Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

[Mallowpuff]

Hey guys, I've been having some problems with my newly purchased Epiphone Les Paul Studio Deluxe.

Firstly, the tuners. They rattle bad. I know I've asked this but is the only way to fix this buying new ones? I just don't feel like putting out 60$ on a cheaper guitar.. But I still will if needed.

Now the fret buzz. The low E, A, D and sometimes the G strings buzz pretty badly on the first 3-4 frets and buzz mildly on the rest. Only the low E string buzzes open, and it's just barely.

Supposedly it was set up when I bought it but it doesn't sound like it.. No mention of rattling tuners or fret buzz..

They've been really good there besides that. The owner has given me a free hardcase, strings, picks etc but I'm just upset I got this guitar with no mention of the problems..

I did play it there up and down the neck, it buzzed some but I didn't think twice about it because he hadn't set it up yet. And somehow or other I didn't hear the tuners..


Thanks for any info on the problem!

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

1. If the tuners rattle you may just need to tighten the nuts down on them. Easy fix if it works. Careful not to over tighten them or you might crack the wood but get them snug and then stop turning.

2. The fret buzz: it's possible the neck's truss rod needs another adjustment. It may need to be loosened 1/4 turn or so to give the neck a bit more relief. If that doesn't work, you may need to raise the string height at the bridge a bit. Some Les Pauls can get away with string height that is lower than around 5/64" on the bass side (the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret measured at the 12th fret) and 3/64" on the treble side. However, those numbers are good starting points.

To raise the strings (or even lower them for that matter) it helps to down tune the strings a bit to make the thumb wheels on the bridge posts turn easier.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

Kluson keystone replica tuners are non-adjustable. Remedy is to replace. Check the bore hole diameter before choosing your next set.

Neck issue could be over-tightened truss rod or, equally, overly light string gauges. Somebody could have strung up with brand new 009-042 to expedite a sale when the guitar normally had 010-048s. If the guitar came from outside your area, temperature and humidity changes could be affecting the wood. Best to give these time to settle before making other adjustments.

 

[Mallowpuff]

Re: Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

1. If the tuners rattle you may just need to tighten the nuts down on them. Easy fix if it works. Careful not to over tighten them or you might crack the wood but get them snug and then stop turning.

2. The fret buzz: it's possible the neck's truss rod needs another adjustment. It may need to be loosened 1/4 turn or so to give the neck a bit more relief. If that doesn't work, you may need to raise the string height at the bridge a bit. Some Les Pauls can get away with string height that is lower than around 5/64" on the bass side (the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret measured at the 12th fret) and 3/32" on the treble side. However, those numbers are good starting points.

To raise the strings (or even lower them for that matter) it helps to down tune the strings a bit to make the thumb wheels on the bridge posts turn easier.

They don't move around at all right now, and trying to I can't get the screws to barely move.

Alright. When we get back from the movies I'll try loosening the truss rod a bit.

 

[Mallowpuff]

Re: Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

Kluson keystone replica tuners are non-adjustable. Remedy is to replace. Check the bore hole diameter before choosing your next set.

Neck issue could be over-tightened truss rod or, equally, overly light string gauges. Somebody could have strung up with brand new 009-042 to expedite a sale when the guitar normally had 010-048s. If the guitar came from outside your area, temperature and humidity changes could be affecting the wood. Best to give these time to settle before making other adjustments.

Yeah, the tuners are non adjustable.

They are "Extra light" gauge as they had them onsale for like 3 sets for 4$. I'll try getting some heavier ones.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

Heavier strings will likely buzz more

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

For the same tuning, heavier strings will increase the tension poundage operating against the truss rod, increasing neck relief.

 

[Mallowpuff]

Re: Some problems with my Epi Les Paul..

Heavier strings will likely buzz more

Oh? I'll be adjusting the truss rod when I get back. Leaving in like 15 minutes..

For the same tuning, heavier strings will increase the tension poundage operating against the truss rod, increasing neck relief.

Alright. But doesn't loosening the truss rod do the same thing? Although this will help on my other guitar. Very mild backwards bow with truss rod loosened completely..