I never make this kind of video but...

[@danrunnoft6642]

I think you should add a 3rd humbucker. That would really ruffle some feathers.

[@daviddeighton-z4f]

single coil in middle.

[@dbprose]

Or better yet, install a Khaler!

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

Put it on the other side of the bridge and watch the love roll in.

[@Panhead49EL]

AND a b-bender! ​@@dbprose

[@bubbabubberson2702]

A spoiler, just behind the tailpiece

[@oneilaugustine6096]

It is your guitar to do with as you please.

[@alexp1559]

and when you put it out on the internet with 700k subs it's totally fine for people to comment on

[@scotthutchens1556]

@@alexp1559 Maybe, but the old saying goes-opinions are like belly buttons-everyone has one. Dylan Talks Tone also gets his share of them with all the nutty people.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

^ both fair points. I would add that one can choose to be kind and gracious even though we may disagree at times. Strong opinions projected on to others’ preferences is tedious to me.

[@t-boog2173]

Eric Johnson, EVH Yngwie, Gilmour, Ace Frehley , etc... all STELLAR tones and all pickup swappers.

[@lessummers43]

It’s yours do what ever you want with it and if you think that it sounds better great

[@GScott50]

I had a Custom Shop Les Paul. I took off the pick guard. I removed the knobs and fitted Ibanez-style knobs with rubber grips. I played it for 15 years. Before I sold it, I put back the original parts. NOBODY DIED!

[@darksu6947]

That's not true. I remember helping you hide the body......😂

[@kalinedrev]

That’s right. A LOT of people died for that mod.

[@officialWWM]

😂😂

[@donthompson2188]

Just an add, I like those Ibanez knobs too. 2 of my Gibson have them. I wish they still made them, I love being able to do quick one finger adjustments.

[@giannapple]

😂😂

[@tao265]

These are not museum pieces. They are tools of the trade. Modding isn’t against the law.

[@PeteThorn]

So funny man, literally used to do this all the time, I have a couple Gibson with original electronics, and I have many more with switched pots and pick ups. My old 2003 R7 got a whole new wiring harness from RS electronics, so did my R8 and Custom... and all those guitars have had multiple different pickups in them from Duncan's to Timbuckers to WCR to Will Boggs to Thornbuckers (that's what's in my 2009 R9 now). Pigtail tail pieces… Sometimes switched tuners… This isn't even a issue/thing. Anybody criticizing is silly and obviously didn't grow up up in the 70's/80's/90's when we were fearless with this stuff, personalizing an instrument is fun and part of the whole deal!

[@jimmyray_hawkins]

ThorNbuckers switched out an R9: "SACRILEGE" "Why?" " Because I want to!" "No!" "It's MY identity that I'm sharing," "It's MY life and experience I WANT TO SHARE!" As a father, a husband, a player of 45 years I not only understand, I, for lack of a better phrase, support is, and participate in the "modification, exploitation, and exemplification of instruments... making them a more "sound" performer, a precise executer.

[@jimmyray_hawkins]

Might have "replied" to not my thread - by way of adding it to yours. My apologies Pete. BTW Glad you are still accessible (respond to social media.)

[@Mikey__R]

Exactly this. Seymour Duncan made his name making replacement pickups for Les Pauls.

[@IndianNuclear1]

I think it comes from people who don’t play for a living. If you play for a living guitars aren’t so sacred, they’re a tool you need to do a thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love my guitars, but if I get a gig that needs a sound I don’t have in my arsenal, I’ll do whatever I need to get to that sound. My R9 is still stock, but I have a 335 that has had more work done than a Kardashian. Just get the guitar to do things that make you WANT to play it.

[@waltuhhimself]

Nah pete. You're too compressed and lacking dynamites. Rhett shull is toan. You are not toan.

[@Bushradical]

When Joe Bonamassa buys a 50's Les Paul and it has the original strings on it and he refuses to re-string it ( because it's only original once) ...that makes sense from a vintage collector standpoint and an investor standpoint. But an R9 is not a precious historical artifact. Its a high end players tool. Lots of great points Rhett.

[@WendigoSotomonte]

Jo bo is a snob tho 😂

[@egnbigdave]

And its probably been re-strung 100 times before he got his greedy little hands on it and since it left the factory.

[@herecomesaregular8418]

He refuses to restring it? So he plays on dead strings because they're "original" lmao?!? That is just beyond ridiculous.

[@jimcamp2423]

Would love to see how he verified that the strings are the original set leaving the factory.

[@thetoneknob4493]

guitars that are not rare today will def be rare and valuable in 200 years. just like old violins are. the electric solid body guitar is a new instrument, so new i can't tell if we have even gotten to the second generation yet. i see no reason why a quality guitar couldn't be preserved and played hundreds of years from now. and if so this common r9 reissue would be rare and have significant historic value. preservation is key.

[@mikewallach11]

Modding a guitar is what makes it your own player guitar. Unless you are a collector it is just fine.

[@davideatwell6577]

Yeah, it's no big deal

[@donmunson4802]

I don't have to modify my guitar to make it my own. Just not the way I think. Once I take the time to find a model that "has it all" and I take it home, it's mine. Simple enough. But I understand wanting to make whatever you consider an upgrade to your own guitar. Many players do. Maybe I've just been lucky that I've been able to find models that deliver the feel and tone that I'm looking for without having to make any changes to them.

[@davideatwell6577]

@donmunson4802 great

[@bjrnsrli9256]

I have done exactly the same thing many times with the Gibsons I have owned since the seventies and it's not a crime, it's my guitars and the motivation for doing it was to make the guitar better.

[@kenster865]

@@donmunson4802 I'm with you, Don. I have several Historic RI Les Paul's and they all were perfect to my ears just as they came to me. I also have a Goldtop LP that had hotter PU's installed before I got it. Same thing, bro... I've left it alone! I used to mod guitars many years ago but have gotten away from that for probably more than 20 years.

[@kenjones2973]

Hi Rhett, Ken in Oz here, 73yo and still pretty ordinary at twanging. The whole guitar instrument scene is now a lawless monster. It bears no resemblance to how I remember wanting and owning these instruments in 1974 when I got my first electric. It was a significantly, "buggered about with" 68 Tele Custom and 60w Wright amp for $ Aust 170. Painted with gray metal primer it had a belly scoop and slope arm rest imposed on the body. It only had the bridge pick up and a large, square hole in the scratch plate. Kept the original electrics, put in a Fender h/bucker (neck), Dimarzio pre-CBS bridge, factory brass bridge pieces, then stringed and tuned it. the bits I used cost more than the original guitar and amp and sent me broke. Then proceeded to just use the thing for the next 25 yrs, it was good. Then I sold it. Ther is just so much bullshit, aficionado gobshite around these days, it beggars belief.

[@jeemjeem6190]

Wow. Sounds like the 65 Jazzmaster I bought in 84 for $100 US. The body was primer gray. I had it refinished to match the blonde headstock paint. That was $200. Only one pickup was working so I bought a Seymour Duncan jazzmaster pickup to replace it. The Kluson tuners were all bent and rusty so I replaced those with Schallers. Back then nobody cared if the parts were original because the guitars were super cheap. I still have the guitar and will never willingly part with it.

[@glennplanck2319]

The part that gets me is "He's just making content for his channel." Yeah, no kidding. That's how he makes a living. Its like criticizing a restaurant for putting new items on the menu. "They're just trying to sell food!"

[@weschilton]

The horror!!!

[@ovivan79]

To be fair, that's not the point that the comments author tried to make. Rather often 'Influencers' shoot a video for the sake of 'just' creating content, whether it makes sense or not. The author of the comment probably meant it along the lines of 'he only did this mod so he has anything to make a video on and publish something controversial.' ... don't shoot the messenger. I'm just interpreting. :)

[@ashleymackay9332]

Hey it's yours, do with it what you want. Some youtubers buy expensive cars to crash them for eye balls. I mod my stuff, yep you can put it back. I would not recommend modding anything you buy from Norms. You have paid a premium on an already expensive but if timber. A standard, yeah sure, a custom... Hmmm getting sort of exy, but I get where the comments are coming from, personally I would buy a standard or maybe a classic if you like the neck and mod that. What your missing is you really aren't hearing the woods, not to the extent you may believe. So a 90s standard is near enough to an R9, if you need the fancy top, yeah sure. But buying a very very expensive piece of wood and changing pups, pots, caps, you might have well started with a standard. Yep you made it closer to what it is supposed to be, but so so much money to get there.

[@simongoddard5847]

I remember the days when you got guitar, an amp and just played it, or did what you wanted with the instrument. Some people are so obsessive about things nowadays. Too much time in front of a screen instead of just playing the thing.

[@thelongvirtuesignal8551]

food doesnt lie, rhet does.

[@PhilippeCanat]

KZbinr changes pickups on a $100 guitar : "Silly you, the pickups cost more than the guitar !" KZbinr changes pickups on a $600 Epiphone : "Silly you, this is dumb, you would be better with a true Gibson !" KZbinr changes pickups on a $6000 Gibson : "Silly you, this guitar should not be touched, this is a holy piece !" 😀

[@MatthewDAmico94]

Damned if you do damned if you don't 😢

[@Ottophil]

The trick is do what you want, don’t post videos of it. Nobody will complain about what you do with your own property

[@GOAT-Luci]

There is a special place in hell for Insufferable guitar snobs.

[@GOAT-Luci]

​@@OttophilI agree. He is complaining about a problem he created, and probably subconsciously did it for attention.

[@brianmiller3287]

​@MatthewDAmico9No good deed goes unpunished...

[@aas55]

The (arguably) most famous 59 burst ever, Greeny, achieved its unique sound because of a botched mod job.

[@markn4526]

And now people pay to get that botched mod like Rhett did when he bought the Throbak "Greeny" Pickup Set to put in his LP.

[@StuCrombie]

I bought two humbuckers, from a company, I said can you do without the wax, he said ok, was squeeling I think touching the metal so they didnt put tape on, you wont get that with strat pick ups its plastic housing, anyway, the pickups all over the place wired like greens hot etc, and its got the greeny middle position from the bridge pup magnet or something, quite like it to be honest now, i dont know Peter Green stuff that much, but to be honest most ive watched of him playing in the day was neck or bridge, tho I think Albatross is that sound so they assosiate him with that sound, but he rarely used that sound from watching his youtube vids

[@StuCrombie]

@@markn4526 I see most ppl playing Peter Green stuff so fast, Green was so melodic and slow playing in comparison, Ive got nothing against anyone putting pickups in guitars, my musiclilly loaded guard I bought off Amazon neck pickup in my Squier is better sounding than the one with the guitar with a real fender neck, I believe in the cheaper pick ups too, but if its a humbucker with brass backed theyre too muddy, nickel back plate the way to go, Jimi Hendrix used to mess about with his Fenders pick ups and the strat was less than 10yrs old

[@Zosohobo]

Another example: Jimmy Page's #1 59' burst was previously owned by Joe Walsh. Joe had it modded by having the neck shaved down but didn't like how it came out. So, he sold it in spring of 1969 to Page who loved it.

[@morgshopping]

Rhett you rock! I'm 63 and have been changing the pickups in my guitars since I was 14. When I was a kid and wanted a different sound Dad just changed the pickups or electrics of my guitar and that became part of my journey. The most important thing is how the guitar feels and its playability, and then being able to still play my favourite guitars and easily change pickups etc when I go through a different musical phase for a few hundred bucks is great and it really makes it feel like its my guitar. Everyone should make those subtle mods to make it their guitar. And as you said, you can always go back to how it was originallly.

[@jfar3340]

if you're 63 I'm 150

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

I've changed at least one thing on almost every guitar I have owned. I don't treat the instruments as precious (beyond keeping them safe), because things change, parts break, tastes shift. I think the people who live and die by the purity of their guitars are collectors and not players.

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

I 100% agree, those folks usually are collectors and not players. I love modding guitars, I hate modding guitars, it happens via many paths, this is normal and regular. People need to chill a bit.

[@erikguidotti8640]

I.E. Cork Sniffers

[@jfar3340]

a 5-10 K guitar should be treated as precious. People have so much disposable income? wow

[@nelsonvh3033]

People have no lives…but loads of opinion!

[@fede22081]

FACTS

[@19712218]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@nelsonc6173]

Opinions are like assholes...everyone has one.

[@DepressedCapitalist]

Well, that includes this guy's opinion. Which he uses for social engagement.

[@nelsonvh3033]

@@DepressedCapitalist talking to me?

[@scottsennsibaugh885]

You actually made it more historical accurate than Gibson did in that era of Custom Shop.

[@davepatterson4774]

On point!

[@kdub0529]

Next, I would suggest sending it to Historic Makeovers for vintage correct lacquer and checking.

[@mikev.2945]

Yea, I was going to say - the current R9s have unpotted pickups. :)

[@joechenevey7472]

Just stopping by to say I think that brown fretboard (vs a darker one) really suits that guitar. Really gorgeous. Also agree - do what you want with your guitar. I’ve tweaked every guitar I’ve ever owned, from a $200 squire to a $2k Gibson. Some tweaks I’ve kept, some I’ve put back. the important thing is that the instruments were (and still are!) being played and loved, making music just as they should be

[@DrKevGuitar]

There is only one acceptable answer to “I changed something on my guitar” and that answer is “Cool! May it give you years of joy.”

[@blakestone75]

I mean, you could also add “Do you like it yes or no and why?”

[@scottyvalero3691]

Unless it’s a kahler trem 🙃

[@slavemi3018]

there's no problem about that as long as he doesn't do it for KZbin videos and clout. But he's swapping and cheapening his guitar for the KZbin clicks and clout. Rhett Shull is no worse than Johnny Somali at this point.

[@scottshand8559]

Some people enjoy video games, some folks like hiking, others enjoy sporting events or have a favorite team. I enjoy not only playing guitar but also checking out other bits and pieces of guitars things like pots, pickups, tuners, tone caps, etc. It's what I enjoy, for me. It's not overly extending myself (we still pay the bills and keep groceries in the house) and it's not getting in the way of any responsibilities or other things in my life. It's fun to me, I enjoy it, I have a job and pay for it. Rhett, you are one of my favorite guitar players/KZbinrs out there. Thanks for all you do brother.

[@phillytle5114]

I bought a $3600 Gretsch which sounded awesome in the store. Got it home, and came to realize the bridge filtertron, I just wasn't 100% happy with. Replaced it with a TV Jones and couldn't be happier. Was I worried about doing the change...no! Like Rhett said, I could easily put the original pickup back in. I've tried changes with all my gear...you don't know what your missing until you try it. Don't be afraid to mess with gear...it's so much fun!

[@stricknine8623]

Absolutely ! Anyone who has been at this stuff for a while has encountered that scenario. Sometimes, our tastes can change a little over time as well, and then other times, the curiosity of a pedal for your favorite amp or a pickup for your best guitar is overwhelming. I'm of the same school of thought as those who say that these comments are to be expected. But I also think that saying he bought the wrong R9 is a ridiculous comment that has no basis in reality, and it's extremely flawed thinking based on the above mentioned.

[@friedtaters8940]

You ruined it jk

[@glass.hammer]

I’m shocked that Rhett’s shocked.

[@samswank]

I'm an experienced pro player and repair person with a lot of experience playing and working on Les Pauls. I watched that video with interest to see what difference it might make. I never once felt duped or misled. I understand Rhett's frustration but that's the nature of KZbin commenters, I guarantee you almost every person who made a negative remark either can't play or has very little experience, professionally or otherwise. I suspect they're also young, coming up in a culture where letting an opinion go unexpressed is an impossibility. Don't let these people get to you Rhett, you just keep being you!!

[@weschilton]

Here we are in a world where people think their ignorant opinion is equal to another persons expertise. And about a guitar off all things... so pathetic.

[@douglasblunck5198]

If you own it, change it any way you want. I’m sure you can do a good job of it. Some people might cringe because they’ve seen guitars ruined by owners making bad decisions because they thought they had adequate luthier skills. Your average guitar player doesn’t have solder skills and might even put the wrong size pickup in. I’ve seen it all.

[@wideband]

This is one of those videos that I agree with 100 percent. Modify whatever you want, you own it.

[@316minister]

Rhett. Some people worship the guitar as a relic instead of seeing it as a tool in your tool kit to accomplish the task of making music. I’ve owned and gigged more guitars than than I can remember since the 70s, and I modded each and every one of them so that they could do what I invisioned them to do, whether sound or feel. You just keep doing what you always do in all, and I mean all the videos and music you share with us. As I’m watching this vid, you said exactly what I mentioned. It’s not an icon, is a tool. A beloved tool among toe other tools in your active and working collection. I’ve already said too much here. Keep creating, learning and modding, Rhett!

[@ericmacfarlane6695]

It reminds me of the Indiana Jones quote “It belongs in a museum!”, lol.

[@BlackHole-power]

Very much agreed Rhett. The guitar is a "tool" for a job. And no matter how expensive it is, It's not some relic that should remain untouched.. It is your right to change any parts, I changed every parts of all my guitars, even if it's $5,000 upwards. It's my gear and it's my right to do whatever I want with it. The problem is there are some "gear elitist" or should I say "purist" out there that treats a very expensive guitar as an untouchable relic.🤔 They even want the design flaws maintained, because in all honesty the Gibson Les Paul doesn't stay in tune and neck is prone to breaking because of the deep neck angle. Gibson tried to change and improve it before but the "Gibson purist" became mad and did not want any improvement on the guitar. They demanded that the Les Paul design should still be like the "vintage" 50's, and 60's. So I agree with you about changing anything because it's a tool for the job. Cheers!🙂

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

It’s your guitar. You paid for it. What you do with it is your business. Not anyone else’s.

[@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84]

Except when it’s put on KZbin and viewed by several hundred thousand people

[@MickH60]

@@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84 No, it's still his, and his business, NOTHING changes that....

[@El-Scorcho]

He made a video about all of the mods he did to his guitar, which generated feedback from the people he made the video for. Then he got mad about the feedback he got, and made a video talking about how mad he was at the feedback he received. I don’t know if there are any winners here.

[@machineryman7197]

​@@MickH60 And were all free to have opinions about his (silly) decisions

[@fancykarlmarx]

@@MickH60you could say that if people were trying to get his channel shut down over it or something crazy like that but when you post anything online you’ve become open to criticism. Criticism though, not abuse.

[@markkennedy1022]

“If it’s your guitar, do what you want.” Preach it, brother.

[@larrydj549]

What he said

[@crankset36]

This is hilarious to me. I have been infatuated with guitars since I was a kid about 12. However, I am only now at 60 yrs old making a real effort to learn how to play. Demands of life and lack of support got in the way of learning sooner. I could purchase any guitar I want but I don't play well yet. Your channel lets me into a world I am otherwise isolated from I am happy to watch a very talented guitar player explore his art in multiple ways. Thank You! Also, the soul is in the player and how they interact with an instrument. Just my opinion.

[@ksharpe10]

Watch JOHN NATHAN CORDY, he works so hard at playing, he posts most times twice a Day, talk about prolific. HE SOUNDS SO GOOD.

[@RebootExtreme]

I am in the same boat, played when I was a teenager, now rolling up on 60 and finally just signed up for lessons to learn to read music, etc. Everything I missed learning on chords alone.

[@concernednetizen975]

Hi @crankset36, I'm pretty much the same as your profile, interested in guitars since 12, and playing since then, could buy anything I want now (almost), now at 61 making a real effort to learn more, as due to demands of life got in the way before. 😅 anyway, hope to be playing the music I want over the next 10 years at least, (and before, you know what 😉)... but just wanted to say, I've got a few Reissue LPs that I would definitely consider modifying, especially for the un-potted pickups, as a R58 I have had come with un-potted pickups and that has the sweetest sound by far. So, Rhett, just do what you need man, all of us got your back! And really really inspired by all that you are doing!!

[@ScottiHillTV]

The only thing original on my R9 is the wood. Not only that, but I carve a notch in it every time I use it live.

[@Bigscott00261]

It’s your guitar. Enjoy as you please.

[@sam-ss3pq]

People like shitting on other Peoples fun

[@jeremythornton433]

Can you just imagine the reaction if he changed the strings too? OMFG!

[@LodvarDude]

"Shitting"? Is having a different opinion "shitting" now? Ok, then!

[@weschilton]

@@LodvarDude It is when you attack and disparage someone for doing something that you don't agree with.

[@MickH60]

@@LodvarDude When it's emotional garbage based on their opinions then YES, update your comprehension skills dude....

[@robsterTN]

And so many people seem to have no other interest in life than to shit on others for no valid reason.

[@tacobreather]

It’s quite interesting that people are not thanking you for exploring this avenue. That video is a wealth of knowledge!! People take a great car, and still find a way to make it better, and your R9 is no different.

[@akkudakkupl]

That video is an advert for the shop and misinformation audiovoodoo about potted pickups ;-)

[@noahpauley]

@@akkudakkupl yeah how dare he show his friend's new shop and talk about personal preferences while not claiming them to be objective fact for everyone.

[@akkudakkupl]

@@noahpauley pretty much both of them stated that potted pickups compress the signal, well the shop owner mostly nodded, but still. If he is going to make an advert is thould be stated such in the beginning of the video, it's the little thing called integrity.

[@weschilton]

@@akkudakkupl Integrity? Seriously? Its his OPINION and OBSERVATION. If you don't agree, that's fine, but he's not lying to you. Get over yourself conspiracy boy.

[@mac7659]

Rhett, I think you can do whatever you want with your guitar! The main thing is that you feel good about it! Many famous musicians, like Rory Gallagher, have also constantly made changes to their guitars! That's just part of our passion! 🎸 "Long life rock n roll."🎸🤙

[@teddarr7887]

I got BBQ'd once for a post in a Fender Amp group on Facebook because I asked about how to measure output wattage on a Twin that I had modified. It is a silver face twin that I 1) made into a head, 2) blackfaced, and 3) added a couple other mods that make it more like a Super Reverb that a pure Twin. I caught so much crap from people telling me what I should have done or shouldn't have done. It's my amp. I'll do what I want.

[@ericmills9839]

Forums are full of folks hitching up their big boy pants and trying to prove they know more than anyone else. Look for the genuine advice and ignore the wankers.

[@teddarr7887]

@@ericmills9839 , that was my reaction.

[@JDplaysGuitar]

Hi Rhett, When you talked about toxicity in forums I felt so understood. I’m 24 and not only passionate about playing but also about tinkering with amps and guitars. In the past, I used to ask for tips in forums on various topics, like doing BillM mods on my Blues Junior when the amp didn’t work after I attempted the mods myself. Unfortunately, 99% of the responses I got were unhelpful. Instead, they were comments like, “I’m surprised you’re still alive after tinkering with an amp with your level of knowledge,” or “Asking for a dead friend.” It feels like, no matter what you ask or discuss in these forums or online communities, the majority of members are more interested in throwing out snarky remarks and acting like they know everything. I hate to say this, but I feel like this has something to do with older generations (and perhaps their dissatisfaction with life). I rarely encounter this level of toxicity when younger people dominate the conversation. I see this behavior as a significant threat to the guitar community because it discourages younger players. These older guys are scaring away the next generation. Nowadays, I just ask ChatGPT instead of posting in forums. Even if it doesn’t give me an answer, at least it doesn’t roast me. :)

[@larryg7806]

Hi, JD. I'm an older guy (72 in a month) and I get where you're coming from. I see that attitude has no age range. The younger guys seem to think that if you don't shred, you're dead. I'm far from dead, yet, and I just play. I didn't have a mentor growing up. I took some basic lessons in the 60s, but I am self-taught otherwise. Can't read a note. There's a young, married guy at church that plays guitar. We started chatting a year ago and have become pretty good friends. We talk music, guitars, etc. Am I trying to be an influence? Yep. I'm trying to dissuade him from copying my spending habits! 😂 (I'm retired, so guitars and music are my hobby.) Actually, I just want him to know what little I know. Hopefully some of it sticks. I hope you can find an old guy that wants to hang out and "talk shop." We can be fun, even if we don't bathe regularly. 😊 Stuff we know in our heads never, or rarely, makes it to paper. I appreciate Rhett for what he presents in his videos. It's a learning tool for me. We're all learning every day. JD, you can be one of those old guy mentors someday. I think that would be really cool! Keep playing!

[@samhealey7603]

I'm a firm believer of doing whatever is needed to make you want to play it. If that's changing pickups, so be it.

[@officialWWM]

Exactly!

[@warrenvine6004]

Keep Doing What You're Doing! I learn a ton and I'm still playing in my 60's.

[@emilemarcotte2782]

I think modding your guitar helps you connect with it better. It makes it your own! I have fully refinished my strat, changed a pickup, the tuners, the nut, the knobs... and I like it much more than before!

[@charliew830]

He can do whatever he wants with his guitar. The point is to never take what a KZbinr says as the final word on a piece of gear. Later on, they'll sell it, or mod it, or never play it again. Make your own decisions when it comes to gear, or life.

[@darksu6947]

I let the internet do all my thinking for me because it's so hard to be myself

[@MaquiladoraIII]

"You are all individuals!" "I'm not."

[@BenNordVPN]

Man, no wonder people think guitar players aren't cool

[@howebones]

Customizing and swapping out parts is part of the experience and creativity as an artist. I swap out a lot just to learn what it is I like. Every painter tries a different brush, every song writer uses different words and phrasing to express the same message, and every mechanic tries different tools. Nothing wrong with it. I am also glad I didn’t have KZbin at that age. The negativity changes everything. I’ve not always agreed with your perspective Rhett, but I do respect it and this is your space. There is a vast difference between debating opinion vs just arguing to be heard. Keep it up man!

[@hod8931]

I did on a R0, jupiter caps, throw backs. Sounds great to me. Just keep the parts. Thinking of 550 pots😊 Put a holley, carb, headers and aluminum heads on my first car a 70 ss chevelle...how dare I...

[@lawrencedevere2242]

I'm thinking of 550k pots too, hoping to get abit more treble, les pauls are inherently quite dark pushing alot of mids and bass, and for me even my 60's les paul unburst with alnico 5 magnets in the 61r and 62t is still quite dark, so hoping 550k pots will let just a little more brightness come through

[@paulcicciarelli]

Get yourself the Vintage Inspired Pickups 550k VIPots (Centralab clones). You'll be glad you did.

[@picksalot1]

I've ended up modding all my guitars to get them to do what I need. One of the advantages of a Strat type guitar is you can create "loaded pickguards" to retain the pickups, heights, electronics, wiring, switches, etc. If you want a different sound, you can swap the one loaded pickguard for a different one with different pickups, etc. in about 10 minutes without soldering if you use a "quick connect" at the Jack location. I can essentially make my Strat into 4 different guitars. 😎

[@Sean_Farmer]

I used to moderate several large guitar groups on Facebook. The number of opinions on any subject was vast. One thing that always amazed me was the people who thought their perspective was the only one that mattered. All the "THE BEST" posts and comments became amusing to me. Music is a form of expression and everyone has different tastes. Why some people just can't understand and accept that amazes me. There's no right, wrong, or best...just whatever works for you.

[@brianseneca3546]

as a player of over 40 years and a member on several forums and an attendee of guitar shows, I have found the MAJORITY of people "who know" CANT PLAY! Not all of them, but more than not.

[@Sean_Farmer]

@@brianseneca3546 I tend to agree. My observation was that they were almost always casual observers more than musicians. Most actual musicians are open-minded people with various tastes who appreciate things that may not be their cup of tea.

[@dwillc6621]

100%!!! Professional musicians completely understand. It's all about what works for you. You need to connect with your instrument.

[@pjrodz]

It's your guitar, you can do whatever you want with it. I stopped changing pickups, though. I believe the guitar amp and speakers are the biggest factors in our tone. 😊

[@idessaoutlaw]

My body..my choice..🥃😎👌

[@isaacmoura6431]

Hi Rhett! Really liked the previous video, nice to see Zach and you sharing really cool insights about the instrument we love. Cheers.

[@B3PlayerAZ]

Professional musicians have preferences that the run-of-the-mill player won’t ever consider. Rhett is a professional and has an idea as to what he wants out of his instrument; regardless if it’s a custom shop or not. Until you dedicate your life to the pursuit of guitar, you may never understand your instrument(s) from the same perspective. I speak from experience. I am a professional keyboard player and have a career in the music industry. I remember switching out “ratchet” to “smooth” drawbars on my old Hammond C2 because I wanted the feel of a B3. That is the same exact thing and to me, as a player, totally acceptable. I kept those drawbars and sold them with the organ when I moved away from Nashville. And I got the price I wanted and the buyer was thrilled with his purchase regardless of the switch. I didn’t kill the structural integrity of that vintage instrument. I improved it to my specifications. And, finally, it’s Rhett’s guitar. He can do whatever the hell he wants to it. I remember checking out High Voltage Guitars online and the ThrowBak pickups while watching this video. It’s awesome to change your instrument in this way and, if you have the means and experience, then best wishes to you! Happy playing!!!

[@carpediemarts705]

People worship stuff.

[@cerebralfailure8804]

every great artist mod their gear, whether it is in conjunction with the manufacturers custom shop or in their garage or on the kitchen table, it happens, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, if it doesn't you switch it back until you think of the next thing to try

[@RandyFricke]

Tinkering is half the fun of playing. Especially if you know what you're doing. A lot of players can't deal with the inner workings and functionality of their instruments. I was like that too for most of my life. But in the past few years I have become quite proficient with those inner workings as well as set up and even dressing frets. Having some modicum of knowledge about this topic has made my playing so much more satisfying.

[@thelongvirtuesignal8551]

look at all the addicts coming out of the woodworks defending their (fellow) addiction, the same people that will, when they are in a better mood, admit that its an illness.

[@michaelbradley8937]

The modding video was great!! Thank you very much for addressing (with Zach) some of the questions that often come up with '59-style/R9 Les Pauls (whether Gibson, Epiphone, Heritage, or other brand) that affect how they feel to play. Much appreciated!!

[@ziccuj]

I totally agree with you Rhett. I've changed the pickups, electronics and the stopbar on my R9 and I have never looked back since. Heck, it's my guitar, my tool and I do whatever the heck I want to it if it helps me discover new things and enjoy guitar playing and music in general more. All the best from Finland and keep up the good work!

[@ericmills9839]

Go nuts! I’ve got a beauty 335 and I’ve only left the OG pickups in as it’s a massive pain in the butt to change the pickups and I keep deluding myself into thinking I’ll learn how to do it myself.

[@LassosOptimism]

Rhett is a very sincere and thoughtful musician. For me, he made a decision to enhance and expand his playing. It's his guitar-- his taste, his choice. He's happy with it. Yes, an R9 is a special guitar... and he paid for that. However, that guitar is a modern, fairly common, and attainable instrument. We're not talking about a vintage, golden-era Gibson here. Have fun with it Rhett!

[@587583922]

Modifying stuff is fun, and it's your guitar. That's all there is to it. I mean...I have locking tuners on my Les Paul because "why not". Also, I replaced the pickups and re-did the electronics within a day of owning it, and I loved it in the store. I love it even more now.

[@dude_crush_]

I'm Pro Modding! Mod away Rhett. I bought a 2001 Vintage Sunburst Les Paul Standard at Chicago Music Exchange. I fell in love with the look and feel, but I wanted to make it the Les Paul of my Dreams so I decided to mod away. I replaced the all the hardware to Gold Hardware, wiring harness with coil split on the tone knobs, Thornbucker pickups, tusq nut, and locking tuners with vintage style tuning keys. I also got an ABR-1 Bridge, knob pointers for that classic Les Paul look, and swapped the truss rod cover for a newer one with cursive writing. It's my guitar and I'll do what I want, as you should too.

[@jergreen9050]

I cant help but smell a hint of jealousy in those comments that talk about $$$ Its no ones business at all how much money you spent or not!!! Thanks for the videos you make, modding guitars and nerding out with this stuff is fun, its supposed to be, people with superiority complexes take it way too seriously

[@Fishing_Fiddles]

These are the same maroons who say "my squire is just as good as every MIA I've ever played." I don't know why rhett gets in the weeds with the children and poors, but I'm here for it.

[@samclemmons5373]

For real. More R9’s roll out of the factory every day. They’re not holy relics.

[@fancykarlmarx]

But he made it public. Criticizing is just part of it.

[@ewanhall285]

100% agree with all your points. I recently got reunited with a guitar I bought in 1996, a MIJ Tele. The story arc and the feeling I get from it make it my favourite guitar ever. It does need changes and content like this has given me the confidence to teach myself set-up, to pick up a soldering iron etc. It’s not perfect yet but the process is making it even more valuable to me.

[@Guns-Guitars1310]

Sometimes jealousy makes the ugly in people come out from the woodwork.

[@sonnycrook2245]

It's true!

[@Texasbluesalley]

"I could build those pickups at home for $20"

[@Toobzilla]

I'll take 5 sets, where do i send the $$?

[@mgoo1713]

Do it.....

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@Toobzilla Sounds like a scam. Don’t fall for it.

[@Toobzilla]

@@charlesbolton8471 thanks mate, no worries though, i'm faily well -equipped in the art of not getting scammed. this doesnt reek of scam so much as a commenter afflicted with SBT., they'll get healed up. thanks again.

[@brooksroman2918]

Underrated comment

[@michellemoniz476]

Thanks so so much for all that you do. You have inspired me to take up the guitar again. Love all the insight you share, from playing to modding.

[@AlessandroIaquinta]

The parallelism between a vehicle wheels, the contact point of the car with the asphalt which let it move on, and the pickups, which let the vibrations of the strings move towards the amplifier, is very accurate. Congratulations, Rhett!

[@fractal_nature]

Right on man. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. They really make perfect sense.

[@houseofBuck]

Hey Rhett, I agree with you man! I have real vintage gear that I change the pickups and components all time, for Les Paul's I also prefer unpotted because it pushes the microphonic's to the end which I like, because I play with a lot of harmonics, on the other hand I have a set of potted pickups in my Gretsch because I play cleaner. Most of my friends who buy R9's change the pickups also, because they prefer other brands let it be Bare Knuckle or Duncan antiquities, the custom buckers aren't that authentic with the PAF tone. R9's have good wood and setup well, all other variables can be adjusted to taste. The best example of this that I could think of is Gary Moore. He was the owner of "Greeny" for many years and he changed everything on it because, Wait for it... He's a real player and uses the guitar as a tool to help him create. Now, I get it some people buy these guitars to keep them in cases and show them off, but I'm actually playing them and if any component isn't cutting the mustard its out, pickups or pots or caps, whatever. Let the collectors and bedroom players say what they want. Love your channel!!! By the way, I ended up buying a Casino because of you and changed everything on it, added Lollar's as well, even refin-ed it. I currently love it for songwriting, I would have never considered getting one if not for your video.

[@dwillc6621]

100%. And then Kirk Hammet carved his initials into it once he purchased it. lol. Real musicians know... and that's all that needs to be said. I recently purchased a 1988 Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty'. All original and looks and feels amazing. Well played guitar for the last 36 years. I wasn't crazy about the sound. I removed the 300k pots, ceramic caps and Bill Lawrence 'circuit board' humbuckers. I wired up a new harness with CTS 500k+ pots (all measured and matched just over 500K), PIO caps (.22 on bridge/0.15 on neck) and SD antiquities with aged gold covers to match the rest of the guitar. Now if looks, feels and SOUNDS incredible. Some people would think I'm stupid, but I play this guitar and it needs to be what I need it to be.

[@sgholt]

I do all the work on my guitars, setup, upgrades etc... Its all good and teaches how things work

[@Gearslayer92]

I put some EMG Retro 77's in my 1978 Gibson SG Standard that NEVER had the original pickups when I purchased it used. I laughed at the people that reacted at my choice but it's my guitar I can do what I like with it.

[@ekisoderqvist]

5:36 imho this is symptomatic of Gibson fans being particularly purist. I can't imagine folks reacting that way to swapping pups on a strat. I could be wrong.

[@foxman8882]

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him changing pickups but he was pretty off when trying to equate pickups with tires. Changing tires is closer to changing strings. From my perspective as a dude in his early twenties, why buy something like a really expensive car or really expensive guitar and then change one of the major components of it after saying that it’s the best. You paid for “the best” but you’re going to change what you liked about it after you paid 9 months worth of rent for it? It doesn’t make sense to me because it’s insanely expensive for something that was probably not “the best”

[@littlesnaredrum2405]

​@@foxman8882 what it comes down to is that Gibson don't make the best pickups. That's it. This is a '99, so probably had, what, burstbuckers? So swapping them out to put better pickups in does genuinely make the guitar play better, and probably sound better.

[@c275rgr]

It is not uncommon the buy very high end products and still need to modify them to suit a particular taste or purpose. I purchased two very expensive off-road vehicles. Both had to be modified significantly in order meet my needs. Not because I didn’t “buy the right item”, but because they don’t sell them ready to perform the job that I need them to do.

[@catalystguitarguy]

With my gibson’s I’ve adjusted the guitars over the last 2 decades. Replacing parts that wear out, or don’t sound or feel right should be common sense. At this point the only things original on my V is the wood, and frets. 1/4 of the finish has worn off leaving the exposed wood. Unless it’s just for a collection I can’t understand not tweaking or overhauling a guitar you’re actively playing.

[@andycrowe905]

I agree - some Gibson “purists” won’t tolerate any alterations at all which is clearly a rubbish attitude. Especially if you make amazing aftermarket pickups etc.😊

[@ryanfulldark2775]

You guys made it sound better in my opinion

[@CC-wf2qb]

Why are you suprised? the internet guitar community is full of maniacs

[@RobotamechaIntelligenzija]

yes, humanity is…!✌😎

[@dicech3221]

Your comment made my day. Thanks.

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

Hey, I'm with you! No matter where you go, what you do in life's traveled, a guitarist has to make his own sound his way or her. I know this and it's what makes me as a Luthier. The ability to do whatever it takes to make an instrument to perform the way I want it to work.

[@devilsdoorbell]

I'm with Rhett on this one. All my guitars are 'players' to me. I'm not preserving them as collectable or high value resale. I live in the Seattle area and take my guitars to Mike Lull's shop, and the last time I saw him was when I brought in a new bass - Fender MIJ special run instrument. "Rip out the gold dots, put in white dots" on the neck, and setup. Since the bass is 60s era styling, the truss rod was where the neck meets the body. He said "you want me to carve a trench here so you can adjust the rod without taking off the neck?" and I said yes - immediately making a permanent mod that's not reversible without a scar, but benefits me as the player of the bass. I've got a couple 90s guitars that also have had guts replaced and that's how it goes. You do what works, or what you want to experiment with and learn from. Even Kirk Hammett carved his initials in 'Greenie' the infamous Les Paul he owns. Scars and mods are part of using the tool. Otherwise it sits in a lit glass case and you bow and pray to it and never play it, because OMG, fingerprints! Makes me wonder if Tim had done the same on his channel "Here I have my R9 that I swapped the pickups in, for a sweeter tone!" and if people would have a cow like they did here. Dang.

[@Baelthaazar]

I bought a MiM Geddy Lee Jazz bass in 2017, right off the wall, plastic condoms still on the tuners and pick guard, fully intending to mod it. I played it for a few weeks to let it settle in and see what I liked and didn't. I loved the maple fingerboard with black blocks, the three tone burst and weight. I've added a Hipshot detuner, swapped out the stock pickups for Seymore Duncan quarter pounders, and replaced the stock VVT electronics for a 920D Custom staked knob plate. It's exactly what I want in a Jazz.

[@f1rebreather123]

​@@Baelthaazar"OH no, you've destroyed the resale value of it." I love hearing that. Most of us buy our guitars without the intention of selling them. Its always cool to see guitars like yours where they are modded and molded to the player.

[@damonr.p.8211]

It’s not a tattoo, it’s gear and should be treated as such. A guitar is to be played and modified to your needs and wishes. Use the gear you buy, don’t build a museum.

[@fabriziopolonia4156]

Your guitar=YOUR mods. Period.

[@andybaldman]

It’s only yours until you die. We are merely the custodians of all we own, for future generations.

[@fabriziopolonia4156]

@andybaldman oh god, what a poet, what a romantic. BUT....we live in a society where PRIVATE PROPERTY exists and, in practice, I treat what I own as I want. Now, try to stop me if you can.

[@mblueser3770]

You do you. I’ve been following you since the early day and enjoy every single thing you have done, as well as the mods. I worked at three great stores, one of which was one of the earliest two Rock dealers in 06-10. I had so many guitars go through my hands and I “ always” did my thing to them whether it de valued it or not. I wanted my own tone and had to get what I heard in my head. I’ve done my own relic jobs, took the finish off dozens of necks, pots, pickups, tuners, bridges etc… they , like you said “are your tools” and you do whatever you feel like to make them work for you. I used to talk to all the pickup makers, Wolftone, Lindsay Fralin, Mojotone, RS, Peter Florence may he rest in peace, made me a set of AMAZING firebird pickups that are in a white USA 2006 with the finish off the neck 😢I let it go ugh. Anyway, make it yours, make it different and go make it rock fellas. Go 🦅 s

[@stevensiwinski]

I definitely flinched when you grabbed the knife. lmao

[@kiwee4577]

That is why it's called PERSONALIZATION

[@ゆずぺら]

For god’s sakes, people: First and foremost, IT’S HIS GUITAR. He paid for it with his money and should be able to mod it if he wants to. Second, this is NOT the holy grail, mythical artifact of the actual 1959 les paul. This is 90s reissue model. He is not destroying every guitar nerds’ wet dream with bad tastes. Third, pickup changes are NOT permanent. He still has the original set of pickups and he can change it back at ease if he wishes to. This is gotta be the silliest clarification video that Rhett had to do. Like holy hell are there people with the thinnest skin a man could have.

[@jameswulf]

Or, you know, they spent 20 seconds sharing an opinion online and then moved on. I think it's weird what he did, and I think it's normal to question why someone would mod such an expensive guitar. If I were to spend that much, it would be on exactly what I wanted, no modding required. But I'm not Rhett, and obviously he should do whatever he wants.

[@fernandolara4999]

​@@jameswulfare you a guitarist or a collector that plays guitar? The fact that it's expensive has little significance to a guitarist who wants the best out of their own instrument. However I can see I can see the point of a collector who would want to maintain the max in their investment. I personally mod all my guitars.

[@El-Scorcho]

People can provide feedback to public KZbin videos. I’m pretty sure that’s one of the Hallmarks of this platform

[@jameswulf]

@@fernandolara4999 Guitarist. I see the appeal of collecting, but I don't collect guitars. For me, it's fossils and trading cards. My comment had nothing to do with protecting an investment, just that if I payed that much for a guitar it should be exactly what I want already. I think that's very significant. Otherwise, buy a different guitar, right? I spend inordinate amounts of time researching large purchases like that. Other people think differently and that's obviously fine. (I can also see the case where what you really want isn't currently in production, and you have to do your best to recreate it yourself. That's cool too. Maybe that's what Rhett was doing, and good on him).

[@jameswulf]

@@El-Scorcho Exactly :D

[@xacttone]

Oh man, when the knife came out I thought, "He's going to do it!"

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

I liked the video... And I can't leave a guitar stock. Ever...

[@Metro_Gnome]

Exactly...I even delicately saw into my Martins at this point 😢😂follow your heart, regret what you need to in the aftermath

[@ReverendBow]

I have too many guitars, most of them are modified... MIC, MIK, MIM, MIJ, MIA... My MIA '93 American Standard Stratocaster that I bought new I modified to Original Eric Clapton Signature Strat specs, with the Lace Sensors, TBX, and Boost circuit.... Oh well .. the original pickguard is in a bag...

[@schecterseven3894]

It's your guitar , do whatever you want.

[@jasonhatrick5642]

The human brain is wired to avoid pain and danger, and since most of us aren’t facing life or death moments on the regular at this stage in our evolution, that means emotional pain is one of the harder hitting pains we experience. And your brain has evolved to remember it, so you remember to avoid it in the future. That’s why the negative comments stick in your brain while the positive comments are fleeting. Haters gonna hate, Rhett. Just keep doing what you’re doing. As a new guitar player who picked up my first guitar a year ago, it’s all really helpful. Thanks for making it! 🙏

[@justiceforall6412]

Rhett, some people are always on the look out for an insult, or a criticism.It's your guitar. You can do what you want out of it.

[@WRCzATL]

Collectors love guitars. Players love playing them. At some point, everyone decides which description suits them best.

[@scottmelton3092]

I’m a player, I still rubs me the wrong way , what he did. It’s his choice all the way and he has the right to do whatever he wants. It still rubs ma the wrong way…

[@JorisGriffioen]

@@scottmelton3092 but why? What exactly is the negative effect of it?

[@ralphashford9022]

@@JorisGriffioen Saying that, when he began guitar, he wishes what's available today was available to him then. Fast forward to a newbie kid who gets what from watching someone with tons of different amps, tons of guitars, tons of effects and tons of pedals but can't find the tone he wants without altering pickups and knobs. Rhett can do what he wants to his gear, but if he can't find the tone he wants with what he has, I dunno...

[@JorisGriffioen]

@@ralphashford9022 the video was titled "I didn't think this guitar couldn't sound any better, I was wrong" That's not "can't find the tone he wants", it's like a chef finding an even sharper knife than the one he was already very happy with. There's some argument that all this gear fetishism we're doing is unhealthy for starting players, I agree. But zeroing in on this video in particular is super weird to me even in that context.

[@ralphashford9022]

@@JorisGriffioen You asked of the "negative effect" and my maybe unclear way of answering was, gear acquisition syndrome. And I'm happy you agree with my assessment of guitar fetishism. (And hey, probably no one will ever read througb over 4,000 comments to read our comments, so I gotta say thanks for engaging!) I want to like your knife analogy, but...I never saw the original video. Had I, I would argue that "sound" is subjective, so what Rhett thinks is better is a personal thing. I'm okay with that. But if that chef is in the KZbin business of all things cooking and gets himself a knife few can afford, and then it's still not good enough...umm...okay. But Rhett's an influencer, among other things, and he if chooses to share his choices, viewers are free to criticize them. If you've read this far, thanks, Joris. My final thought is...I grew up in the 60s and we guitar players had a lot less than what Rhett had in the 90s. Just grab Guitar Player magazine from the late 60s (I have them, btw) and ya...sparse. And to make it more difficult, I'm a lefty. The idea that Rhett or anyone can enter a guitar store with dozens of Les Pauls to choose from - specific models, even - is a luxury I've never had. A lefty buys the one guitar in the store or orders a $4,000 guitar and hopes it feels/sounds like what he (she) wants. I'm not jealous, but I do have a bit of trouble (okay, maybe more than a bit) of :...gee, Rhett...nice problem to have.' I've accepted that my '74 LP Custom sounds like what they're supposed to sound like because I've never been able to side-by-side compare one. Anyway, thanks for reading, Joris. Cheers!

[@ZombifyYourself]

Would’ve been HILARIOUS if at 2:36 you just said a stern yes and did a false ending 😂

[@RinzaiRoshi]

My guess is most if not all of those whining about what you did are simply jealous that you can afford the guitar in the first place, and then more so, that you can afford to upgrade it. And yes, the changes you made ARE upgrades. I did virtually the same thing to my R9; vintage wiring, paper-in-oil caps, period accurate repo pickups, new tailpiece and a better bridge. I could not care less what others think about what I did. I absolutely LOVE the results. Cheers!

[@HungryHumbucker]

I also have a '99 R9 that I modified with new electronics, 50's wiring, plastic was likely changed before I got it, replaced the tuners, lightweight tailpiece, removed the inlays and installed vintage celluloid inlays and it has Timbuckers. I think only the wood is original lol. I didn't even keep the old parts, because the guitar is a keeper. Some of us like to tinker, who cares, it is your guitar. I enjoyed your previous video BTW.

[@IamMusicNerd]

Your viewers do not need to get irritated with you for expressing your opinions in the video, but by the same token, there’s no need for you to get irritated with your viewers when they express their opinions. Some people do cross the line from voicing an opinion to being rude, but just don’t engage with them. You’re giving them what they want… Attention.

[@Neil_SM]

Lol he occasionally sounds so exasperated in this video. I feel like trying to reason with KZbin comments is mostly a losing proposition! Anyway, thanks for all the content Rhett. They’re your own guitars, do with them as you please!

[@mrcoatsworth429]

I think it's actually interesting. Some of these comments are super dumb, and I like that he calls them out.

[@channtastic]

IMO mod everything. Guitars aren’t sacred. Who cares.

[@kennhern]

That's what happens when the blues lawyers/dentists hype every old guitar up just because it was made a certain decade, then get prissy when something gets changed, even a refret upsets them because it's not "vintage" anymore

[@channtastic]

I’ve been looking at buying vintage just so I can mod it with better hardware and super hot pickups. Probably even get it refretted with stainless steel frets. The vintage feel and look is cool but the old features are worthless to modern players.

[@martinmoore5758]

But seriously , when are you going to put a Floyd rose in it ?

I was thinking he should make a "lefty" out of it... and put some electrical tape over the logo

[@frederickmolina-p5x]

you can be doing everything right, hate is still going hate. they hate us because they ain't us😎

[@dikinebaks]

*This Needs To Stop* Indeed, I agree. And by "this", I assume you mean clickbait titles so vague that could be used for a minecraft video.

[@MikeYeary]

Just wait until they find out that Jerry Cantrell and Adam Jones put JBs in their Les Pauls. 😱🤣

[@kennhern]

They'd probably get upset by a simple refret because it's not the original frets on that guitar lol

[@Jeff-li5ri]

That is a great sounding and looking 99 burst! You got it sounding better now than stock! Good work and ear.

[@nolanwalla2]

Dude, you have gone from being a hired fun guitarist to a dude who owns hella gear, amazing, guitars, and collaborated with some world class musicians. Let those internet trolls be jealous of your accomplishments. You have accomplished so much don’t let people who are unhappy with their personal lives impact your success. You keep doing you! Love the channel and the trolls can be jealous of your awesome LP! PS I have a Norlin Era Lea Paul Custom that has been modded and I even swapped out the bridge pickup for a pearly gates to get more of a southern rock vs hair metal sound. It’s your instrument so do with it what you want!

[@onesdrones3000]

Rhett as you pointed out Jimmy Page has a highly modded pick-up wiring and takes the pole-pieces out of the front pick-up. Many players back in the 70's lowered the pick-up and raise the pole pieces. This can drastically give one a unique sounding instrument. It's also common knowledge from us old guyZzz that you want to knock the headstock off and have it re-glued. The guitar is way stronger, more stable with improved tone. One thing, my pet peeve is the pick guard. Les Pauls are beautifully curved like celloZzz and women. The scratch plate was an afterthought that Les Paul had when he realized that he didn't have a surface close to the strings for him to bounce his pick back from. Take it off, photograph it and put it back on. Get back to me!!! The best guitar teacher that I connect with is Dani From the Band Marbin. He can show how to play like Beck, Holdsworth, Scott Henderson and a myriad of other A class playerZzz and show with technique how to achieve the tone. Lastly, I think that the thing that You describe in this video is a part of a bigger problem. People are enjoying being angry. putting others down, believing that this somehow elevates them. It does, because it brings cool Katz trying give you an education or entertainment, or both, down to your level of misery, jealously...whatever this thing is that some of you feed from??? I love that Rhett is curious and wanting new territories, new horizons. I also think that should be a trait that defines a true artist...seeking and looking to improve on what has gone before. Rhett if you read this, and I hope that you do. The way I see it: You got a great Les Paul. at least two great friends associated with this guitar and video. You successfully stirred up a hornets nest of self opinionated no-all, fuck-allZzz that clearly don't know their arse from their elbow. So, that's good for business. You go son!!! Way to go!!!! Enjoy your day...be well!!! .

[@samclemmons5373]

Jimmy Page replaced one of the paf’s in his #1 with a t-top. I guess we have to confiscate and destroy it.

[@aas55]

That negative energy is the typical of the Gibson community. Every guitar is viewed as an investment, not something you play. There’s nothing rare, historic, or even truly special about a 1999 custom shop Les Paul. If you played Ibanez, Jackson, or an ESP and modified it, no one would care. It’s not like you modified an original 1959 burst. Do what you want Rhett.

[@craigridley9618]

I’m sick and tired of the mysticism in the guitar community. If the pickups are then getting in the way of enjoying what the physicality of the guitar has to offer, why WOULDN’T you change them!? It’s not sacred, it’s a tool- changing the pickup in a guitar is simply an additional step in your decision process that THIS guitar is the one. Folk ‘em 👌

[@TomBlack-e4b]

Rhett, Illegitimi non carborundum. As a luthier I have for years told people "get the body and neck right; everything else you can change". I did that myself with my '85 Les Paul Studio Standard - I put in CTS pots and higher-grade caps, wired it to the "1950s" wiring and put in early 2000s Tom Holmes pickups (at the time Gruhn said those were as close to original PAFs as you could get). All that changed a great guitar into a truly magnificent guitar - it is in a whole 'nother league from the rest of my electrics. Would it speak to you the same way? I don't know - you'd have to play it yourself. I just know that for me it is one of those guitars that when I put it in my hands it inspires me to stretch, grow, and be a better player.

[@genlovey5950]

Glory!!! After so much struggles I now own a new house with an influx of $360,500.00 every month God has kept to his words,my family is happy again everything is finally falling into place. God bless America 🇺🇸

[@genlovey5950]

Hallelujah!!!! Your channel has been a huge part of my transformation, God is good 🙌🏻🙌🏻.I was owning a loan of $37,800 to the bank for my son's brain surgery (Oscar), Now I'm no longer in debt after I invested $8,000 and got my payout of $340,500 every months.God bless Mildred Evelyn Rooney 🇺🇲

[@genlovey5950]

Our God indeed is a covenant keeping God. Has he said a thing and not perform it? I watch how things unfold in my life, from penury to $355,500 every month and I can only praise him and trust him more. Hallelujah🙌🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@thuaphanvan8286]

Hello!! how do you make such monthly, am a born Christian and sometimes I feel so down 😭 of myself because of low finance but I still believe God.

[@genlovey5950]

Thanks to my co-worker (Alex) who suggested MILDRED EVELYN ROONEY

[@genlovey5950]

She's a licensed broker here in the states 🇺🇸 and finance advisor.

[@heyerjg]

I love this video! I agree with everything you've said here. I teach instrumental music and play in a band and love my instruments, but I also am not afraid of brass techs or luthiers working on or altering my instruments to make them play the way I want. It's hobby/collecting vs. being an artist. Love it!

[@spankyhanderson3680]

Kirk Hammett actually carved his initials into the back of Greeny!! 😂

[@gazzie12000]

100% agree with you Rhett. Like you, I've bought lots of guitars, at all price points, and I wouldn't hesitate to change pickups on any of them (and have done) if I wanted to. When I buy guitars it's the feel that's most important, sound is second most important - because that can be sorted out (if necessary) later. Also like you, I'm pretty much always happy with the sound at the time I buy it. Occasionally I feel it could be better after a while living with that particular guitar, so tinker with settings and change pickups if needed. I'm an experienced guitar teacher (for 40+ years), band member, recording musician and song writer and like you - my guitars are tools to facilitate those things. I feel that all those comments came from non gigging, non pro, mainly younger bedroom players, very probably without the money to buy these guitars. They see them as "Holy Grails" - and unfortunately I feel jealousy is also a factor here. It's crazy that anyone could criticise you for that video. I really enjoyed it and agreed with what you did. By the way, am I the only person who has absolutely no idea what "larp" means? I've never heard that word in my life, so I did a Google search and am I right it's something to do with playing games - but it still made no sense to me in this context !