I've had a hankering for a Les Paul Special for years (the one with P90's), mostly because I love the tone people like Steve Hunter and Johnny Thunders used to get from them. However, every time I try one I'm always put off by the baseball-bat style 50's neck profile. Even the Eastman SB55 has the same issue. So I had a thought: why not build one myself? I have built plenty of Fender type guitars over the years, but I've never done a set-neck before, and I've never had to cut my own fret slots - I would usually buy a neck for a build, and then do all the routing and body cutting myself (I have a workshop). So my next thought was: is it possible to get a kit? After a bit of googling, it wasn't hard to find one, but the quality always looks very dodgy to me. Most people selling such kits seem to assume that everyone wants something that is cheap, cheap, cheap - but that's not what I'm looking for. Does anyone have any recommendations? Ideally for a good quality body blank, and a decent neck to fit it. Everything else, I can do myself.
Comments
I had a hankering for a Melody Maker (ish) LP and he made me this, its superb
I’ve got a couple if his LPJrs, and they are just brilliant.
If you just want a neck, there are others here who might make one for you.
This is a brilliant fret slot cutting jig
https://www.bagpress.com/Guitar_Making_Products.html
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Another point is if you want something more vintage based, then I'd go Spanish cedar Madagascan rosewood, vintage style truss rod and hot hide glue.
(formerly customkits)