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Should I Buy a Les Paul Studio w/ Headstock Repair?

Electrableu

New member
Joined
Nov 24, 2022
Messages
1
Hi all! Anyone here an expert on how headstock repair is likely to impact tone, playability, durability, action, etc. on a Les Paul Studio? I am considering purchasing a 2008 era LPS with the headstock repair shown in the attached pics because it seems otherwise in great shape, and I can likely get it for 1/2 of what would cost in same condition without the headstock repair. I'm not really worried about cosmetics and would not intend to resell it in the next 10+ years. Mainly wondering if the repair is likely to break again, and whether it is likely to impact tone, playability, action, durability etc. It is an online seller and sold as-is with no returns, which makes me nervous. They are a music dealer so no reason to believe it is a scam, just hard to assess the quality of the repair by attached pics alone without being able to pick it up and play it! Is the "worst case" scenario that I have to get the repair re-done? If so what is that likely to cost on east coast of USA (Raleigh NC)?

SEE PICS HERE:

CLICK HERE FOR PIC 1
>
CLICK HERE FOR PIC2

Thanks SOOO much for any insights!
 

Iguana

Active member
Joined
Aug 22, 2018
Messages
108
I have a ‘13 Standard with a repaired headstock. I have never had any problems with it being unstable. It stays in tune as well as any guitar I’ve owned. I also have an Epiphone studio that had a broken neck. It had split from the headstock to around the seventh fret. I did that repair myself. It also stays in tune and sounds great. In fact the Epi convinced me I like Lester’s after all. Prior to that I was strictly a Strat player.
The Gibson repair is a little “cleaner” than the one in your pics. The Epi was far worse. I can’t tell how much wood filler was used from your pics but that would be my only concern. If the repair was done with any care it shouldn’t come apart at the same location again. Wood glues form an incredibly strong bond. That doesn’t mean you’ll never break the headstock again. Just that it won’t be in the same location.
 

dwagar

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
4,451
It will probably be just fine. Other than cosmetics, there's nothing wrong with a repaired headstock Les Paul.

If it does break again, look up Greg Platzer in PA. I bought a broken headstock '57 LP Special, I sent it to Greg. And I live in Western Canada.
 
Last edited:

Wilko

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Mar 11, 2002
Messages
20,854
No worries at all. No reason it would effect action or playability.
 

Winkyplayer

Member
Joined
May 1, 2021
Messages
74
I'm going with yes. Looks OK to me, although if I bought it, it would go to a local luthier for a check and a bit of cosmetic touch-up. The price should reflect the break, though.
 

ajtonly1

Member
Joined
Jan 30, 2022
Messages
43
There are some of our heroes that say LPs actually sound better after a break lol

I have a 58 special with a headstock break that’s glorious in sound. It was repaired during the 60s and it’s ugly AH but the tone ✊🏼
 

EdwardHinrichs

New member
Joined
Dec 28, 2022
Messages
2
Hi all! Anyone here an expert on how headstock repair is likely to impact tone, playability, durability, action, etc. on a Les Paul Studio? I am considering purchasing a 2008 era LPS with the headstock repair shown in the attached pics because it seems otherwise in great shape, and I can likely get it for 1/2 of what would cost in same condition without the headstock repair. I'm not really worried about cosmetics and would not intend to resell it in the next 10+ years. Mainly wondering if the repair is likely to break again, and whether it is likely to impact tone, playability, action, durability etc. It is an online seller and sold as-is with no returns, which makes me nervous. They are a music dealer so no reason to believe it is a scam, just hard to assess the quality of the repair by attached pics alone without being able to pick it up and play it! Is the "worst case" scenario that I have to get the repair re-done? If so what is that likely to cost on east coast of USA (Raleigh NC)?

SEE PICS HERE:

CLICK HERE FOR PIC 1
>
CLICK HERE FOR PIC2

Thanks SOOO much for any insights!
Have you bought it?
 
Last edited:

KoP

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2016
Messages
62
"...some of our heroes that say LPs actually sound better after a break..."

How close are we to people deliberately breaking (and repairing) them as part of an "ultra-relic" process?
If Henry was still in charge…
 
Joined
Aug 8, 2001
Messages
62
The grain run-out in the one piece mahogany necks is a known weak spot. A well-executed repair can help reinforce the weak area.
Every piece of wood is different. Some are more easily broken than others.
Hopefully, intentional breakage won't become a "Thing". For many, relic-ing is a bridge too far.
 

charliechitlins

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,020
A break like that can be permanently fixed by an amateur who does his homework.
It's not a big deal, and that one seems to have been done to "good enough" standards.
That worn spot is a little odd, but maybe the previous owner played a lot of cowboy chords.
A proper repair causes no problems with tone, playability, durability, etc.
Most that break again, break in a different spot, as the repair is often stronger than the surrounding wood.
If this is your ticket into another level of guitar that you couldn't otherwise afford, it's a good opportunity.
 

Any Name You Wish

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
Messages
493
Take it from me, the "Headstock Breaker Extraordinaire," if it was done long enough ago, say 6 months or more, then I would trust it. A little cosmetic touch up and you are in business. Get a great deal, and have a great guitar that you don't have to worry too much about regarding nicks and scratches and cigarette burns and alcohol and sweat and knife marks (don't ask).
 

Dave P

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 13, 2001
Messages
976
A break like that might be cosmetically ugly, but still be a great utility guitar. The angled break provides a lot of gluing surface and will hold up over time. I would stay away from broken headstocks that break straight across near the nut.
 

jb_abides

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
5,276
If Henry was still in charge…

A direct appeal. Bless his heart!


Finger or scarf joints have been well known to Gibson; obviously... Epiphone.

I wouldn't be opposed to them being introduced into the Modern Collection, especially on painted finishes. Also on modern models, I don't mind the use of the Apex. Or "puzzle piece" neck joins.

Nothing's gonna happen fast... at least until big volute-era reissues come back into vogue.
 
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