This is probably a pretty well-known forum guitar to a few people around the parts, no doubt tribute to the skills of its maker
@WezV, and the detailed build thread
here. I've been looking for a decent Les Paul for a while, and had noticed this pop up on a few threads, most recently the gold top thread, and it made the run of the mill Gibsons I'd been considering seem a little tame.
So when
@merlin put this up for sale I knew I had to move fast.
It's always a bit of a fingers crossed moment buying sight unseen, and the thought that I would technically be its fourth owner in the last six months was a slight concern. But the opportunity was too good to pass up, so after a minor transport hiccup it arrived in Northumberland over the weekend, and I've had a chance to give it a workout today.
Playing something like this enforces a certain kind of paradigm shift. It's not just another example of a production guitar. This is a completely unique instrument which deserves respect, and hopefully will justify long-term commitment by revealing its strengths over many years. So these are my first thoughts...
It looks great, plays great, and sounds sublime.
Heh. Nothing insightful there, then. More detail, vicar?
The instrument totally works as a whole. The impressive relic job is perhaps the most noticeable attribute at first sight. But it's a completely necessary attribute for the instrument to make sense: this isn't a pristine factory-made instrument, you can tell that it's handmade - with utmost care and skill, but handmade nonetheless - so for it to be "pre-worn" makes total sense when you handle it and play it. Wez is on record saying how the relic job actually changed how the guitar plays, for the better, and even though I never saw it pre-relic, that's totally believable. It's loud and chimey unplugged, and bright, assertive and soulful plugged in.
I had no idea how it would sound before I bought it, so had to rely on hope that the Mojo P90s would do the job, and they do indeed. All three positions are spectacular.
I haven't got any photos but there's loads in the build thread. I did make a quick, basic video, so if anyone was wondering how it sounds, wonder no longer.
So may I say thanks to @merlin for being a top chap and a great transaction, and to @WezV for making such a wonderful instrument. Long may such creations continue to come into being!
Comments
Enjoy...
Sounds huge and looks awesome! What you playing through? Those P90's are ripping! Might have to get some for my Yamaha SG.
Has anyone dibs-ed the in-progress black one yet, @WezV..?
I’m not giving out dibs... not till they are done
Instagram
Glad you're enjoying it...
I did a bit more playing today with the amp properly mic'd up, so these two vids should sound a lot better. Apologies for any gurning content.
The yard is nothing but a fence, the sun just hurts my eyes...