Harley Benton PB-50 modifications update, with headstock reshape explained.

[@PéterLieber-c8r]

Hey mate, I loved your videos and decided to reshape my pb50'headstock. Could you please let me know where I could download an actual size headstock template. Thanks Pete

[@pauljhann]

Hey Paul, your headstock mod looks quite stunning and is something I also desperately want to do, but after hours of searching, I drew a blank on the template as the previous link you posted no longer works Could you supply another link please? Great job all round!!!

[@MrTimdriver]

Shame about the hole under the scratch plate. I bought a b stock one last year and the first thing I did was take the scratch plate off, no holes! Would love to make the headstock like yours, don’t know if I have the skill, certainly don’t have a jigsaw! Excellent job sir!

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Thanks, I’m no carpenter but I found it fairly easy to do. It’s not 100% perfect (little bit of tear out) but it’s not noticeable. I should’ve practised on some MDF or scrap wood first, if I did it again that’s what I’d do.

[@kingstumble]

Very interesting. You have made a really good job of reshaping the headstock.I like it. I had a custom made pickguard made for my Roland Ready Strat about ten years ago and that cost me £60 if memory serves-----and that was with me supplying the blank pickguard sheet,so the £65 you have been quoted seems par for the course.I have put Fender Flatwounds(9050ML) on my Squier Fretless Jazz---they are absolutely fine. Good luck with the remaining work you've got lined up.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

kingstumble Thank you, glad you like the headstock. I will reassemble it all later this week and do a really quick video to show how it looks. Thanks again :)

[@jquill6]

Not surprised at all about what was lurking under the scratch plate. I’ve seen worse behind MIM scratch plates. I’ve ordered one of these from Thomann. Once it plays and sounds good I’ll be happy

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Brief FYI: I just received my one of these from eBay this morning for less than £80 in brand-new condition, tags and all! It’s the earlier version with the Wilkinson pick up and although the machine heads are NOT the greatest I’ve ever seen everything else on it is PERFECT No holes under the scratch plate Photo flame front and back cover the entire body no problems…

[@rassulsatybaldiyev3406]

8

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@rassulsatybaldiyev3406 Not sure what you mean..?

[@craigparse1439]

Warmoth guitars sell this type of pickguard (made for Fender basses) and the 3-ply white is $30 USD. You could also go crazy and get a tortoise one for $50 USD.

[@proileri]

First time I've seen pickup wire channel done this way. But with other manufacturers, they might just route a deep wire channel under the pickguard, for example my $800 Gibson SG Special has one. So definitely "hiding holes under the pickguard" is a standard practice - technically speaking this drill hole is smaller than the routing on my Gibson!

[@bluestough]

Brilliant, Paul!

[@MartyPro1207]

Like your project! How did you make the headstock decal? It looks great!

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

MartijnH thanks! I ordered it from a company called Rothko & Frost in the U.K.

[@MartyPro1207]

@@PaulWilliamGibson thanks! and did you apply the decal before or after the vintage lacquer? it looks very smooth on the surface:)

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

MartijnH a light coat of lacquer first, apply the decal when dry, and then another thin coat of lacquer. The decals are very high quality and very thin so the lacquer almost melts the clear parts. It’s worth spending money on good quality decals. I’ve used cheap ones before and they never look as good.

[@diecuttingsolutionsinc6745]

Did you e mail the vender to see if you can buy a white pick guard?

[@wimrocknsad]

could the hole not be done by the person who sent it back (as it was a bstock)

[@jasontovey8635]

Hi - how any coats of lacquer did you do on the neck? Cheers

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Jason Tovey just two, a very light coat before applying the decal and then one more slightly heavier coat. That’s it, I wanted it to be fairly thin so it wears naturally.

[@jasontovey8635]

@@PaulWilliamGibson The same with fretboard? Many thanks Jason

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Jason Tovey yes, I just left the back bare

[@jasontovey8635]

@@PaulWilliamGibson Thanks Paul....

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Jason Tovey no worries, good luck if you’re trying it. Spray nitro outside if you haven’t got a spray booth, it’s nasty stuff...

[@tomrabbani]

Hi, do you have a link to the headstock template? I can't seem to find one. Cheers.

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

ybofijuquk1.pleser.ru.net/389162-jecil-197269/0ae59e1705d7839ec3ed54c9a416b92e_316614.php

[@DoctorMigrana]

Hi!! Link doesn't rule... Have you the template? Thanks a lot

[@mr.p3666]

sir question. If replacing headstock it is contain also the fretboard i mean if u would replace the headstock it means u will replace fretboard to headstock? And there will be a change of tone or anything if i do that?

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Mr. P Hello. I didn’t replace the headstock, it’s the original one but I reshaped it by cutting it to make the new shape, there is no change to the tone at all.

[@mr.p3666]

PaulGibsonMusic ohh ok sir thanks for the info :)

[@rmccain99]

Is that made in China?

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Not sure but probably