Gibson Les Paul Headstock Splice

[@DTGuitarTech]

I’ve done a few Gibson and Epiphone headstock repairs. But that is just a work of art. Absolutely phenomenal repair. Probably better than it was when it came out of the factory both in terms of finish and strength. Amazing.

[@fredr2694]

Doug, this one takes me back to the DJM days on Raymond Rd, when you JV and MR worked your magic. I remember the first time I saw you bring a Gibson like this back from the dead and it never ceases to amaze me. Well done, my friend!

[@twocoolpianoguys4107]

That is the best neck repair I’ve ever seen it’s perfect!!!!

[@harleyveejay]

Impressive, really nice work Doug. The color match is pretty close, I really enjoy your videos, thanks.

[@monday6524]

In honor of this scarf joint episode I wore my best scarf while watching the video! I can’t imagine how awful the owner must have felt seeing their guitar in a broken heap. Saving the Gibson logo looked like a real challenge in patience. Another amazing accomplishment! The owner must be really happy! I was in Manchester and came by and browsed the store recently. All the spare parts were amazing!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Sorry I missed you!

[@monday6524]

@@dougmaccormack9485 You looked very busy!😃

[@polymorphism1966]

Good evening Doug, I just opened my iPad and saw this clip, now I’m not going back to sleep because this will give me nightmares Lol.

[@pvdguitars2951]

I worship your craftsmanship, Doug. And enjoyed every second of your Dave Meniketti meets Zakk Wylde tribute at the end 😉

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thank you! 🤘

[@markboreen3359]

Wow, that is some seriously fine work, Doug. You never cease to amaze me. Thanks for sharing.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks for your support Mark!

[@DaHill1998]

Masterful work! Looks and sounds fantastic. Thanks for posting.

[@harryhighpants8715]

Whatever they are paying you, Doug. It isn't enough. It's a pleasure to watch you work on that guitar. Regards from the UK.

[@nicholasbeer1511]

One of your very best yet Doug. Thank you for sharing. Nick B from the UK

[@Csharpflat5]

World class repair from Doug ❤

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks C#!

[@stewsim]

Wowza…! Amazing…!! Outstanding work Sir…!!!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joesantamaria5874]

Craftsmanship and nerves of steel. ☮️

[@balke7935]

Wizardry. No other word. Actually a better and cooler instrument than when it left the factory.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

No magic- just years of trial and error

[@timbeckett6970]

Amazing work!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks!

[@fredcoston6580]

Unbelievable work, you do just amazing.I don't know if I would have the patience for that.God bless you

[@picksalot1]

Beautiful work. Gibson Electric Guitars, supporting repairmen for almost 100 years. That's job security.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Amen to that!

[@garypannone7755]

Beautiful job. Looks like you have did this a few times. And it looks perfect. Kind of matches my Gretsch scarf joint. 👍

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks! I've done a few, but it's always a bit of a learning curve!

[@brettbunke9096]

I saw this when he started it . Sir your level of skill and dedication is outstanding top marks ( you would have far more then a few nickels for all Gibson headstocks you have returned from the afterlife!)

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Your my #1 Brett! Thanks for the support!

[@mikiegood]

Spectacular. You sir are no mere mortal.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thank you, your too kind! I'm just a guy who likes to fix guitars!

[@edwardpetersen4309]

Maybe when Gibson builds Les Pauls they could sink a couple of graphite strips in that area. The price they get for them should certainly cover the extra work. Another beautiful MacCormack procedure. Nice eyeballin on the truss rod slot guidelines! . . . and in general.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks Ed!

[@socialdestruction13]

Great job Doug!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks!

[@stealingtomorrowband]

Doug "the wizard luthier" to the rescue .. Just started this video before work this morning. I'm sure it's going to have a very successful ending.... 😊

[@dougmaccormack9485]

It did! No magic though- just years of repeatition and mistakes

[@MarsG0Dofw4r_]

Nice splice!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks Mars!

[@LothyBluesCave]

Great job!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jimf4492]

That's great work. Thanks!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Your most welcome Jim!

[@matthewmargetts8516]

Phenomenal repair. Undoubtedly a much sounder and stronger guitar than when it left the factory. I am curious to know if cutting away the trussrod tunnel and then reconstructing it makes the rod any less effective after the repair is complete?

[@dougmaccormack9485]

it works perfectly normal!

[@Gagaryn.]

Better than new!

[@RGBloke]

Amazing work, thank you for sharing Master, we're not worthy. It sure is a noisy shop, those Gorillas do go on 🤣

[@dougmaccormack9485]

In most cases my editing software can remove background noise and talking but it removes ALL THE TALKING including me!

[@Camcodrummer]

That's art!!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thank you. This work keeps my creative juices flowing for sure!

[@reijerlincoln]

Teach me, Master.

[@michaelnewman4154]

Great job

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks Mike!

[@guitarfinn1428]

Better than new

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Impressive!

[@0MyWay01]

“Fell down the stairs “ the evidence would suggest that it was pushed!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

LOL!

[@stephen3073]

In all the years of Gibson's existence, you'd think by now they would have figured out that slab-sawn neck timbers are highly prone to breaking at the headstock, especially with that huge, hollowed out truss rod cavity, right in the weakest spot. The grain structure should be vertical through the neck, NOT horizontal. That configuration makes the headstock area far less prone to breakage. And truss rod access should be at the end of the fingerboard, NOT at the headstock. That should be an elementary design feature. I guess they figure the Gibson break-away headstock is a feature, not a glitch; and maybe even a haloed tradition of Gibson guitars. I'm actually kind of surprised they haven't patented this innate flaw. Repair guys see so many broken Gibson headstocks, it's bread-and-butter work for them. I wonder if Gibson will EVER get a clue how to make strong, resilient guitar necks.

[@BootyCollins-gf5er]

Too bad their customer base doesnt want, or care about a modern guitar. It has to be how it was done in the 50s.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

I agree, it's a design flaw that's been around for decades.

[@stephen3073]

@@dougmaccormack9485 Doug, you performed a masterful repair on this particular Les Paul. So glad to see that this guitar will live on, thanks to your expertise! I can see you've had a LOT of practice. When I got into lutherie 25 years ago, my shop partner was running a busy guitar repair business in Seattle; and broken Gibson necks were one of the most common repair jobs that came in--sometimes three or four per month. I remember one of them was a Trini Lopez signature hollow body electric that had the headstock broken and repaired THREE TIMES! My friend and I both built our original instruments also, and the extensive repair history guided us into designing these kinds of flaws OUT of our instruments. Just because design flaws in old guitars have become "traditional" doesn't mean they should be continued! Lutherie is an evolving art form, and there are always ways to make guitars better!

[@tdmckee-mm8wn]

Was the original serial number stamped or a decal? I am assuming steamed. I use a set os steel stamps to re-create the number and “Made in U.S.A.” Before the grain filler.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

I just ordered some new quality 4mm & 6mm stamps from Owden

[@helenabasquette7222]

very nice work👍 but that has to cost more than its worth

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Gibson Les Paul's are worth over a couple grand these days.

[@helenabasquette7222]

@ i know which to me is crazy considering there so may nice guitars out there for$500 or less and the headstock wont break off or less likley to ✌️

[@moutinhoandroid]

Fabulous work... But what about the serial number?

[@dougmaccormack9485]

I just ordered some new quality 4mm & 6mm stamps from Owden

[@meltedwheeliebin]

Impressive

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Thanks!

[@MAX96MENDES]

Gibson innovation in guitar building has not changed over the years. WHY not just make a headless Les Paul guitar !?!!? LOL

[@dougmaccormack9485]

THEY EXIST although not actual Gibsons

[@lindsaythompson726]

Fantastic job, but what about the serial number?

[@dougmaccormack9485]

I just ordered some new quality 4mm & 6mm stamps from Owden

[@freighthauler7642]

Why didn't you stamp the serial number on the back of the headstock Mr professional?

[@dougmaccormack9485]

I do have some stamps but they are terrible. Maybe Santa will bring me some nice ones. The original headstock will be kept with the guitar though.

[@Goomer]

Damn!

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Goomer! Thanks!

[@eliandrus3136]

🤯Wow!🤯 🤜🤛🫶

[@CaptainRon1913]

Hello boys and germs?

[@dougmaccormack9485]

I meant to quote Milton Berle but got it backwards 🤦‍♂️

[@freighthauler7642]

It's not worth fixing. Gibson guitars are junk.

[@dougmaccormack9485]

Maybe so but it keeps me in buisness!