I Ordered A DIY "Les Paul Custom" DIY Kit And Got A Raw Deal! But I'm Still Gonna Build It!

[@johnburens3395]

I got a 335 kit from Stewmac and it seems pretty nice so far. The quality of the kit itself appears to be pretty nice and I dyed it a nice blue color. I'm waiting for the weather to warm up enough to spay it with nitrocellulose lacquer without fisheye problems. I've heard mixed reviews about the pickups that come with that kit, but if I don't like them I can change them out. The packaging the kit came in was excellent and all the parts were there. I hope it sounds good when I put it together and give it the first play. Thanks for sharing your kit!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I'm not brave enough to try a 335! Although I would love to give it a shot, it just seems so difficult with the wiring. Maybe it's just my anxiety lol.

[@MainPrism]

I built one of the Jazzmaster style HT kits. I had alot of problems with mine. Luckily I have quite a bit of experience working on guitars that translated over fairly easily. I honestly expected better quality from Stew Mac... It does look amazing and plays like an absolute champ now though. I just had to take my time with it and eventually I got it there lol. Best of luck with your kit!!!

[@mvallejr1]

I have been doing kits for about 8 years, from STEWMAC -PANGO-Amazon DIY kits, some are good, some are great n some are BAD...what I've discovered, their are a few that don't include (Pango) the cheap chinese hardware n super cheap electronics, if you get them, ditch 'em, get your own, pay the extra cost at getting QUALITY hardware n electronics, good luck

[@slagmaggot]

I did a zebrawood, explorer, Chinese imitation synthetic wood,with a glue in neck, upgraded humbuckers, it's one of my favorite guitars

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

That sounds like it's pretty awesome man!

[@MainPrism]

I thought about doin one of the SG kits like that.

[@eddiejr540]

Sweet kit Marty…can’t wait to see how it comes together…great stuff my man 👍

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

It's coming along well! It's gonna be a beauty I hope!!!

[@bluephoenix3865]

Dude that makes me want to get another kit guitar. My sister got me an explorer kit and I love it. Best present ever that I got for Christmas.

[@pyyktodd]

I built a kit, and put in epiphone pickups with quick connects as well as all epiphone wiring. Sounded amazing.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Those are good pickups man. Love the pro buckers 😎🎵

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Yeah I saw those when looking for triple Humbucker+ guitars... and good to know what they are llke! Which I'm thinking of turning a 1970s or older junk guitar and adding as many Humbuckers as I can fit just to see what it's like. Which the most expensive bit is the heardwear I've found as you can get junk or worse guitars for under $100 that still work! So anayway thanks for the video and I'm glad you had fun here in Florida!

[@tbdog99]

Sounds crazy, but the anti static spray used for clothes works to kill the static in the styrofoam so it can be cleaned up easier. Just spray the stuff on the foam and it's better.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

That's a great tip!

[@gatormcklusky5850]

that looks pretty cool, i just seen you put up the link, gonna check it out. Thanks Man!!✌

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Hey. The parts I was missing was in the body of the guitar under the plastic plate! I am going to update in my next video.

[@bmac5085]

Cool kit Marty. Looking forward to seeing it finished 😀 👍 Glad that you had a nice family holiday. I am sure that it was lovely and warm in Florida. Winter storm here on Thursday. Still some snow lying around and it's supposed to be spring 🙄

[@lenoechsner28]

I did Thomann PRS kit Absolutely awesome Was $140 shipped from Germany

[@johnmcnairy]

Dude that looks like a lot of fun. Sorry to see that parts were missing. It would be nice if it turned as a decent Les Paul. If it turns out good I might buy one for myself. Keep us posted 🎊 🎉.

[@MainPrism]

Congrats on the vacay with your son man that's super cool!!! I bet Disney World was a blast. That's a bummer about the components but personally I always just buy upgraded everything when I do a kit. I tend to take things to the extreme though... Lol. Can't wait to see how it turns out and how those pickups sound! I might have to look into some of those. Awesome video as usal Marty!!! 🔥🤘💪

[@papablue3015]

Nice! Can't wait to see it! Are you done yet? How about now? 😆 Thanks Marty

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I made a lot of progress on it today! I'll probably finish it up Saturday!

[@benburnett8109]

Cant' wait to follow along. I have the 4 long shaft pots ready to go. Just checked and I do not have 4 matching knobs. Would you like me to wire up a 3 way toggle for you? I can do that and then send the whole thing to you. Let me know. The foundation was one of the first HOt PAF pickups Tim did for me. I think you will like the set. Not sure if putting the gold covers on will affect them tonally. Tim is a great guy. He's done 10 plus sets of pickups for me at this point. His build quality is very good as well. And his pricing is phenomenal. Good luck with the kit, let me know on the wiring for the 3 way. Ben

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I think I'm gonna go with these pots I have, since I really don't want to delay the project much longer. I can always replace them later if need be. I can't wait to try these pick ups!!

[@robblackmoreofficial]

Looking Forward To See The Progress,Thank You Marty. 👍

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I worked on it today. It's coming out really nice. So far so good!

[@pedraw]

I've done 2 LP kits with 2cm maple caps from solomusicgear in Canada. They're about 330 bucks but you can actually sand the tops with no fear. I did bursts with lacquer on mine.

[@Mechagnostic]

Use those knurled prs speed knobs. Those things are dope!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I need to check 'em out!

[@bobpusnik1590]

Good stuff looking forward to it🤘

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

It's coming along really well so far!

[@kibscott6096]

Nice looking veneer cap, it all looks good, bummer they didn't ship all parts but hopefully a refund for the missing things is coming, I can't wait for the build!! Great video Marty 🤘

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I feel so stupid, the missing parts were in the cavity of the guitar covered up by the control plate. They had the plate screwed on. I never would've thought to check in there. I discovered it when I was prepping the guitar. 😂

[@kibscott6096]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Well who would have thought to shove them in there, glad you have all now,. Can't wait to see this build!! Thank you for the response Marty 🤘

[@geoffreylowery9730]

I was wondering how they hid that neck in that box!

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I got home so late, I never even gave it any thought due to the size of the box. I opened it up and realized hey this box was too small in the first place!

[@jamesrexsannatracy8318]

It's a good thing, you were already holding parts,. As always enjoy your videos,you da man my friend. Looks like a future Tom Petty lesson?? Lol. Thanks man , keep em coming

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Funny thing... the "missing" parts were in the cavity of the guitar under the control plate! I found out when I took off the plate when I started to lightly sand the guitar! Lol

[@Nohandlelmao777]

The intro was awesome

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Thanks man 😎🙏

[@rodkozevenikoff6665]

I happened to order the same type of guitar kit and the neck came with a bulge around the 15th and 18th frets. I haven't tried to fix it yet but I figure I'd have to remove the frets sand till it's flush with the rest of the neck. Was a disappointment because there was no way I was getting another neck. I wouldn't mind trying another guitar kit but idk where to get a good one that doesn't have problems

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Man that's a bummer dude. I've had good luck with most kits I've purchased. Worst situation I had was my "PRS" kit I bought last year. No had to take the locking nut off and take a dremmel tool to it and place it lower. The action was 1/2" off the fretboard otherwise. Lol

[@JoeR203]

I'm waiting for my custom built kit from Pango Music in China. It's a Vito Bratta Steinberger body but with a Floyd Rose rout. I'll have to use a neck with a headstock but that's okay. Hopefully the headless neck that comes with the kit will be better than the one that came on my other Steinberger copy I got from DHGate.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

That sounds like a really fun kit!

[@JoeR203]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker I just hope they understood what I wanted because they consider any type of trem to be a "Floyd Rose". I sent pics of guitar bodies with a Floyd rout, pics of guitars with Floyds installed, gave them the post spacing measurements......but I still feel they're going to botch it somehow. My kit was a little more $$ too because I'm having them paint the body. I live in a condo and have nowhere to paint something. Plus I don't have the patience for all the prep work and waiting for coats to dry, and sanding between coats etc.

[@rvk5150]

I always wondered about these kits....interesting info.

[@StealthParrot]

The seller does say in the description "Please note that the image is stock image" so perhaps that's why it looked like one large box instead of two. Lost in translation perhaps, lol. Looking forward to seeing this come together and hearing how it will sound.

[@pyyktodd]

Sweet top on that. I like building these.

[@JohnBaker-vm1wf]

That's a pretty big part to miss. I could understand a screw or two but the whole neck?

[@erickaufmancustomguitars1351]

Hey Marty, I'm a fan of your channel. When this happened to me I hadn't noticed the pulldown on the tracking number. Sure enough, there was a second tracking number.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I didn't notice it either! So weird. And the missing parts were in the control cavity covered up by the plate. I found this out when I was prepping the guitar for the stain.😂

[@motorcyclemark2889]

I was wondering about these kit les Paul's to scared to try it myself so this is kool

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

So far so good! Also, the missing parts were inside the cavity of the guitar, covered by the control plate. I never would've thought to look in there. The neck has attached extremely snug and was very easy to get set in place. So far the kit has been great to work with!

[@motorcyclemark2889]

Already set the neck wow that was fast . I want to build one but the paint to do it in a cherry burst is expensive too I would want a traditional cherry burst I have a dark honey burst epiphony I love burst finishes .

[@Mossy5150]

With these veneers, sand back might not be necessary if you just do a multi color fade

[@spokes28]

I had a bad experience with a kit from Guitar Fetish. B stock at least if not C. Really it should never have left the factory, and they did not want to take it back.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

It's it and miss for sure. Pricing is worth the gamble. I've had a few issues but usually stuff I can work through. But it's frustrating at times.

[@stormman8393]

I have a 1977 Ibanez LP copy that looks much the same as this with the veneer top and the same join line. The neck was a bolt on. I’ll b keento see the build Marty. What’s your opinion on the stew Mac LP kit? They have a Black Friday sale for just on 300 dollars Australian

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

Thanks For Sharing 🎸

[@guitartim2128]

So cool for you and your son ,way to go bro. Veneer tops look great,but they only provide one tone. On the other hand,the properties of a solid top sweeten over time. Also,they sustain better. Great video love the channel

[@i5150v1]

The wood has no bearing on your tone

[@slagmaggot]

You should tell that to studio Glen haha

[@birdman316]

sweet kit bro! are you gonna do the "magnet flip" on one of your LP models to grab the "peter green vibe?" that is a sweet outta phase tone and humbuckers make it sound heaps better!

[@kevint9702]

Don't let them get away with it. My first two and only two purchases from eBay were a total rip off.

[@timothyhardy899]

Should have gone to StewMac, there kit is $249. But overall it looks good can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finished.

[@sixstringer3783]

They were trying to save shipping charges by splitting up the packaging and with the missing parts not good bummer Marty !! Looking forward to the End result that would look good in a natural finish but sounds like you have plans best of luck 👍

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

It probably was cheaper to ship! The seller said it was to help avoid customs. I don't know why they would avoid customs since it doesn't have a Gibson logo on it. Good news, the missing parts were in the cavity of the guitar, covered by the plastic plate. I never would've thought to look in there! It was a pleasant surprise.

[@glennevans5824]

Are these kits …similar in weight to standard Les Paul weights….8/9 lbs?….even if veneer…I’m sure price point…put in some decent pots/pickups set of Grover’s….your good to go..

[@jimmyz2098]

Marty - I have no doubt that kit will turn into a Bad-@$$ Rock and Roll machine - just like all the other kits we've seen you rock! I dig it. You know it's always gunna be a crap-shoot when you deal with China. LOL On the one hand... China sux! On the other hand... us junkies are able to get some fun, affordable stuff from over there. So I guess we shouldn't complain! Anyway... man I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

The funny thing is the spare parts were in the control cavity of the guitar covered up by the plastic plate they screwed on. I never would have thought to check in there!! I discovered it while I was sending the guitar for prep. 😂

[@chucklee347]

Wow man i did not know your son played trumpet n guitar. Some of the best lead guitarists play what they think a saxophone or trumpet player would play. Theres quite a few of my favorite guitarists from the 70's 80's have stated that was where many of their solos came from. Just repeating what they thought a horn player would put in.

[@martymcpeak4748]

i'm thinking about buying a Stew Mac LP kit, i've done the research and the reviews are good. they're a little over 200.00

[@temsusangtam6336]

Please sent me the kit link

[@erickaufmancustomguitars1351]

I would not stain it if I were you. The adhesive under the laminate may have soaked up through the grain. Where it happens it won't accept the color. If you have a Walmart ang a harbor freight you can get the stuff to shoot it pretty inexpensively. Tint a topcoat. Its pretty easy.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I decided to stay in it. It came out really nice. I did some pinstriping on the seam. Just a thin black line. I think it looks OK. So far the project has come along really well. Fingers crossed, no issues to come!

[@garybrady9531]

I ha e not bought a guitar kit but I bought a 2t1v gold harness the wires were to short to fit the body what a bummer they shipped a replacement it was no different and I'm not worth doing it myself

[@edwardhayes3113]

I bought the same kit except the veneer was a “AAA flame maple top.” Every time I buy one of these kits, I automatically throw the hardware/components away.. Very happy with the body and neck (except the binding) but everything else is just awful 😢

[@zohnziaga]

Link for DIY guitar does not work....😮

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Probably old link then

[@weslester5150]

Sorry it was incomplete. You will make it into a favorite though.

[@donarmando916]

Looks quite awesome except the binding on the headstock is way to deep.

[@Jaloja]

I have seen other recent reviews and you aren't the first to get one kit buy and split shipments. I have never gotten a Chicom kit shipped like that with the Foam everywhere.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

He totally weirded me out, man! I guess I know what to expect in the future if I buy another one.

[@davidbartch8917]

Any body done a Bex kit from amazon?

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

I haven't heard of it man. Sorry!

[@davidbartch8917]

The store name is Bex gears for anybody that wants to look.

[@JerryWhite-ee5hy]

Nice

[@Phreddyfoophred]

Make a clear electronics cover plate to show off fancy gucci wiring job.

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

My wiring job is going to be pretty rough. Thankfully, though, I found the spare parts in the cavity of the guitar covered by the plate. I never would've thought to check in there! Everything is pre-wired, so whether I use the pots that I have or the ones that came with the kit it should look pretty clean. No thanks to me lol.

[@guitarshredddddder91]

I had a similar experience with my explorer, In my opinion, the hardware, electronics, were all junk....

[@patrickkem689]

Sux U got screwed on being shorted on your parts,,but hey in reality You probably wouldn’t use the parts anyway because they are crap! And it gives You the time to cherry it up and just go nuts making it a precious baby!. Lol glass half full!

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Damn, these guys couldn’t afford to ship everything in boxes? Taped styrofoam is a first for me 😂

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

They claim it was to avoid customs! I don't see why there was no Gibson logo on the guitar neck!

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@Ranch5150SkinWalker Yeah, looks like they’re just trying to save a few cents. Glad everything showed up though!

[@JakeStrange66]

How could you know the pickups are junk if you've never hooked them up???? Unless they're very poorly made - or made wrong - most pickups are pretty much the same *on a studio recording.* (I feel I have to stress how you can't tell expensive pickups from cheap ones on recordings...in the room you can tell some diference though, but even then it's not a "night vs day" difference. But on recordings you won't know what pickup it is unless YOU played & recorded the songs) 😂

[@DashRiprock513]

👍😎✌🎼🎶🎵

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

😎🤟🏻🥂

[@wjewell63]

👍✌️😃

[@crazyantny9161]

Why do they call these Les Pauls? Aren't they Charlie Chans😂

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Lol! Sometiin' like that.

[@whyis45stillalive]

Is your son a jr., by chance? 😂

[@BeeRumblin13]

Butt still . Lol

[@MikeBall-sz2jf]

Will it suck???? Stay out of tuned.

[@Mike-ti6hg]

That body does not fit in the larger styrofoam BOX photo🤔