adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

[Budweiser]

Put new strings on my LP last night & had a heck of a time getting the intonation in check. First off, when the strings were off. I gave the guitar a good wipe down, removed the bridge & tail piece (which usually just fall off when the strings are off anyway) & this is when everything went south. While cleaning the guitar with the bridge off, I inadvertently adjusted the action screws with the cloth. I threw the new strings on, tuned up & re-adjusted the action to my likings. This is when I discovered the intonation was way out. Especially the D,G,B strings were sharp on the 12th fret.

With the strings on, I found it very difficult to access the saddle screws on the back of the bridge. It took me an hour of fiddling around til I got everything set up right.

I'm still a newbie with the LP & find my strat way easier to set up & adjust.

What am I doing wrong? Should I be changing one string at a time to avoid setting up from scratch next time?

Thanks

 

[Robert S.]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

When I clean and re-string my LPs I usually leave the 1st string on until I'm done cleaning it up, and then I install the 6th string E before I remove the 1st.

 

[orbiter]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

also be sure you're checking the intonation while the guitar is in the playing position .. and not laying on the bench... that seems to be the #1 mistake .. esp. w/ LP's ..

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

I slapped a tonepros setup on mine so I can take all my strings off and clean it with no issues and I also have to loosen the set screws to move the thumbscrews. You're right strats/teles are easier to adjust because you have total control over each strings vertical movement.

Luke

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

Now that you have the intonation and bridge hieght set, you need to adjust your tailpiece for the best tone.

Screw it down as far as it will go, until the strings start to touch the back edge of the bridge body. Then raise it slightly so there is just a sliver of light under each string and between the underside of the string and the bridge body.

You're done.

Do not screw the tailpiece tight to the top of the guitar as that will cause the strings to press against the back edge of the body of the bridge and over time cause it to tilt.

Lew

 

[Budweiser]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

Thanks! All good tips. Especially leaving one string on while cleaning. That will save me some headaches.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

Tonepros bridges rock. I love mine, it's easy to set up, and once it is, you can't knock it out unless you release the set screws.

 

[rinse_master]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

Tonepros bridges rock.

+1

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: adjusting intonation on Les Pauls

Also if you want you can screw the tailpiece all the way down and wrap the strings over the tailpiece. To me it makes it play a little easier and increases the sustain having it all down tight.

Luke