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This question is for those that have upgraded their Epiphone guitar: Essentially, how much money and effort is too much when trying to make it my own? Keeping in mind, it is my daily beater and will continue to be so until my kids are no longer toddlers.
For context, I have a made in China g-400 I bought when I was broke in college. 12+ years later, I haven't bought another guitar and haven't really desired to do so (I grew up learning on a family gibson les paul studio and fender telecaster, for reference). So I would say this one speaks to me in terms of feel and comfortability as a couch player (I don't gig).
Sound wise, I am chasing a line between rawness with some attack. With ditch era Neil young as my primary preferred sound followed by early 2000 post-hardcore music that can get heavy but also weird and vibey (coheed's second stage album is at least top two for me). I was intrigued reading about how Neil installed a firebird pickup in his les Paul, among other things he did to create his sound (I know I don't have a les Paul, really just trying to use that mind set to create a sound that excites me beyond out of the box settings). With that being said, if this is more of an amp/pedal setup situation, I'm happy to have that conversation next.
I don't care about resale value. If my kids ever want to learn they can use it, if not, whatever. I won't rule out getting a more premium guitar in the future, but now doesn't feel like the right time. Plus, I'd get something different to satisfy a different want.
Anyway, I'm hesitant to diy it and mess something up but I am also not sure if a luthier would laugh at me trying to sink money into this situation. I only have a basic level of understanding regarding the makings of a guitar.
What's a sweet spot to pay without being frivolous. Any suggestions for specific parts?