Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion

harveyP · 07-26-10, 01:40 PM

I posted a thread back in 2007 when I first got this guitar - asking for help identifying the serial number. The consensus of opinion was 5-2952.

Many delays and a lot of help from some very talented and knowledgeable people. Well, three years later and its finally sorted. It now plays perfectly and sounds amazing... worth the wait and angst. I know some people here wanted to see how this used and abused old thing would turn out so here it is.

harveyP · 07-26-10, 01:45 PM

Otto 57 · 07-26-10, 02:12 PM

Aint nuthin' ugly about THAT!

Guitar Whiskey · 07-26-10, 02:13 PM

Looks good to me. What pups did you go with?

sunburst1 · 07-26-10, 02:18 PM

Sweet!

59gibson · 07-26-10, 02:20 PM

Looks GREAT

PLarson · 07-26-10, 02:20 PM

I love it! I have nothing against a little wear and tear...

harveyP · 07-26-10, 02:36 PM

Some cavity shots...

BO-CHA-CHA · 07-26-10, 02:40 PM

Hoooo Baby , ... Very CooOoooL ! - could you please post some "Before" pics ?

harveyP · 07-26-10, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitar Whiskey

Looks good to me. What pups did you go with?

In the neck an early T-top I have had for years that I really like. I just put a 57 classic in the bridge temporarily until I found something better but it just sounds great in this guitar and balances really well with the T-top. I think the 50s bumblebees help.

I salvaged three of the original pots. God only knows what the caps were in it when it first arrived. See pics of the loom below...

Before:

After:

bluesforstevie · 07-26-10, 03:52 PM

Awesome!!!!

MapleFlame · 07-26-10, 07:26 PM

Looks fantastic. Man Gold Tops are kickin the Burst ass these last few months.

Electric Lloyd · 07-26-10, 07:45 PM

Very cool! I love beat GTs! Nothing ugly about that guitar. Boy, that control cavity looks better! Enjoy!

MWR · 07-26-10, 10:22 PM

Congrats, I love it....you cannot beat a worn goldtop.

You have to replace that plastic now....could be the photos but it looks like the regular Historic plastic.

harveyP · 07-27-10, 01:21 AM

Yea, very funny MWR... I will be buying the white DiMazios this week.

Stow · 07-27-10, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otto 57

Aint nuthin' ugly about THAT!

Agreed, thats what a guitar should look like!

Decoy205 · 07-27-10, 06:41 AM

It doesnt get much better! What a sweet guitar. NICE

mistersnappy · 07-27-10, 01:07 PM

Fantastic Lester! I love it!

Dishimyuh · 07-27-10, 01:29 PM

Very hip!

HeeBGB · 07-27-10, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otto 57

Aint nuthin' ugly about THAT!

+1 Where's the ugly part?

bigtomrodney · 07-27-10, 02:21 PM

Badass man. I would have a guitar like that as my #1 for the rest of my days.

RAB · 07-27-10, 05:19 PM

Congrats on a great conversion! Enjoy! I will post photos of my '56 GT to '59 spec PAF conversion (dark burst finish) when it gets back from Canada...

Dishimyuh · 07-27-10, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otto 57

Aint nuthin' ugly about THAT!

I think that it's beautiful!!!!

montesada · 07-27-10, 07:45 PM

When I saw the photo, I thought, "Oh my God, Nooooo!"
I thought it was a 'before' photo.

f'n awesome axe!!!

harveyP · 07-28-10, 02:14 AM

[quote=montesada;2173831]When I saw the photo, I thought, "Oh my God, Nooooo!"
I thought it was a 'before' photo.

Funny you say that... I bought the guitar through a renowned UK guitar finisher who had been asked to "burst" it. Clive had told the owner he must be crazy (if you know Clive you know he didn't exactly use those words) and suggested he sold it as is. The owner said OK and I got a call.

The guitar had been robbed of most of its parts and had been badly butchered years ago. It was in a sad state and pretty much unplayable.

The easy solution would definitely have been to re-top it, get the routes perfect, lose the split across the control cavity and get everything it the correct position but I just couldn't trash that original finish. Anyone who has taken on one of these basket cases knows how one thing just leads to another as you discover the issues. The hardest part is knowing when to stop.

Everyone who sees it loves it and can't put it down. I only fitted the current pups to get it up and running but it sounds amazing. I have PAFs but for now I am just going to enjoy it as it is.

William Payne · 07-28-10, 03:19 AM

Thats an awesome looking guitar. Sometimes things that don't look good even though that guitar looks awesome can be amazing things.

gmann · 07-28-10, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeeBGB

+1 Where's the ugly part?

That's what I was thinking, nothing ugly there. That guitar is beautiful!

MikeSlub · 07-28-10, 03:52 AM

Very cool fiddle! Congratulations!

Kevin L. · 07-28-10, 06:43 AM

That guitar is lucky it fell into your hands. You have done it right!

Electric Lloyd · 07-28-10, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin L.

That guitar is lucky it fell into your hands. You have done it right!

Agreed 100%! You knew not to mess with the original finish, even with the issues. Wise choice!

TW59 · 07-28-10, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electric Lloyd

Agreed 100%! You knew not to mess with the original finish, even with the issues. Wise choice!

+1

Anje · 07-30-10, 03:02 PM

real great looking guitar, I love the look of those lovely aged and worn 50's GT

dwagar · 07-30-10, 03:16 PM

just beautiful. I like the use of the term 'angst'.

harveyP · 07-31-10, 11:05 AM

Thanks for all the kind words guys. Here is a pic of the ugly part. The back of the neck is very smooth and feels fine, just looks bad. The headstock did require some attention however.

MS 57 · 07-31-10, 11:36 AM

That is so COOL - worn just the right way !!! Congrats !!!

HeeBGB · 07-31-10, 01:40 PM

pfft! You lie! I still don't see the ugly! That guitar gives me wood! no pun intended!

Otto 57 · 07-31-10, 01:45 PM

Still aint buyin the ugly part bro. Sorry.

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07-26-10, 01:45 PM	#2
harveyP Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 160	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion

07-26-10, 02:12 PM	#3
Otto 57 Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nueva Jork Posts: 682	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Aint nuthin' ugly about THAT!

07-26-10, 02:13 PM	#4
Guitar Whiskey All Access/Backstage Pass Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,730	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Looks good to me. What pups did you go with?

07-26-10, 02:18 PM	#5
sunburst1 In the Zone/Backstage Pass Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 3,485	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Sweet! __________________ "I got 11 mac11's... 38, 38's... 9, 9's... 10 mac10's the shit don't end......." "Only once the drugs are gone did i feel like dying, i feel like dying......" "I got so much shit you have a bag, if you're a snacker" "Talk about the feds , turn my scale on took a look at the work & say what's up......"

07-26-10, 01:40 PM	#1
harveyP Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 160	Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion I posted a thread back in 2007 when I first got this guitar - asking for help identifying the serial number. The consensus of opinion was 5-2952. Many delays and a lot of help from some very talented and knowledgeable people. Well, three years later and its finally sorted. It now plays perfectly and sounds amazing... worth the wait and angst. I know some people here wanted to see how this used and abused old thing would turn out so here it is.

07-26-10, 02:20 PM	#6
59gibson All Access/Backstage Pass Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 1,488	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Looks GREAT

07-26-10, 02:20 PM	#7
PLarson Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Northern Sweden Posts: 438	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion I love it! I have nothing against a little wear and tear... __________________ www.youtube.com/pelsweden

07-26-10, 02:36 PM	#8
harveyP Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 160	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Some cavity shots...

07-26-10, 02:40 PM	#9
BO-CHA-CHA Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 374	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Hoooo Baby , ... Very CooOoooL ! - could you please post some "Before" pics ?

07-26-10, 03:52 PM	#11
bluesforstevie All Access/Backstage Pass Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Nellytown U. City MO Posts: 9,867	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Awesome!!!! __________________ *I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks. ~William Shakespeare*

07-26-10, 07:26 PM	#12
MapleFlame All Access/Backstage Pass Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Somewhere between Woodstock and D.C. Posts: 8,658	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Looks fantastic. Man Gold Tops are kickin the Burst ass these last few months. __________________ Lotta Gold in my Hills these Days Just a Little mapleflame

07-26-10, 07:45 PM	#13
Electric Lloyd Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,834	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Very cool! I love beat GTs! Nothing ugly about that guitar. Boy, that control cavity looks better! Enjoy!

07-26-10, 10:22 PM	#14
MWR Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Somewhere in America Posts: 1,172	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Congrats, I love it....you cannot beat a worn goldtop. You have to replace that plastic now....could be the photos but it looks like the regular Historic plastic.

07-27-10, 01:21 AM	#15
harveyP Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 160	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Yea, very funny MWR... I will be buying the white DiMazios this week.

07-27-10, 06:41 AM	#17
Decoy205 Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 400	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion It doesnt get much better! What a sweet guitar. NICE

07-27-10, 01:07 PM	#18
mistersnappy All Access/Backstage Pass Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tejas Posts: 3,418	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Fantastic Lester! I love it! __________________ "That's what I love, man, to hear that backbeat popping, that damn bass plonkin' down. Jesus God!"-Duane Allman

07-27-10, 01:29 PM	#19
Dishimyuh Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 629	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Very hip!

07-27-10, 02:21 PM	#21
bigtomrodney All Access/Backstage Pass Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sunny South-East of Ireland Posts: 667	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Badass man. I would have a guitar like that as my #1 for the rest of my days.

07-27-10, 05:19 PM	#22
RAB Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 699	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Congrats on a great conversion! Enjoy! I will post photos of my '56 GT to '59 spec PAF conversion (dark burst finish) when it gets back from Canada...

07-27-10, 07:45 PM	#24
montesada Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 230	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion When I saw the photo, I thought, "Oh my God, Nooooo!" I thought it was a 'before' photo. f'n awesome axe!!! __________________

07-28-10, 02:14 AM	#25
harveyP Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 160	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion [quote=montesada;2173831]When I saw the photo, I thought, "Oh my God, Nooooo!" I thought it was a 'before' photo. Funny you say that... I bought the guitar through a renowned UK guitar finisher who had been asked to "burst" it. Clive had told the owner he must be crazy (if you know Clive you know he didn't exactly use those words) and suggested he sold it as is. The owner said OK and I got a call. The guitar had been robbed of most of its parts and had been badly butchered years ago. It was in a sad state and pretty much unplayable. The easy solution would definitely have been to re-top it, get the routes perfect, lose the split across the control cavity and get everything it the correct position but I just couldn't trash that original finish. Anyone who has taken on one of these basket cases knows how one thing just leads to another as you discover the issues. The hardest part is knowing when to stop. Everyone who sees it loves it and can't put it down. I only fitted the current pups to get it up and running but it sounds amazing. I have PAFs but for now I am just going to enjoy it as it is.

07-28-10, 03:19 AM	#26
William Payne Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wanganui , New Zealand Posts: 768	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Thats an awesome looking guitar. Sometimes things that don't look good even though that guitar looks awesome can be amazing things.

07-28-10, 03:52 AM	#28
MikeSlub Admin/Burst Advisory In the Zone Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: America the Beautiful Posts: 8,701	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Very cool fiddle! Congratulations! __________________ * "Gibson guitars are like potato chips - you can't have just one!" * "So many Gibsons to love, so little time..."

07-28-10, 06:43 AM	#29
Kevin L. Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 40	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion That guitar is lucky it fell into your hands. You have done it right! __________________

07-30-10, 03:02 PM	#32
Anje All Access/Backstage Pass Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Dark side of the moon Posts: 730	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion real great looking guitar, I love the look of those lovely aged and worn 50's GT

07-30-10, 03:16 PM	#33
dwagar Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Calgary, but I don't play country music! Posts: 4,056	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion just beautiful. I like the use of the term 'angst'. __________________ - Don "Now God please help me, oh I think I'm goin' sane."

07-31-10, 11:05 AM	#34
harveyP Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London UK Posts: 160	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Thanks for all the kind words guys. Here is a pic of the ugly part. The back of the neck is very smooth and feels fine, just looks bad. The headstock did require some attention however.

07-31-10, 11:36 AM	#35
MS 57 Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 107	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion That is so COOL - worn just the right way !!! Congrats !!!

07-31-10, 01:40 PM	#36
HeeBGB Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 100	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion pfft! You lie! I still don't see the ugly! That guitar gives me wood! no pun intended!

07-31-10, 01:45 PM	#37
Otto 57 Les Paul Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nueva Jork Posts: 682	Re: Ugly/beautiful 55/57 conversion Still aint buyin the ugly part bro. Sorry.