Heavily modded Chinese Les Paul Supreme

Yo!! What's up, dudes?!? So this is a vid I shot right before Christmas of a KZbin buddy's Chinese Les Paul Supreme that he heavily modded. He changed almost everything in it and it definitely made a difference.
Drinking Game: So I noticed I say "You know" about a thousand f'n times in this video. Take a drink every time I say it and you'll be shitfaced by the time the video is over, maybe even halfway through....
This guitar belongs to Chris Johanson and his music channel is here:
/ chrisjohansonmusic
Check out his new Marshall DSL 15H tube head. I thought it sounded pretty sweet.
Here's a list of the mods: Slash Alnico Pro II pickups. Grover tuners. All Gibson electronics, jack and switch. New nut. Bridge setup and intonation set. I think the only thing he didn't change was the bridge.
Enjoy!
--Steve
Facebook: pixlix

[@rjbron3038]

For people claiming patriotism: "In 2002, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China". Funny they criticize the buyer, but not the company that's been using Chinese labor for more than a decade.

[@douglane3962]

Dude, you bring about the air of an old pro that really dedicates his life to guitar. I like that. It's really all that matters to me in realizing what kind of guitarist I want to listen to when it come to developing myself as a player. subscribed in the first 20 seconds man, good job. fastest subscription I've ever made.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks! I remember Jason back in the day in Cacophany and on Roth's album. He was an incredible player and still is an incredible musician, as his last album clearly shows. To make an album in his current condition is such an inspiration.

[@ecsrvjh]

I did the exact same thing to my chibson custom $300 flea market same Slash signatures cloth coated wiring and its killer!!! I have no shame in telling real LP owners what it is and they love the mods on my mine as opposed to their stock LP. I got lucky with a really good neck and frets

[@Rickholly74]

You hit the nail on the head when you said "these are project guitars". I bought mine just for that purpose and I have changed the pups, the tuners, the pots and switches. I'll be changing the nut soon and then I'm done. You are also right about not mentioning who your seller is. We take a big chance that we are even going to get the guitar and lose you money. It is a throw of the dice and I don't want to be even remotely responsible for someone getting ripped off.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks! I really liked these pickups, too. They sound great! Someday I'll get the hardware changed in my copies. It really makes a difference.

[@leokimvideo]

I'm just a supporter of those who can deliver a good video on youtube, I have looked at a ton of basement guitar gods and I believe your one of the best, not only that you can communicate some fantastic knowledge to the viewers.. Best of all, your a guy who really knows how to play, and that only comes after a ton of years actually playing... that's something the young folk can't pull off just yet as they search to learn the classic rock guitar styles.

[@STEVEM730]

I would like to buy one with fake money

[@jaydoe9914]

USD is fake money!!! LOL

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks, Tony! I really did notice the great sound of these pickups, which goes to show how important good hardware is to getting good tone. Thanks for the kind words about my playing. I always hate my playing, so it's good to get some outside perspective before I beat myself up too much. I think I shot another video earlier that day, so it was probably just that I had warmed up a bit. lol Rock on, bro!!

[@svfutbol20]

Honestly, the average player and college budget guy should totally look into guitars like this. I hate the fake thing as much as the next guy, but if you're only making McDonalds money, it's not a bad idea...

[@ryant3600]

svfutbol20 It's not even about McDonalds money anymore. I have spent a small fortune on guitars over the years, for what? I don't play live, I play in my home and maybe with just a few people around but that's it. So why should I keep spending so much?

[@svfutbol20]

Ryan T I'm not sure why you would spend a fortune, A good Epiphone Les Paul with some upgraded hardware, custom bone nut and a proper set up would last you forever...

[@ryant3600]

So...why would I spend a few hundred more on an Epiphone when I can spend a lot less on one of these that comes with mostly Epiphone parts anyway? That doesn't make any sense. When I was younger I thought expensive guitars were the way to go but as I've grown up, matured, raised a family I've learned I've really become quite cheap. ha. I love my Chinese built guitars those that have seen them and played them love them as well. I just got a new one the other day. It's beautiful. I'm going to throw in a bone nut, new pots ( that I have had laying around for awhile now) , I have a set of locking tuners already just sitting in a box. I'll throw those on and some Seymours and we'll be good to go. Total cost breakdown: Guitar 156.00 (w/ Customizations ie. Ebony fretboard, "supreme" inlays, quilted maple top tobacco burst). Case 85.00. Shipping 85.00. Seymour set of SH2 adn SH4 142.00. Everything else I already had on me. So total cost: 468.00. Musicians friend lists a Epi Custom for 599.00 (w/ savings of 366.00). No seymours, no quilted maple top, and just the regular "Custom" inlays and shipping for musicians friend to me 50.00. so we're looking at 599.00 + 50.00 shipping plus 142.00 (pickups) and no case. Total cost: 791.00. Almost 800.00 vs. my 468.00 w/ case and seymours and upgraded locking tuners, pots and bone nut. And my guitar looks way better too. And my guitar just the guitar cost me 156.00 (with customizations, meaning I had it built for me with what I wanted, Epi won't do that). Epiphone Custom from Musicians friend (no real upgrades other than grover tuners) 599.00 and that's on sale. I'll stick to my chinese guitars. I just saved over 400.00. for the price of one EPi from Musicians Friend I could buy 3 of these Chinese LP's.

[@svfutbol20]

Ryan T The reason I went with the Epi 1960 Tribute Plus is because of two things. First, it shipped with Gibson '57 Classics, a switchcraft toggle, Grover locking tuners, and that handy snap-in bridge and tailpiece. $650 on Zzounds. Secondly, it doesn't say "Gibson" on the headstock, which would kill me if the guitar was a fake.

[@ryant3600]

you can get these headstocks to say anything you want now or nothing at all... You can completely customize them. My last one..I had made it has the "supreme" inlays, ebony fretboard (instead of of rosewood), etc...Still not a bad deal for 150 bucks.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks, Don! I really like that blue Ace of yours. It's a beautiful guitar! I never cared for the Epi headstock, but I guess it's just a matter of taste. Someday I'll do a total hardware makeover like this one. It really makes a difference.

[@alsaul2437]

Thank you for your reviews. I have found that the schaller roller bridge from Stew Mac fits perfectly.

[@SFBGuitar]

No problem, bro! I really liked the guitar and it was nice to check out those killer pickups. I think it sounds great, way better than my stock Chibsons.

[@SFBGuitar]

Same here! It's nice, especially in the winter, to have a little basement project to work on. Not only can you make it the way you want, it's a nice hobby when everything outside is frozen.

[@leokimvideo]

Just on Celebration Day I do wonder how much post production work the sound has had, we all know Jimmy has a passion for production perfection...thank god for that. The part I love in the DVD is in Nobody's Fault But Mine where it starts to get a little out of sync.....and look how Jimmy pulls it back together again. Thats the sign of a real master at work. He played through the trouble parts like a absolute pro that he is.

[@trevlocke1962]

HI, i have the same guitar (different colour) I am thinking of changing the pick ups and electrics, was it a tricky job due to the limited space, or did you find it easy ?? cheers

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks, Chris! I have a buddy with a Kramer he can bring over for a video, but I'd love to find a Pacer Imperial, a Custom I, or a even a Stage Master. I played a Kramer Pacer Imperial for most of the 80s, so it would be nice to get one again. Thanks so much for the kind words! Much appreciated.

[@SFBGuitar]

I'm with ya regarding the project guitars. The Epi's are perfect for customization. I agree about getting the details to your specs. It really makes a difference.

[@leokimvideo]

I absolutely love Jimmy's playing, style and production. But even in the doco It Might Get Loud I felt Jimmy was still very closed about his craft. I loved Jack White's openness and honesty. Possibly between these players we can see how younger folk operate Vs the closed shop mentality of those older, in particular if your form the UK as it's almost bred into people there to tell no one your little advantages over others.

[@rickrocker77]

YES DUDE THANK YOU, I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ON THE BUYING ONLINE YOUR 100 % CORRECT ABOUT THE PICTURES AND HOW THE MAKE UP IS I AM SO GLAD YOU DID THIS VIDEO , THANK YOU SO MUCH STEVE ! ! !

[@TheGuitar247]

Its 30 seconds for a song before you break copy right law, which in this case on a review on a guitar like what you do is dumb. Love your videos btw, idk if I'm ever going buy a Chinese copy, but its always interesting to see these.

[@TonyFuentesTV]

you made that les paul copy really sound nice! the pickups are crisp sounding..bright, yet so clear! the mods do look realy great...licks seem more fiery of late, I like it! Steve shredding! (laughs)! great video, buddy!

[@MCguit88]

i remember one interview years ago someone asking him about his alternate tunings and Page told him to figure it out for himself,gotta love it.

[@leokimvideo]

Pixxy's popular because he has a great balance of personality, great guitar playing and info about guitars in just about every upload. The oldest saying in the business of producing media content is CONTENT IS KING...Pixxy's dong it fine. Also notice how Pixxy is addressing his audience, he's like a close friend and your down in the basement with him, it feels relaxed. Thats really important to do if you want to key into your audience. Pixxy's fancy in all the right ways.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks!! That's what I've heard. I also hear that the GFS ones are pretty good. Cheap and made to fit "most imports."

[@SFBGuitar]

I like these pickups, too. Super rich with lots of harmonics and no mud.

[@leokimvideo]

possibly your best video to date, loved the tips about the nasty aspects to buying these guitars as always amazing playing interesting about US law and how you can't sell these there, it's a very different world where I live, no guns but loads of knock off guitars in the markets

[@leokimvideo]

In the realm of collecting anything, often money is not part of the equation...if it is your possibly collecting for the wrong reasons

[@kitthevideoman]

Sir, not only are you a great guitar tech and commentator, but you are good enough a player to be a pro. You are THE MAN!

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks, Brian! I'm trying to keep to the new schedule, so at least one more this week.

[@OddTimeMan]

Those Genuine Gibson Replacement Parts are also made in Asia...and they're grossly overpriced because the packaging has the Gibson logo on it.

[@freddiemiranda9325]

Great Modifications ! Sounds fantastic !! Who cares about the jack plate ! lol !

[@SFBGuitar]

Agreed! The guitar played and sounded really nice. The Stealth will make an appearance soon. I worked on it a bit last night and it's almost ready for Prime Time. My Stealth was a bit cheaper, $174 for the guitar and $80 shipping, $254 total. Chapman Stick! Those were so hot back in the 80s. Thanks for the kind words!

[@SFBGuitar]

It's not just the size of the post, the spread between posts is also off. I think the GFS ones will drop right in, though, and they're much better quality than stock. That BB sounds awesome, especially with the coil cut switch. Sweet!

[@Kineticartist]

Great video I'm in the middle of nodding our Jay Turser Les Paul circa 1990 with dream 90s pick ups New 250k pots spetzal type locking tuners and gold/abalone volume/tone knobs hope my mods make this ok guitar sound better the body is beautiful with a set neck and rosrwood fretboard

[@nielsanderson4926]

Hey there Steve Here A reply from Niels Anderson from Amsterdam Holland And I bought A Chinese made Chibson Les Paul Custom made with A 24 fret Neck And I have totally upgraded the thing with A Real Tusk Nut A Tone Pro bridge and I put a couple of Real Seymour Duncan pick-ups on it and I replaced the wiring with first class copper wound wires and after 4 years that thing is Awesome is growing on me and the most popular guitar I have and I have like three strats A nice Ibanez 250 double cutaway and two Les Paul guitars both fakes the wine Red is the one with 24 frets the other one is with an inlay the Tree of life I love your reviews and Go on doing the right thing show everyone what is the crap and the good straight from the heart I don't know when you did this one But because of you I never got ripped off And I am really greatful for this I've been playing like Fifty years and I like the way you do Slash things

[@chuckpeterson552]

I enjoy watching your video's they are very interesting! I'm older school had my hay-day in the 70's Lol!! Keep rocking guy! We never get to old to have fun with it even if we dont play out anymore!!

[@Squazzoo68]

Plus he always looked so cool onstage, and made the Les Paul guitar even cooler!

[@hellsan631]

Oh thanks man. I've actually been looking for them, I remember seeing some of their video lessons on KZbin but forgot who that was. I've been looking for that sound ever since seeing paul gilbert play a Saxon riff on a youtube video..

[@MrBlueshammer]

First of all you are a hell of a player and then everything else ....i may say you a piece of art

[@ronnie5129]

HELLO, I WAS INTERESTED IN THE COST YOUR FRIEND SPENT TO MODIFY THIS GUITAR,, AND WHAT HE PAID FOR IT WHEN HE BOUGHT IT,, THE GUITAR SOUNDS GREAT NOW, THANKS, COUSIN FIGEL

[@SoreEyeMusic]

You have a radio-speaker voice! xD You should be a voice for a rock radio or something

[@tommyfoust8684]

I agree! Good clear voice would be great on radio..

[@SFBGuitar]

This one sounds at least as good. Those Slash pickups are just killer. Really nice.

[@letthemetalflow]

Hi Steve. Finally heard the magic words "vintage Kramer guitars". Can't wait to see you reviewing those beauties. I bought my first Kramer last week from the first owner. It's a 1987 Kramer Pacer Custom I in white. Looks amazing and sounds incredible! Was really hard to find one over here in the Netherlands but finally got one. Love the vids!! Keep it up! Chris

[@tenodogblu]

Ryan makes good sense here, gonna give one a try!!

[@MrPhrozin]

tenodogblu no he doesn't hes a fucking idiot if the Chinese Gibson didn't say Gibson on the head stock no fucker would be interested in them, you can buy les pauls made better with same shit for less then $100 but doesn't say Gibson on the head stock, what would be worse going to a gig where guys know the difference trying to pass it off as real would be embarrassing you would look like a real fucking tosser, then say that the Chinese was as good as the real deal is fucking rubbish Gibson Les Paul is the benchmark not some doggy made Chinese price of rubbish period. As for the legality of them being imported you would find they would haft to be licensed by Gibson to make them in the 1st place as the design is owned by Gibson where i live they wouldn't get past customs and nor should they

[@ml2054]

Pussy

[@Justin17camaro]

I never had the pleasure to play a guitar with the Slash Pups yet. After listening to this video, those Pups seem to do a very clean job. Might also have to do with your tone. (Which is great by the way) I love your videos man. You really know how to tune people in. Best of luck to your possible future Supreme upgrades. Hope to see a video of it one day. Last but not least, KEEP ON ROCKING MY FRIEND!

[@126wfer]

i have in my lp custom the tonepros for gibson not the epi style 490r and 498t grover 502G cts pots and bumblebeees caps the guitar its about 9.5 pounds and sounds awesome

[@leokimvideo]

Mr Page is also the master of completely custom rigged guitars, who knows what his set up is in whatever toggle selection, there is a video on the tube looking at some of his guitars and the little hidden switches he has on them. Celebration Day was stunning BUT lacked any background to the performance, unless I bought the cheap version. Notice no close-ups on Page's hands when playing...thats secret squirrel stuff.

[@SFBGuitar]

Yeah, I think they're the best deal on the market. A Japanese-made guitar with a slim neck and very good build for usually under $500 and sometimes under $300. That's a win-win!!

[@leerkeller]

One final thing, when the fret level/ set-up was done the tech wrapped the strings over the tailpiece. Was that a proper thing to do with a guitar than already had such a bright, loud sound? The strings buzzed before any wrapping was done, but is there any chance that some of the remaining buzzing is caused by the wrapping. I didn't request for it to be done along with the set-up, so is there any point in requesting that the store's tech reverse it?

[@SFBGuitar]

I'm glad I read your reply first or I'd be like "No headstock?!?!" lol Yeah, they're hit or miss. If anything is consistent, it's their inconsistency.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks! How are you liking Win8? I have a test copy with a temporary license (it expires in June) and so far I'm kinda lost. lol I'm just so used to the old interface it's a bit of a shock. Just trying to find the Shut Down button was a chore. Bummer about GR5. I used TH2 in this vid and now listening to it a few weeks later I'm really liking the tone of that XTC head. I'm also looking into S-Gear. They look really good. Rock on!!

[@straybeat]

Wow, I watched this old vid again, it's weird seeing you without a beard now Steve. LOL And if your buddy still has that fake Suprome, they make adapters for the bridge screws to change them to Gibson.

[@scottthomas3997]

I love that guitar were did you get that looks excellent

[@SFBGuitar]

After playing this one, yes, yes I do. lol It definitely made a noticeable difference. I've been waiting for something to break to give me an excuse to upgrade some parts, but two and a half years later and it's still working fine. So maybe I'll find some cash to upgrade it. I liked these Slash pickups. Really nice.

[@SFBGuitar]

Actually the post spread is a little narrower on the real ones, so that's why you can't just use an upgraded one with the smaller posts. I've seen a real one smashed onto the old bushings and it's not a pretty site (and completely unable to be adjusted). I think the GFS ones are direct replacements (correct spread between posts) and are made much better than the stock.

[@SFBGuitar]

Yeah, my Stealth copy was $254, and $80 of that was shipping. The guitar itself was $174. It was supposed to be the flat-top one with a gloss finish that looked rubbed to a matte finish with steel wool, but when it showed up it was real matte paint and had the raised top like the $3k Stealth. Once I got the neck in the right place (a luthier friend did it) it was fine after that.

[@redrocker1055]

Gibson hasn't made a good guitar since the left Kalamazoo so why the hell not save a couple grand and buy a knockoff?

[@kissmickd]

wahwah1013 Or buy from The Heritage. But even they're expensive

[@universalmanchild]

Buy a Gibson Custom Shop. They make tip top product.

[@kissmickd]

fred flinstone I love Gibson frets. Can't beat them. Nickel baby. That's why gibson have such a clearer tone than Epiphone's. A lot to do with the frets, setup, and of course hardware.

[@IncurZeAwperator]

i disagree, epiphone has less clear tone because their pickups are not nearly as good.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks, Leo! I think you're my biggest supporter. Yeah, we have 300 million guns in the US. I wish guitars were as popular! lol

[@iwillnevergetone5]

yea actually you're right. I didn't take into account the high risk that the fakes come with. there is definitely some comfort in knowing that with an epi comes legitimacy and the ability to return if not satisfied. good point. ...I still may end up with one of these fakes one day haha. your vids make them seem so awesome

[@ACMusicland]

Great review. I'm always impressed by your playing as well.

[@leokimvideo]

somewhere in America, in a basement of a house a guitar guy plays a fake Les Paul like a guitar god, looks like 2013 will be a stunning year for Pixxy Lixxx

[@guitarlessons205]

Steve I'm just curious man which guitar is your absolute favorite out of all yours or Bobby's guitars

[@SFBGuitar]

I think some of the new Gibsons will glow (like the Budakon I played) because Gibson has moved to acrylic inlays. They used to use mother of pearl, but some of their latest ones are using acrylic. Yeah, they're project guitars for sure. A little work, though, and they play great. This one played as nice as any guitar I've played.

[@hellsan631]

what do you think about the 80's hard rock revival with the newer bands like wolfmother and airbourne? Also, I wouldn't really call surfing "Metal", The only two really heavy songs (sonic wise) are crushing day and maybe ice 9.

[@SFBGuitar]

I thought they sounded great, too. Nice and rich with just the right amount of bite. I have a friend that swears by changing pickups in every guitar to Duncan or Dimarzio, and now I'm starting to agree with him.

[@SFBGuitar]

I haven't done anything to mine, either, other than repairs and setups. The Stealth was the worst one, though it's playing much better now. Like the Chibanez, it really needs a new tremolo. The Chinese trems are just awful. I'm with you, reverb forever! lol Rock on!!

[@Bovara]

I love the bare bones honesty of your videos. I found this one fascinating, as the say you get what you pay for. If you want a project, knock offs/copies can be a great way for amateur luthiers to develop there skills. If you want a out of the box no hassle guitar, buy legit from legit dealers with reliable warranties. Great vids, great playing keep em coming :)

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks!! I haven't tried the ESP, but I like the '59/JB set. That's a classic! I'll see if any of my friends own one and get them over here. At $599, it's certainly far less than the Gibson LP Standard.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks! Some will be long and others a little shorter. It really just depends on the video.

[@SHAW2036]

great guitar,i have a few of these,play some old school judas priest pixxxxy

[@SFBGuitar]

I have no idea, Mike. How it works is beyond me, and I'm not alone. It appears Google keeps such things a trade secret.

[@nsuperdude1]

I had a quick question, I see your using your computer everytime you change the sound of your guitar, are you using some sort of computer program to emulate sounds, and if so would you tell me what you use, thanks

[@franciscogallegos4408]

Fucking sick man. Love your playing

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks! No, I haven't tried them, though the AR420 looks almost exactly like my AR300, except it uses a rosewood fingerboard instead of ebony and an abalone trim. It even has the tri-sound electronics.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks again, Leo. I'm hoping 2013 is a good year for KZbin, too. If I can get to 10k subs, I'll be stoked.

[@SFBGuitar]

I haven't heard of those bands, but I'll check them out. My favorite 80s metal band of late is Steel Panther. They can all play really well, write great songs, and have a great satirical take on that period. I'm with you, Surfing wasn't really metal, though a few tunes pretty heavy.

[@gtrmanvintage]

the distortion patches sound muddy on our end in you tube land.love thr channel i would like to hear the guitars through an amp.thanks

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks! Those are really funky looking guitars. They can be hit or miss, so be prepared to make a few fixes, though it sounds like you're going to change out all the hardware, anyway. Let me know how it turns out.

[@SFBGuitar]

It's weird, because they don't flag me with a strike, more like an inquiry. It's probably because I monetized my videos that I get more scrutiny. Anything even remotely like a commercial tune raises a flag. That seems to be the weakest part of the imports -- the pickups and electronics. I noticed the improvement right away on this guitar. Thanks for the support!!

[@georgerobinson9275]

I just finished doing the same thing and it is now one great player! I put a gold Gibson 57 at the neck and a gold slash signature at the bridge! Wow!

[@Jagstaldincola]

It's NP that you make long videos "Pixxy Lixx". - We love them! ^^

[@TheLurkingLlama]

I don't know why but I just love this guys intro

[@SFBGuitar]

The Elitist has a larger and nicer headstock than the newer Chinese ones, though, right? From what I see on Google Images it's much closer to the Gibson headstock. It's the smaller curved and bumpy headstock of the new ones that I don't like.

[@SFBGuitar]

That's the biggest thing for me, the headstock shape. I've played some with slim neck, but it seems inconsistent. The last one I played had a huge neck, though it may have been a "50s" model, which would explain the size.

[@SFBGuitar]

It's weird, because they seem to have degrees of copyright violation. I don't have any strikes, but they seem to say I need to provide proof of ownership from time to time. The worst is when they just outright mute the audio, that only happened on covers when I used the original track as the backing track. Fair Use is a bit muddled and they seem to err on the side of caution. Oh well, so long as I have no strikes I'm good. Thanks for the kind words. Very much appreciated.

[@SFBGuitar]

They only seem to ask for rights when I play long riffs or signature riffs. Small snippets and simple chord changes seem to be ok. They don't give me a strike, they just warn that copyrighted material was found and that they may need some proof of rights. It's just a hassle, so I'm making an effort to avoid it.

[@trevinor3]

dude, that axe has major mojo bro! man, tone out the wazzooo!

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

Surfing with the aliens is highly technical metal and its a wonderful way to figure out that its not playing a guitar that makes you good its playing the music! Right Pixxy!!!

[@neurocosm]

That thing sounds like a MONSTER. Jeez. I would be really interested in seeing your EVH Stealth copy! I went to the NH guitar Center and checked out the Special import model and was really impressed. Though at the time, a grand (or so) was not in my budget! Funnily enough, I just ordered a custom Chapman N/S Stick for $2200. I guess its all about priorities :D Awesome playing man, as usual. Crazy.

[@dino007]

Hey Pixxy I have a Kramer body from the 80's. a buddy bought it from the factory and airbrushed it. I bought years later and a couple of years ago I finally put it all together. The neck is from a local guitar builder. I think its a Pacer but not a 100% sure. It has 2 single coil pick ups and a humbucker on a slant. and it had 3 small holes for micro switches.

[@SFBGuitar]

Don't get me wrong, I love it, it was just surprising because I rarely use that middle position and here he was showing how killer it can sound. lol That real Supreme was really nice, but the copy -- after the mods -- was no slouch either. It goes to show how important good hardware is to a guitar. I'm hopeful for my Pats, but if there was one team that worries me it's the Ravens. But at least we don't have to travel to Denver, which would suck. Keeping my fingers crossed....

[@marcoshac7997]

Hi, love the videos... I was reading what he did and actually I also had replaced my pick ups on my Les Paul for a Alnico II Slash.. and the sound changed like 10.000%. So much brighter and thicker. Now, change some of the pots and other stuff as you presented might be good to.. Thanks for showing this. Take care.

[@SFBGuitar]

Thanks! I hadn't heard of them but I just did a Google search and they look really nice. I like ESP, too, and I owned one in '88, an ESP Strat with a Floyd Rose and EMG pickups. It was pretty sweet, though I paid a lot for it, around $750. I sold it for $685, so I lost a little cash on the deal.

[@leerkeller]

There is an awful lot of audible string buzz/slap, much more than I have heard on any of your other videos. Which leads me to believe it is the guitar and not the equipment. I actually am having a similar problem. I recently purchased a chinese Les Paul clone (Xaviere XV-500). I was getting a lot of buzz from the on the E/A strings unless I played in the most gentle, dainty manner. I took the guitar for a fret level/set-up at my local guitar store and the guitar came back the same. Suggestions?

[@koltonmccallister6170]

How did he change the pots with no control cover? Thought the pots were not accessible.

[@rockinozzy22]

Do you think it's worth saving a bit of money and doing that or get a real les Paul. I am saving for a les Paul at the moment but have been looking at these Chinese ones on trade tang and wondering if I can make one as good as a gibbo with some mods?

[@davidallen346]

Sometime a new Gibson plays and sound like a Chinese copy really, so I wouldn't mind having this guitar but its mostly luck and finding the right luthier and if u can do it urself to make it 100% better than the original or something close to it.

[@SFBGuitar]

I like the JS1000! I also really like the old Radius, which was the precursor to the JS series. I see those out there for short money ($600-$650), and they were MIJ.

[@propertycruise3942]

Here's is a new China Guitar. Everything has been replaced except the tuners and whammy bar. The whammy says "Wilkinson". It stays in tune really well. I replaced the frets with EVO medium jumbos. Pickups are S. Duncan Dimebag set and middle pickup is a Dimarzio HS-2, Nut is Tusq Strat precut, CTS pots and switch. I used a neck jig and sanding beam to level the frets as perfect as I could. It plays better than most of my brand name guitars now. Here, I am jamming with a backing track that I just found, so I don't know what I am doing. Just Goofing My Latest Custom Guitar Project - by: Michael E. Lynch