BigM555 Posted August 16, 2007 Report Share Posted August 16, 2007 I don't post much but I've been reading the forum for the past few months gathering insights before I embark on my first build. I have always wanted a flame maple top rootbeer Les Paul but can't bring myself to part with the money they go for (though I see they're getting more reasonable). I've also always wanted to build my own guitar from scratch. I'm heading the good advice of others and putting together a full scale drawing before I go to far (I feel like I've already built the guitar about 10 times in CAD). My plan thus far is to keep reasonably close to the classic. So far, I've acquired a 4/4"x8"x48" piece of curly maple with a bit of spalt, and an 8/4"x8"x48" piece of nice mahogany for the body (both need to be jointed). It took me some time to find a local supply of mahogany. I'm pretty sure I don't have enough mahogany to get a neck blank out of my piece as well as the body. It would be easy enough to get another piece but I've been pondering a change in direction for the neck. There should be enough of the flamed maple to get two quarter sawn strips, and I have some nice walnut left over from another project. I'm debating on whether to go with a three piece laminate with the curly maple on the outsides and a walnut strip up the middle (btw, I intend to use a scarf joint). I think this will look slick and give a little more flair. I'm wondering what the tonal and sustain implications will be with a diversion from the standard mahogany LP neck? I assume it may be a tad brighter than mahogany. I don't anticipate much change in sustain. Any insights? BTW - I'm planning on an ebony FB but have also been pondering cocobolo, not sure how much that will impact things either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted August 16, 2007 Report Share Posted August 16, 2007 I think the Zakk Wylde LP has a maple neck, and there have been maple necked LP's in the past. My guess is it'll sound a little brighter, tighter, but if you don't change the rest (body mass, basic body woods, pickups, neck joint, scale length, hardware), it'll still be Les Paul-ish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigM555 Posted August 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Thanks Mattia. About what my thoughts were too. A little brighter and tighter won't necessarily be a bad thing. I tend to favor strat/super strat tones but love the sustain and growl of a LP. Any thoughts on the walnut center strip with the curly maple neck? Should certainly be strong enough, eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Walnut's a perfectly lovely neck wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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