Gibson Les Paul, downtuning, and intonation

[Rex_Rocker]

Anybody else having trouble intonating a downtuned Les Paul?

I currently have both of mine set up in Drop C with 11-56's. I cannot go any lower.

I wanna go to Drop B. I would normally use 12-60's for Drop B since the tension would be similar to 11-56 in Drop C. However, I'm already as far back as the 6th and 3rd string will go with my set on Drop C. Both have got the Nashville bridge, so it's not even one of those narrow ones with less range for intonation.

Both are Gibsons, FWIW, so both are slightly shorter than 24.75", FWIW.

Other than outright changing the bridge, do you guys have any tips for downtuning a Les Paul?

 

[Chris Pile]

The shorter the scale length, the harder it is to get intonation correct.

That is why longer scale lengths work better for lower pitched strings.

Can't fight physics.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Not saying what you're saying is wrong, but there are examples of Les Pauls going lower than Drop C. Carcass comes to mind. So there's got to be a way, right?

 

[Elmore]

Perhaps top wrap is worth a try.

 

[Sam SG]

I had to flip the G saddle backwards on one of my SGs to intonate it.
Just back the screw out past the keeper flip and screw back in.
BUT i have had on two occasions since tge saddle was not anchored by tge keeper and all of a sudden the intonation svrew was sticking out cause the saddle moved. But that hasnt happened in a long tine so maybe I just didnt have it all the way locked in. But something to be aware of.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I had to flip the G saddle backwards on one of my SGs to intonate it.
Just back the screw out past the keeper flip and screw back in.
BUT i have had on two occasions since tge saddle was not anchored by tge keeper and all of a sudden the intonation svrew was sticking out cause the saddle moved. But that hasnt happened in a long tine so maybe I just didnt have it all the way locked in. But something to be aware of.

Already done that. The saddles on my 4 bottom strings are already flipped. That gave me enough room for Drop C with 11's, but not for Drop B with 12's.

 

[Mincer]

Is it possible just to get a new bridge that will allow it?

 

[Coma]

Huh. I have my LP set up with 12 - 56, tuned to C. I don't think any of the saddles are bottomed out. Maybe I just suck at intonating.

 

[Chistopher]

How far off is it currently?

 

[Rex_Rocker]

How far off is it currently?

A little. Not much.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Huh. I have my LP set up with 12 - 56, tuned to C. I don't think any of the saddles are bottomed out. Maybe I just suck at intonating.

Really? Both of mine are.

 

[Coma]

Really? Both of mine are.

I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and assume that you use a proper tuner and not the one built into Bias FX to intonate yours. Not that I would ever do such a thing, of course! How utterly preposterous....

 

[GuitarStv]

Stupid question, but you tried unscrewing and flipping the direction of the saddles you're having trouble tuning, right? This will get you another couple mm of adjustment room usually. It's more necessary with an ABR, but no reason it can't also be used for a Nashville bridge.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Stupid question, but you tried unscrewing and flipping the direction of the saddles you're having trouble tuning, right? This will get you another couple mm of adjustment room usually. It's more necessary with an ABR, but no reason it can't also be used for a Nashville bridge.

I did, yes.