Building the PERFECT Les Paul Kit Part II - KIT vs GIBSON LES PAUL!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Plugging in a newly built kit for the first time is always exciting! Enjoy the build and tones :)

[@jaytee6262]

Doing the same kit (unifinished) right now, nearly complete :)

[@arkavagoswami3068]

loved it.awesome.I wish to know what is the use of a neck plate?

[@itZKrayyyZ]

Hey Darrell, I would love to see a burl ash tele kit from the fretwire it looks really clean and I'd love to hear you're thoughts on it, it's similar to this style of kit except the body also has no finish. It comes in around 165 usd so a very affordable kit. Also would you ever do a tutorial on how to decal a headstock like you're one kit build with your name on it from about 2 years ago? Thanks keep up the great content 👍

[@stopmakingmeangry6806]

Are you planning on getting your hands on epiphones 2020?

[@maxwhitten8376]

How much does it weigh? TIA Thanks for your time and shows.🏁❤️

[@stevechenoweth3491]

I just ordered this kit after watching your build video. Absolutely love your channel. I have learned so much. I also bought the Spark amp based on your review. It is a great little amp. I am 70 years old and just taking up guitar. Thanks for everything.

[@Valour.Hazelsun]

reading this comment makes me smile, i hope everything is going good man!

[@RumbleFish69]

Nice! I love reading comments like this.

[@scottblair8625]

Love the sound. I'm just starting my journey in learning to play at 56. Need a hobby now I'm disabled and retired early. Wish I had enough years left to play like you.

[@hubertnetkowski9128]

Wish you as much enjoyment and happiness from playing as possible!

[@fnersch3367]

got you beat; I'm 70! Got to build my guitar first. Am doing a Glarry kit.

[@rayhallsworth2476]

Hi Scott, I am 67 and just started to try to learn guitar which I have wanted to do since I was 7 !!! Does not matter how many years we have left, just enjoy !!!

[@scottblair8625]

Thanks Roy. I'm having fun trying. But have short term memory loss from crash in 2016. So I'm having trouble retaining what I learn over night. But I will figure something out.

[@glenkepic3208]

That's a great hobby ! Have Fun !!

[@WebbChannel1]

This may sound CRAZY but I like the $249 Solo LP kit guitar over the genuine Gibson. Love the warm tone!!

[@juliangeorge1722]

Guitars are mostly craftsmanship and name. The sound it makes, playability, and sometimes even durability are a different story than the price of the guitar. I too, like the cheaper guitar sound better.

[@johnirwin7979]

Not crazy at all, I thought the kit guitar sounded more warm and refined. (Assuming it is just the difference in pickups and nothing intrinsic in the guitar. I suspect with the same pickups (for my taste low power humbuckers, like Alnico IIs) the Gibson would edge out the kit, but only barely distinguishable.)

[@A.WebbAndFriends]

@@johnirwin7979 Great that you mention Alnico 2's. I love those pups too and I see it's a little difficult to find at reasonable prices. The usual are the Alnico 5's. those are everywhere...

[@dmoore0079]

The kit guitar definitely has that old school PAF pickup sound. I really like humbuckers that are wound less hot, since you get that nice clarity and warm bottom end. Hot humbuckers cut through the mix better, but you lose that clarity.

[@Stelly669]

Sorry people what can you hear .?? I think people want to say it's better than a Gibson LP .Have you actually listened ?? No chance it even comes close sorry

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

The only thing that bugged me was the natural headstock. I would have sprayed it gloss black... It just looks like it's missing something without it.

[@TheYjmfan]

Totally agree

[@sorrenblitz805]

I think it looks nice with the kinda tobacco finish of the body. I'm also not a big Les Paul fan to begin with so maybe liking something that's different looking is a little biased of me from the start.

[@lancevoorhees7318]

Me too, I would put black gloss on headstock!😎

[@tomterry2662]

Yea to each is to their own. Personal preference. I think the whipe on finnish is a easy way to do it as well.

[@820hurleyj]

Absolutely! I would've done the same thing (after testing my skills on a scrap piece of wood.) I believe you can get laser or inkjet decals and a nice silver custom logo would set it off.

[@tonisiret5557]

Close enough to an LP sound to justify the purchase. I wish these'd been around when I was starting out!

[@akasgsvirgil9503]

The neck pickup in the build kit was nice. The bridge was a bit thin. But, for $249, you can buy a set of stunning pickups and still be way ahead of the game. Great video.

[@FrogBotBeats]

If your tailpiece is too high you can lower it down and then overwrap the strings. Same result but less tension to the posts.

[@ipsurvivor]

You should put a “nosbiG” logo on it and show a picture of it reflected in a mirror.

[@heyidiot]

I was thinking, "More or Less Paul" myself...

[@ipsurvivor]

@@heyidiot 😂🤣😅

[@ferdberfle5069]

I picked up a couple of water slide decals from Guitar Fetish for a build I'm doing. The top headstock decal reads "Custom" in the standard Gibson font and the other reads "Less Real Model".

[@ipsurvivor]

@@ferdberfle5069 👍

[@rogerrussian9750]

Lol ! Ya gotta put the "G" & "b" on backwards for the reflection to work, I like the way you think mate.

[@michaelrobinson6629]

I love the finish on this guitar. Especially being a kit guitar, I just wish the binding and plastics were black. Almost every Les Paul kit is cream. I understand that's the classic look, but more options would be great. And great video by the way. I love watching your build videos. Keep up the great work.

[@Lucky4zo]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@820hurleyj]

Darrell, I really enjoy your kit builds! An idea for the next one is to do it using some upgraded parts, maybe some DiMarzios, set up a coil split, upgrade the pots, maybe upgrade the cap on the tone pot, some locking tuners and put a bone or tusk nut on it. If/when I do one of these kits, I'd plan on doing something similar. I'd also put a T-6 bridge/tail piece on it. I had one on my '71 LPC and it made a world of difference making those fine tuning adjustments, usually without even needing to turn the tuners (at least once the strings are stretched out.) One more thing. Upgrade the jack to a higher quality one. I've not done the math, but possibly it would be cheaper to forego the kit and buy a body and neck. I'd love to see you setup a standard set of pickups to coil splitting. Something I'm curious to see is if small toggles were used instead of the push/pull tone pot, sort of PRS style. Individual control over the halves of the Humbuckers is something I'd like to see. I think Ibanez may offer something similar. So if you're looking for ideas...

[@glenkepic3208]

Turned out sweet ! I like the 'father - son' bit. The late Tom Wheeler documented the build of a Carvin S type kit for GP that he did with his son nearly 20 years ago. The progress spanned 3 or 4 issues and one could tell Tom loved the experience.

[@RC32Smiths01]

So wonderful indeed! Can never go wrong with a Les Paul I believe!

[@jeffreymoffitt4070]

The electronics are worth upgrading for sure, including the volume and tone pots and caps

[@lukehodgson5222]

Love this! I'm working on a PRS style kit from Solo and I'm very pleased with it so far! This would be a great kit for anyone who may be intimidated by finishing a body.

[@grene1955]

That clean tone is outrageously great! I may have to take a shot at building the Jazzmaster...

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: The pre finished body is really nice. I no longer have access to a spray booth so I think prefinished is the new plan. I liked your Last Tele build better, but that single cut is pretty good too.

[@digitalfilmmaster]

Great build, I wish you would have shown you wiring and soldering work. I know it may be boring for some but it is very useful to others.

[@magnoliasstressus]

He's got other vids showing the soldering...

[@peterdebad1]

Thanks DB for taking us along on the journey. Great build. Peace!

[@trackie1957]

The tiny screws that hold the tuners and truss rod cover are always easy to strip or break, so I like to wax them before installing. I hold them by the head and use a lighter to heat them a couple of seconds before touching the threads to a bit of paraffin wax. Makes life easier.

[@Steven_SK]

One of the nicest kits I have seen lately! Wish list.....

[@TAVMANIAN]

I bought this one and will be building it. Was unsure but felt better about giving it a shot after watching you go over it. Thanks for showing it. Going to stain the neck (few times with red moghagany type stain) and then maybe put on a coat of poly or something after. Hope this turns out as good as yours. Thanks again.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

I didn't know solo had kids with finished bodies. It looks pretty good. The neck pickup is surprisingly good sounding but the bridge would have to go because it sounds very brash. With a roller saddle and better bridge pickup I think it would be really decent. I like the fact also that the neck bolts on and not glues in. That's my preference I know other people will prefer the opposite. My preference is is that if anything goes wrong with the neck or I don't like it I can always change it if it's not glued in.

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

I like the shape of the body where it meets the neck by the toggle switch, and then flows in a smooth “s” curve to the cutaway, then around the horn. IMO it’s a more elegant design than the original LP. Fun project!

[@johnkosh6495]

Tip: loosen and retighten neck screws while strings are still on, it helps set the neck better.

[@gabejdb1234]

Great video! I would enjoy seeing a video on the SBK-10 kit from Solo Music Gear. With how expensive Strandbergs are and how uncommon that style is, I'm interested in seeing how good a strandberg-style kit guitar is. Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work!

[@guitarwizard1989]

Ive learned that frets, nut and pickup magnets are a few of the most important things for a good quality guitar.

[@rjwhite907]

A black finish on the face of the headstock would look sick!

[@donjames5521]

You got that right. The plain headstock makes it look really cheap. The rest of the guitar is so nice, it's surprising they decided to leave it so plain.

[@Fideo008]

I’m still a new subscriber to the channel and I just wanna say I love these videos sooo much! I started learning guitar again but really wanna build my own and watching you go through them you make it look simple. Including the little extra stuff you do to them. Hopefully I can pick one of these kits up one day! Cant wait for the next build!

[@caniswolf3394]

Thank you for the link to Solo guitars. I've been wanting to find a good DIY store for awhile and they look like a good place to go.

[@monsarad888]

The early Asian Gibson copies came with bolt on necks. My first LP kit I assembled years ago came with a glue-in-neck. That was kinda big fun getting it in straight as the neck pocket wasn't routed precisely!

[@petersuddath6477]

Absolutely loved these 2 videos!!! I thought the guitar had a great sound and looked fantastic!!! Well done!

[@aaronwebb1548]

Hey Darrell, I don't know how difficult they'd be to get up in the northern hemisphere, but down here in Australia we have Haze guitar kits, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on 'em.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Have you also seen the "Bulldog" guitar kit range here in Australia, they are very good?

[@rondelio8562]

Good video, Darrel! Regarding tuning and string tension, instead of raising the tailpiece and raising tension on the the studs, I have found it easier to just upgrade to a roller bridge. This also helps when string bending by not having a sharp edge on the bridge that could cause a string to snap. The roller bridge eliminates this problem. Thanks, again, for a great video, and yes, it is fun to build your own! I'm on my 6th (spalted LP) with a 7th (Strat) in the wings! :-)

[@nickdray5072]

Roller bridges (unless you buy an expensive one) can kill sustain and deaden the guitar. Yes - almost essential if you have a Bigsby but not necessary for a hard-tail.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

I am very impressed with the kit guitar; both looks and sound ! ...And price !!!

[@rickstout5524]

Nice guitar, you could try to bring the tail piece all the way down to the body and do a wrap over if you have room, you may not, don’t know, has worked for me on several occasions. They say it enhances sustain, I can’t tell the difference but that takes care of post ‘lean’.

[@TheScottJeter]

One option for the tailpiece is to have the strings wrap around. Gives you the narrow breakover angle but you can (need to) lower the tailpiece down lower. SO, low breakover angle AND less torque on the tailpiece studs.

[@swomyledfordco.374]

I am buying one of these kits for my 12 yo son for Christmas. We have looked at them several times and he always talks about building the double necked SG. I would be very interested to see one of those put together.

[@invay69]

You have to put the strings FROM the "Saddle side" through the tailpiece, and turning over towards the saddles again, this way, eliminates the angle and the need of higher tailpiece.

[@ChristianTornholmLehn]

You dont "have" to do that... Thats a personal taste and preference. Doing a wraparound will also result in higher tension, making the bends harder, so that might not fit your playingstyle. So raising the tailpiece (like Darrell did here) will result in much the same, but less tension. None of them are better or worse - more right or wrong - Just personal preference.

[@invay69]

@@ChristianTornholmLehn More tension? Is also more stable. Lifting the tailpiece to compensate the angle is the most stupid thing I ever seen...

[@jasonmendoza5850]

Beautifully built

[@aryanbashyry6852]

Can you please make a video on how to upgrade a squier tele?

[@fischerlynt5457]

Nice one Darrell! I'd love to see more sg guitars on the channel!

[@shauncarter924]

Good work, DB. Not my favorite build that you’ve done, but I enjoyed watching you build it.

[@jamesarthofer3413]

Great segment. Just ordered LP kit from Stew mac and looking forward to the build. Thank you.

[@paulxaviercyr]

I wrap my strings over the top of the tail peice to keep the break angle in check.

[@Fatherflot64]

I didn't have much basis for comparison until you played the kit clean at the end.

[@texsoft8555]

I really enjoy the informative channels like this one. You made it look easy, seeing yours comes with a 2 guitar difficulty. Last August (2022), I ordered a Solo SRBK-15 DIY 5 String Electric Bass for $219.00. It looks like an Ibanez product even down to the EB7 styled bridge. Mine took about three weeks to body and neck sand and finish. I had a few minor issues as I have detailed in the comment section on that guitar. Finished and it sounds like my 29 year old Epiphone Rock Bass but with a B string (3 guitar difficulty). You could be a spokesperson for Solo. I use "Texsoft" on the Solo comments.

[@danw1955]

Nice job Darrell, and there ain't a damn thing wrong with those pickups!😁 If I was still playing on a regular basis, I'd grab one of these kits in a hot minute. The component quality looks really good for the most part, although that neck should fit a little tighter in the pocket. I think I would have gone the extra mile and put some insulating tape in the electronics and pickup cavities to keep the noise down at higher volumes. As hot as those humbuckers are, I'm pretty sure they'll be feedback monsters at higher levels.😉 Pretty nice overall.. I checked out Solo's site, and they've got some really nice looking kits available, and above all, *affordable,* if you're willing to spend a little time and effort doing it right!😎👍

[@davefoster6156]

Very impressed by this kit. The sounds were very good especially when not driven to extremes. At modest settings I couldn't help but notice how close to the Les Paul the kit sounded. I hated the hole covers and pit guard. These are easily replaced, and I would probably leave off the pit guard anyways

[@crazyfishkicker]

Can you do a review of a Slick guitar please? I kinda like the looks of SLICK 59 and SLICK 60.

[@paull8678]

I have a Slick SL-51 (the tele copy) and it's fantastic. Even my guitar guy who hates anything non-us made admitted it sounded great. Great feeling neck and it holds tune. I did swap the relic'd tuners for locking ones though, but that was the only change.

[@lessthanpinochet]

Slick guitars are amazing and very affordable.

[@f0ky008]

I would also really like to see a review of a Slick guitar.

[@dragan4658]

Leave it to Darrell to bring us a good value product with high quality. This is a very nice kit! The guitar definately doesn't have the look that's it's from a kit. Thanks Darrell!

[@50Something]

I put together the Solo Jazz Bass kit a month ago, it sounds fabulous!

[@tonepilot]

A little bit of wax on the tips of the screws will ease insertion and help prevent stress cracks.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Should pre-drill a bit too if they are binding so badly.

[@tim6723-f4i]

@@jimmyjames2022 Absolutely. The amount of force he was putting on those tiny screws, it was lucky he didn't snap one off.

[@alangriff1]

@@jimmyjames2022 Agreed...the last thing you want is for the head to wind off the shank. Even drill them a little deeper.

[@gergemall]

Love it Darrell. Your build sounds amazing.

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

I hadn´t expected such a tonal difference between the two. and that the gibson with the glued in neck sounded clearer. but the kit guitar sounded good too. great video. thank you. greetings from germany.

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

Well you are talking about a guitar in the thousands versus a couple hundred dollar kit, the glued in neck will only make a slight difference(technically you can glue in the neck with the bolts if you are that averse to it) in sustain what you are hearing is the cheaper electronics not being as good that is where the clearer is coming from. a 920D wiring harness with some DiMarzio pickups would fix that easily, the problem with the kit guitars is you are essentially buying the "Good Quality" wood working especially from Solo I have heard very few complaints except from those that didn't test fit and send it back if it had issues and all cheap hardware. I almost feel they should sell the kit but allow you to choose from hardware they sell in different brackets, like el cheap, mid grade, and high end - rather than just sending el cheapo hardware out making you source the premium parts.

[@michaeldemarco899]

This is awesome!!! Obviously the real thing sounds quite a bit better. Clearer, less muddy etc. However the kit sounds great and you get to build it! I’m going to grab one of these and give it a shot!

[@clrkv]

I always enjoy these build vids! :)

[@calebhendley836]

I would love to see you build either the warlock style kit, or the seven string jem

[@yamahargxtt]

Ibanez Xiphos kit

[@brianarmstrong8080]

Looks really nice! I like the satin neck, too. Thanks for the comparison! I’m sure there are huge differences in quality and materials, but more and more, I’m trying to wrap my head around the justification for cost differences.

[@blackiejames1843]

These kits are a pretty good deal. For a few hundred bucks you get a good looking and decent sounding guitar plus the fun of building it. This one sounds excellent in the clean mode.

[@michaeld.mcclish]

I tried an lp jr kit from StewMac, it was fun, but with a few things: first time soldering, so I messed up the pots. I bought new CTS pots, but a guy said I messed up the pots by my soldering (the heat hurts the insides a little??). The neck was my biggest objection. It had a real slim 60's neck, and my hands are way to big for it. I would like to have a neck made by Warmouth or something with either standard or a bit wider neck at the nut. I bought some locking Kluson tuners for about $60 on sale at SM. I also got a dogear cover for the p90 pickup, and a different pickguard. I had to do the finish and everything. It was a lot of fun, and a bit frustrating, but worth it. Anyone buying a kit should really ask about the neck, though, nut measurements, etc. Thanks for sharing the video. I used to work in a machine shop, so doing this stuff is fun for me.

[@markmauldin5867]

Great job Darrell 👍

[@slicksalmon6948]

Thanks. You make this sort of thing seem possible. I'm surprised the neck isn't glued to the body. I wish you would have shown pickup and truss rod adjustment.

[@leroyjenkins4811]

This kit guitars seems like it’s a pretty good build and a pretty good value. It certainty sounds great! I like it. I might have to order one my own.

[@DraftZJ]

i might purchase one of these kits and just put in the pickups i want instead, can’t go wrong with that

[@nelsonechevarria7009]

@ZJ That's how to go about it,as long as the guitar body is crafted and fitted properly the electronics can be upgraded to make the guitar play and sound well.

[@pvlamrin]

Great video! I would like to see you check out a LTD EC-1000 in the future.

[@ClearAdventure]

All I wanted to see was the soldering...and it is all he skipped, lol. 🤦

[@senza4591]

Check the part 1

[@ClearAdventure]

@@senza4591 He skipped it in part 1, lol.

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

Clear Adventure, It's not the only thing he skipped. He didn't show how to install the pickups or switch. I wanted to see fretting, but all we saw was shaping & end cutting. I learned electrical/electronic soldering years before I became a licensed ham (1962) or started playing acoustic guitar (1964), so I was unlikely to learn much about it from this video. If you want to learn basic electronic soldering techniques, you can find them in ham radio books and websites.

[@ClearAdventure]

@@j.d.schultzsr.9215 Thanks, and props on your HAM. Now please realize I know how to solder wires together, lol, I was wanting to see his configuration on this guitar pickup assembly.

[@lawndart188s]

I love watching your vids Daryl.

[@davidmurray9193]

Love the white on the neck and headstock, it's different, nice one, and those pickups sound sweeeeeeet

[@sebbo1496]

that burst is so nice

[@Fig5000]

Great video! Very informative in an informal way.

[@Gabe-1997]

I preferred the tone of the kit guitar, and I say that as an owner of a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I definitely see the appeal of a kit guitar even for one with mostly traditional specs because you still get other more practical features like a more sensible headstock design and longer scale length.

[@justaburgscousin]

I bought a stewmac LP KIT with a glue in neck. The neck fit perfect, and the cheap pickups were actually pretty nice for bedroom use. Everything fit perfect, it was my first Time soldering and I did it first try. With the finishing, I spent about $350 on the Guitar. I’m happy with my purchase although if money is why you want to build one, your better off buying an Epiphone.

[@jcc777]

They both sound great on my I pod and I’m certain the kit is more in my budget. And half the fun would be in making it yourself.

[@gdlblues1]

Hi Darrell,good job on the kit..looks great..!!I have a 1979 Mex. Fender Strat just wanted to know is the neck on the Les Paul Kit the same as the Fender.Easy to play for me thin and narrow not wide and thick . I also have a 1997 Epiphone Sheraton but the neck is pretty wide and thick.I have a hard time playing the high notes.Fingers are not like they use to be anymore... I have carpal tunnel. Thanks..

[@D-A-1776]

I've been looking for a good kit guitar, thanks I'm definitely getting one of these

[@jamesparker4880]

I like the warmer tone.

[@mrlenny8135]

Man,it looks and plays great.Awsome video!

[@tonycross4519]

If it was mine. I would have trimmed the top of the headstock to give a more book end look like Gibson. Sand it down and painted the front and edges of head in gloss black. Just me. But still looks like an awesome kit. Good review!! Thanks!

[@ihaveaname05]

My OCD kicked in @3:00 lol AWSOME VID! Kinda want to build one now!!

[@magicman12b]

Geez.... I’m in love with your blue Les Paul !! You should compare it to your Ultimate Epiphone, a vs video.

[@sugatooth]

I see you're already getting good use of that amp shelf!

[@andrewh9629]

This series inspired me to buy a V kit, always wanted a black one but never wanted to drop the $ :)

[@realpool]

I think that the kit guitar is beautiful!

[@modergav]

Darrell, will you mod this guitar?

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

Looks are nice, but playability it the key to enjoyable music. Great review. Solo should be proud.

[@usmcyounggun6879]

Could lower the tailpiece and then do the wraparound method of stringing it up. But I’m not personally the biggest fan of how that looks, but does help with the break angle issue.

[@7caesar7]

Awesome job¡! Greetings From Tampa Bay Florida!!

[@mightyV444]

Very nice! And the blank headstock doesn't look as bad as I'd expected either :-)

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Just amazing for the price. Pickups sound good, too.

[@andydove7563]

Hi . I'd like to see you build an Explorer , the ones you get on Amazon , as I'm thinking of doing one myself . Would be great to see one built and your view on it . Hope you're safe and well . Andy :-)

[@derrick9702]

Just finished my PRK-15 Solo "PRS" guitar, upgraded with Fleor humbuckers

[@waynecribb4922]

Sounds quite nice. Very cool .

[@DHgtr1]

Hi ..Nice video..your the first guy Ive seen tell about raising the tailpiece..Ive been doing it for yrs..makes the guitar play much easier and better sustain..imo..to me screwing it down or overwrap the strings makes the guitar play very tight..just what i have learned to like ..i do it on all my T.O.M. bridges Thanks DH

[@daddio307]

I thought it was De -Cal, with a long E and a short A. You were right on reverb, but i'm not so sure about this, lol.

[@NKBobcat]

I actually went to a British English Dictionary that has pronunciation to figure that one! lol It's dee cal.

[@senza4591]

I think it's a regional thing. Dekyll vs Deekahl

[@michaelgallegos8811]

That's a nice kit thought about doing one just for fun 😀 thanks ,as always great video experience 👍

[@benpowersguitar]

Doesn't sound bad and looks great. I really like it's sound.

[@heavybrett-al4082]

That maple top, truely is stunning😍

[@noseyparker6622]

Its certainly not a top.....it will be a 0.5mm veneer at best lol.

[@michaelelliott2280]

I know this is a silly question. But would you consider doing a full tutorial. Showing/explaining soldering as well? Like if someone wanted to get into this as a hobbie or for fun. But had no knowledge about some of the lesser known things. Thanks for the great videos man

[@johndubchak]

Great 2-part video. In hindsight, would you have adjusted that neck by taking off some of the bottom of the joint to narrow/remove that gap?