Mod a prophecy plus gx into a Lifeson Gibbie Axcess? How crazy?

[3piece]

Epi Masters:

I know, even the title is ridiculous and I may be in the wrong place (though I've searched pretty hard). I posted this on the LP forum and didn't get any takers.

I just got a Epi Prophecy Plus LP. Perfect condition and at a great price. First of all, it does sound great on it's own, but I bought it to scratch an itch.

The version I have has the coil splitting and has the 490r/498t pups. I'd like to migrate it towards the Gib AL axcess model - within reason. I'm not daring enough to try to add the FLoyd, stereo outputs and Piezo system.

Trying to get some of the tones.

My question: Aside from replacing the 490R with a 496R, is there anything else I should be doing (in terms of wire or cap uprades, etc) to get me close to the sound? I've found some detailed resources but don't have the knowledge base yet to know how to reconcile both situations.

I know I'm not going to get my Epi to sound like something that cost 10X, but would like to make an effort. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Best,

 

[LSAR]

As far as the Floyd goes, you could try an FR-X. Pricey and imo fugly but closer to the functionality for sure. I'm not sure of the electronics going into those models but good CTS pots never hurt, and Switchcraft jack and toggle are a great upgrade for durability that would bring you closer to spec. Caps to taste.

The 496R is actually the correct neck pickup for Lifeson specs, you'd just have to swap the bridge for a 498T.

Stereo outputs are a pain that would require routing, but looking at the specs his model uses Graph Tech Ghost systems, actually a pretty invisible system to set up and fairly low impact. They make a kit that includes a drop in bridge for an Epi. You won't have stereo outputs unless you want some routing done but can certainly get those sounds if you're willing to pay for it. I don't think off the top of my head it's a too obscenely expensive thing to get set up for. I have no experience with it myself but have looked into it prior. You may even be able to get the FR kit and be able to figure out a way to integrate it into an FR-X if you really want to. I think that'd be a damn fun project.

None of this is ridiculous at all, IMO. It's your guitar to make into what you want, and I'm a big Rush fan myself. If on the other hand you wanted to strip the finish and shave off the heel. Well, then I'd question what you're doing.

 

[Cam.man67]

As a sort of counterpoint, IMO part of the charm/sound of a Floyd-equipped guitar is the upper mid EQ spike that really works to push the guitar forward in a mix. With your LP, I'd suggest that the lack of a Floyd may cause the sound to not have the upper mid prominence despitbtge wiring/pickups being similar. Not suggesting you cut up your guitar to fit a Floyd, but something to consider.

That being said, this sounds like a really neat project! Good luck!

 

[3piece]

You guys are awesome. Now I'm really inspired. I will definitely start with just the pups, maybe change some caps and see how that goes. I had no idea the Graph Tech was so accessible. Time to do some research!

I hear what you are saying on the floyd. I'd be game to try but the quilted maple is so damn pretty...

I'm I make any notable progress I'll post.

Be well.

 

[Cam.man67]

Not to encourage you to buy another guitar, but the Plustop Pro/FX would get you closer to Lifeson territory with a pickup swap. No need to route up the one you got!

 

[3piece]

Not to encourage you to buy another guitar, but the Plustop Pro/FX would get you closer to Lifeson territory with a pickup swap. No need to route up the one you got!

Wow. I may actually buy one and sell the one I have - seems like it would be faster, simpler, and perhaps even cheaper.

Thanks a lot man - truly. Don't know how I missed this one when I was looking.

Be well.