Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

[joelap]

OK DISCLAIMER: I'm not expecting my Les Paul to hold tune like a floyd. I just want to find a way to keep my G string from going out of tune. (hehehe ... g string... hehehe ). Aside from getting a good setup, are there any ways to improve the tuning stability without much modification? IE, those fancy wrap-around bridges... do they do anything special? I'm relatively new to Les Paul land, and I've been happy with the exception of my damn G string. (hehehe ... g string... hehehe).

Is there a way to at least make some improvements in the tuning stability? Better tuners (as long as they retrofit), wraparound bridge, something to put in the nut, maybe get a new nut cut and installed or something?

 

[LJ King]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

The first thing to do is to make sure the ferrule on your existing tuners is tight.

 

[msplines]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

This is nothing radical, but with the LPs and other guitars I've used and owned, I've not had any stability problem.
When you install a string, as you wind it on to the post (3 turns is a good rule), make sure that you keep the string tight (ie under tension as you wind by using thumb and finger), this takes up any slack between the string post and its ferrule (or bush if it's one of that type) and makes sure that the string is well seated in the tailpiece. This is especially true with older guitars where the ferrule or bush is very worn and perhaps slightly oval, but applies even to new machine heads. Changing the tuners is usually a breeze, but it depends on yer cashflow.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

My LP is like a freaking tank I almost can't knock it out.

I am thinking 2 things. One it needs a pro setup and 2 you probably aren't stringing it up properly.

Go to the LP Forum to Dan Erlewines section and read up on setting up your LP. Dan is great for that kind of info.

Now there are some issues LP's have that you might not see. Tuneomatics sometimes collapse a bit and flatten out instead of keeping their slight arc, that can screw things with intonation. If you have an ABR and the post go right into the wood make sure they aren't bent or that the wood hasn't softened a bit allowing the bridge to lean forward. What kind of pegs do you have? The Klusons that are Schaller made are pretty much crap, the ones Gotoh made are excellent. You don't say what year and model you have so I can't even guess as to which you have?

The strings binding at the nut and saddle can be a royal PITA, clean slots make a huge difference, I also like to use a little superlube on the saddles and slots. If if is a vintage intrument use graphite. Superlube has a little package that has a near hypodermic like tip for spot on application that I love, any hardware store has it.

I have found that top wrapping helps a bit with tuning stabilty, not as much pull over the saddles just seems to be a bit less drag. Getting used to the change takes a bit of time but not much in the scheme of things.

Just curious what kind of strings do you use?

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Gibson Les Pauls don't come with "BAD" tuners or bridges. I know there are better ones available, but they should hold tune.

My first guess: Check, or get someone to check, the nut slots and make sure they are not too deep/tight. That is where I find the problem to lie 9 times out of ten especially on a new guitar. And yes, there are also several products to "lube" your nut slots. (why does that last sentence make me feel like a pervert?)

 

[joelap]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Thanks for all the replies.

About my guitar: 2005 Gibson Les Paul Studio Limited (one of the runs of those metallic colors. Mine is Copper metallic). I use DR Pure Blues 10's on all my guitars, and generally never have tuning issues. But my g string on the LP seems to always come out of tune if I bend up one step or more. Its the only string that does that, I can bend the crap out of all the other ones without much trouble.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Easiest thing is to rub some pencil lead (or graphite powder) in your nut slot- you can also try that on the saddles. Most tuning problems in LPs are going to be the strings sticking in the slots. With the headstock pitched back like it is on a LP (or most Gibson guitars) the strings are more apt to stick.

I replaced all my saddles on all my guitars with Graph Tech saddles- I originally got them for breakage issues, but the added benefit was the tuning stability. I didn't know you didn't have to tune between every single song. Best $30 I've spent in gear.

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

OK DISCLAIMER: I'm not expecting my Les Paul to hold tune like a floyd. I just want to find a way to keep my G string from going out of tune. (hehehe ... g string... hehehe ). Aside from getting a good setup, are there any ways to improve the tuning stability without much modification? IE, those fancy wrap-around bridges... do they do anything special? I'm relatively new to Les Paul land, and I've been happy with the exception of my damn G string. (hehehe ... g string... hehehe).

Is there a way to at least make some improvements in the tuning stability? Better tuners (as long as they retrofit), wraparound bridge, something to put in the nut, maybe get a new nut cut and installed or something?

When did you get a LP? Where are the pics?

 

[Wattage]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Well I would assume you have some issues at the nut if that is the case, sounds like the string is binding up.

I used DR Pure Blues all the time (for years) until recently and never had an issue with them but my buddy swears they are horrible strings, have you tried a different brand just for giggles to see if it made a difference?

I'll always use D'Addario as a base fwiw.

****I just checked and the '05 Studio you have should have the Gotoh made Kluson-style pegs which do not come unpressed as the Schaller versions did so unless it is damaged in some way it should be fine. Try lubing up the slot to see what effect that has and work from there, Gearjonser and some others have some good tips in the vault.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

my 2 cents is i have never been able to keep my 76 lp in tune that well... i've had it to techs a lot.... it has a new bridge, a new nut, and new tuners... after bending a lot during solos i have it go out of tune on me... I need to tune after every 2-3 songs... I've seen some guys in Bars with LP's tuning in between every tune... Quite a few guys really.

I think part of my tuning issues is my heavey struming hand on the bridge.. i seem to tend to hit the strings there heavy with my palm... and the other factor i figure is the way the headstock is designed... The tilt back and the fact the pegs pull the strings to the side as well adds some binding issues at the nut.....

I've used Pencil lead, nut lubs and have had my guitars to the best tech's around here... And any Gibson style headstock and or Jackson style banana headstocks (without a floyd clamp) i own, do not hold their tuning as well as my Fenders do.

i'm sure Gibsons must hold their tuning... just not for me for some reason

 

[SFW]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

9 times of of 10 a LP with a tuning issue can be fixed at the nut. Usually the problem you are having is due to a poor nut job. Take the guitar to a good tech and have him file the nut.

I have installed Grover tuners on my LP, as I prefer their feel... I also think they help with tuning stability as well. However, that's just my opinion.

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Ok, since someone else asked, I'll ask. I have an ESP LTD EC-100QM. The tuners are stock (since they feel stable) and I have tightened down the "set screw" on the end of the pegs to make turning the pegs as difficult as possible. I tend to string like the ESP manual recommends, their way of wrapping the ends. I have an Earvana nut and a Tune-o-matic-licensed-for-ESP (i.e. upgraded it from the LTD version of the bridge to the ESP version of the bridge from a different ESP guitar). I use DR pure blues strings. It goes out of tune much less, but are locking tuners and/or the graphtech-saddles-for-tune-o-matic really worth doing? And is bolt-on-neck construction to blame for some of the tuning instability?

 

[big_black]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

A little touch up on the nut may be in order, sometimes it's as easy as a little sandpaper wrapped around the string and inserted inot the slot (GJ has a vault post about it I beleive). A little lube doesn't hurt either - some graphite powder and machine oil (or a mixture of both) can help as well.

I pulled my SG out from the case the other day and it was still in tune after sitting there for probably three months. It is possible to have that thing play true all the time.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

I have installed Grover tuners on my LP, as I prefer their feel... I also think they help with tuning stability as well. However, that's just my opinion.

One of my biggest gear regrets is reaming the headstock of my 98 R8 for Grovers.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

my 2 cents is i have never been able to keep my 76 lp in tune that well... i've had it to techs a lot.... it has a new bridge, a new nut, and new tuners... after bending a lot during solos i have it go out of tune on me... I need to tune after every 2-3 songs... I've seen some guys in Bars with LP's tuning in between every tune... Quite a few guys really.

I think part of my tuning issues is my heavey struming hand on the bridge.. i seem to tend to hit the strings there heavy with my palm... and the other factor i figure is the way the headstock is designed... The tilt back and the fact the pegs pull the strings to the side as well adds some binding issues at the nut.....

I've used Pencil lead, nut lubs and have had my guitars to the best tech's around here... And any Gibson style headstock and or Jackson style banana headstocks (without a floyd clamp) i own, do not hold their tuning as well as my Fenders do.

i'm sure Gibsons must hold their tuning... just not for me for some reason

Try top-wrapping or if you're adventurous try the Graph Tech saddles.

No, I don't work for them or anything, I'm just thrilled with the product.

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

I top wrap my Les Pauls and use "Big Bends Nut Sauce" on the saddles and nut slots.

The Graph Tech saddles are also a good option. I sell alot of them and people really seem to like them. I don't personally use them on my Les Pauls since my 2 RI's have ABR1 bridge and I want it to look stock.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Everyone has some good suggestions. Besides lubing the nut, and making sure it's properly cut, I advise locking tuners, I put them on almost all of my guitars.

Gotoh makes a locking keystone tuner that is the same weight as the standard keystone tuners on LP's. The footprint is the same and everything. That plus a great nut = no tuning problems for me.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

I don't personally use them on my Les Pauls since my 2 RI's have ABR1 bridge and I want it to look stock.

Image is nothing. Thirst is everything.

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Image is nothing. Thirst is everything.

Point taken. Nice axes brother! I really dig that Tele

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Improving Les Paul Tuning Stability thread

Attention to the nut slot & saddle, plus graphite lube and maybe GraphTec saddles are all great ideas.

However, am I the only person who has more tuning issues with the plain G string than other strings on all of my electric guitars? Only one has a TOM by the way, I made the nuts that are on all 3 right now but have always had problems with the 3rd string. Actually, I use it as a sign to change strings when it gets closer to impossible to tune.

You know, I was going to make a joke about "Big Bender's Nut Sauce" and bending over... because I thought it was "Big Ben's". I was wrong, but not as "wrong" as Big Bend's Lil Humr Nut Sauce Applicator I couldn't make that up if I tried

Chip