1990s Epiphone Les Paul Jr Modded Acoustic/Electric Resonator-Like Classical Guitar

April 04, 2026

1990s Epiphone Les Paul Jr Modded Acoustic/Electric Resonator-Like Classical Guitar

Overview: This started-out as a project to make a "plug-in resonator-like" guitar. To that end, I hogged-out the center of the body on this guitar, installed a license plate and new bridge, and fit a K&K acoustic pickup under the hood with a 3-way switch to select positions between 2 sensors located near either bridge post. I'd set it up for steel like this and used it on two album recordings where I used it both for rhythm and lead work (but mostly sent through a lot of amp processing and effects).

The plugged-in sound was good and chimey, by the way, but I was never quite happy with it until I decided to re-do the saddle into a non-adjustable rosewood one and restring it and set it up with classical strings. In this format it's something new, something delicious, and something cool. I used it for half a gig a couple weeks ago and everyone seemed to be pretty buzzed on the sound -- "it's like a resonator, but a classical...!" -- yep, yessir, that's it. For folks used to "crossover" nylon strings or wanting to play a nylon-string instrument but with an electric feel -- well, here you go. I mostly play nylon-strung guitar at home (with a fast neck) and so this was very normal for me and very satisfying.

Anyhow, I now have two of these so this one's up for re-homing. Aside from the obvious mods, I also swapped the control layout (master volume, 3-way switch, jack on top, and jackhole on the side filled) and fit better tuners. This one has a nice, quick-and-cozy neck. The Vermont license-plate is a true-blue vintage affair and gives it a heaping load of cool-factor. It also serves as the "soundboard" so you can tap on it and whatnot to give some percussive sounds.

Repairs included: Aside from the modifications listed above, I also set it up. It's playing spot-on and ready to go with easy action adjustment via the bridge posts.