I Bought the CHEAPEST Vintage Les Paul in the World!! It's a Disaster... Can It Be Saved??

[@agufish]

Honestly, I have know idea wtf happened to this, but here we are lol. Literally so much work had to be done to this garbage fire that the restoration had to be split. Part 2 dropping tomorrow! Make sure your notifications are on so you don’t miss it! UPDATE Part 2 (the final build and TONES) is LIVE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpjVhoWPaJ6FfNk

[@andybungert]

Liked this comment, forgot all about it. Assumed the video was going to go full circle. Disappointed myself with my bad short term memory :D Can't wait for tomorrow!

[@sog6289]

How the paint job of the guitar? If it poop maybe someone like historicmakeovers on Instagram can help? Like when sanding off the paint maybe they can find the serial number and added it to the new paint job? Idk just an idea it your guitar after all haha

[@Guitarmachine115]

You’re so lucky lol I would literally give you my sg for it lmao 😂

[@ScttSt_vocals]

Oh, it's a shame tho. You could've put 7 string soapbar fishmans in those routs. And it would be hella unique. But classy works as well. I guess..

[@AljonGo]

Looking forward to part 2!

[@budberger4852]

Thank you for letting us at Wendell’s work on this. We had a lot of fun

[@suitsandstrings55]

You guys are incredible, a treat to watch!

[@jonnykanesantos]

Thanks for letting him in! We love to see this stuff

[@decrypter]

It was an inspiration to see you guys working on this!

[@AD1978leo]

You guys do great work!

[@TheFojacko2]

That evh face mask is sick!

[@asizeablebear]

Ah yes, a "gently used guitar". As far as mod projects go, this may be the most exciting one you've done yet. Truly starting from nearly scratch.

[@kevinvivian7274]

Did not skip a single part of the restoration footage, put some respect on the man doing a fret job FROM SCRATCH with STAINLESS STEEL

[@robertwilkerson1720]

I’ve heard stainless steel frets are a pain in the ass to work with and now I see why. The guy spent days filing them down! I’ve never played a guitar with those frets but I’d like to try them out. Frets can make a guitar feel and play so much different.

[@squibblez2517]

For real. Fret work is a pain without having the frets being huge and having to work with a 50ish year old ebony fretboard. The man is a legend.

[@MrPhins]

I was waiting for the luthier to utter the magic words, "Um, I hate to tell you this but you bought a Chibson."

[@shaysonclay1943]

Luckily chibsons are painfully obvious. Those pick up cavities are a dead ringer for chibson quality though.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

you would have to be a fucking tit to think this is a chibson

[@MrPhins]

@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 If I had put a 🤣 emoji would that have helped you comprehend? Others seemed to have no problem understanding the joke.

[@gc6391]

I’ve never had a Chibson. Out of interest, have any of you guys had one or played one?

[@squibblez2517]

@@gc6391 I have a Chibson version of a Zakk Wylde flying V. I gotta say, if its well put together, they can be fantastic instruments. However, mine was bought as parts and built here in the states by a luthier as a project. Most Chibsons built overseas will not perform that well, sadly.

[@briansau8729]

This video makes me wish there was a "Pimp My Ride"-type show for guitars. Just have a custom shop go nuts to butts with old/rescue guitars. Don't think there's that much of a market for it, but it'd be super fun to watch.

[@jantradaach.4996]

exactly what I was thinking when I watched the whole re-fretting process

[@LiterallyJustA357]

Id absolutely love that

[@DoseOfRiffs27]

Look up “trash to thrash” here on KZbin

[@RockyH.]

Thanks for the idea....see ya on the History Channel soon! LoL

[@halovair]

Check out "Sharpen My Axe" by Phillip McKnight

[@MetalheadSavior]

Local to the area and it's super cool of you to be supporting independent local music shops. Been taking my gear to Wendell for years. Cheers from Marietta!

[@connormcinerney7503]

After all that teasing on the community tab, I CALLED IT

[@nisoldi]

I love these types of videos. I love watching passionate guitarists and luthiers give these guitars a seond life when companies like gibson would rather run over guitars with minor defects with a bulldozer. Good shit Aqufish! Enjoy the new(ish) guitar. I have a 1974 Les Paul custom that was literally given to me as a gift by a coworker because it sat in his basement for 25 years untouched, and he wanted someone to enjoy it. Youre about to hit 100k too man. That sick, I think I am going to pull the trigger on a alpine white or black les paul custom also since my own KZbin channel just hit 250k subs (if you like comics check out Key Issues). Looking forward to the next video!

[@agufish]

That's awesome, man! Congrats on both the 250K milestone and the gifted Les Paul lol. Been looking for a crash course on the MCU because I haven't the foggiest what's going on, so I'll definitely check it out!

[@unconventionalluthier8531]

Norlin era Les Pauls are awesome. The Personal/professional is my favourite. A great way to launch Gibson purists into a stratosphere.

[@cjj312]

I figure that statement always needs an asterisk. There were some from that era that were real dogs, but unless you were planning to keep it original you could do a project like this to correct a lot of issues. Unfortunately, if you have payed collectors money for a guitar and it's a complete dog, it isn't always attractive to do a major mod project...

[@tommywd40]

@@cjj312 not some, many LOL.

[@ronniefnd]

Agreed. I'm a huge deluxe fan. Love the Norlins with mini humbuckers.

[@nicolassanchez3099]

You making whatever you want with this vintage Gibson Is the peak of everything i like about you're Chanel Love you man 💖

[@TheRemixGeneration]

As a les paul purist....I love what you di to this guitar. It was never going to be a les paul again, and what you did to it is in the spirit of custom guitars!

[@MrJingles021]

I love that you showed the whole process from the luthier. Great video.

[@fearpocalypse8062]

Dude that looks so cool. People that judge others for modifying their guitars are annoying. If it’s your guitar you can do whatever you want! You earned the money and you’re the one bringing it back to life!

[@squibblez2517]

As much as I love it when an old guitar is restored to fac spec, seeing this old girl get a breath of modernity was really cool! Earned a sub from me!

[@nickagervasi]

I LOVE the fact that you are going extra jumbo stainless. Amazing.

[@adityap8746]

That is pretty fucking great to see Hunter! I haven’t seen many people take such a modern approach toward redoing an old Les Paul. Aaaand old Les Paul bodies have now gone up in value.

[@levisalazar8031]

Wendall's did an amazing job restoring this guitar. It really shows dedication and craftsmanship. I live in GA and Wendall's just gained a new customer. I definitely want to go to them for all my guitar needs.

[@wendellwalker1025]

Come see us!

[@stephanematis]

I can get behind this kind of video. Effort -> Results. Mad props for Wendell, and you for paying his efforts. This could be a nice "series", one instrument every 6 months, showing off what can be achieved. You should do a breakdown of cost, time and such for folks to "get it".

[@clench13]

So cool. I can’t tell you how jelly I am over a 1974 Les Paul. That’s awesome. Can’t wait for part two!!

[@hershellumiere]

Cant wait for Part 2 man. This build is so inspirational.

[@monsterk7603]

This is totally like an ASMR video. Very calming, soothing and reassuring. Looking forward to part II. \,,/

[@DarttheLegend]

Yes! HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER! As someone who is critical of Gibson for never getting with the times, I love the upgrades!

[@suitsandstrings55]

If Im ever down in GA I'll have to check out Wendell's. Taking this on alone deserves at least me getting some strings from the guy lol! An absolute craftsman.

[@carybarron5821]

Bring an axe for s setup for something :) he really is the Mayo clinic for guitars.

[@racinzebra95]

I kinda wanna take my old stage Washburn down to GA for it's much needed maintenance

[@BAMozzy69]

I really don't see how anyone can have issue with your choice not to 'restore' to factory specs. You have taking a complete relic piece of junk and turned it into a functioning and no doubt loved musical instrument!

[@BadMotivator66]

And refrets on ebony can’t be done too often anyway. Stainless steel makes a tonne of sense

[@RockyH.]

I'd kill for this 74' my year.

[@rodkozevenikoff6665]

I just fixed my grandpa's Turbo Electronic Les Paul copy. I put some Seymour Duncan JB/59 buckers with CTS pots and braided wires. Took a couple of tries and a lot of KZbin videos to get the wiring right but it works and I love it all over again. It was my first official guitar of my own and I plan to play it more now that it's playable. Love your videos. 🤘

[@rhymeskill]

This is an amazing video. Looking forward to seeing and hearing the end result. I like your mix of demos, reviews and tech stuff. You and Phil McKnight are my favorite channels.

[@unmike19]

Super appreciate seeing this whole process. Stoked for tomorrow's video

[@eddiejr540]

That was freakin awesome!!!....best 35 mins of my day...can’t wait to see the finished product!!!!

[@acledfloyd]

This is one of those projects that we all think we can do, but don't. Way to make it happen.

[@grinder2401]

Fixing the gaps in the fretboard was insanely impressive!!!

[@Sticky_Tea]

That's Snyder cut levels of fret work footage

[@agufish]

Hahaha needed to develop the characters of the frets 😂

[@Sticky_Tea]

@@agufish haha, yup, proper backstories for all of them 😄👍🏻

[@jimfischer5670]

EAsily my favorite episode ever on the channel ! Love this!

[@truescotsman4103]

i put jumbo stainless frets on my '92 les paul classic. the guitar was finished and needed a refret i figured ss would last forever. they feel great and sound awesome. intonation always spot on.

[@ItsMrMcFly]

What a great video Hunter! This is my favorite video you've made by far. Great to see you put your dream specs in your favorite guitar. Doesnt get better than this. Keep going homie!

[@SPACEMunky47]

This is the best video you've done so far! Can't wait to see part 2

[@davidflint12]

I had a 1960 Les Paul fretless wonder. First thing I did was have jumbo frets installed. What a great guitar

[@rockcop222]

Matt Heafy's Epiphone's are modeled after his 1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom. I bought the 88' from him some years ago, then sold it back to him to use to spec out his Epiphones.

[@DevinRyanVitek]

I love Les Paul Customs!! Such an intriguing video. I’ve always wanted to buy a Gibson husk and put my own pots and pickups in. Make it play better than it was

[@TobysGuitarGearDemos]

Absolutely amazing video, those pickup cavities were a monstrosity. Can't wait to see part 2.

[@cjj312]

Part of the reason the fretwork took so long is the use of stainless steel, but the attention to detail there is supreme.

[@thebloodychord]

Loved this video. Can't wait to see the final result!

[@luispaxtor2680]

Wow, very eye opening as to the amount of work it takes to polish those frets! These luthiers really do a lot of work! Major props to this luthier and you can tell he loves what he is doing.

[@manuelmesamusic]

That’s why I want to become a luthier. To do fretworks like that. It is honestly amazing.

[@musamkhan]

Dude what absolute beast fret job. Really great video as always!

[@kerwinpasia4848]

Watching this reminds me of my own 1976 Gibson Les Paul custom. It went through a restoration process (it suffered a neck break. Somewhere in its past life, someone broke the neck off of it and it had to be reglued and reseated. It also went through a refret. She now sports Dunlop 6100 frets!). Fast forward now, it is one of my most favorite guitars and it’s quite a player with lots of character! 🤘🎸 Really enjoy your content Hunter! You’re one of my favorite KZbin channels! 👍👊🔥

[@roblewis7186]

I bought one in similar condition and rebuilt it the same way. I feel your pain but the reward is worth it!!!

[@svalentine1992]

Awesome project! Can't wait for part two.

[@mtem7068]

Man these vids are so entertaining. Good stuff Brother Fish!

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Fantastic job bringing this custom back from the dead ! He really went all out on the fretboard !!

[@russclayton1853]

Great video. I love to see old guitars rescued, instead of sent to the scrap heap. Rock on.

[@chazzity19]

hi intergrity Les Paul Custom? i fuck with it

[@jcoulter43]

Really enjoying this resurrection build! Can't wait to see the conclusion. Great video Hunter and excellent work from Wendell just goes to show why a good refret ain't cheap! Nice work on the aging as well. They look very nice. God bless and rock on!

[@MBvolcom92]

2021 has been a pretty shitty year overall so far. well not for Agufish, god damn man. The content you've been putting out is amazing, can't wait for part two.

[@BarnyardTheSilverback]

Disappointment in part 2 not being up yet aside, this is dope af dude. I have an old Washburn strat style that is basically in need of this, minus maybe some fret work since I'm the OG owner and am no where NEAR skilled enough to do any of that (or pickup installs either for that matter). I can't wait to see it done!

[@AislingPhoenix]

Recently did a really similar project, took a risk on a $110 single cut style husk that also needed everything. It looks rough but is completely solid, all I had to buy was a bridge and a nut and it still needs a proper set up. I can already tell it's going to be a great guitar once it's finished.

[@andybungert]

Super video! I applauded for $2.00 👏

[@greasymonkeyguitars9292]

Great video! I did the same thing with my beat to death 1974 Strat that was routed for a Floyd Rose. I still need to do the frets but yeah, it's going to get extra jumbo stainless frets also. It's great to have a vintage beater axe with some cool stories behind it.

[@misforyoutube8452]

Huge respect for this project. Massive amounts of work needed - but you will love this guitar for sure!

[@tonyruiz1976]

I gotta say awesome project i wish i could something like that but it's awesome showing the process and the gear, love your videos always watch them and enjoy every one of them thanks greetings from New York City ✌

[@RamonSludgecore]

Bruh, I’m ready for part 2😂 I’m such an ML/Stealth nut, but old LP Customs will always have a special place in my heart.

[@juzzie]

This my friend.. was a GREAT watch!!

[@robertpurdy4452]

If the second half is as good as this first part then we are in for a treat. The amount of work on those stainless steel frets is astonishing.

[@therapscallion23]

applause to Wendell, he must be so patient and was holding his temper while doing this project. he might got annoyed over and overfor every discovery of things that should be done properly on the guitar...

[@MrEric622]

The attention to detail by Wendell is absolutely insane! Thank you for filming it all. I was mesmerized. Can't wait to hear this thing rise from the grave!

[@darksu6947]

Zombie guitar 🧟‍♂️

[@ryanhoup4030]

Great video man! Too bad it’s so expensive or it’d be super awesome to see more videos like this!

[@thepetemetalshow]

This was amazing! I watched this hole thing from start to finish without skipping ahead... well except the sponsor part! Sorry for that brother but I did watch it from start to finish. This channel should be SO much bigger than what it is! Amazing content! 🤘🏽 🎸 🔥

[@sleekskyline120]

Love the jumbo stainless frets, but I was kind of expecting you to say you were gunna scallop the fretboard!

[@Oilid]

*Soooooooo satisfying!* I'll round my stainless steel frets on my Warmoth neck, so thanks for filming the whole process.

[@BassOutcast]

Ironically, by having it in such a bad condition, you got the rare opportunity to make a vintage Gibson in your own personal specs, and that's awesome. Need a 2nd part!

[@BoostedCajun]

This video was fucking dope! Love seeing someone with Wendell’s experience and talent saving this otherwise doomed LPC from utter destruction. Wow!! It looks absolutely stunning.

[@augustogoldner4267]

Dude, that's a kicking ass project!!! Can't wait for part 2

[@dobbs123456789]

This was amazing. Would love to see more of this with wacky, non-conventional, modern tune-ups. I bet this guitar plays better than any custom off the line with those stainless steel frets.

[@Coppercustomz]

That’s what I call a fret job🤘 Beautiful work

[@adamkantor8581]

Watching the fret polishing bit was like ASMR for my eyes.

[@denverrandy7143]

Dude rocked getting those frets off👍Wendell Music should make there own channel...its looking good fish🤘

[@martinclayton7260]

I had Crimson guitars fit stainless steel frets to my Tele, and they did a fantastic job, so now I'm going to have it done to my Strat. I'm got a Ragnarok bridge pickup in my Jackson, and a set of Ragnaroks in my Chapman ML1 pro modern, they sound amazing!

[@EasyHeat]

I put non-locking Kluson Revolution 19:1 tuners on my 2020 Epiphone SG Classic Worn P90 in Iverness Green. I can seriously vouch for the Revolutions. Very nice.

[@gus3333]

First video I watched completely, that luthier is in another level, great job!

[@formula73]

Nice. I have a 73 that went through some of this but also some different stuff. It’s still got the original pickups and 3/4 of the original pots but also Dunlop 6000s and a MASSIVE plug in a…less than professional Kahler rout. Fortunately, RS Guitarworks did all the resto work and 10 yrs later, it looks and sounds fantastic.

[@agufish]

Nice! Nothing like a restored Les Paul with a story to tell. Something about them is so special, they have so much personality!

[@formula73]

@@agufish I’d send a picture but as a Gen Xer, I have no mfn idea how to.

[@kr4107]

Apart of me wishes you used gold frets. I know you were planning to do full Nickle, but the gold would have looked so good!

[@toemasmeems]

Thumbs up simply cause that man put more work in those frets than I have into anything in life ever

[@adamkatona7784]

I feel sorry for you..

[@toemasmeems]

@@adamkatona7784 LOL it’s a joke bro

[@TrainOfDarkness]

This is now my fav agufish video

[@lukecowley4949]

Wow this is so cool!! I'd love to try and do a project like this someday

[@gavinfullmer]

Great move on the tuners! I have those on all my Gibsons now! NEVER GOING BACK lol

[@devinwilliams4038]

Can’t wait to see how this all turns out. Hell yeah.

[@RichDix-y1h]

Love that you showed the polishing of the frets! Wished you showed that with the leveling and work on the re-radius-ing fretboard! Thanks man!

[@3badthebad]

unpopular opinion: it would be sick if Epiphone released a series of LPC’s based off of the Norlin era, since they have 50’s, 60’s, and 59 LP’s, they could probably call it the Les Paul Custom 70’s or sum (also fix all of the problems like QC and all that other shit ofc)

[@emofrycook]

Absolute banger! always a fan of longer form content!

[@undoingruin4203]

8:28 all that salt made my cholesterol levels high asf ..idk what I saying honestly I’m drunk asf right now In all seriousness, amazing video Hunter, this is probably one of my favorite videos on your channel, seeing guitars getting repaired/brought back to life is the most satisfying thing for me.

[@RickNasty42069YOLO]

Dude, Wendell is a master of his craft.. That looks amazing.

[@ilmisxx2]

There's nothing better than tall stainless steel frets that are well done, they feel amazing and last a lifetime

[@jamesjohanson5675]

beautiful song during at around 22:00

[@IJIIKY9192]

Not going to lie seriously thinking about tracking down a husk to mod my way now.

[@mikedamisch]

Love these type of projects.

[@MikeCarpenter222]

I would love to find an older "project" status Les Paul to bring back to life and add to the collection one day.

[@poasful]

You're the only other guy I know giving love to Norlin's Gibsons besides Trogly. Thanks

[@alif499]

I could watch this type of content for hours. Also, the luthier needs a prize!

[@CacklingAntagonist]

Man watching the sped up defretting was so satisfying

[@MultiSpeedr]

Yo Wendell is a beast...when I go through GA again I am stopping in....