Part 4 Chibson Les Paul Modifications & Upgrades - Leveling & Crowning the Frets with a Light Polish

[@reviewersrevival5408]

You (and your channel) are one of absolute favourite guitar techs on KZbin. I so appreciate how you actually teach, and do so with such pleasant calmness and graciousness. :) Thank you very, very much for your videos.

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

Thanks so much! I hope you have subscribed to my channel?

[@kennethmeeker6369]

Best video I’ve seen on details of leveling and crowning , I never see anybody using the radius block after leveling not on camera anyway and they usually barely cover the fret with marker hit n miss on fall off lol , awesome video 👍

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

Thanks- glad you enjoyed the video! I hope you have subscribed to my channel?

[@WindRider1]

I think I would have done the fret job before installing the electronics/ pickups. The magnets in the pickups will attract all the little steel fibers from the steel wool. Plus it saves cleaning all the particles/dust coming off the frets that will attract to the pole pieces. Just my opinion. Great videos.

[@HearGear]

This seem to be great.. only thing I would do different is to get a better sanding beam.. cheers.. :D

[@kiillabytez]

Which bridge and tailpiece are compatible with this? I'm ordering the parts when I order my guitar and want to ensure I'm buying the correct parts. Thanks.

[@lastjedii]

Great video! I really enjoyed this and the way you explain your techniques makes me want to try myself. I’m sure your experience is what makes it look easy. I have 2 Chibsons and a real Les Paul Classic and all of them could use this treatment. Maybe not so much my LP Classic but my point is neither is perfect. Do you think it’s a good idea to try this myself on one of my Chibsons or leave it to my luthier? I can stomach messing up one of my Chibby’s for the learning experience. I’m want to be able to do this kinda stuff myself. Also, I would love a list of the tools you need for this. I need to piece together these tools for when I’m ready.

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I hope you have subbed to my channel? Try it out on your Chibson, if you like - you will need measuring tools, sandpaper and a level beam, and a fret crowning file.

[@lastjedii]

@@ManotickGuitarTech I think I will. It’s time for me to be able to do this myself when the time comes. The best way to learn is hands on experience. Thanks for your video.

[@lastjedii]

Looks you didn’t have to adjust the neck but do you know if the truss rod worked on this guitar? I have one and it’s really tight and tough to turn it. I’ve read that some of these don’t have working truss rods. I have a very slight up bow on mine and I need a slight adjustment.

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

I did adjust neck so it was flat- always before leveling the frets. The truss rod did work.

[@lastjedii]

@@ManotickGuitarTech Thanks for the quick reply. Did it take some extra muscle compared to normal? Mine is really tight and I don’t want to damage it by using too much force.

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

@@lastjedii if it stops turning, dont force it

[@romanshredz]

Awesome work as always 👍 question for you, I have an old Fender prodigy that needs some of your TLC. What’s the best way to get in touch with you ?

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

Roman, thanks for watching. I hope you have subbed to my channel? You can reach me at [e-mail]

[@bronwynmcgrath8868]

I've watched a lot of these Chibson vids and only one person said the frets wear real quick. I've done a lot of fret jobs on cheap import guitars and every one of them had what I call, spaghetti fret wire in them, that is to say the wire is stupid soft and should always be pulled and replaced with decent fret wire. I'll bet you everything I own that this Chibo is no different. Just pull those frets out and bend one between your thumb and first two fingers, it'll bend like spaghetti, guaranteed.

[@howardmaryon]

The question is.... the owner of this Gibson “Look-Alike” is spending a substantial amount for you to use your considerable skills to renovate his guitar. If a genuine Gibson costs $xxxx and the “Chibson” cost $xxx, and your fees are about the same as the “chibson” originally cost, is it still a good deal to go the “Chibson plus expert luthier setup” route or buy a Gibson and probably still pay a luthier to set it up properly?

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

My reccomendation would be to buy a high end Epiphone Les Paul and do some upgrades to that instead.

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

There will be less work to do and you will have a better result for 1/2 the price of a Gibson

[@archieguitarz4700]

Of all the evils of chibsons they are a great platform for mods and building your skills. If you do your own work most have the potential to be great players, but they need a lot of work before even considering upgrades. Part of the reason they are so cheap is they are essentially projects when received. They might look great, but that's where it ends. Most need pretty much everything, but if you are looking for a challenge a chibson will give it to you. Not worth it if you need a tech, but a fun project if you are willing to take it on.

[@ManotickGuitarTech]

@@archieguitarz4700 I generally agree, havent seen many Chibsons that dont need a lot of work. Better off buying a good Epiphone and upgrading it...better starting point

[@archieguitarz4700]

@@ManotickGuitarTech totally agree, just making the point you can learn a lot without damaging an expensive guitar. Not a fan of counterfeits, but worked on a few of these. Definitely not for anyone without the tools and know how.

[@grimoire7851]

neck shuld have very hairy bow frets a have large cavitis when you play what polishing nonsense for collectors vintage buckers not wakcsed

[@jonathangaliano2617]

huh