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Like many others, I wish to build a « The Fool » replica, and would like to know what kit would be my best bet to build an accurate replica of the original instrument. Thanks!

Hi Fred and welcome to OLF. Besides recreating the iconic paint job, how close do you want to try to match the original 1961 (or 63 or 64) specifications of Clapton's SG? There are really two options with current kits - there are a bunch of pretty cheap PacRim imports that will build a SG looking guitar but the wood, neck profile, hardware, and importantly, pickups will probably be disappointing. Some use screw on necks, again, not the way Gibson builds a SG.

The second option are the few kits that are assembled with a mahogany body and set neck like Gibson uses. Precision Guitar Kits have a very good reputation (disclaimer, I haven't built one) and they do offer an SG model that looks more or less correct.

https://precisionguitarkits.com/?s=sg

One advantage of the Precision kits (as I understand it) is that hardware and electronics are not included - that way you will get to choose the pups that you feel will give you Clapton's woman tone. Also, as I recall seeing pictures of the original Fool it had some sort of tremolo, not the usual ToM bridge. You'll have to do the research on this. And if accuracy is really important, you might find that whatever you get for a neck is not the same profile as a 60's SG, either try to find plans for a vintage Gibson (StewMac's '58 'burst might be a good starting point) or take some contours off of a guitar that meets your definition.

Lastly, of course is the paint job. I think there is pretty good documentation on how that was done - good luck and be sure to show us the final results.

Also, I have not built an SG style guitar but several forumites have. If you want specifics about building that particular model you might ask at the general Electric Guitar forum - I know you want to do it from a kit but I think you'll get more information at that forum

I can second the precision guitar kits route. I've built 2 of their kits now, one a Telecaster, and the other was a double cut junior. Both of them have turned out fantastically. Far and above better quality than the off shore kits available (of which I've also assembled several.) But the question remains how close do you want to get to the actual 60's specs. Precision guitar kits while reminiscent of the original models do take some license with their kits, and side by side with a Gibson would probably be slightly different. Having said that, going the kit route you probably won't find anything closer.

Thanks for the informations, gents. I was hoping to be able to get at least the wood part 100% accurate or close to it. I guess a scratch build seems to be the most accurate way to go. Any suggestions for an accurate plan?

There seems to be several different SG plans out there but I have no idea of how "accurate" they are or whether they are true to a particular era. I have had somewhat mixed luck with plans - I bought some ES-335 plans a while back and the construction shown is completely different from the way Gibson builds 335's. On the other hand, the StewMac '59 burst plans seem pretty close. If you are going to be a total stickler don't forget that Gibson did change their scale lengths (subtly) a couple of times and they have certainly changed the neck profiles. And people get pretty anal trying to duplicate old wiring - and of course pay accordingly.

I think you are going to have to do your own research on exactly what Clapton's guitar was like and then modify whatever plans you buy accordingly. The guitar is well documented, your challenge will be in duplicating it.

Vintage makes on....
But if you’re wanting to build. I see the paint job as being the biggest challenge
Here’s the vintage
https://reverb.com/item/6908269-vintage ... w.ds&pla=1


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Thanks for these pictures. It is always good to have more depictions of a paint job that is rather peculiar...

I am still for the moment on the look for either the best kit or the most accurate plans to build the guitar. As we often see with recreation of this instrument, any shape that is incorrect shows greatly, as it does not match well with the location of the different parts of the painting.

Please let me know if you guys have more valuable info for me!

I've used my last 'EBay' kit, better to use items as you need them from LMI or StewMac, etc., that way you can pick the tonewoods, etc. you like.
IMHO
Dick C.

Anyone has experience using crimson guitars plans? Are the accurate to the vintage instruments?

https://crimsonguitars.com/store/guitar-plans-sg-type/

I second Freeman's suggestion go to the electric builders forum. You'll get more info quicker. And also find dzsmith on here I believe he has built a couple of SG's. He has been helpful for me whenever run into questions about Gibson details.

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You also might want to think about ordering Templates

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