Correct setup adjustments for Les Paul Studio

fretboardfreak · 11-18-2009, 10:10 PM

Folks, Hi I need some helpful advice on adjusting the action and intonation on my NEW LP Studio!

I have made some minor adustments as recommended in the Gibson owners manual (that came with the guitar) for the intonation on the 6th and 3rd strings. The 6th is now OK for intonation, but needs the action raised due to buzzing around the 1st - 3rd frets (action too light).

I do use a digital tuner but the 3rd string is still sometimes difficult to tune accurately. It also goes out of tune relatively quickly, which is really frustrating at times. I read on this site that if you put a bit of graphite or a small piece of soap on the nut it helps the string slide and improves the tuning characteristics.

Also, if I adjust the bridge height for the action on the 6th string, will I need to readjust all the way accross, or can I make the required adjustment for the 6th string only.

Thanks,

Fretboardfreak

Zeb · 11-19-2009, 02:06 AM

are your strings still factory fresh? if so, try stretching them out by pulling on them GENTLY but firmly a couple of inches away from the 12th fret.

axepilot · 11-19-2009, 05:43 PM

You can raise the bridge to raise the action. That might solve your buzzing problem. You can just raise the bridge post next to the 6th string a bit. No need to raise the entire bridge height if you're happy with the action on the rest of the strings.............but that will be still be impacted a bit. If raising the action doesn't work, you might need to reset the neck relief with the truss rod. If this is above your head, find a good tech to set it up for you.....and hopefully he'll walk you through the process as he does it.

If this solves your action problem, you will need to reset the intonation.

As for your tuning problem on the G string, it's common. You can:

-Lubricate the nut slots. I use Big Bends Nut Sauce (good stuff!) to good effect. Some guys swear by graphite. I've even heard that Chap Stick works well

-Have the nut filed by a competent tech

-Replace the stock nut and have the new nut nut fitted and filed professionally

Keep in mind that any action / intonation adjustments need to be done with fully stretched out strings. If the strings are not fully stretched, you'll just chase your tail trying to get it right.

A good guitar setup is all about balancing things out.

Congrats on the new LP! I hope you get it dialed in quickly so you can make some joyous music with it.

Hawk · 11-19-2009, 06:08 PM

Some info to watch here. Not exactly a Les Paul Studio, but will give ypu an idea on what is needed.

YouTube - How To Stretch Guitar Strings - Billy Penn 300guitars.com

YouTube - Truss Rod Adjustment on a Gibson Type Guitar

YouTube - Intonation Adjustment for Gibson Type Guitar

YouTube - Gibson Humbucking Pickup Pickup Adjustment

Agave_Blue · 11-20-2009, 09:37 PM

Great Vids.

Thanks!!

fretboardfreak · 11-21-2009, 02:53 AM

Thanks to everybody for their help, especially the Utube links.

I think I will try lubricating the nut slot with graphite first (I live in Australia so I don't know if I can get the Big Bends Nut Sauce over here), and then maybe replace the original nut if need be. Probably a good idea to tension out the strings a bit then recheck the intonation.

Cheers and keep rockin!

Fretboardfreak

11-18-2009, 10:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
fretboardfreak Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Correct setup adjustments for Les Paul Studio Folks, Hi I need some helpful advice on adjusting the action and intonation on my NEW LP Studio! I have made some minor adustments as recommended in the Gibson owners manual (that came with the guitar) for the intonation on the 6th and 3rd strings. The 6th is now OK for intonation, but needs the action raised due to buzzing around the 1st - 3rd frets (action too light). I do use a digital tuner but the 3rd string is still sometimes difficult to tune accurately. It also goes out of tune relatively quickly, which is really frustrating at times. I read on this site that if you put a bit of graphite or a small piece of soap on the nut it helps the string slide and improves the tuning characteristics. Also, if I adjust the bridge height for the action on the 6th string, will I need to readjust all the way accross, or can I make the required adjustment for the 6th string only. Thanks, Fretboardfreak

11-19-2009, 02:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Zeb Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Knightstown, Indiana Posts: 9 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Correct setup adjustments for Les Paul Studio are your strings still factory fresh? if so, try stretching them out by pulling on them GENTLY but firmly a couple of inches away from the 12th fret.

11-19-2009, 05:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
axepilot Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 1,800 Thanks: 21 Thanked 40 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Correct setup adjustments for Les Paul Studio You can raise the bridge to raise the action. That might solve your buzzing problem. You can just raise the bridge post next to the 6th string a bit. No need to raise the entire bridge height if you're happy with the action on the rest of the strings.............but that will be still be impacted a bit. If raising the action doesn't work, you might need to reset the neck relief with the truss rod. If this is above your head, find a good tech to set it up for you.....and hopefully he'll walk you through the process as he does it. If this solves your action problem, you will need to reset the intonation. As for your tuning problem on the G string, it's common. You can: -Lubricate the nut slots. I use Big Bends Nut Sauce (good stuff!) to good effect. Some guys swear by graphite. I've even heard that Chap Stick works well -Have the nut filed by a competent tech -Replace the stock nut and have the new nut nut fitted and filed professionally Keep in mind that any action / intonation adjustments need to be done with fully stretched out strings. If the strings are not fully stretched, you'll just chase your tail trying to get it right. A good guitar setup is all about balancing things out. Congrats on the new LP! I hope you get it dialed in quickly so you can make some joyous music with it. __________________ 1996 Les Paul Studio Gem, 2001 Les Paul Studio Plus, 2002 SG Supreme, 2006 Les Paul Standard LE, 2008 SG Classic, Fender Double Fat Strat, Bluesville "Super" Strat copy, Fender Tele, Ovation 1897 Adamas, Taylor 355CE Germino Club 40, Johnson JM150 Millennium, Johnson JM250 Millennium, Axe FX Standard rack rig, Mesa 4x12 cab (V30's), Highly modded Gibson Titan Medalist

11-21-2009, 02:53 AM	#6 (permalink)
fretboardfreak Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Correct setup adjustments for Les Paul Studio Thanks to everybody for their help, especially the Utube links. I think I will try lubricating the nut slot with graphite first (I live in Australia so I don't know if I can get the Big Bends Nut Sauce over here), and then maybe replace the original nut if need be. Probably a good idea to tension out the strings a bit then recheck the intonation. Cheers and keep rockin! Fretboardfreak

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