2014 AXL USA Bulldog

• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Set Mahogany/rosewood fingerboard
• Hardware: Wilkinson Lightweight adjustable intonated wraparound bridge, CTS pots, Orange Drop capacitor, TonePros Kluson vintage-style tuners, GraphTech nut
• Pickups: Lindy Fralin dog-ear P-90, “Bite Switch”

This one is really special. Named after Cleotha Staples, because its sweet, spiritual and funky. Obviously influenced by Gibson’s single-cut Les Paul Junior, right down to the build, tone and materials. Features a three piece mahogany body, one piece 24 3/4” scale set neck for maximum sustain, medium jumbo frets, TonePros Kluson 3+3 tuners, and a GraphTech nut. I did replace the TonePros bridge for a Wilkinson intonated wraparound, and put on black Gibson Speed Knobs, but otherwise left it stock because, really, what else do you need? LP Jr’s were a clear favourite of players named Mick, i.e., Mick Green (Johnny Kidd & the Pirates), Mick Ralphs (Mott the Hoople), Mick Jones (The Clash), and Not Micks like Johnny Thunders, Keith Richards, Joan Jett, Leslie West, and a parade of snotty punks in the 70’s and 80’s when you couldn’t give an original away. Cool improvements include CTS pots on the volume and tone controls, and an Orange Drop capacitor for even high-end roll off. The pièce de résistance is a single dog-eared Lindy Fralin P-90 pickup with an Alnico 4 magnet and adjustable pole pieces. There’s also a push-pull Tone knob that bypasses the tone potentiometer for “shimmer and snarl.” Satin finished, including the neck, and feels great in your hands. This baby would cost hundreds more with a different name on the headstock. Aren’t you just dying to dismiss all the bewilderment about pickup selection, coil tapping, active electronics, switch settings, et.al. and just unleash the almighty kerrrangggg that cuts all that muso poseur shite to the quick? Yes, of course you are. Best deal out there for pure no-nonsense, open-throttled rock ’n’ roll fun. I keep it loaded with D’Addario NYXL .10-.46.