Les Paul Rebuild

[Darren]

Ok guys, I picked up a Les Paul body from a buddy that busted the neck. He tried to remove the neck from the body and in the process really messed up where you would set the neck into it (instead of steaming the glue joint and removing the neck slowly he cut it out with a jigsaw  :sad1: ).. So do you guys have any ideas at how I could repair this thing and make it playable again? It's a Silverburst finish so it's an absolute beauty. Thanks for the help!

 

[Nando Vallart]

Pics will be needed for any help...
Welcome aboard!

 

[Darren]

Alright, here are a few pictures, if you need anymore with a different angle just tell me

 

[Nando Vallart]

I *think* that the lower part with the finish off would be covered with a new neck...

there is lots of work to do. Get all parts straight and on square and make a completely new neck to it... Be sure to make a headstock volute if you're doing it...

Have you made necks and repair services on guitar before?

 

[Darren]

Nope, this will be the first time I've ever tried to repair a guitar in this bad of shape, so I'm not really sure what all is required.. I thought I would have to get a new neck and build up to fit the neck

 

[Nando Vallart]

Nope, this will be the first time I've ever tried to repair a guitar in this bad of shape, so I'm not really sure what all is required.. I thought I would have to get a new neck and build up to fit the neck

I don't think it's a good idea then. Better carry it to a luthier and ask for him do it for you...
People could give advices, but not everything is solved getting advices from internet...

 

[Darren]

I've done a lot of woodworking, just not on a guitar before. I am in agreement with you that it will be a very difficult process. I just need some good ideas to get started on it, but I agree, taking it to a lutheir may be the best.

 

[Nando Vallart]

I suggest also that you buy and read the book below, was the advice that all luthiers I know gave me and is the advice I do now. It's a ace book and will give you a better idea of what do you need to look after to build a guitar.

 

[dmraco]

by the looks of that veneer...you are working with an Epiphone body.  Brand new Epi les paul with that kinds of finish would run you around $500.

see link used:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Epiphone-Gibson-Les-Paul-Custom-Silverburst-w-Gibson-Gig-bag-/280739148387?pt=Guitar&hash=item415d5b7263

see link new
http://www.bing.com/shopping/limited-edition-les-paul-custom-silverburst-6-string-electric-guitar/p/D66D3F1E1665BA3CDDB3?q=epiphone+les+paul+siverburst&lpq=epiphone%20les%20paul%20siverburst&FORM=HURE

That repair is a serious one.  A luthier is going to charge you WAY MORE than it is worth.  Either it becomes a DIY or becomes a HUGE money pit...which it may aready be.  Not saying it could not be done...looks like a cool project.

Do you still have the hardware?

 

[jay4321]

If that's an Epi a full-on repair would only make sense if you have all the hardware plus skills & tools for the job. Or if you were looking to practice on something. You haven't done it but work with wood so it's iffy, but I'd still be inclined to take some nice pictures and ebay it for whatever I could get.

And remember it's an Epi, as far as I know there's no maple cap hiding under there or anything special about the grade of mahogany. Poly finish that's hard to repair, etc.