Lps to semi-hollow conversion

[Schmitty]

Has anyone ever taken a flat top lps and converted it to a semi-hollow similar to the es-339 ?
Ie: route or drill out the chambers then add a carved top..

How hard would this be if you bought a book matched laminate from stew mac and cut it to size..carved it etc

 

[JaySwear]

Can't see why not! Just keep in mind that it might not end up sounding like a Les Paul OR a 339. The only thing I'd be worried about when you're adding a laminated top is making sure it's not too thick. Otherwise the neck pocket might be too low for the bridge.

 

[Schmitty]

Can't see why not! Just keep in mind that it might not end up sounding like a Les Paul OR a 339. The only thing I'd be worried about when you're adding a laminated top is making sure it's not too thick. Otherwise the neck pocket might be too low for the bridge.

Good point..I was just looking at http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=18198.0

I may go this route instead and just do a cap on both sides and maybe stay away from a carved top the first go around

 

[Danuda]

The problem you will have is with the rounded edges of the guitar.  You will either have to sand the entire side inwards to get ride of them or plane the top and bottom to remove them.  It is doable but a lot of work.  Carving the top will not be worth it.  The extra thickness will make the neck pockets worthless.  If you plane the top and use a laminate the same thickness as you needed to remove the rolled edge the pocket wouldn't need to be changed at all.  So if you need to take 1/8" off to get rid of it then put on 1/8" for your cap.  It will be a big project.  My favorite kind event

 

[Schmitty]

The problem you will have is with the rounded edges of the guitar.  You will either have to sand the entire side inwards to get ride of them or plane the top and bottom to remove them.  It is doable but a lot of work.  Carving the top will not be worth it.  The extra thickness will make the neck pockets worthless.  If you plane the top and use a laminate the same thickness as you needed to remove the rolled edge the pocket wouldn't need to be changed at all.  So if you need to take 1/8" off to get rid of it then put on 1/8" for your cap.  It will be a big project.  My favorite kind event

This was incredibly helpful insight! Thank you very much both of you for the help. I am going to figure out the plan before dropping any cash on a prefabricated body...it may be a better idea to get the template for a lps body. Anyone know where I can get this or a good process to make one