Well, if you want to know the secret, it’s...

We should admit that guitarists make excellent subjects for behavioural studies. You buy a guitar for a lot of money that the company that produces it counts among its best works. Then you notice that the Les Paul is not quite the replica promised after all; small details that seem marginal to outsiders but make the weighty difference to guitarists. Because you have had this experience, you are reading this text right now. You want to turn to Florian Jäger to help your guitar reach its full potential, but this also comes at a price. The question is obvious: Is it worth it? The answer is: Yes, it is worth it, more than you could imagine beforehand!

I chose my 60th Anniversary R9 from 2019 as the best sounding guitar for me among many identical guitars. Unfortunately, it was quickly apparent that the guitar was ultimately an industrial product in terms of craftsmanship. Florian subjected my Les Paul to the complete Makeover 2. It was an extraordinary, educational, aesthetically and intellectually stimulating experience. One should be aware that Florian Jäger is a trained Masterluthier who applies the highest standards to his work and produces guitars that are internationally coveted, recognised and rare. There are probably only a handful of people who have not only seen, touched and played authentic Les Pauls, but can also build them to an exacting standard. Jäger is one of that few.

He has a unique knowledge of the process of making old Les Pauls. To this end, he has collected empirical data on Les Pauls from the 1950s and identified their authenticity factors over many years of work. His mastery of craftsmanship is fully expressed in a makeover - the guitar is transformed from an industrial product into a handmade one-off that resembles original vintage guitars in every detail. The feel and playability are enhanced to the maximum and brought into line with those of a played-in, old guitar. And here lies the secret: it's in the varnish. The formula of the legendary Jäger nitro lacquer is based on chemical tests of original Les Pauls from the 1950s. This authentic nitro lacquer feels indescribably organic and is - in contrast to modern lacquers - resonant.

A Les Paul finished by Florian Jäger is an instrument of the highest quality, exerting a lasting influence on the playing experience, the sound and the music. Look no further - do it!