I just saw a video by Ken Parker today and he said the same thing about lessening the headstock angle likely solving most of the break issues. That, and a back strap that extends a couple fret's distance down the back of the neck is what he thought was all you need. When you think about it, the best possible solution is the laminated neck. Only the look of the lines on the back of the neck would stand out, but who even looks there, right?
4 more days in October, you're in the home stretch. Just looked at the LP I built in your shop. We used the hybrid wedge on one side and mortise and tenon on the other, which is also a great option for a home build.
I do wedge fit as well. So tight that it does not need glue. For travel guitars I use one thumb screw so it comes off for fitting into a suit case case.
i was going to flame you, but you're completely reasonable, make good points, know what you're talking about and understand that many of us want it built exactly like it was. i wouldn't object to buying a Paul like this if Gibson had a line where they went this route. for instance one could easily argue superior tonal qualities due to the neck joint that would appeal to traditionalists, but i certainly wouldn't want them to force this without a choice.
I agree with what you say about the Gibson , my Mate has a 1981 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with the 3 piece Maple volute neck that has been to hell & back, 20 plus times from Australia to Europe & back in luggage & has never had an issue, It's had like 5 complete refrets! Try & find a video with a 3 piece maple Headstock repair??
With every guitar design there is always something that can be improved, I always look at the controls layout. think about everything Leo got wrong. IMHO I think the controls should start behind the bridge or at the very least in line with the bridge I could never understand why guitar designers put anything in front of the bridge.
Agree on all points. Can you do a video where you talk about how you approach color finishes on guitars with wood or reveal bindings? I’ve ended up avoiding colors with wood bindings because I feel like you can’t scrape the binding clean, and I have trouble getting masking just right. Thanks!
i just wish they put a 2 way or dual truss rod.... i had a LP that i could NOT put 9's on as it had a severe back bow, 10's pulled it out but 9's wouldnt do it....even with the rod 100% loose.
Yeah you handsome dude, you got me with the click-baitey title. Nah I would have watched it anyway. I agree with all your points, especially the headstock angle.
That stupid fat heel is what kills me. The new Modern is fine, but there's no reason to have that huge ass heel on Standards, etc. I like the truss rod heel adjustment wheels in a cutout at the end of the fretboard like I've seen on other guitars. I also like straight string pull from the nut to the tuners, like my headstock, but that'd require a redesign more similar to PRSs and Gibson just can't do that. Wedge fit is nice, but so long as it's a long tenon, it's all good, AFAIC. Is there any reason you don't like recessed TOMs?
Shallower hadstock angle. Recessed bridge/tailpiece so no neck angle. Change those two things and throw in a volute, even a small one and that prevents 90% of headstock breaks. Lam neck/headstock makes it nigh impervious.