours. Happy pickin'!☺👍
Thanks man and I am glad you enjoyed this one. The Gibson would be a nice upgrade. I feel like someday I'll end up with a Les Paul. I like the ESP Eclipse a lot too. About to practice some now.
Hey algorithm! This guy ☝️ is awesome!!
Thanks man! I appreciate it
I have a black version of this same guitar, I am going to jazz up for fun. I also noticed in-between starting and finishing your project, you got new monitor speakers! I have the KRK's, like you had originally, but I see you swapped out for something else.
That is cool and it is a fun project. As for the monitors. I probably wouldn't have ever changed them but one of the KRK's died and I needed a set of monitors for mixing and playing when not using a cab (or playing bass) so I replaced them with the Kali Audio LP6's I like the Kali's more too. This video was filmed in pieces and I think I didn't touch that guitar for a month so there you go!
I've had two of those I got one right now beautiful blue one I thought about putting fishman fluence in them Grover locking tuners upgrading the pots
Oh man, fluence would be cool. I think that is going to require some more work and possible routing. I have no experience though so make sure you look into it how they are installed. The tuners are easy. Just be careful with the drill.
I got one of these to upgrade for my girlfriend (our anniversary is coming up) it was beat up and missing parts so an upgrade is the only way to save it
What did you replace on it?
@@BrianBower tuners, bridge, pickups, wiring, pots, and the selector switch
@@BrianBower if the Guitar's neck wasn't so nice it wouldn't have been worth restoring
i have the blue les paul 2 and the tuners are not very good i agree. I just gonna change the tuners to better ones.
Nice man! Just don’t make my mistake. Get the right sized tuners.
Great video.
Thank you!
Doesn't actual lemon oil dry the guitar fretboard out? I could be wrong, but I think I read somewhere that real/rich lemon oil shouldn't be used on guitars. Don't really know why Dunlop and other companies call their products lemon oil, since it only makes up like 1% or less of the product
I never had an issue with it. I am not sure really. I have heard a few people say this before. I needed to use something to clean it better though. I will eventually get a bottle of the Dunlop fretboard cleaner
yes lemon oil can dry out fretboard & may loosen frets by breaking down adhesives holding frets in place. You can buy proper oil for rosewood fretboards from guitar shops or just use plain mineral spirits that is what is recommended for rosewood
Yes lemon oil is a cleaner, great for VOS finishes, and mineral spirits for the fretboard never vegetable oil unless you want your guitar to stink. You can also use ronson fluid (lighter fluid) on the fretboard.
The tuners are standard IE; American the les paul special II is metric IE; Foreign
Correct and I wish I knew this before :P
The pickups made only a slight difference to my ears and not necessarily better. I liked the sound of the stock pickups better at the beginning of your comparison. The tuner replacement is the mod to do, for sure, if you want better intonation. But the pickup swap doesn't seem worth it, even if you just play master of puppets.
In hindsight, I mostly agree with you.
The space between the washer and dryer is just salivating for any small part to drop inside 🤣
Oh yes. It hasn’t happened though. I used it today too and still good. Just being resourceful haha
I think folks should always buy cheap and upgrade what needs to be upgraded, and I think folks should learn how to do their own setups as well..
Yes and no! Having a platform to learn on is great though. Just want to make sure people don’t run into problems with their only guitar as playing is still king. You’re absolutely right on setups too. It’s all perspective. Upgrades can be fun too.
@@BrianBower
I have come to think of doing upgrades on a guitar and learning how to do setups as part of the learning process at this point honestly. Practicing playing is fun, but it can become a bit of a grind, so learning how to do a setup or finding something on the guitar to upgrade can be a way of breaking up that grind.
Though when people are brand new to playing, its probably best they pay for a good setup and just focus on learning to play, but once that grind sets in, that is when learning how to set up a guitar or doing upgrades comes in handy..
Oh and tuners tend to come in a couple difference sizes shaft wise, so there would of been a drop in upgrade of locking tuners that you wouldn't have had to make the holes bigger... I know this video isn't exactly knew, but Since you responded to me, I figured i would mention it.
@@BrianBower
Oh and the guitar looked great, I use MusicNomad F-one Oil on my fretboard, it cleans the fretboard so you don't have those areas that look dirty even after putting on fresh oil.. I don't know, everyone likes there own kind, but so far for me it seems to do the best out of all the types I have tried so far... Worth a try at least in the future...
@@lfaf9509 That is what I have been meaning to get. Thank you for suggesting that. I was looking for a dunlop one that I cannot seem to find.
@@BrianBower
"Dunlop Fingerboard 01 Cleaner & Prep"
That is the name of the dunlop stuff according to Musicains Friends / Guitar Centers Website. The stuff didn't work as well for me when I used to use it, but maybe they have adjusted it to be better now days.. I am not big into brand loyalty, I find that all brands can be a waste of time sometimes lol. These oils and fretboard products are cheap when bought alone, like the Dunlop stuff is like 8 dollars and the Music Nomad stuff is 9 dollars, plus what ever shipping you do of course. Now the kits you can buy for this stuff can get pretty pricey, depending on the kit its self and what all it comes with....
Holy crap, I just noticed I was sounding like a salesman... that is scary, sorry its the affect of being old and having been subjected to trillions of advertisements over the years lol.
You got the wrong tuner's they have ones for the Epiphone import and the Epiphone USA models. The USA models have a thinner hole. And the imports use 10 mm. You just got the wrong size ones but you can drill them out no big deal
Oh man... Liquifire is my fav pickup by far, its just so good.
I really like this set! The Liquifire sat here way too long not being used.
how are you not at 100k rn
There is a lot of competition out here for that. Also time is an issue. I appreciate the kind words though :)
It seems to me that it would be a fair trade if Epiphone would delete the neck pickup in exchange for halfway decent tuners as a cost-saving measure. Get sort of an LP Junior thing going on.
Dude I bought kluson tuners for my Cort cr250 and the fittings are too big. Gotta Reem the holes!
I loved the pickups in the special 2 but my mine was from 05 so maybe they've changed.
Be careful. Maybe tape the holes before drilling. Just be careful before getting the drill out. The special 2 pickups were passable. However these are a lot better. I feel like this guitar is probably from around 04 or 05 as well. I just don’t remember right now. Man it doesn’t seem like that long ago.....
Haha thanks man and yea 05 was a long time ago. A thinner time for me lol. Congrats on 1K subs!
My go-to strings are nyxl also
Theyre awesome strings. I recommend them
Yes they are I play I think they are 11-58 if I'm not mistaken
Nice video!
Thanks man!
Don't tell me what to do 🤣
I have a stock epi lp standard Ltd ed and want to grab a cheap special ii specifically to mod
In this case, do it!!!
Wait, he drilled the tuner holes? Wrong! Use a reamer tool. Far safer and vastly more conservative of wood loos/damage. $0-10 at Harbor Freight w coupons, lol.
/
Just acquired a 2024 Special II that shockingly stays in tune for days despite loose feeling tuners!
I’ve spent 15+ hours setting it up plus I wait 2-3 days for the neck to settle after a small adjustment up to 1/2 turn. (Careful y’all) //
Although I have many great, even legendary, rare pickups (over 40 guitars), I don’t feel any hurry to replace the LP II pickups because they ROAR! Anyway, you can tweak most amps for more gain, add a distortion or boost pedal and an Eq pedal so you can make one guitar sound like any of four completely different sounding pickups. (Pros and sound engineers know this).
Yes, if I were in any need or desire to gig with the Special, surely I’d install locking tuners, before I’d change the pickups. I actually enjoy the high end clarity of the ceramic magnets.
I’ve lost my multimeter, but I estimate the bridge to be at least 12 ohm, mv between 600-750. Idk, or even care. I only paid $60 cash for the guitar, but it’s on sale today at GC for $200+tax. Plus it includes a new w/ tags $50 Jackson soft case which I can use with my Jack.
Rock on friends!
@@erichkaanikin3555 and that’s why I say don’t do this! I didn’t know. / that’s awesome though. Also I probably would have kept those pickups in this. I might put them back in at some point as they’re not bad.
You do NOT need to redrill holes for tuners on an Epiphone LP special. The tuner holes are to vintage spec, with a diameter of 8mm. Modern tuners have a bushing diameter of 10mm. You simply need to buy the right tuners.
I learned that after the fact. The more you know lol. This is why I say to not do this. Lesson learned.
Its honestly a shame that a lot of forums and videos i see don't specify that information. there is an entire market of tuners that work with epiphones and squires, just people always get the wrong info and risk damaging their instruments as a result.
Let's make this easier. Put some solder on your iron before removing wires. Make it much easier and less chance of burning a pot. Also get a decent hole reamer for enlarging holes. Less chance of wood chips.
I could really do better at it!
a fellow reaper user, like
There are many of us
Free hand drill those tuner holes ?
At least clamp the guitar head down
Or get ready for drill bit run , and a cracked headstock
I’ve gotten a lot of comments on this and learned what not to do. I did not crack the headstock though.
I have an Epi LP special ii as well that I got as a mod project as well. Already did the setup, actually plays pretty well, but it also has tuning stability issues and the pickups are a bit muddy. So, new tuners, nut, pickups, pots, jack, etc....on the way. Probably will refinish as well just for kicks
Or maybe you did the wrong modifications? You could just bought cheap better locking tuner and cheap better humbuckers... Like they do with the squiers, just scallop, change the tuners and put a set of wilkinson alnico V thats around 35 bucks.
So i should have bought different sized tuners but never knew there were differences. I am learning that with pots too. Mike from my recent video on pickups knows all of it well. The pickups were laying around here in the house. I just wanted to use them. Theyre good pickups so no regrets.
God damn it Bower! You clean the fret board with Dunlap 01 to get the crud off, you polish the frets and then you apply the oil! And for the tuners, next time check the kind of tuners you want to use. You wanted to install 10mm tuners into 6mm holes. Just talk to me next time before doing that. But you did a good job anyway. Congrats on the 1k
I never tried the Dunlop cleaner but I will! Haha I didn’t realize these were gonna be too big and this was a cheaper guitar so I’m like let’s do it. Wouldn’t have done that to something of higher value. I had fun though. Also thanks!
Just found you, subbed and agree, some likes and shares are always appreciated.
Upgraded and refurbished my share of guitars, good video.
Thank you for the sub for sure. I have too with varying results but it is all about the learning!
Hey yo!!! I have exactly same guitar
These are very common! How do you like yours?
@@BrianBower Certainly, Very much
Newer Epis , well , they have the necks right now
True Slim Taper Profiles
Older ones are hit or miss
Boat oar to baseball bat
I tried one with one of those necks and it was awesome.
Newbs! do not dispair if you fuck up drilling the hole no worries: holes can be filled a variety of ways (tooth picks, clamp, glue and time FTW) - CRACKS are a serious problem however - Always drill the hole out never hammer the hardware home. anyway nice work on the mod, i'm in the middle of repairing a botched repair on one of these instruments =]
I like this comment!! Cracks do suck a lot. Great advice. Thank you and good luck!
I just bought one of those guitars only because my good one is backordered 😂
I recorded one of my last videos with this one and it’s a nice guitar playing wise! Little heavy during the long jams. Honestly even stock, it was good.
@@BrianBower Have you considered putting a Floyd Rose FRX on any of the cheaper LPs?
It could be a fun video 😂
Nice video buddy. I think the Gibson, being made in the US has different dimensions. Epiphone being made in China may have European dimensions.
I think you’re right! However it was good to do this video so maybe someone learned. I bet these work flawless with the Gibson USA models. I am sure I saw a guy do it with an SG on here. Gibson and locking tuners would be awesome. They get hated on but I still love a good Les Paul. Thanks man!!
@@BrianBower Well they get hated on by people who hasn't tried a good one. Even by people who hasn't tried a Gibson... Its just stupid
@@Fredlund666 I still think they’re over priced!
NEVER use a drill to enlarge tuner hole. Use a hand reamer.
I wish I knew that! This is why I say don’t do what I do.
@@BrianBower I put a bone nut on mine also. Left the stock pickups as I play more clean.
12:28 sounds like 10000 bees in a garbage can
I’ve had this guitar for like 8+ years now, the toggle switch broke the first day I got it and I was too afraid to tell my parents. I’m 22 now and just busted that bad boy open and managed to fix the broken guide piece with a toothpick (after thinking I broke the guitar entirely when I closed it up without a complete circuit and nothing was going through the amp) it now works like it should lol, now I’m tempted to do exactly what you’re explicitly stating do not do.
Haha well the main thing not to do is get the same tuners. Get the right sized ones.