Epiphone Joe Pass - Pick Guard Replacement

[electricfactory]

Hey Guys,
I just picked this '85 Epi Joe Pass at my local Guitar Center for a song including it's original case. It's got a wonderfully warm yet articulate tone, laminate or not and I couldn't let it go.
The thing is I'd prefer a guard without the JP signature, can anyone recommend where I might find a plain tortoise or black guard ?

[GNAPPI]

Umm... remove the logo? It takes a few minutes with lighter fluid. They're scarcer than hen's teeth. Players remove the PG and throw them away so finding one used is tough.

[Jabberwocky]

Looks like a standard Gibson L5-style pickguard. Try Allparts, WD Music or Pickguardian.

About | Pickguardian

Epiphone® Emperor Swingster

[electricfactory]

GNAPPI, I thought both signature and logo were engraved into the plastic, I might be wrong about that though.

[GNAPPI]

GNAPPI, I thought both signature and logo were engraved into the plastic, might be wrong about that.

They rubbed right off my three and the fourth (which did not have one) I had one made because the only used one I found on Ebay the seller wanted nearly the price of the whole git for the PG, I "let" him keep it :-)

[electricfactory]

Anyone heard of or worked with these guys;

Gibson & Epiphone Pickguards

[GNAPPI]

If you get a PG made for yours, I'll buy the OEM :-) The one I had made is wood and I prefer the tortoise that Epi used.

[electricfactory]

Ah, got it. I'll probably do as you did, get a replacement, if I ever sell the guitar I'll just take the replacement with me for the next project.
As to further upgrades this is where I usually get into trouble; a little pickguard upgrade here, a neck pickup swap there, a proper wiring harness, and on and on.. next thing you know the 'bargain find' turns into an 'upgraded investment' that can't generally be recouped at resale.

They rubbed right off my three and the fourth (which did not have one) I had one made because the only used one I found on Ebay the seller wanted nearly the price of the whole git for the PG, I "let" him keep it :-)

[Boston Joe]

I just took mine off completely. I think the guitar looks better without it.

[electricfactory]

I have to say, as the proud owner of a vintage 1959 single pickup Gibson ES-175, this little Epi JP has no problem keeping up, both in terms of ( unplugged ) volume and eveness across the fingerboard. I thnk the frets could use a polishing, that said there dosen't appear to be any dead spots or choked on early examination. To be sure these are early impressions, I won't get to take possession of the guitar until JAN12 when it get's out of mandatory GC/ police hold jail.


Here's the '59;

[Jabberwocky]

...


Here's the '59;

Pardon my French; mon coeur qui bat. You have every right to be proud of that beauty. Still wearing a stock 59 PAF? I hope.

[Frank67]

Many many moons ago, my first archtop was an Epi Joe Pass. I still have it and I still like it. It turned into a major upgrade project - bone nut, electronics, pickups, ..... One of the upgrades was a rosewood pickguard that I found on eBay. I do not recall the details - sorry - but it is worthwhile searching. These things are out there!

[electricfactory]

Here's the guitar with what i think is a better looking black guard, am considering installing a Frequensator tailpiece and black top-hat reflector knobs.

[GNAPPI]

It looks like the OEM with the back painted black?

[electricfactory]

Exactly

It looks like the OEM with the back painted black?

[Brian B]

Here's the guitar with what i think is a better looking black guard, am considering installing a Frequensator tailpiece and black top-hat reflector knobs.

If you want a Frequensator, you can actually order one thru and authorized Gibson dealer (provided they know what to look for in their system).

It's part number PTP113, as used on current production Epi Broadways. I ordered one thru the Guitar Center in Boston near where I work. Believe it or not, it was cheaper than 3rd party aftermarket, AND it's got the FREQUENSATOR stamp on it. Mine went on my '81 Epi Emperor T, and the mount holes were a perfect match.





Cheers!

B.


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[electricfactory]

Wow, thanks for the great tip, I'll call them first thing TUES! By the way your guitar looks terrific, did you stay with the orig pu's ? how do they sound ?

Was looking at this;
TP-0433-002 Frequensator Style Guitar Trapeze Tailpiece Gold Archtop Models | eBay

If you want a Frequensator, you can actually order one thru and authorized Gibson dealer (provided they know what to look for in their system).

It's part number PTP113, as used on current production Epi Broadways. I ordered one thru the Guitar Center in Boston near where I work. Believe it or not, it was cheaper than 3rd party aftermarket, AND it's got the FREQUENSATOR stamp on it. Mine went on my '81 Epi Emperor T, and the mount holes were a perfect match.



Cheers!

B.


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[Brian B]

Thanks, and you're welcome. I got this used a year + ago, and it had long lost its original pickups. It had a Seymour Duncan '59b in the neck, and a Dimarzio of unknown model and vintage in the bridge.

I literally yesterday installed both the pickups and tailpiece pictured above. New set of Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers. I got the tailpiece because the original from '81 had most of the gold worn off and was gonna look shabby with new gold pickups...lol

I ran it thru it's paces an hour or so ago. It needs some tweaking with pickup height and pole piece adjustment, but I was pulling some really nice tones. I like it more than pre-swap already, and it's not quite there yet.


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[Brian B]

The reason I mention "if they know what they're looking for" is the first try, I wound up with a stoptail bar for the 12 string neck of a G1275 (think Jimmy Page doubleneck). They had to re-order, and got it right 2nd time. Specify it's for a current production Broadway.


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[Brian B]

That eBAY part is identical, just without the FREQUENSATOR stamp. And a couple dollars more, believe it or not.


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[GNAPPI]

Exactly

So the lettering came off OK, that saved you $50-$70+ :-)

[Jabberwocky]

That eBAY part is identical, just without the FREQUENSATOR stamp. And a couple dollars more, believe it or not.

Now you've got my attention. I require the long legs for the Epiphone Broadway Elitist. I like them all the same length, Frequensator be dashed. I wonder if GC would do it for me. Thank you for the tip.

And Happy New Year.

[Brian B]

Pretty sure I paid $27 or 28. I got it almost a year ago.


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[electricfactory]

I'm in!

Pretty sure I paid $27 or 28. I got it almost a year ago.


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[Doctor Jeff]

I like that one, miss my blondie. A great guitar--a 1999 Samick-made JP, got it for a great price (~$400), got me through a painful divorce and back into jazz music. I eventually upgraded the pickups to Stew Mac Parsons Streets and replaced the pick guard and knobs from internet vendors. Beautiful guitar, great tone and playability.