A powerful symbol of Ukrainian resilience and defiant restoration is emerging from the ashes of war-torn Kyiv. A beloved Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, nicknamed ‘Vlad’ and left completely charred by a Russian drone attack on the capital region, is undergoing a meticulous resurrection by skilled guitar repair YouTuber, Tanya Shpachuk.
The monumental repair job, which Shpachuk views as an act of cultural defiance amidst the ongoing conflict, follows a devastating drone strike in January on the village of Hlevakha, Kyiv Oblast, causing widespread damage.
“A new, heavy, and emotional project for me,” Shpachuk states. “Seeing the damage was heartbreaking – parts of the headstock had cracked, the finish burned, and some of the inlays had fallen out. They destroy our cities, our homes, our parks, our schools, our culture – but we will rebuild everything, no matter what it takes.”
From War-Torn Wreck to Gibson Glory: The Restoration Process
The iconic electric guitar was ravaged by fire and debris, its classic lines brutalized. It was completely blackened, the wood warped, and the hardware disfigured—a brutal victim of the attack. But the Kyiv-based YouTuber refused to accept the instrument’s fate.
Shpachuk is documenting the painstaking restoration on her popular channel, turning devastation into a viral testament to the Ukrainian spirit. Her work has involved:
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Carefully extracting the old, melted strings and hardware.
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Scraping the charred body to expose the gorgeous mahogany grain underneath.
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Replacing the binding and restoring the original mother-of-pearl inlays.
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Lifting and preparing the headstock for final restoration.
According to the latest update, the stripped body has been miraculously restored to a state that resembles a new guitar straight from the Gibson factory, rather than a relic from a war zone.
A Message of Hope: Culture and Creativity Will Prevail
The project is more than just fixing an instrument; it’s a powerful narrative of hope for Kyiv and all of Ukraine.
“Being able to take part in this restoration feels like more than just fixing a guitar,” Shpachuk continues. “It’s about bringing back a piece of our history, a piece of beauty, and a piece of hope. I’ll do everything I can to make this guitar sing again, to honor its story, and to remind everyone that even after destruction, creativity and resilience will always find a way.”
Keep an eye on Tanya Shpachuk’s channel for the final updates on this incredible Gibson Les Paul restoration—a true testament to Kyiv’s enduring spirit.
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#Ukrainian Guitar Repair #Gibson Les Paul
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