Les Paul Stupido intonation problems

msplines

msplines

New member
I am finding it nigh on impossible to intonate the bass E on a '99 LP studio, all the other strings check out OK, if a little close to the back of the bridge. I changed the strings (10-46), reversed the saddle, checked all the heights, widths, stud straightness etc and eventually filed a slot in the bass side hole and drilled for a screw to bring the bass side back by a good 3mm and it's almost there - can't go any further due to lack of metal!
Has anyone else had this in LPs? is it just bad QC in the stud hole position or am I missing something - all suggestions, apart from drinking heavily (am doing that already), would be most welcome!
Ta lots for all info.:smack:
 
Re: Les Paul Stupido intonation problems

If you have the ABR-1 bridge, that's a problem inherent to it. Whenever I had/have a Gibson with your problem, I immediately change the ABR-1 out for a Nashville and that solves the problem as the saddles have a lot more tracking distance. I also get a lot more sustain with the Nashvilles too.
 
Re: Les Paul Stupido intonation problems

THe problem is that you can't just swap the two bridge out. If you have and ABR, the holes have to be drilled out and studs pushed in.

Maybe there is an aftermarket ABR with more distance?
 
Re: Les Paul Stupido intonation problems

big_black said:
THe problem is that you can't just swap the two bridge out. If you have and ABR, the holes have to be drilled out and studs pushed in.

Maybe there is an aftermarket ABR with more distance?
Click to expand...

Yes, I know, but believe me, it's well worth it!
 
Re: Les Paul Stupido intonation problems

Thanks for the replies people.
In fact it's a Nashville with studs etc., I knew about the problem with ABRs and you are quite right, they are worse. Does anyone know if you can get offset studs or wheels - maybe i dreamed it, but I have an idea that such things exist, but I can't find anything on the net?
Do you know if the Gotoh bridge has more travel??
 
Re: Les Paul Stupido intonation problems

screamingdaisy said:
The crown on the saddle could be worn.
Click to expand...

After reading your mail, I took a look at the saddle crown under a glass (no, not 'through' a glass!) and it looks OK - they are string saver saddles and fairly new - I tried putting the old metal saddles back in (they are a little worn) and it was worse.
Do you mean that the string is making contact on an excessive area and 'shorting out' when plucked?
 
Re: Les Paul Stupido intonation problems

msplines said:
After reading your mail, I took a look at the saddle crown under a glass (no, not 'through' a glass!) and it looks OK - they are string saver saddles and fairly new - I tried putting the old metal saddles back in (they are a little worn) and it was worse.
Do you mean that the string is making contact on an excessive area and 'shorting out' when plucked?
Click to expand...


No, just that if the crown of the saddle is worn it moves the crown back towards the tailpiece a slight bit...but that doesn't sound like your problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top