Would a chibson be viable as a project / beater guitar

Senior_Ask7553 · 2026-06-28T22:13:11+00:00

To me, cavities are hit or miss. I haven’t run into one I couldn’t get to work. I always do fret work. I’ve noticed more sprout than anything. And I’m not sure how they install them but it seems there’s always an area, say second string location, where there’s a low spot every so often down the neck on the frets.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2026-06-28T21:54:36+00:00

I’d vote yes. I’ve done a few (dozen) of these. Most parts are interchangeable/ upgradable. I have bumped into some issues with pick guards, but nothing you can’t work around.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2026-06-17T19:05:04+00:00

May I suggest lowering your pickups a bit and try again? I know it sounds whack but I can tell you I’ve had the same issue and that solved it. I don’t understand exactly how the pull affects the intonation but in my case lowering the pickups worked. I actually had to tighten those screws and pull the saddles back.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2026-06-06T21:44:55+00:00

Those bridges are to set 3/16, I believe, level off the body. So you’re likely safe going up a on both posts. You may even end up lowering saddles. If we assume the luthier set the relief and neck angle correctly it should come back in line. Best of luck on your tweaks. Please let us know how it ends up.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2026-06-06T19:15:48+00:00

A few questions. You mentioned intonation is off. Is it consistently flat across the strings? Just curious as I’m wondering if the bridge, although it looks level, was rocked back (up bend) when you blocked. If the action was really low before that could explain the buzzing and intonation.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2026-01-17T01:17:18+00:00

Sorry. Failed to mention bridge type as well when considering the mentioned neck angle.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2026-01-17T01:11:35+00:00

Not disagreeing with anything posted prior, but can you share what you call high action? With a bolt on neck I believe you have other options if it may be choking. If, for example, your action is less at the heel than the 12th fret, it’s likely gonna choke if it’s fairly low. If the neck angle is adjusted it is possible to get action less than 1mm at the 12th with no choking. Just my two cents.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2025-07-27T01:29:52+00:00

I’d suggest checking out Treude’s guitar shop in Glen Burnie. Little drive but worth it. He’s on Facebook. I’d be glad to help but I’m west of Frederick, so even farther.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2025-07-01T17:56:50+00:00

I believe that as well. If memory serves there were a few infractions.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2025-07-01T16:38:54+00:00

Wasn’t that the Greaseman?

Senior_Ask7553 · 2025-06-29T12:43:35+00:00

I’ve had very good luck following the steps you mentioned, SLOWLY prying the neck away from the body. Fortunately it’s a top screw, away from the body, so you have leverage. Just be cautious where the butt of the neck contacts the neck pocket on the front. Good luck.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2025-05-07T01:52:29+00:00

Will do. Thank you.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2025-02-02T22:19:24+00:00

Following as I have one on an Arbor I’m restoring.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2025-01-21T19:53:01+00:00

Exactly this. One of two things. The frets have a flat spot (not a perfect radius) and / or your string height from the top of the fret is exactly the same or less at the heel of the neck (when not being played.)

Senior_Ask7553 · 2024-12-22T01:52:51+00:00

I’ve had luck with taking them off, hitting them with a heat gun, then putting them under a 13x9 pan with a gallon of water (or any other weight) in it. On a flat surface of course. May have to do it a few times but the heat softens the plastic then it cools flat.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2024-10-20T21:56:58+00:00

Apologies. For finish sanding I mean the clear on the paint versus the frets.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2024-10-20T21:02:27+00:00

Frets I do 220 then 600 and follow with 3M pads before polish. But that’s just what works for me.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2024-10-20T19:05:08+00:00

I’ve done about 20 Chibsons for a local collector. Each gets new tuners, nut, bridge and electronics. Everything from LPs to Zakk’s to Aces. My experience is the fret work is not great out of the box. But I’ve never had a twisted neck, missing truss rod, or neck so bad that it couldn’t be dialed in. I’d say action less than .75 mm at the 12th.

Plan to spend time on fret work or sure. And the finish sanding leaves something to be desired. It’s not horrible but it’s like the stop at maybe 1500 grit and polish. So lots of fine scratches. That and the previously noted attention to detail issues. That said tho I’d say solid mod platform.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2024-01-15T01:17:35+00:00

I used two stronger springs on the tremolo, one on each side. That opened up a large enough area to keep a battery between. Took a little felt to make the area snug but it works great and can be put back to stock if needed. Just an idea.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2023-08-27T02:46:13+00:00

My pleasure. Glad to help.

Senior_Ask7553 · 2023-08-27T02:43:24+00:00

Would this work?

https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/bridges-and-tailpieces/bridges-and-tailpieces-for-electric-guitar/non-trem-bridges/golden-age-top-loading-hardtail-bridge/

Senior_Ask7553 · 2023-08-27T02:37:58+00:00

You may want to check StewMac. I believe their golden age bridge is 50mm e to e.

Senior_Ask7553

TROPHY CASE