Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

[eric22rr]

I just got a Gibson LP Studio, straight from the factory. I want to save some money and set it up on my own. I just read the intonation thread in the vault, but I had some questions before I started.

I haven't made ANY modifications. I plan on using D'Addario Heavy gauge strings (.012 .016 .020 .032 .042 .054), and tuning it to standard, down 1 1/2 steps (C#). Do you think I will need to file the nut? I read about how Gibson saddle crowns are angled, and I can take it out and reverse it if i need to. With the given setup, do you think that will be necessary?

I know I just need to go and do it to see, but I wanted to be prepared for what might come up, and maybe some of you have similar set-ups.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

Gibson cuts their nuts to accept 9s but 10s often fit with no problem other than the occasional tuning "ping", which is easy enough to clear up with a little sandpaper and a feeler guage. 11 guage stirngs often need a little nut cleaning to keep things smooth and 12s even more so. Try not to deepen the slots, just widen them. If you take too much off the bottom of the nut slots those 12s will rattle against the fretboard.

You can turn the saddles around and get some extra room to help intonate the bridge with an 11-54 set but often it's not enough to get it perfect. Usually the 6th string E bottoms out.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

I don't know what other places charge, but I get my nut filed for free when neccissary, and I think it's $10 to have the truss rod adjusted and another $10 for the intonation.

I do my own truss rod and intonation, but even if it cost $10 I'd let someone else do the nut, just 'cause he has the proper files and whatnot.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

I've done some pretty ghetto filing in the past, such as using the string itself to widen the slot. People have bitched at me about it, but the guitar stayed in tune and worked fine, so...

Still, it's probably worth it to pay $10.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

I've done some pretty ghetto filing in the past, such as using the string itself to widen the slot. People have bitched at me about it, but the guitar stayed in tune and worked fine, so...

Still, it's probably worth it to pay $10.

I did that too, worked just fine.

If you want to have it done properly get it to a tech or learn to cut your own nuts. (no pun intended)

 

[eric22rr]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

I don't know what other places charge, but I get my nut filed for free when neccissary, and I think it's $10 to have the truss rod adjusted and another $10 for the intonation.

I do my own truss rod and intonation, but even if it cost $10 I'd let someone else do the nut, just 'cause he has the proper files and whatnot.

If I get it filed, will it still accept a set of 9's or 10's alright, or will they be a bit loose in the nut?

 

[ex-250]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

11s went on my gibson explorer just fine. i actually think it came with 10s in it though

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

If I get it filed, will it still accept a set of 9's or 10's alright, or will they be a bit loose in the nut?

Somebody's gonna tell you that they won't work, but I've had guitars stung 13-70 one week, then 10-52 the next, then 9-46, etc... and I never had any problem.

There are very few things that you'll find impossible

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

If I get it filed, will it still accept a set of 9's or 10's alright, or will they be a bit loose in the nut?

They´ll be as you say "a bit loose", but it should work without any major issues

 

[Robbiedbee]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

Good job this topic came up, as I am switching to 12-56s on my LP and I was gonna ask the same question. Thanks eric22rr!

 

[eric22rr]

Re: Drop tuning 1.5 steps on a LP

You're welcome! Let me know if you discover/learn anything in the process of doing it, whichever route you take (tech/DIY).