Need help on setup of Les Paul..

HarrisonDavid

HarrisonDavid

New member
This is a looong shot but here we go. I have a set of 10-60 Strings that im gonna put on and swap PICKUPS in the process. While im a fan of a Lower tuning A, B......I LOVE STANDARD E. So my question is can someone give me some tips on how to set up a Les Paul to handle these 60 gauge strings without going to a luthier? When talk of cutting the nut and adjusting the saddle im getting a little lost...tried looking at the library for something to help me, but to no avail nothing.

I don't want to ruin a 1000 dollar guitar. I have 4 kids IM FN BROKE.
Thanx in advance.
 
Re: Need help on setup of Les Paul..

One thing I learned here is that for a temporary fix you can take progressively larger string guages (your wound strings) and use them as a type of file, running them LIGHTLY through the nut slots you need to widen (probably the wound strings only). I have not tried this personally, but have seen it posted several times here.

As for the saddle, I wouldn't worry about notching it differently for now, the nut is going to be your worry. The saddle will be fine as is until you can have a luthier properly set it up, if you decide to stay with this string guage. You will need to raise your TOM and probably your stop tail to raise the action, allowing for the larger guage wound strings.

Make sure to lube your nut good with graphite, oil or even vasoline. That will help with binding issues.
 
Re: Need help on setup of Les Paul..

If you wrap fine sandpaper around strings, you can use them to widen nut slots.
 
Re: Need help on setup of Les Paul..

No truss rod tweaks? Would you say it would be risky to use a 10-60 in standard or Eb without a luthier setup? Again I don't want any issues down the road with holding a tuning. Never thought of using the string to widen the slots (good idea).

Notching the saddle sounds flippin scary.......do I absolutely need to do that?
 
Re: Need help on setup of Les Paul..

You will probably need to tweak the truss rod a little, yes. Don't be nervous, just do it in small increments, 1/4 turn to 1/2 turn at a time, then give the neck 24 hours to settle in, and check it again. You'll probably want slightly more relief with the larger strings anyhow, to prevent buzzing. Baby steps.

Don't sweat the saddles for now. The current saddle should be sufficent to hold the string in place, again, until you decide to keep it the way it is, and can get it to a luthier for a setup. It really won't cost as much as you think....I'd bet under a $100.

Lube the saddle notch with graphite or oil of some kind as well, that will help.
 
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