Side Project – The Aging of a Les Paul

[Megadebt]

deleted

I'm an embarrassment to the human race i should kill myself

 

[jaza69]

///The “victim” is a 2021 Les Paul Standard (which started life as a Slash Signature Model)///

The "victim", you've got that right

 

[la szum]

Not sure I trust you. I saw how you cut those pickup leads.

 

[Rane]

Eagerly awaiting photos.

 

[Joe Bfstplk]

The “victim” is a 2021 Les Paul Standard (which started life as a Slash Signature Model). I previously removed the Slash Logo on the back of the headstock, along with the entire finish on the back of the neck. Which, after having played the guitar a lot since the finish was removed. I can honestly say I LOVE the feel of the raw wood/tru oil finish!

So anyway, this will be a slow moving thread.

On a side note, I installed a set of aged gold strap buttons today, subtle, almost unnoticeable. I like them. Off to a good start, lol.

I have been studying stuff I find on the internet on aging a Les Paul. As controversial as this type of thing may be, I want to do a good job. I do not want to overdo it. I'll take my sweet ass time!

I have no pictures today. I just wanted to start this thread. Thanks for looking!

John

A friend of mine, who built my Gecko Tele, did a Greenie LP, in excruciating detail. Guy that bought it showed it to Peter Greene after he got it. Apparently, PG said, "It wasn't that bad when he [Gary] got it." or something to that effect....

 

[RevDrucifer]

@Andy Eagle can most definitely give you some pointers!

 

[Dave Merrill]

The first thing I will do is remove all the guitars parts. I read that sitting the guitar out in the sun will age the finish. I'll give it a try?!

This is fun! LoL!

It's in the low 40s here, at 8:30 at night. What what that would do...

 

[Joe Bfstplk]

It's in the low 40s here, at 8:30 at night. What what that would do...

Overnight on yer porch and inside in the heat in the morning a few times will get some finish checking going, provided you live where thare are no "porch pirates"....

 

[Dave Merrill]

I cleared out a suitable container for the parts. I have the Les Paul laid out on the operating table ready for dissection. I plan to take it all apart tonight, little by little. Not only that, but I have a serious bout of insomnia lately. This is a great project for a sleepless night. Sit in my room, listen to music, work on a guitar – time well spent!

View attachment 92869

View attachment 92870

Pretty to start with!

 

[Joe Bfstplk]

I'm probably the only person who will even see this guitar. I am not doing this to look cool or like I am a seasoned player, lol. I'm doing it for me. I personally think it will look cool AF. It may even inspire me to play it even more than I already do. It's a great sounding, playing Les Paul. Me thinks!

Not sure Rick did it for reasons any different from yours. The guy that bought it from him just happened to know PG....

 

[la szum]

If this thread doesn't get locked and you don't get banned nothing is right in this world anymore.

 

[chumbucket]

I didn't know that they made those Slash LPs with a natural or light lemon finish. Looks good. You should stop now IMO.

 

[Joe Bfstplk]

The next step is to do the dents, scratches, and finish wear. At the moment, thinking, I'm going to do at least one good hit on the front of the body with a cable's end plug. I did that once on an LP Traditional Pro – broke my heart. Now I’m going to do it on purpose!

I plan to do some sanding on the front top to simulate the area of distress caused by the forearm while strumming or picking. I'll remove that diamond headstock emblem sticker. I plan to put a gold Les Paul script there – like what came on this guitar.

I'll do damage to the edges of the headstock mustache corners – that surely happens over time.

Some buckle rash on the back, some wear around the knobs.

Right now, I'm thinking that's as far as I want to go.

BBL, with pictures, when all the above-mentioned work is complete.

 

[Dave Merrill]

Steer clear of the belt sander look, so obviously fake. IMO.

 

[Andy Eagle]

@Andy Eagle can most definitely give you some pointers!

The main pointer I would give is unless you are starting with bare wood and refinishing the whole thing it's not going to look like an old guitar just a damaged new one. If you must go ahead with this you need to collect a range of hi res close pics of guitars that you want it to end up looking like.
I'll start you off with this one;
http://www.guitarheaven.com/TIMEMACHINE5/TIMEMACHINE5.htm

 

[Andy Eagle]

If you want to craze the lacquer you need a hair dryer and a can of compressed air . The type you use to clean out computers.
You heat up the finish in sections and then spray the propellent directly on to the hot finish. The liquid is lower than freezing point of water and the instant contraction crazes the lacquer. This is how most custom shops do it. DON'T use a heat gun you will burn the finish off.
The reason I say work from pictures and study then is to work out exactly where and how most finish damage occurs . The last thing you want is for this to end up looking like a Nash.

 

[Andy Eagle]

Remember when sanding damaged edges that you have added you should use a 3M fine sanding foam block then rubbing compound to replicate rubbing over time and then the coloured wax polish.

 

[gitfruit]

Have mercy!

 

[JohnFX]

LP Looks very good to me, my Suhr above

 

[TSJMajesty]

Ty!

Installed a scratch!

View attachment 92930

You're killing me! I told myself I wasn't gonna watch this thread, but like a car crash, it's hard not to look.
Back in high school I let a buddy use my brand new LP Custom Silverburst as his backup, and he put buckle rash on the back, so I'm a little sensitive. But yes, it's certainly yours to do with as you please! Here's hoping it turns out better than you expect.