Pardon the smutty title. Couldn't resist.
So, I have a Historic Black Beauty LP Custom, which I've owned from new ('98). We've been through a lot together, and it has the scars to prove it. Sentimental value has caused me to hang onto it, even though the weight (11.5lb) is getting a bit much for my lower back these days. I have a wide, stretchy strap which helps a bit, but even so...
I occasionally think about replacing it with a weight-relieved LP or even a Traditional, which would be quite a bit lighter even without the weight relief. I always seem to chicken out though, because I can't bring myself to let it go.
So, I was wondering if there's some way to lighten the load. Would it be feasible to either take a slice off the back (resulting in a profile a bit like the Custom Lite / Less Plus) and/or drill some weight relief holes from behind and then put a cap on the back? Taking the top off isn't an option of course, as it's solid mahogany. Maybe I could even tunnel through from inside the pickup cavities (it's a 3PU model, so there may be some scope here)
I know it seems crazy to be thinking about butchering an old friend like this, but I'm thinking in a few more years it'll be either this or I have to start from scratch with a new guitar. I wouldn't be worried about the effect on resale value if it means I can keep the guitar for the rest of my playing days.
Needless to say, I wouldn't be attempting any of this myself. There are a few good luthiers in my area who I would talk to.
Any thoughts?
Some of the gear, some idea
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its actually an easier job because its a custom and, i assume, doublebound.
I would suggest the following process:
I would always advise against this on a normal LP as it would be visible, even if hidden well. No reason this can't be totally hidden on a custom
However. It will change the way the guitar feels and responds, and those may be part of the reason you have kept it for nearly 20 years
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True enough, but I'm not toooo worried about this. I love a hollowbody and semis too. If it picked up some of those characteristics it wouldn't be a bad thing. I've also heard many say that weight relief makes less of a difference than you'd think, so unless it's a total disaster I should be alright.
Whilst I love the guitar, the REAL reason I kept it (and the only reason I bought it in the first place in fact) is because I'm Keef in a Stones tribute and...well, you've gotta have one. What could I replace it with, really?
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I have added a second, larger 'control chamber' on my ridiculously heavy Indie custom LP which is a simpler mod (I'll post a shot when I get back to a desktop and decent internet) but actually offers surprisingly modest reduction of weight given the impressive amount of wood removed. The advantage of @WezV 's solution is that you can route more chambers without it looking silly from the back.
By all means do it to one you only like, or don't really like, as a last throw of the dice if you were thinking of selling it.
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I agree that it will change the sound - and it may not change the way you want it to.
Personally, I'd try to find a lighter instrument that sounds the way you want it to. I had to when my back injury got too much for my Les Paul Custom.