Thinking of building a guitar? Maybe a Les Paul? Excellent, but hopefully it’s not your first guitar build project. If so, I would go for something a little bit simpler like a Telecaster before you get stuck into the mighty Les Paul. If you need more info on that check out my thoughts on the Best Guitar Parts to Build a Telecaster.
OK, now that’s covered, let’s get going on the amazing journey to build the Les Paul you have always dreamt about starting with the…
Neck
Depending on how experienced you are with neck builds, I would recommend that most people who are relatively new to building guitars opt for buying a premade neck that is already fretted. You can even buy complete Les Paul body and neck kits which are already glued together at the correct angle. You then apply whatever finish you like, add and connect the electronics, install the hardware, attach some strings, set her up, and you’ll be ready to rock!
Constructing a neck from a raw piece of wood is not easy and it usually takes builders quite a few attempts to create a neck that they are happy with. So, at this stage, save the frustration of trying to get it right by simply going online and buying the one that best suits your needs and your budget.
Necks and complete neck and body kits are available from various manufacturers at various prices depending on build quality and the woods used.
Body
A Les Paul body is a lot easier to get right than the neck, but it is still relatively difficult. You’ll need to attach the top layer which is traditionally maple to the main body wood, usually mahogany. Then you’ll need to carve the top to get the characteristic shape, then carve the slot for the neck which needs to be perfectly aligned so that the neck fits in it properly.
A lot can go wrong here if you’re not very experienced, so yet again, if you’re not confident at this stage, buy a kit, if makes the build a lot less stressful.
Tuning Machines
Every guitar needs some good quality locking tuning pegs to keep it nicely in tune. Here are my recommendations depending on what style of Les Paul you are going for:
Guyker GK-44SP 3R3L Locking String Vintage Deluxe Tuning Pegs
If you’re going for a vintage look, these are a fantastic option. The comfortable trapezoid-style handles on the GK-44SP ensure effortless and precise tuning on stage, in the studio, or when practicing at home. While the anti-corrosion, anti-dust, and anti-wear casting, ensures durability and long-term reliability.
They feature a gear ratio of 1:15 for precise tuning and are available in a wide choice of finishes and colorways - chrome or nickel with the traditional yellowish-white handle, gold or black with the traditional greenish handle, or chrome with a cream handle, or my favorite, black with a black handle.
Or if you want a chunkier design, go for the…
Guyker GK-502SP 3R/3L Guitar Tuning Pegs Lock String Tuner
They are the same build quality as the set I just covered, feature a 1:18 gear ratio, are built to last, and are available in chrome, black, gold, or a cool rainbow design.
Or, if you want to add a splash of color to your headstock, you can’t get better than the…
GUYKER GK-D-434SP Dopamine Color No Screws Locking Tuning Key Pegs
Most guitarists go for the traditional chrome or nickel finish, but why be boring, you’re building a one-off Les Paul so let your personality shine through with these very colorful tuners. My favorite is the Blue and Purple with a Blue Button, but there are a load of less blingy options such as Blue and Gold with a Pearl Button, Red and Gold with a Red Button, or even plain chrome or black.
They feature a 1:18 gear ratio, a sealed diecast zinc alloy housing and handles, brass shafts, and iron worm gears, to ensure that you are perfectly in tune and stay that way.
Bridge
The bridge is a vital component to getting the tone you want from your Les Paul, so let’s start with a basic traditional design, the…
Guyker GM003+GS001 Tune-O-Matic Bridge + Stop Bar Tailpiece with Anchors and Studs for LP SG Guitars
As the old saying goes… “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. The bridge and stop tailpiece design of the Les Paul has gone down in musical history, and that’s exactly what you’ll be getting with this quality Zinc alloy set.
There really isn’t much that needs to be said, it’s a faithful recreation of the original with the addition of Allen screws that keep the bridge attached to the top of the mounting studs so that it doesn’t fall off when you are changing the strings.
It’s available in all the usual finishes, Chrome, Black, Gold, but you also have the option of bronze or ‘old’ if you’re creating a relic’ed Les Paul, or Rainbow if you want something a bit more psychedelic.
Or, for a more modern design, go for the…
Guyker GM005 & GS001 Stop Bar Tailpiece & Tune O Matic Roller Guitar Bridge for LP SG Guitars
Lots of guitarists, myself included love a roller bridge. Less friction allows for better tuning stability, especially if you enjoy more extreme bends during solos.
This is basically the same as the more traditional set I just covered but has the all-important rollers on the bridge. It is also available in the same wide choice of finishes.
Pickups
Pickups are arguably the single factor that defines your guitar tone more than any other. A simple swap of pickups can radically change the way any guitar sounds. So, I won’t go in-depth in such a short article, for more info and my recommendations check out the “Best Pickups for a Les Paul Build”’
Toggle Switch Covers
You don’t just want your guitar to look cool from the front, do you? It also has to look amazing if anyone sees it from behind, and adding an interesting toggle switch back plate is the best way to do this. Let’s start with the…
Guyker Toggle Switch Back Plate Hudie Metal Cover Butterfly Skeleton Pattern
Fancy an evil-looking butterfly with a skeleton on its chest on the back of your guitar? It may not be for everyone, but if it matches your style and the music you love, rock on!
The skull and butterfly are a bronzy gold color that contrasts nicely with the black and silver background pattern and will definitely make your Les Paul stand out from the crowd.
Next, and to quote the classic Motorhead song, ‘Ace of Spades’... “If you love to gamble”, we have the…
Guyker Roulette Pattern Metal Toggle Switch Plate
Featuring six bronze domes that surround a central silver circle, on a silver background, it is a very cool design! Plus, the quality all-metal construction means you’ll have a lifetime of trouble-free use.
Or, if you like all things mechanical, how about the…
Guyker Gear Pattern Metal Toggle Switch Plate
The same quality construction as the other toggle switch plates that Guyker produces, except this time with a gears and cogs theme.
Nut
As with selecting the perfect set of pickups, there are a multitude of options when selecting a nut for your project, from simple bone, to brass, to titanium. Again too much to cover in this short article, so please check out my thoughts on the subject in the ‘Best Nut for a Les Paul Build”.
Knobs
There are masses of great guitar knob options for your Les Paul build, too many to include here, to be honest. But don’t worry, check out my look at 7 Super Cool Knobs for your Guitar! for some quality, unique, and fun guitar knobs that will look great on your guitar.
Wrapping it Up
There you have it, just about everything you need to build your dream Les Paul.
Before you start your build, it’s well worth subscribing to some of the YouTube Guitar Building and Modification channels. They will give you a ton of excellent information for free and can help you sort out any problems you may run into. Also, check out the 10 Best Online Resources for Learning to Build and Modify Guitars for the best places for info and tips to ensure your Lutherie project goes perfectly to plan.
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