Remodding My 2013 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Part 1 of 3
I've decided to give my 2013 Gibson Les Paul New Traditional a little makeover, focusing on some upgrades and style enhancements. While I won't be doing the actual work myself—I trust the experts for that—I plan to replace the bridge, tailpiece, wiring harness with bumblebees, truss rod cover, input jack, 3-way switch, and the speed knobs. You could say I'm gutting it, but I plan to keep the original pickups—a ‘57 Classic and a ‘57 Classic Plus—and make it more reminiscent of a 1950s style Les Paul.
My first step was hunting for the perfect volume and tone knobs—the top hat style with pointers—that would give my Les Paul that classic '50s look. After lots of research and watching countless YouTube videos, I came across companies like Mojo Tone, Trobak, and Jackson Electronic Luthier. But it was a smaller, lesser-known company called Creamtone from Simpsonville, South Carolina, that really caught my eye. A closer look at their website revealed other components I want to include to complete the transformation.
I’ve included links to the other companies I explored for this remod, just in case I decide to go with a different 50s wiring harness. For now, though, I’m sticking with Creamtone. Once I receive the parts and have the work done, I’ll be sure to share my thoughts about the whole experience.
First off, my initial search was for the volume and tone knobs, the top hat version with the pointer set, wanted the '50s” look” to my Les Paul. After conducting extensive research and watching numerous YouTube videos, I discovered companies like Mojo Tone, Trobak, and Jackson Electronic Luthier. But a little-known company called Creamtone out of Simpsonville, South Carolina, caught my attention… further digging on their site, I found other components I wanted to complete my LP’s transformation.
I’ve linked the other companies I had looked at for this remod, just in case I go with another 50s wiring harness. For now, however, I’m going with Creamtone. Once I get the parts and have the work done, I’ll blog about my thoughts on the changeover.
Update 1/16/2022: I just found out through a Gibson Les Paul forum that Creamtone, the company I chose for my 50s wiring harness, has taken down their website. I'm not sure if this is temporary or permanent. I’ll blog about the replacement harness when I know for certain that Creamtone is no longer in business or I decide on an alternative.
Other 1950s Style Wiring Harness:
