Converting a 6 to a 7

leftyguitarjoe · 07-21-2009, 12:12 PM

I plan on EVENTUALLY converting my old epiphone les paul into a 7 string. I'm getting a 7 string neck off warmoth.

Projected finished specs:

Old mediocre LP body
A Bareknuckle Miracle Man or a Blackout
One volume, a kill switch, and the same booster I have in my schecter
Maple neck
ebony fretboard
24 frets
size 6100 frets.

I know I'll need to route the existing pup cavity and I'll need to change the position of the bridge completely for proper intonation.

What tools will I need access to?

Any tips? I've never done anything like this before, but I want to do this.

Isan · 07-21-2009, 12:13 PM

dude just get a custom body.... it is so much easier

Konfyouzd · 07-21-2009, 12:13 PM

yea what he said...

Schotter · 07-21-2009, 12:14 PM

agree

Isan · 07-21-2009, 12:26 PM

or hell make your own body

Konfyouzd · 07-21-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isan

or hell make your own body

hell yea... isn't there someone else on here building 2 neck thrus as is first build?

you should talk to that guy and see what the dealy-o is... you might be able to save yourself a little money and have some fun. and then you can build me one!

leftyguitarjoe · 07-21-2009, 01:26 PM

This guitar has alot of sentimental value to me and I want it use it

This les paul has been my "project guitar" that I used to hone my skills in construction and maintenance.

HumanFuseBen · 07-21-2009, 01:38 PM

i understand, man... i have an unused 6 string (rg470) that i rarely use since all i play are 7's! i feel bad for the poor guy and would like to one day convert it over.

Konfyouzd · 07-21-2009, 01:39 PM

ahh... understandable. then i'm no help. sorry

leftyguitarjoe · 07-21-2009, 02:42 PM

Alright, so back to business.

What tools will I need to expand the neck pocket and the pickup slot? A router I assume. But what kind of router, bits, ect?

I know I'll need a drill press for the holes.

Oh, and I just filled in everything that needed to be filled in. I'm going to let it cure over night then I'm going to sand it, reapply filler, and sand it again for good measure.

EDIT: Might as well make this a progress thread

vampiregenocide · 07-21-2009, 02:51 PM

Man, if it really has sentimental value, do you really want to chop it up? Why not just set it up for bari tuning?

leftyguitarjoe · 07-21-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vampiregenocide

Man, if it really has sentimental value, do you really want to chop it up? Why not just set it up for bari tuning?

Well, mainly because I'm bored

I've wanted a 7 string LP for a while, and this is the only way I can get a lefty. I know what I want to do and I'm looking for ways to help me achieve it, not alternatives.

vampiregenocide · 07-21-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftyguitarjoe

Well, mainly because I'm bored

I've wanted a 7 string LP for a while, and this is the only way I can get a lefty. I know what I want to do and I'm looking for ways to help me achieve it, not alternatives.

Fair enough man, its just one of those things you really want to get spot on or it will look weird. Wish you all the best in this project though man.

Pauly · 07-21-2009, 03:19 PM

I know someone on ProjectGuitar did a conversion from 6 to 7, and I THINK someone's done it on here a while back. You might find them with a thread search.

leftyguitarjoe · 07-21-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pauly

I know someone on ProjectGuitar did a conversion from 6 to 7, and I THINK someone's done it on here a while back. You might find them with a thread search.

I have project guitar bookmarked!! hahaha

I'll have to see if I can find it on there. Thanks!!

hypermagic · 07-21-2009, 03:53 PM

Dude Joe you are the shit I wish you luck in this!

Konfyouzd · 07-21-2009, 04:08 PM

whatever you do there better be pics

7 Strings of Hate · 07-21-2009, 05:41 PM

i hate to say it, but i think this is doomed to fail. not because it cant be done, but 1.i'm not sure what you filled the cavity with, but it should have been wood cut to shape and wood glued in and 2. your asking us what tools you will need to do this, so obviously you dont know what your doing, and this is something that takes a bit of skill

leftyguitarjoe · 07-21-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7 Strings of Hate

i hate to say it, but i think this is doomed to fail. not because it cant be done, but 1.i'm not sure what you filled the cavity with, but it should have been wood cut to shape and wood glued in and 2. your asking us what tools you will need to do this, so obviously you dont know what your doing, and this is something that takes a bit of skill

Its true I have no clue what I'm doing.

But you gotta start somewhere. The point of this project is to help me learn. If I so something terribly wrong, I have someone I can go to for help.

fuzzboy · 07-22-2009, 03:33 AM

This is a pretty ballsy thing to do. Good luck!

ps: PICS.

MF_Kitten · 07-22-2009, 07:26 AM

this isn't all that hard, as long as it's done somewhat correctly. you just need new pickups, new bridge, and new neck. why people say this is so complicated, i don't get :P

it's easier with a non-TOM fixed bridge, since they're just flat-mounted, and only need new screw holes...

anyways, i think your biggest problem will be the neck cavity (making it centred and tight), and getting the new finish to look okay over the filled holes from the old bridge.

remember to compensate for the scale lengths too, with the new neck probably being 25.5" scale, and the old one being 24.something" scale. you'll have to measure it up correctly and make sure it'll fit, and rout the neck cavity or move the bridge placement, depending on what is needed/easier.

anyways, best of luck!

leftyguitarjoe · 07-22-2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MF_Kitten

this isn't all that hard, as long as it's done somewhat correctly. you just need new pickups, new bridge, and new neck. why people say this is so complicated, i don't get :P

it's easier with a non-TOM fixed bridge, since they're just flat-mounted, and only need new screw holes...

anyways, i think your biggest problem will be the neck cavity (making it centred and tight), and getting the new finish to look okay over the filled holes from the old bridge.

remember to compensate for the scale lengths too, with the new neck probably being 25.5" scale, and the old one being 24.something" scale. you'll have to measure it up correctly and make sure it'll fit, and rout the neck cavity or move the bridge placement, depending on what is needed/easier.

anyways, best of luck!

To compensate for the scale change, I plan on measuring from the 12th fret to the nut, then using that number to decide where I put my bridge.

Also, I really want a flat fretboard, or something really close to flat. I might just go with the straight 16" off warmoth.

777 · 07-22-2009, 08:44 AM

deleted post

Elysian · 07-22-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MF_Kitten

this isn't all that hard, as long as it's done somewhat correctly. you just need new pickups, new bridge, and new neck. why people say this is so complicated, i don't get :P

it's easier with a non-TOM fixed bridge, since they're just flat-mounted, and only need new screw holes...

anyways, i think your biggest problem will be the neck cavity (making it centred and tight), and getting the new finish to look okay over the filled holes from the old bridge.

remember to compensate for the scale lengths too, with the new neck probably being 25.5" scale, and the old one being 24.something" scale. you'll have to measure it up correctly and make sure it'll fit, and rout the neck cavity or move the bridge placement, depending on what is needed/easier.

anyways, best of luck!

The thing that makes this particular job hard, on this particular guitar, is that its a carved top. What is he going to attach his neck pocket template to? I did this job on my RGA121, didn't finish it yet, but its doable, its just not easy on carved tops.

leftyguitarjoe · 07-26-2009, 03:04 PM

Alright, I got everything filled and sanded.

I took the advise and cut out a wood block for the bigger holes

After this, I am ordering a 7 string neck and bridge.

I'm leaning toward this bridge
7 String Flat Mount Bridge, Black

07-21-2009, 12:12 PM	#1
leftyguitarjoe Correct-handed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 778 Thanked: 91	Converting a 6 to a 7 I plan on EVENTUALLY converting my old epiphone les paul into a 7 string. I'm getting a 7 string neck off warmoth. Projected finished specs: Old mediocre LP body A Bareknuckle Miracle Man or a Blackout One volume, a kill switch, and the same booster I have in my schecter Maple neck ebony fretboard 24 frets size 6100 frets. I know I'll need to route the existing pup cavity and I'll need to change the position of the bridge completely for proper intonation. What tools will I need access to? Any tips? I've never done anything like this before, but I want to do this. __________________ "The more the merrier" definitely applies to the number of strings on a guitar.

07-21-2009, 12:13 PM	#3
Konfyouzd AM I THE BADDEST??? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 4,863 Thanked: 122	yea what he said... __________________ "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man."

07-21-2009, 12:14 PM	#4
Schotter breath of music Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Germany Posts: 65 Thanked: 2 / 1	agree __________________ music is infinity

07-21-2009, 01:26 PM	#7
leftyguitarjoe Correct-handed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 778 Thanked: 91	This guitar has alot of sentimental value to me and I want it use it This les paul has been my "project guitar" that I used to hone my skills in construction and maintenance. __________________ "The more the merrier" definitely applies to the number of strings on a guitar.

07-21-2009, 01:39 PM	#9
Konfyouzd AM I THE BADDEST??? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 4,863 Thanked: 122	ahh... understandable. then i'm no help. sorry __________________ "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man."

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07-21-2009, 12:13 PM	#2
Isan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Texas city, TX Posts: 607 Thanked: 20	dude just get a custom body.... it is so much easier

07-21-2009, 12:26 PM	#5
Isan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Texas city, TX Posts: 607 Thanked: 20	or hell make your own body

07-21-2009, 01:38 PM	#8
HumanFuseBen ss.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 576 Thanked: 12	i understand, man... i have an unused 6 string (rg470) that i rarely use since all i play are 7's! i feel bad for the poor guy and would like to one day convert it over.

07-21-2009, 02:42 PM	#10
leftyguitarjoe Correct-handed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 778 Thanked: 91	Alright, so back to business. What tools will I need to expand the neck pocket and the pickup slot? A router I assume. But what kind of router, bits, ect? I know I'll need a drill press for the holes. Oh, and I just filled in everything that needed to be filled in. I'm going to let it cure over night then I'm going to sand it, reapply filler, and sand it again for good measure. EDIT: Might as well make this a progress thread __________________ "The more the merrier" definitely applies to the number of strings on a guitar.

07-21-2009, 02:51 PM	#11
vampiregenocide CYCONINE Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sawbridgeworth, Herts, England, UK Posts: 6,266 Thanked: 121 $vampiregenocide is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $vampiregenocide is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $vampiregenocide is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $vampiregenocide is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $vampiregenocide is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $vampiregenocide is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $vampiregenocide is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	Man, if it really has sentimental value, do you really want to chop it up? Why not just set it up for bari tuning? __________________ My Photography Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/rosswildishphotography DJENTDJENTDJENTDJENTDJENTDJENTDJENTDJENTDJENT. DJENT.

07-21-2009, 03:19 PM	#14
Pauly Not so local lefty Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Orpington, SE London, UK Posts: 3,916 Thanked: 36 $Pauly is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Pauly is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Pauly is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Pauly is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Pauly is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Pauly is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Pauly is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	I know someone on ProjectGuitar did a conversion from 6 to 7, and I THINK someone's done it on here a while back. You might find them with a thread search. __________________ Lefty Musketeer Left-handers come visit! http://forum.leftyguitartrader.com/

07-21-2009, 03:53 PM	#16
hypermagic Mathcore Emissary Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 601 Thanked: 6	Dude Joe you are the shit I wish you luck in this!

07-21-2009, 04:08 PM	#17
Konfyouzd AM I THE BADDEST??? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 4,863 Thanked: 122	whatever you do there better be pics __________________ "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man."

07-21-2009, 05:41 PM	#18
7 Strings of Hate Mid-Level Asshole Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: St.Louis USA Posts: 4,989 Thanked: 56	i hate to say it, but i think this is doomed to fail. not because it cant be done, but 1.i'm not sure what you filled the cavity with, but it should have been wood cut to shape and wood glued in and 2. your asking us what tools you will need to do this, so obviously you dont know what your doing, and this is something that takes a bit of skill __________________ Confront and Destroy! -7SoH http://www.myspace.com/7stringsofhate

07-22-2009, 03:33 AM	#20
fuzzboy ss.org Regular Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 34 Thanked: 0	This is a pretty ballsy thing to do. Good luck! ps: PICS.

07-22-2009, 07:26 AM	#21
MF_Kitten Me=Pain in the ASS! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lillehammer, Norway Posts: 5,702 Thanked: 218	this isn't all that hard, as long as it's done somewhat correctly. you just need new pickups, new bridge, and new neck. why people say this is so complicated, i don't get :P it's easier with a non-TOM fixed bridge, since they're just flat-mounted, and only need new screw holes... anyways, i think your biggest problem will be the neck cavity (making it centred and tight), and getting the new finish to look okay over the filled holes from the old bridge. remember to compensate for the scale lengths too, with the new neck probably being 25.5" scale, and the old one being 24.something" scale. you'll have to measure it up correctly and make sure it'll fit, and rout the neck cavity or move the bridge placement, depending on what is needed/easier. anyways, best of luck! __________________ -------------------------------------- Rhythm In Jump. Dancing Close To You.

07-22-2009, 08:44 AM	#23
777 SS.Org's Irish Guy Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dublin.Ireland Posts: 1,812 Thanked: 38	deleted post

07-26-2009, 03:04 PM	#25
leftyguitarjoe Correct-handed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 778 Thanked: 91	Alright, I got everything filled and sanded. I took the advise and cut out a wood block for the bigger holes After this, I am ordering a 7 string neck and bridge. I'm leaning toward this bridge 7 String Flat Mount Bridge, Black __________________ "The more the merrier" definitely applies to the number of strings on a guitar.

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Converting a 6 to a 7