Chris Derrig

[Reeltarded]

I was a friend of his, and I would like to clear up a couple things about his Les Paul copies.

The Slash guitar came from the first run of three. Charlie Daniels has another of the three, bookmatched (not very good maple) top and back.. and it's a 12 string!

These guitars may look like a real 59 from 10', but on any close inspection, they are obviously not. There are many dimensional issues, the most noteable is the 15th fret being inside the binding line. The neck is set into the body too far at a glance, but it's actually the difference in the body route pattern vs original.

Inside is a mixed bag. At the time small details slipped by. They were only supposed to be for fun.

I supplied some of the parts, 3 sets of plastic (including rings) and I think we decided on $50 a piece for the PAFs, I don't really remember how much; not much!

After hs got sick, I only talked to him a couple times. He was the first friend I ever really lost. He built me an amazing super all flamed maple Explorer out of the lightest piece of maple I have ever held. It was emerald green, and destroyed in a fire.

I'll have the third Les Paul of that first batch in the Orlando show if anyone would like to look-see.

It is the same pice of wood as Slash's, and that makes your arm hair stand up some.

I dunno, I saw someone mention Chris down the line.

[soldano16]

Is there any way you could post a pic of yours? That would be excellent. I can help you if you like.

Thank you for sharing.

[Darkburst]

Great story! Post some pics if you can.

[Reeltarded]

I'll get pics of it with something other than my "Bigfoot Sighting Approved" blackbubbaberry cam.

[HoboMan]

Thanks for the info.

[Reeltarded]

Here are the pictures. I am not good with a camera.. I don't need to say.

The body is a lil over an 1/8 thicker than supposed to be, still right @ 8lbs, and it's the same piece of wood as the Appetite guitar. All original parts, with the board from a destroyed GT.

Rock and Roll relative!

[rockinlespaul]

Very cool! I'm looking forward to you stories, knowleadge and general insight on these types of things. Thanks for sharing!

[swimrunner]

You're right - the dimensional differences are quite obvious. Still, lot of mojo there.

[jms6668]

Thanks. Very cool to hear from someone that was there and knew Chris. Much appreciated info and pics.

[dzo]

Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story! I look forward to learning more.

[Marshall Man]

That is real cool; surprised Gibson didn't have a shit hemorrhage over the headstock!

[Brock]

Are the pickups in this guitar Alnico pro II like Slash's also. Just wondering if Chris put those in?

[Reeltarded]

No, they are original PAFs from a stepped in ES-175, as are the harness, and knobs. and uhh.. hmm truss rod cover.. tuners.. uh.. buttons. Most everything came from a single donor.

The other guitar did not have SDs originally.

[Reeltarded]

uhoh

Life is what happens while you are busy making plans. Someone's emergency precludes me from attendance in Orlando. I might still try to make Sunday, but I don't really see it happening..

I forgot the stuperbawl was going on an hour away from there, and I hate drunks, anyways..

I will be in Spartanburg with it I am pretty sure. Heads-up.

[cooljuk]

I know this is an old thread, but I'd sure like to see those pictures if anyone has them available. I'd be happy to host them on my server for a permanent home even.