Andre S Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Ok, let me start off by saying, I always have loved semi hollows. I liked the 339 for a time, but not again, I prefer a larger semi hollow. Last year, I really wanted to buy a guitar and like mod the hell out of it, I'm talking, new pickups, wiring, tuners, the whole shebang. The guitar I was thinking of as the base, if you call it that, was the Epiphone Lucille. I like how all the Lucille's look and plus I won't feel bad about swapping the pickups, tuners, wiring, etc, etc. I would never do that to a gibson. So the prject, would be to add a gold bigsby, plug the holes, I figured out how, add Gibson 57 classics, change the tuners, to the tulip locking in gold, add new wiring, pots, switch, varitone, and finally, ok well thats it. What do you think? It would be my final guitar, possibly, instead of a Gibson SG. I know it sounds silly to pick a Epi over a Gibson, but one way I would have tons of fun. Do you think these mods are cool, and that its a good project or something to think about especially if its not my last guitar, or do you think even with the mods it would be a POS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shnate McDuanus Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Hell yes it's worth it. I love the idea, personally. I especially like how you're doing it for fun. If you think you'll have fun, give it a go. If you start doing it and it stays fun, keep going until it's finished. That's my advice. However, if you want a semi-hollow guitar that's absolutely perfect the way it is (and I know you want to mod now, and that's OK, but I'm just letting you know in case you decide you want another guitar in the future,) you can't go wrong with trying to find a good old used Guild Starfire. I swear, that line was absolutely perfect. Great stock pickups, sturdy and attractive body, and altogether great craftsmanship made for a sound that was distinctive and at the same time versatile. In short, they're well-made and they sound great. My guitar teacher has one that he's owned since it was new, and even though it has a few dings in it, it still sounds perfect and has stayed together despite heavy usage and things that would have destroyed your average Epiphone. They're usually good values as well, for used vintage guitars especially. Back to the original topic, however, I think it sounds like a fun idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 Hell yes it's worth it. I love the idea' date=' personally. I especially like how you're doing it for fun. If you think you'll have fun, give it a go. If you start doing it and it stays fun, keep going until it's finished. That's my advice. However, if you want a semi-hollow guitar that's absolutely perfect the way it is (and I know you want to mod now, and that's OK, but I'm just letting you know in case you decide you want another guitar in the future,) you can't go wrong with trying to find a good old used Guild Starfire. I swear, that line was absolutely perfect. Great stock pickups, sturdy and attractive body, and altogether great craftsmanship made for a sound that was distinctive and at the same time versatile. In short, they're well-made and they sound great. My guitar teacher has one that he's owned since it was new, and even though it has a few dings in it, it still sounds perfect and has stayed together despite heavy usage and things that would have destroyed your average Epiphone. They're usually good values as well, for used vintage guitars especially. Back to the original topic, however, I think it sounds like a fun idea.[/quote'] Even though its instead of the SG Standard with aftermarket maestro? and its nearly the same price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Go for it.... You might want to start with a Gibson body though... I doing a Les Paul project that I bought a Les Paul Studio worn brown body and I'm turning it into a Gold top.. I bought the body from this seller They always have good deals on Gibson parts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 Go for it.... You might want to start with a Gibson body though... I doing a Les Paul project that I bought a Les Paul Studio worn brown body and I'm turning it into a Gold top.. I bought the body from this seller They always have good deals on Gibson parts... Oh I would love to, but my parents don't want me to buy online, so the Epiphone is the best that I can do. Are you installing binding on yours? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I wanted to but I couldn't find anyone who would do it here... I'm in Spain don't forget... So the guy who is going to shoot the nitro is going to simulate a binding using paint. Well see how it comes out.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pohatu771 Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 You should play the Lucille before you do anything to it... you might find you like it as it is - just because it says Epiphone on the headstock doesn't mean it needs changing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 You should play the Lucille before you do anything to it... you might find you like it as it is - just because it says Epiphone on the headstock doesn't mean it needs changing. Oh believe me, I know that, I've played Two Epis already, but in the end I plan to do a complete overhaul. The one thing keeping me back, is that by the time that I finish, the price will be equal to a Gibson SG Standard with aftermarket tremolo installed. Sigh.... Completely modded Asian guitar with USA parts, vs Completely USA Made Guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Guild Starfire. I swear' date=' that line was absolutely perfect. Great stock pickups, sturdy and attractive body, and altogether great craftsmanship made for a sound that was distinctive and at the same time versatile. In short, they're well-made and they sound great. They're usually good values as well, for used vintage guitars especially. [/quote'] I'm a huge Guild fan and the Starfire line kicks serious ***. $1,000 will get you a decent one, $2,000 will get you a stunning beauty that will NEVER lose its value. Got a couple of 'em myself. Looking for a Starfire V with a Bigsby.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 It may not be worth it now that I'm thinking about it as, I will have to drill new holes for the pickup rings with the whole metric to Gibson spacing conversion as well as wider pot shaft holes, tuner holes, a lot of things. I don't know yet, if I want to do all of that. And it has a poly finish.. its a good idea, but maybe the SG with aftermarket maestro is a better choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 I wanted to but I couldn't find anyone who would do it here... I'm in Spain don't forget... So they guy who is going to shoot the nitro is going to simulate a binding using paint. Well see how it comes out.... you should do a darkback goldtop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 you should do a darkback goldtop. I am... With real gold leaf on the top.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitarfreak16 Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I think it's a great idea. Promise you'll give us pics in the end. You too, dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Started as... In progress... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Modding an Epiphone would be fun. The only concern *I* have due to my heavy and stiff hand is that fret wire on a lot of import guitars is not as durable as what is used on a Gibson. Something to think about, refretting a guitar down the road will be expensive. I have a modded Squier 51 and love it, I keep changing stuff in it but I am putting a hurt on the frets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 Modding an Epiphone would be fun. The only concern *I* have due to my heavy and stiff hand is that fret wire on a lot of import guitars is not as durable as what is used on a Gibson. Something to think about' date=' refretting a guitar down the road will be expensive. I have a modded Squier 51 and love it, I keep changing stuff in it but I am putting a hurt on the frets. [/quote'] Yea, it will be, in the end, it will be like a ES 345 and lucille epiphone hybrid. But I don't want to have to ream out for USA parts. And the poly finish? nuh. I'm liking the idea less and less, one day but not yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shnate McDuanus Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I'm a huge Guild fan and the Starfire line kicks serious ***.$1' date='000 will get you a decent one, $2,000 will get you a stunning beauty that will NEVER lose its value. Got a couple of 'em myself. Looking for a Starfire V with a Bigsby.... [/quote'] Neo, The one my teacher uses is a Starfire V with a Bigsby. That same model. It's a great guitar. I've been looking for one myself, and if I find a good one on eBay or what have you (and it's out of my price range,) I'll be sure to shoot the info over to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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