My Les Paul won't stay in tune!!

bukchoi · 11-29-2008, 11:01 PM

Hi guys
My 06 Gibby Standard won't stay in tune. Was thinking of changing the tuners but i'm not sure if that's the problem. Could it be the nut? It's my first LP so am quite a newbie.

Jupa · 11-29-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bukchoi

Hi guys
My 06 Gibby Standard won't stay in tune. Was thinking of changing the tuners but i'm not sure if that's the problem. Could it be the nut? It's my first LP so am quite a newbie.

Could be the bridge, maybe the nut, maybe the tuners, maybe the neck. Best thing to do would be to take it to a guitar tech and have him/her set it up.

axepilot · 11-29-2008, 11:19 PM

Do you get a "tink" when you tune your G?

Les Pauls have notorious nut problems - shallow, binding slots. Easily solved in the long run with a pro nut filing job, replacing the nut; or in the short run with lubricating the nut.............................hell, lube the nut after a pro file job.

I use Big Bends Nut Sauce to lube the nut. It works great. Some guys use pencil lead.

The Les Paul's tuners are solid and not your problem. I would look to the nut for that.

BullGator · 11-30-2008, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axepilot

Do you get a "tink" when you tune your G?

Les Pauls have notorious nut problems - shallow, binding slots. Easily solved in the long run with a pro nut filing job, replacing the nut; or in the short run with lubricating the nut.............................hell, lube the nut after a pro file job.

I use Big Bends Nut Sauce to lube the nut. It works great. Some guys use pencil lead.

The Les Paul's tuners are solid and not your problem. I would look to the nut for that.

I second the Big Bends Nut Sauce. My 08 Standard Faded had that tink on the G, pencil lead didn't do the trick, but the Nut Sauce fixed it right up. I used it on both the Nut as well as the bridge saddles, and the guitar stays in tune even with huge bends.

Give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised!

jomo · 11-30-2008, 01:00 AM

I use graphite that I also use on my Son's Pinewood derby car, works great. By the way, welcome.

jodymauk · 11-30-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomo

I use graphite that I also use on my Son's Pinewood derby car, works great. By the way, welcome.

right on,

graphite under $2.00,problem solved

Jimbo · 11-30-2008, 06:32 AM

Pencil led worked a treat for me, never had a problem since.

LiveOak · 11-30-2008, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Pencil led worked a treat for me, never had a problem since.

+1!

I had a pro set-up done right after I got my 06 Standard AND used the pencil lead treatment when I got her back home. It stays in tune better than any other guitar I have ever owned.

Satch0922 · 11-30-2008, 07:40 AM

it's the nut. Lube it with graphite or Big Bends

jerryo · 11-30-2008, 07:56 AM

Do u have the strings tied correctly .... ?

rideski · 11-30-2008, 08:47 AM

I have the same problem on my Standard and in a pinch I have used chap stick to solve the issue. Use on the nut and the bridge and life will be good again.

marc1kim · 11-30-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satch0922

it's the nut. Lube it with graphite or Big Bends

+1
Pencil lead always does the trick for me. Of course proper string installation is a must.

LPV · 11-30-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axepilot

Do you get a "tink" when you tune your G?

Les Pauls have notorious nut problems - shallow, binding slots. Easily solved in the long run with a pro nut filing job, replacing the nut; or in the short run with lubricating the nut.............................hell, lube the nut after a pro file job.

I use Big Bends Nut Sauce to lube the nut. It works great. Some guys use pencil lead.

The Les Paul's tuners are solid and not your problem. I would look to the nut for that.

I used to use pencil lead all the time unti Greg suggested chapstick to someone here and I'll be dammed if that isn't the best thing since sliced bread.

Scooter2112 · 11-30-2008, 09:46 AM

I use Chapstick (any flavor.

) on the nut and bridge on every string change. Works great!

nut4les · 11-30-2008, 10:18 AM

1. make sure you are keeping tension on the string while you're winding them around the tuners

2. make sure you stretch them after you tune them, then tune them again

if you do that and there's still an issue then go with all the lubing solutions on the nut and the bridge. more often than not tho, its one of the things above.

BCRGreg · 11-30-2008, 11:19 AM

Original Chapstick is best, but the Berry flavor adds upper harmonics to Norlins.

rideski · 11-30-2008, 12:46 PM

An added bennefit of the chapstick is it tastes better when playing the guitar with your teeth ala Jimmy Hendrix!

mysteryville · 11-30-2008, 12:51 PM

I probally the nut. I had the same problem with my R8 when I still had it. Take it to a pro and get it sorted.

LiveOak · 11-30-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCRGreg

Original Chapstick is best, but the Berry flavor adds upper harmonics to Norlins.

Yes, but I heard that with the current standards and the BB Pro's, you can tame those pickups to near PAF tone with cherry flavored Chapstick

kspeed · 11-30-2008, 06:42 PM

+1 to everything everybody's said.

On top of that, how do you wind your strings? Assuming you don't have locking tuning pegs, instead of simply sliding in your strings and wrapping them around the post try this:

YouTube - Fender Stratocaster: Electric Guitar Setup : How to String a Fender Strat Guitar

BCRGreg · 11-30-2008, 06:58 PM

That vid shows a ton of wrongs.

kspeed · 11-30-2008, 07:01 PM

Details?

Tuxedo Kaz · 11-30-2008, 09:35 PM

Chapstick?! Enlighten me! LOL. We have an overabundance of that stuff here.

Last · 11-30-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCRGreg

That vid shows a ton of wrongs.

Really?

I thought that this was how Martin strings their guitars according to Dan Erlewine's book 3rd edition?

guitar_randy · 11-30-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bukchoi

Hi guys
My 06 Gibby Standard won't stay in tune. Was thinking of changing the tuners but i'm not sure if that's the problem. Could it be the nut? It's my first LP so am quite a newbie.

I would guess its the nut and nothing wrong with the tuners

AXE · 11-30-2008, 09:52 PM

Been smearing it lightly on my nutz for years.

No petroleum distillates like chap stick. There's not enough in chap stick to harm anything.

calibud · 12-01-2008, 08:40 AM

Yeah i'll have to agree with everyone here. I used to get the tink on the same tuner every time I re-strung my guitar or changed tunings. Great advice

bukchoi · 12-01-2008, 08:58 PM

great! think i'll pay my guitar tech a visit. thanks for all the info.

rideski · 12-01-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuxedo Kaz

Chapstick?! Enlighten me! LOL. We have an overabundance of that stuff here.

I just restrung my LP tonight and put cherry chapstick in the nut slots and on the bridge slots. It works great and smells good too! It's a cheap fix.

guitar_randy · 12-01-2008, 09:13 PM

Could tell rest of your band to all play out of tune so ya don't stand out
J/K
Try some nut sauce lubricant on the nut and bridge,or graphite from pencil will work for now

11-29-2008, 11:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
bukchoi Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Hi guys My 06 Gibby Standard won't stay in tune. Was thinking of changing the tuners but i'm not sure if that's the problem. Could it be the nut? It's my first LP so am quite a newbie.

11-29-2008, 11:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
axepilot Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 1,352 Thanks: 14 Thanked 40 Times in 5 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Do you get a "tink" when you tune your G? Les Pauls have notorious nut problems - shallow, binding slots. Easily solved in the long run with a pro nut filing job, replacing the nut; or in the short run with lubricating the nut.............................hell, lube the nut after a pro file job. I use Big Bends Nut Sauce to lube the nut. It works great. Some guys use pencil lead. The Les Paul's tuners are solid and not your problem. I would look to the nut for that. Last edited by axepilot; 11-30-2008 at 12:24 AM.

11-30-2008, 01:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
jomo Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nashville Posts: 6,243 Thanks: 78 Thanked 85 Times in 23 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! I use graphite that I also use on my Son's Pinewood derby car, works great. By the way, welcome. __________________

11-30-2008, 06:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
Jimbo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Newcastle, England. Posts: 492 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Pencil led worked a treat for me, never had a problem since.

11-30-2008, 07:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
Satch0922 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,444 Thanks: 4 Thanked 16 Times in 11 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! it's the nut. Lube it with graphite or Big Bends __________________ http://www.myspace.com/satch0922

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11-30-2008, 07:56 AM	#10 (permalink)
jerryo Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 410 Thanks: 18 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Do u have the strings tied correctly .... ?

11-30-2008, 08:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
rideski Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 873 Thanks: 20 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! I have the same problem on my Standard and in a pinch I have used chap stick to solve the issue. Use on the nut and the bridge and life will be good again.

11-30-2008, 09:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
Scooter2112 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 2,877 Thanks: 28 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! I use Chapstick (any flavor. ) on the nut and bridge on every string change. Works great! __________________ "Have you hugged your Custom today?" the CS Customs make the Standards sound like a plastic banjo with a live cat stapled to the back! - Hemply, 2009

11-30-2008, 10:18 AM	#15 (permalink)
nut4les Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Manhattan Posts: 32 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! 1. make sure you are keeping tension on the string while you're winding them around the tuners 2. make sure you stretch them after you tune them, then tune them again if you do that and there's still an issue then go with all the lubing solutions on the nut and the bridge. more often than not tho, its one of the things above.

11-30-2008, 11:19 AM	#16 (permalink)
BCRGreg Grumpy Old Luthier Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lemoyne, PA Posts: 6,967 Thanks: 157 Thanked 731 Times in 95 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Original Chapstick is best, but the Berry flavor adds upper harmonics to Norlins. __________________ Cool guitars, extreme repairs and brutal honesty. www.bcrmusic.com www.grumpyoldmenband.com http://www.youtube.com/user/unkagreg

11-30-2008, 12:46 PM	#17 (permalink)
rideski Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 873 Thanks: 20 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! An added bennefit of the chapstick is it tastes better when playing the guitar with your teeth ala Jimmy Hendrix!

11-30-2008, 12:51 PM	#18 (permalink)
mysteryville Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 104 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! I probally the nut. I had the same problem with my R8 when I still had it. Take it to a pro and get it sorted.

11-30-2008, 06:58 PM	#21 (permalink)
BCRGreg Grumpy Old Luthier Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lemoyne, PA Posts: 6,967 Thanks: 157 Thanked 731 Times in 95 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! That vid shows a ton of wrongs. __________________ Cool guitars, extreme repairs and brutal honesty. www.bcrmusic.com www.grumpyoldmenband.com http://www.youtube.com/user/unkagreg

11-30-2008, 07:01 PM	#22 (permalink)
kspeed That Ibanez Guy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,275 Thanks: 27 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Details? __________________

11-30-2008, 09:35 PM	#23 (permalink)
Tuxedo Kaz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bristol, CT Posts: 3,335 Thanks: 100 Thanked 58 Times in 17 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Chapstick?! Enlighten me! LOL. We have an overabundance of that stuff here. __________________ Guitars, Music, and Enthusiasm! Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Diezel Amplification 08 PRS Custom 24 (whale blue quilt/birds) 06 PRS CE-22 (McCarty sunburst) http://www.youtube.com/user/Unseenbass http://www.myspace.com/munashiku Check out my guitar blog, Gear Madness! http://gearmadness.blogspot.com/

11-30-2008, 09:52 PM	#26 (permalink)
AXE V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Core Club Asswipe. Posts: 9,884 Thanks: 597 Thanked 231 Times in 67 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Been smearing it lightly on my nutz for years. No petroleum distillates like chap stick. There's not enough in chap stick to harm anything. __________________

12-01-2008, 08:40 AM	#27 (permalink)
calibud Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,505 Thanks: 88 Thanked 147 Times in 22 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Yeah i'll have to agree with everyone here. I used to get the tink on the same tuner every time I re-strung my guitar or changed tunings. Great advice

12-01-2008, 08:58 PM	#28 (permalink)
bukchoi Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! great! think i'll pay my guitar tech a visit. thanks for all the info.

12-01-2008, 09:13 PM	#30 (permalink)
guitar_randy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 740 Thanks: 17 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Re: My Les Paul won't stay in tune!! Could tell rest of your band to all play out of tune so ya don't stand out J/K Try some nut sauce lubricant on the nut and bridge,or graphite from pencil will work for now

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