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$1850 to repair my Les Paul neck AND $1800 more to refinish it?!

DanielleMuscato

DanielleMuscato

Jun 19, 2004
4,782
83
42
Columbia, Missouri, USA
www.daniellemuscato.com
Disclosures
Endorsing Artist, Schroeder Cabinets
#1
I debated between putting this here or in Setup & Repair, but the subtitle of the Luthier's Corner is "Discussion on instrument building, repair, and materials," so I thought this might work - if this is the wrong spot, mods, please move it! Thanks.

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Gibson quoted me these numbers to repair the broken headstock of my Les Paul DC Standard guitar ('98 model, in discontinued Blue Diamond finish).

They said the headstock is too far gone to repair, and the neck will need to be replaced.

With refinishing, the total repair quote is $3650. I already paid ~$100 to ship it to them, and they charge $75 for a repair quote, and $67 for return shipping.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I could get two brand new Les Pauls for $3,900, right?

Do you guys know a good place for a headstock rebuild & refinish?

The guitar has sentimental value and I'd rather repair it than replace it if possible. I don't even play guitar anymore really - I saw the light and switched to bass about 5 years ago - but I would like to have this guitar repaired. However, $4k is ridiculous.

Thanks for your input. Suggestions welcome!

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#5
I'm not really looking for a new one, and actually, I'd be happy if I could just play it again...

Can anybody recommend a luthier or repairman who can rebuild the headstock?

I'd actually like a scarf-joint with a shallower angle so it won't break again. It's not even that important to me that it says Gibson on the headstock - this guitar was a gift, from a friend who has since died of cancer. I'll never sell it and since I don't play guitar anymore (except at home), I don't really need a new one, either.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
 
#6
Can you ask Gibson for a quote on a new one of the same model and finish as a special order. Still should be much cheaper than the repair they quoted.

I wouldn't even consider having Gibson doing a repair that didn't completely fix everything, including the body.

Good Luck!
 
#7
It would have to be a custom-shop model, since the current model Doublecut doesn't have binding or a AAA-flame top, and the the body thickness is deeper now than on the original '98 models. It would probably be about the same price.

Also, this guitar has a lot of sentimental value and I would rather have it repaired, even if it looks like crap afterward.
 
#10
Sure. During a particularly passionate cover of Voodoo Chile, I forgot I was playing my Les Paul and not my Strat (Strats can take it ;) ). That's what caused the headstock break.

The finish damage was caused by a local repairman who was attempting to fix the headstock. He accidentally spilled a corrosive chemical on the finish.

Thanks for the tip, Dannster. I'll give him a ring.
 
#11
Dave Muscato said:
Sure. During a particularly passionate cover of Voodoo Chile, I forgot I was playing my Les Paul and not my Strat (Strats can take it ;) ). That's what caused the headstock break.

The finish damage was caused by a local repairman who was attempting to fix the headstock. He accidentally spilled a corrosive chemical on the finish.

Thanks for the tip, Dannster. I'll give him a ring.
Click to expand...

damn that sux
 
#12
Yeah, it does. My lawyer's taking care of that part of it, fortunately (the repairman also held onto the guitar for 3.5 years before I finally got it back, still not repaired!).

I just need to find someone to repair/rebuild the headstock for a reasonable price. I'll talk to Mike Lull... Any other suggestions for shops to check out?

Thanks, guys.
 
#14
The absolute best at repairs like that is Joe Pichkur in LI, NY. I have seen the before and after of a Les Paul jr that he fixed and you wouldnt even know it was done. He is meticulous and cantankerous (old and good) and certainly cheaper than the Gibson factory. 516 488 5343. Call after 4pm, thats when he usually rolls in til school gets out.
 
#15
It's not the first time that headstock broke seeing as how there's already splines in the neck.

It looks like an interesting project to try. I'd offer myself but being in Australia and busy with a couple of builds right now it wouldn't be worth your while.

I'd suggest to check out your local repairguys and e-mail them pics of the guitar along with the details for a quote.
 
#16
I live in Columbia, MO, population <100k. We don't have many local repair guys to speak of. And yes, this is not the first headstock repair - the first time I had it repaired, it held together for about a month, and the tension of the strings pulled it off again (with 11s). The second repairman was the one who damaged the finish and hid the guitar for 3.5 years. Like I said, no local repairmen to speak of... I'm looking to send it somewhere to have it done right.
 
#19
I think that the price is excessive. They are just trying to get you to buy a new gibson. Obviously that guitar has some serious sentimental value. I do feel that the guitar can be fixed. The original repair which used splines was not the way I would have approached the job. If you can strip the the guitar or have some one do it here is an awesome finisher www.paintbydave.com. I have repaired tilt back headstocks that have completely fractured off and have held up quite well.
 

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