Entries by Kim

Introducing the all new Exclusive Series

Historic Makeovers is proud to announce the addition of the all new Exclusive Series to our Retrospec line of vintage-style guitar parts. The Exclusive Series is a freshly retooled range of LP parts to retrofit Gibson Historic and Standard Les Paul guitars. Retooled for the Exclusive Series: Catalin Switch Tip CAB Pickup Rings Rolled Truss […]

Gibson Les Paul Historic Makeovers RDS

The guitar arrived a day early. I impatiently tore open the box, opened up the case, and my goddess, I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. I was speechless then and I’m still speechless now.  Pictures do not do it justice, for people who is into music is a work of beauty.  There are […]

Les Paul Guitar Refinish

The Historic Makeovers shop in Florida is one of the most sophisticated and experienced choices for vintage guitar refinishing and refinish work on modern guitars. A vintage correct thin nitrocellulose finish is at the heart of our Makeover process. Colors are matched to vintage Gibson guitars. Guitars are refinished in a custom spray booth by […]

Vintage Guitar Parts

The RetroSpec store has been updated with the latest from our stash of reproduction vintage guitar parts. We have everything you need to outfit your Gibson Historic Les Paul with vintage correct guitar parts. Some key upgrades can really make all the difference. Check out: Vintage Les Paul Fingerboard Inlays – made at the same factory […]

1957 Les Paul Goldtop Refinish

Sometimes miracle happens… I have opened the case, and WOW!!! I am totally blown away! Once again, I am so glad we went that little bit extra with the distressing. It is now a perfect match to my ’53 Les Paul! You guys have made a super job on this guitar too, again! I will […]

Feedback | Kris A

Having owned 3 original ‘bursts and 2 ’57 goldtops, I’m always skeptical of reproductions.  But my RDS is by far the best new guitar I’ve owned – it’s not even close.  The details are right, which none of the others are.  The workmanship is inspiring.  It plays like butter.  Plus Kim and his team were […]

Feedback | Mark F

The HM is the best feeling guitar I have ever held/played. There is just something about the action that is different from any factory or luthier setup I have experienced. I don’t even know if HM has a Plek machine, but the frets are perfect. I think the fact that Kim is a pro player […]

Accurate “Les Paul MODEL” Headstock Silkscreen

We put the finishing touch on our Makeovers by screenprinting a vintage accurate Les Paul MODEL on the headstock. Kim LaFleur’s background in the screenprinting industry helps ensure a perfect result. Our screen is custom designed with the correct typeface and weight. We screen using the same gold paint we use to paint goldtops, just […]

Feedback | Bill F

Well guys, I’ve been on the road since picking up this new HM and finally got home to give this a better test drive through my own amps.

Vintage Les Paul Contour Gauges

At Historic Makeovers®, we often have vintage bursts in the shop for restoration and luthier work. Based on these guitars, we have created a series of contour gauges that map out the signature top carve of a late 1950’s Les Paul. We use these special tools to adjust the top carve on your Historic reissues to […]