As a guitar repair tech I feel ok to say that I've seen many more issues than just the nut in these brand new $3K+ guitars Have many praises for a lot of others that are well under a grand Schecter is dropping serious bombs on these king of the hill brands imho Great stuff and they always seem to set up so nicely
@@richardchristensen1768 I agree. I wish I knew better back when I bought my studio in 2017. It’s a great guitar but it could not stay in tune to save its life and it wasn’t just the nut. I think most of us would be okay if the mighty Gibson changed their “vintage” design just a tad to allow the guitar to stay in tune. The whole auto tuner thing was a serious miscalculation they made trying to address this issue. Just fix the nut and the headstock angle! The other companies that make this design figured it out. I still love my Les Paul but I am so thankful for my Music Man.
@@michaelsnydermusic I understand my friend I do love those studio's and the Juniors I've also got 2 Epi LP custom pro's that I know are excellent guitars but the 3 x 3 tuning angles will ping then jump out of tune I use lubricant in the slots like Music Nomad lube or many other types including diy stuff I'm not the biggest fan of pencil lead/graphite but it's ok and give the strings a good and deliberate yet gentle stretching (especially new strings) with the intent to try and knock it out a tune repeatedly the guitar will get tired of misbehaving and cooperate I do this to customer guitars which they've indicated were problematic and have heard good feedback their problems were solved On another note we had an brand new LP $2800 arrive where the high E wouldn't clear the first fret at all Yes I can fix that with some tricks but the proper pc fix is a nut replacement and certainly not acceptable in a brand new guitar in anything even close to that price range 😜
@@SteveSterlacci the locking tuners weren’t for a busted tuner rather to make string changes faster and to prevent string slippage. The problem is there are several factors that can cause the LP’s to have tuning problems and as Richard says none of them are acceptable on a guitar at this price range. Heck, even the cheap Chinese imports don’t have these problems. It’s Gibson’s poor QC and their misplaced desire to keep the design exactly as it was in the 50’s when electric guitars were still in their infancy. In my opinion you can keep that Les Paul awesomeness while fixing those common issues that prevent this thing from being a reliable instrument. Most guitar players know nothing about filing nuts or locking tuners or wrap around bridges. They just know their brand new, super expensive guitar can’t stay in tune.
AND I can do the same dam thing with a small triangle rattailed file if u do it CAREFULLY like he said u had to with THIS gimmicky POS. if it gonna have a weird gimmick, at least make a video that at least LOOKS easy. Power of editing my man..
The very best fix and permanent fix for this is a Graphtech Tusq XL nut.. I have 9 Les Pauls and they ALL stay in tune incredibly well and I am a big string bending lead player. I installed Graphtech Tusq nuts on all of them. The difference is absolutely incredible. Gibson has started using Graphtech Nuts on their guitars in 2020...This is why.
@@adamswing6115 That doesn't work for those who love Les Pauls...What I'm suggesting can be done on a string change and takes an additional 15 minutes and the result is better tuning stability than ANY guitar.
I wanted to leave a smart-ass comment, but this is actually a very useful piece of info. First and foremost, I didn't know nut files come in such compact sizes, second - you've covered all the necessary steps about filing a nut: identify a reason, don't go too deep, make a roll-off along the string and perpendicular to it. Good stuff m8.
Can't say I've had this problem before but what I usually do is rub some graphite pencil on the grooves when switching strings. For the smaller grooves I use a mechanical pencil or just a sharpened pencil with the tip flattened on both sides so it can slide in the nut grooves easily.
Those are the best I’ve found. I like to pull them out of the holder- even got a set for bass also- and very reasonably priced compared to you know who- an added advantage- it leaves a rounded bottom slot. 👍🏼
Hey, I just bought a Gibson LP Standard 50's and I am having this issue in the D and G strings. I am not an English native speaker, so I would be very happy if you could give me 3 clarifications. When you mean a "lead pencil" you mean the type that you push a button at the top and releases the thin graphite bar? And should I look for a specific graphite grade like HB or something else? Most important, do I put the graphite under the string by first popping it out of the nut? THANKS!
I also recommend checking out the “string butler” which is a small machined piece of brass you stick on your headstock (no drilling) that has the strings run straight and then move around a ball bearing. Very effective.
Nice tip. I have an esquire with this issue, so now i can fix it, my only issue was how to file it. Never seen anyone suggest the angle motion. Nice job.
Hey man just went down the les paul rabbit hole myself and a store demo les paul slash custom shop victoria 2020 gold top was just perfect again the standard 60s 50s series etc - idk if this one is custom shop 100% of the build like say a Gibson CS R8, R9, R0 Murphy lab and all those others but with a shootout instore between a couple custom shops just for fun I still came back to the slash Goldie felt fantastic and almost seemed like an elevated les paul standard 50s , although that guitar was no slouch I came in original wanting a standard 50s since I actually like that 50s neck. Anyhow the slash stays in tune near perfectly and you're right the nut was slotted perfectly I feel like this was a good day in the gibson shop because this one les paul did not have any of the typical gripes and woes like sloppy tuners poor nut and the binding fretboard edges feeling too sharp etc. This slash LP just felt like a well oiled machine - all of the other les Paul's even standard 50s must have had the issue you're showing here on the other hand , 1 of the 50s models was ok , but the rest even custom shops had that kind of nut binding issue for sure I could hear that clicking sound when tuning up without a doubt which again sucks at this price point gibsons have improved from 2019 on but they still don't completely have their shit together at the 3k range. Thanks for the video look forward to seeing more of your les paul in action as time goes on !! Cheers from Niagara falls Canada 🙏🤟 *** PS you did not take off too much nut material or go too aggressive with the nut file BUT you took off too much material after the nut on your truss rod cover you scratched it all up man careful !! 😬
Hey Adam! the files have a guard on it so you cant scratch the guitar! LOL This ones a 1992 so its been played over the years and earned some scars. I actually did a demo of the slash goldtop and absolutely loved it as well. Great choice!
@@SteveSterlacci Yeah, exactly. I'm sure SM is terrific, but MN is likewise, and I can buy it from Sweetwater and get it shipped to Australia with zero extra effort. #Winning
Or use 2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper to smooth the slot. Of course you should remove the strings and apply some painters tape to protect the surrounding area. Smooth the slot nearest the machine heads and finish off by putting a small amount of lubricant, Big Bends or I like to use USP ( clear Petroleum Jelly). Don’t use pencil graphite it is unsightly. Those are top quality files and I use them for slotting nuts and saddles.
I just changed to a Tusc XL nut and Kluson locking tuners. And on the other end I changed to a Tonespro locking bridge. Better intonation. Now there is no problem with a 97 ebony Les Paul studio.
Adding graphite powder to the slots, will also greatly cut down on the friction. I definitely need a little trimming in the slots of my Les Paul and in the process need to attach masking tape on each side of the nut.
The main reasons guitars don't stay in tune there are 2. The cut of the nut and how many winds you have on your tuning pegs. The vertical angle of the nut and width of the slot. Graphite is the best lube but you have to reapply every time you change strings. He's got the vertical angle of the nut slot handled. No more than three winds on the peg and knot the string when you install it. I know people hate knotting the string on the tuning peg but it's the best way to keep it from moving. After putting strings on stretch them out. My Les Paul stays in tune perfectly.
@@SteveSterlacci Everyone hates the knot. I've been doing it for 30 years and from the day I started using the knot with 3 winds or less on the peg my tuning issues ended. The more winds on the peg the more potential that those winds are going to move over time. pulling the slack out of the extra winds is the best way to go. If you have too many winds on the peg you can never get all the slack out. Rock on.
Ive found that i use 009 gauge strings because they are light on finger tips and easy to bend.Well when i detune a half step the light gauge strings go out of tune much easier.I cant still use my 009 on the high E but for the G string i use a thicker gauge. I love Gibsons but have discovered that Telecasters stay in tune better,i can leave in thr case for months pull it out and its still in tune.
You can always switch over to locking tuners, use graphite, Oil the nut or string it up with the locking-method. It can help, but what screwing it all up is the headstock angle.. What would fix that is, buy a Fender!
A correctly made nut has been the fix, unfortunately Gibson will not correct the headstock angle so the other component of the problem will never change.
I hate the G string on my guitar. It’s not even a gibson but it sounds good if it’s a little bit flatter than the other strings. Tuned normally it makes the G and D chords sound sour to me
Dude I never had a problem with fender due to the nut being much thinner but my new Dangelico has the same thick nut and I was really upset with it not staying in tune but after filing a bit the problem is over!!! So crazy how I was gonna order locking tuners and replace the bridge, take it to the shop, etc.
You do understand that it was originally designed for smaller gauge strings, and while its fine to refile your nut be careful not to go down as this will drastically change the distance from the string to the fret and next thing you know you have a lot more work on your hands, also if you go too deep I say just get a new bone nut, but mainly I wanted to point out that this isn’t a defect, and they stay in tune perfectly fine if you use the correct gauge strings for the nut, every guitar is different, and that choice is yours, sometimes I like bigger strings, sometimes I like a light string. Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don’t. n-joy
Thanks Nik! I am pretty sure the original design was to use a wound G string, which would be thicker as far as that one goes. I believe i cover the same precautions in the vid
@@SteveSterlacci not sure exactly, I would have to look into it, and Im not that interested. But I don't think wound vs unwound really matters, you could have a wound string that is smaller, anyway... I would probably just try and find some original material, you might find they suggest string gauges that you have to cobble together from different sets.
Whilst the nut is definitely an issue, its the breakpoint of the D and G string that is the main issue. You find the same issue with hard tail Dean ML's because the huge headstock where the break angle after the nut pulls so much tension
That's a great set of tools that will get for sure! Great video too, but ya man spring for a little painters tape to save that baby from getting scratched!
You would think for the price that the factory could file the nut properly at the build stage? They really need to change their process. I bought a String Butler and got a properly built bone nut problem solved.
Solution: sell the gibson and get a better guitar for half the price and keep the rest. Not only do you now have a better guitar but you also have enough for another.
I've played Gibsons for 30+ years, and have never had a problem with them staying in tune. In fact of all the guitars I own, and have owned Gibsons by far stay in tune the best. Even better than some high end guitars with locking tuners. If you are having trouble with your Gibson staying in tune it is one of these reasons. 1) You have a fake Gibson 2) You need to change/buy better quality strings. 3) You need to have someone who knows what they are doing to set it up properly. 4) If you don't know what you're doing, don't do anything... ANYTHING you see someone else doing in a UA-cam video. 5) Make sure you have Gibson OEM parts. Or other quality parts installed by a skilled technician. 6) Do not play with the way your guitar is set up coming from the factory to "personalize" it. You likely don't know what you are doing, and will cause more problems. I have played 30+ years, and every factory bought Gibson I have ever owned came from the factory perfectly setup. NOTE: One of the listed items above is likely what has caused the problem with the creator of this videos Gibson. He likely doesn't know what he's doing when he thought he would "tweak" something to his liking. IE changed the nut without any experience, old strings, bad strings, adjusted the tuneomatic bridge without any knowledge of what he's doing, replaced the tuning heads without any experience in doing so.
Graphite and file. Maybe not in that order. I had to file the nut on my Strat to get the heavier strings on it, when I go back to the 48 gauge I may have too much room but it will still play. I am more than happy to keep my 52's on there for now
I use a graphite pencil for the nut and also wind the high strings up on the tuners instead of down. Solved all the problems on my Les Pauls Edit: the trash talking about Gibson in this comment section is insane. Most of them are propably just mad because they wish they had one
And again it all comes down to a proper setup. Anybody that complains about a fender or Gibson staying in tune simply doesn't know how to set one up or their luthier didn't do a good job.
That's the one thing the goofy ass EBMM/Sterling headstocks are great at. All strings are exactly in line with the nut. No tilted headstock, no string trees 👍
Funny enough... Epiphones do not hace this issue since they headstock angle is not the same as Gibson, had an epi LP Standard few years back... NEVER had tuning issues
I keep mine in tune by having a PRS, lol. I had an LP that had this problem, had it worked on by a really good luthier, and the problem kept coming back. Had an SG Supra too that would warble out of tune if I wanted to move around with it. No more Gibbys for me.
Its amazing that untill now after so many years, you'll haven't discovered made un Japan Les Paul's from the 80's. Those guitars have far superior quality than Gibson.
Wrap the G and maybe the D going up the tuning peg instead of down like all the other strings. Less break angle. And lubricate the nut with pencil lead (graphite).
@@SteveSterlacci Every time I’ve ever tried filing a nut, I ended up doing more harm than good. So, while trying to find an alternative, I came across the winding going up the G peg thing, and it was one of those “it’s so simple, why didn’t I think of that” moments. Lubricating the nut, and as I recently learned, the bridge saddles are key to making it work. It worked for my brothers vintage 1964 Gibson ES-175, and my uncles 1957 GibsonJ-45. That guitar is a tank. Hands down the best sounding acoustic guitar I’ve ever played, and now the tuning stability is rock solid. I tuned it once two years ago and it’s still in tune every time I pick it up. ✌️
$5k and my custom wouldn’t stay in tune. Solution- I bought a prs. The problems go way beyond the nut. Bridge is too sharp and binds there too. The break angle is too much. The necks break at the head. The volume knobs get static easier than other brands. Gibson simply won’t address the issues and make a quality guitar. There are far better guitars for cheaper. Their pickups are sweet though
@@SteveSterlacci have you tried a core 594 McCarty single cut? It’s practically a Les Paul just without the issues. They feel awesome. I’ve got 6 prs’s. I’m not a fan of the lesser models, but that specific model is heavenly. The double cuts are nice too but the single sounds better and feels more old school
Funny..My Ibanez cost 1/4 and came with a graphtec nut. Gibson should take a page out of that book for the money you pay. On a guitar that expensive, if I had an issue like this I'd send that shit back. Oh wait I bought a Gibson once and I did just that! Lol.
The break angle of the G and D strings are a poor design,have a look at the PRS headstock,both strings are very close to being straight and that's the key,Fender headstock design have the strings straight,I don't like Fenders but they've got this dead right,maybe a "String Butler" might do the job.
Im pretty new to the world of electric guitars... but it definatley seems to me like theres a cult of personality around gibson, les pauls specifically
Always knew LPs had a tough time staying in tune, never knew why! I thought it was the angle of the headstock down. And i know it's a cheap part, but did you just scratch up your truss rod cover?
You’re right there Gabe it is the headstock angle down, then additionally more off to the sides progressively out from high and low E to the D and G. It just gets too much friction for a tight string to slide over the corners of a straight slot. Steve addresses those friction points well here with that very slight curve he induces along the string path.
I purchased the cheapest set of After all, I am only doing a handful of guitars, not 1000 of them. The files are not sharp. All you need to do is polish the slot.
While you're here, check out Sweetwaters Black Friday Deals - imp.i114863.net/5b4WEN
Nut sauce will fix this problem with out widening the slots! Cheaper than diamond files also. Just sayin
You’d think that spending $2-3k on a guitar that maybe they’d do this for you?
The nut is almoat always the best fix. If a tuner goes bad, thats more rare
As a guitar repair tech I feel ok to say that I've seen many more issues than just the nut in these brand new $3K+ guitars
Have many praises for a lot of others that are well under a grand
Schecter is dropping serious bombs on these king of the hill brands imho
Great stuff and they always seem to set up so nicely
@@richardchristensen1768 I agree. I wish I knew better back when I bought my studio in 2017. It’s a great guitar but it could not stay in tune to save its life and it wasn’t just the nut. I think most of us would be okay if the mighty Gibson changed their “vintage” design just a tad to allow the guitar to stay in tune. The whole auto tuner thing was a serious miscalculation they made trying to address this issue. Just fix the nut and the headstock angle! The other companies that make this design figured it out. I still love my Les Paul but I am so thankful for my Music Man.
@@michaelsnydermusic I understand my friend
I do love those studio's and the Juniors
I've also got 2 Epi LP custom pro's that I know are excellent guitars but the 3 x 3 tuning angles will ping then jump out of tune
I use lubricant in the slots like Music Nomad lube or many other types including diy stuff
I'm not the biggest fan of pencil lead/graphite but it's ok and give the strings a good and deliberate yet gentle stretching (especially new strings) with
the intent to try and knock it out a tune repeatedly the guitar will get tired of misbehaving and cooperate
I do this to customer guitars which they've indicated were problematic and have heard good feedback their problems were solved
On another note we had an brand new LP $2800
arrive where the high E wouldn't clear the first fret at all
Yes I can fix that with some tricks but the proper pc fix is a nut replacement and certainly not acceptable in a brand new guitar in anything even close to that price range 😜
@@SteveSterlacci the locking tuners weren’t for a busted tuner rather to make string changes faster and to prevent string slippage. The problem is there are several factors that can cause the LP’s to have tuning problems and as Richard says none of them are acceptable on a guitar at this price range. Heck, even the cheap Chinese imports don’t have these problems. It’s Gibson’s poor QC and their misplaced desire to keep the design exactly as it was in the 50’s when electric guitars were still in their infancy. In my opinion you can keep that Les Paul awesomeness while fixing those common issues that prevent this thing from being a reliable instrument. Most guitar players know nothing about filing nuts or locking tuners or wrap around bridges. They just know their brand new, super expensive guitar can’t stay in tune.
Graphite pencil in the nut grooves helps 👌
Yeah that's what I was about to write. Saves buying this stupid gimmicky money grab too
Exactly. And if you don't want black smudges on your nut, they do have white graphite you can buy.
True, but some nuts need abit more groove, but for a Finnish perfect.
AND I can do the same dam thing with a small triangle rattailed file if u do it CAREFULLY like he said u had to with THIS gimmicky POS. if it gonna have a weird gimmick, at least make a video that at least LOOKS easy. Power of editing my man..
I do that with my guitar and I’ve had no issues 👍
Holy crap - is that 90-91 LP Classic?! Awesome guitar.
92! Yes great eye
@@SteveSterlacci That would be EARLY '92. GREAT friggin' guitar.
Thanks man! I am assuming so as well being that the headstock says model and not classic
i have a 91 LP standard in wine red
“I find a little coke lubes it up nicely…..what?” - Ace Frehley (probably)
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 amazing comment
What!!!!!!! 😆😅😅😅🤣
lmao
😂😂😂😂
think Ace was more of a drunk.
Bro... you're a pro. Get a String Butler. Huge help. Great, afforffable invention.
thanks for solution , now i need a gibson
DEW IT!
The very best fix and permanent fix for this is a Graphtech Tusq XL nut..
I have 9 Les Pauls and they ALL stay in tune incredibly well and I am a big string bending lead player. I installed Graphtech Tusq nuts on all of them. The difference is absolutely incredible.
Gibson has started using Graphtech Nuts on their guitars in 2020...This is why.
Graphtech is the best!
The actual best solution is to not buy from Gibson
@@adamswing6115
That doesn't work for those who love Les Pauls...What I'm suggesting can be done on a string change and takes an additional 15 minutes and the result is better tuning stability than ANY guitar.
gee my Orville's don't have this problem, and no dreaded fret nibs...stop paying $$$$ for crap
@@nasticanasta it's true though. It's unacceptable
I wanted to leave a smart-ass comment, but this is actually a very useful piece of info. First and foremost, I didn't know nut files come in such compact sizes, second - you've covered all the necessary steps about filing a nut: identify a reason, don't go too deep, make a roll-off along the string and perpendicular to it. Good stuff m8.
Its okay! There are plenty of those comments in this thread 🤣🤣 i appreciate one less though. Thanks so much for watching 🤘
Right on Steve...This fixed mine...
This is a huge help. My Les Paul and my Gretsch have had that same problem. Thank you for the advice!
Glad to help! Thanks for checking it out
Can't say I've had this problem before but what I usually do is rub some graphite pencil on the grooves when switching strings. For the smaller grooves I use a mechanical pencil or just a sharpened pencil with the tip flattened on both sides so it can slide in the nut grooves easily.
Those are the best I’ve found. I like to pull them out of the holder- even got a set for bass also- and very reasonably priced compared to you know who- an added advantage- it leaves a rounded bottom slot. 👍🏼
agree!
Yeah! Stu I mean you Know who! Oops!
Try graphite from a lead pencil before you go filing material away from your nut, it’s worked for me for over 4 decades.
Hey, I just bought a Gibson LP Standard 50's and I am having this issue in the D and G strings. I am not an English native speaker, so I would be very happy if you could give me 3 clarifications. When you mean a "lead pencil" you mean the type that you push a button at the top and releases the thin graphite bar? And should I look for a specific graphite grade like HB or something else? Most important, do I put the graphite under the string by first popping it out of the nut? THANKS!
I have a les paul copy and mine does this too. Thanks, now I can correct my guitar.
Glad to help! Be careful to not go too far down
I also recommend checking out the “string butler” which is a small machined piece of brass you stick on your headstock (no drilling) that has the strings run straight and then move around a ball bearing. Very effective.
Nice tip. I have an esquire with this issue, so now i can fix it, my only issue was how to file it. Never seen anyone suggest the angle motion. Nice job.
Just ensure you do your filing on the tuners side and not the guitars side, and you can't really go wrong.
Hey man just went down the les paul rabbit hole myself and a store demo les paul slash custom shop victoria 2020 gold top was just perfect again the standard 60s 50s series etc - idk if this one is custom shop 100% of the build like say a Gibson CS R8, R9, R0 Murphy lab and all those others but with a shootout instore between a couple custom shops just for fun I still came back to the slash Goldie felt fantastic and almost seemed like an elevated les paul standard 50s , although that guitar was no slouch I came in original wanting a standard 50s since I actually like that 50s neck. Anyhow the slash stays in tune near perfectly and you're right the nut was slotted perfectly I feel like this was a good day in the gibson shop because this one les paul did not have any of the typical gripes and woes like sloppy tuners poor nut and the binding fretboard edges feeling too sharp etc. This slash LP just felt like a well oiled machine - all of the other les Paul's even standard 50s must have had the issue you're showing here on the other hand , 1 of the 50s models was ok , but the rest even custom shops had that kind of nut binding issue for sure I could hear that clicking sound when tuning up without a doubt which again sucks at this price point gibsons have improved from 2019 on but they still don't completely have their shit together at the 3k range.
Thanks for the video look forward to seeing more of your les paul in action as time goes on !!
Cheers from Niagara falls Canada 🙏🤟
*** PS you did not take off too much nut material or go too aggressive with the nut file BUT you took off too much material after the nut on your truss rod cover you scratched it all up man careful !! 😬
Hey Adam! the files have a guard on it so you cant scratch the guitar! LOL This ones a 1992 so its been played over the years and earned some scars. I actually did a demo of the slash goldtop and absolutely loved it as well. Great choice!
Got a fair bit of Music Nomad stuff (including the nut files) and they're great quality and value, for sure
With the competitions prices, for an hobbyist at repairing guitars, I will take it all day long
@@SteveSterlacci Yeah, exactly. I'm sure SM is terrific, but MN is likewise, and I can buy it from Sweetwater and get it shipped to Australia with zero extra effort. #Winning
Just use #2 pencil graphite when you change your strings. I never have an issue with my guitar being out of tune and I have a 50s gold top standard.
Or use 2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper to smooth the slot. Of course you should remove the strings and apply some painters tape to protect the surrounding area. Smooth the slot nearest the machine heads and finish off by putting a small amount of lubricant, Big Bends or I like to use USP ( clear Petroleum Jelly). Don’t use pencil graphite it is unsightly.
Those are top quality files and I use them for slotting nuts and saddles.
Great advice! Thanks for adding this
Nice job scratching up the truss rod cover!
That's a clear indication no one should allow you to work on their guitar!
Lol. Its dust my guy. The files have a rounded plastic edge. I see where it looks like that tho 🤣🤣🤣
Yea, as mentioned by others, too many winds on the peg is definitely an out of tune issue. I also use a nut lubricant - it comes in a pen dispenser.
Thanks for the tip. 👍
Thanks for checking it out!
Me: finds this video
Also me: Dirty Mind is operational
Whatever you do with your nut is your business
I just changed to a Tusc XL nut and Kluson locking tuners. And on the other end I changed to a Tonespro locking bridge. Better intonation. Now there is no problem with a 97 ebony Les Paul studio.
very nice
Adding graphite powder to the slots, will also greatly cut down on the friction. I definitely need a little trimming in the slots of my Les Paul and in the process need to attach masking tape on each side of the nut.
The main reasons guitars don't stay in tune there are 2. The cut of the nut and how many winds you have on your tuning pegs. The vertical angle of the nut and width of the slot. Graphite is the best lube but you have to reapply every time you change strings. He's got the vertical angle of the nut slot handled. No more than three winds on the peg and knot the string when you install it. I know people hate knotting the string on the tuning peg but it's the best way to keep it from moving. After putting strings on stretch them out. My Les Paul stays in tune perfectly.
I hate the knot method, and never have a problem with this "over under" thing that I have always done! Thanks for the additional info !
@@SteveSterlacci Everyone hates the knot. I've been doing it for 30 years and from the day I started using the knot with 3 winds or less on the peg my tuning issues ended. The more winds on the peg the more potential that those winds are going to move over time. pulling the slack out of the extra winds is the best way to go. If you have too many winds on the peg you can never get all the slack out. Rock on.
Yup, spend 4K on a guitar with notorious nut issues and headstock breaks. Leo got 3 instruments right the first time
Cool
GreT video video for sure , and when I win the lottery I’ll pick me up some Stew-Mac tools/ files 😜
I have a 2002 studio that appears to have a leftover 2001 neck with the eppie style headstock angle I have no problem.
Nice!
Ive found that i use 009 gauge strings because they are light on finger tips and easy to bend.Well when i detune a half step the light gauge strings go out of tune much easier.I cant still use my 009 on the high E but for the G string i use a thicker gauge.
I love Gibsons but have discovered that Telecasters stay in tune better,i can leave in thr case for months pull it out and its still in tune.
You can always switch over to locking tuners, use graphite, Oil the nut or string it up with the locking-method. It can help, but what screwing it all up is the headstock angle..
What would fix that is, buy a Fender!
Fenders don't sound or play like Les Pauls. But ESPs do.
@@JustinLesamiz Yeah.. Fair enough I guess. But they sure look good though 🤘
A correctly made nut has been the fix, unfortunately Gibson will not correct the headstock angle so the other component of the problem will never change.
I hate the G string on my guitar. It’s not even a gibson but it sounds good if it’s a little bit flatter than the other strings. Tuned normally it makes the G and D chords sound sour to me
YES! Some tuners offer a "sweetened" tuning that does the same thing
Your nut slot on the g string is to high. Get them all lowered by a tech and it will be a brand new guitar!
@@Simongugala i second this
Mike McConnville posts some great videos about tuning compensations.
Also using a number two pencil to color in the slot helps lubricate the string better
Tried it and still didnt do the trick on this one. The nut was cut so poorly
Dude I never had a problem with fender due to the nut being much thinner but my new Dangelico has the same thick nut and I was really upset with it not staying in tune but after filing a bit the problem is over!!! So crazy how I was gonna order locking tuners and replace the bridge, take it to the shop, etc.
Awesome!!! Glad you fixed it up
Get the Music Nomad Files here imp.i114863.net/3PgJOd
You do understand that it was originally designed for smaller gauge strings, and while its fine to refile your nut be careful not to go down as this will drastically change the distance from the string to the fret and next thing you know you have a lot more work on your hands, also if you go too deep I say just get a new bone nut, but mainly I wanted to point out that this isn’t a defect, and they stay in tune perfectly fine if you use the correct gauge strings for the nut, every guitar is different, and that choice is yours, sometimes I like bigger strings, sometimes I like a light string. Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don’t. n-joy
Thanks Nik! I am pretty sure the original design was to use a wound G string, which would be thicker as far as that one goes. I believe i cover the same precautions in the vid
@@SteveSterlacci not sure exactly, I would have to look into it, and Im not that interested. But I don't think wound vs unwound really matters, you could have a wound string that is smaller, anyway... I would probably just try and find some original material, you might find they suggest string gauges that you have to cobble together from different sets.
@@nikhayes3396 okay 👍
My SG is doign this shite and it's driving me nuts.. awesome vid!
Great job
Thanks Jon!
Whilst the nut is definitely an issue, its the breakpoint of the D and G string that is the main issue. You find the same issue with hard tail Dean ML's because the huge headstock where the break angle after the nut pulls so much tension
D'angelicos too!
Damn, I have a acoustic with the exact same problem! Gonna give this a try!
That's a great set of tools that will get for sure! Great video too, but ya man spring for a little painters tape to save that baby from getting scratched!
Its dust! Lol not scratched I promise! 🤣🤣🤣
have to love a guitar that is always priced way above what it is worth. $2k and you have to be a luthier too.
I do
You would think for the price that the factory could file the nut properly at the build stage? They really need to change their process. I bought a String Butler and got a properly built bone nut problem solved.
Solution: sell the gibson and get a better guitar for half the price and keep the rest. Not only do you now have a better guitar but you also have enough for another.
but how much less cool would that make me?!
@@SteveSterlacci Not at all.
@@SteveSterlacci it would make you a lot cooler for not owning a money pit
@@carlchameleon9847 not true
Buy a chibson
You can also just change that plastic nut and put a bone or a brass one, actually helps
This one was bone. But i do agree if its plastic!
Sure, but that's a big task for those that aren't luthiers.
Tying The Strings in Counter Clockwise only while using Well Made Bridges and Fretboard Stocks,
5th on Hollow black conical was tied up as the Pegs Start to Jar Playing Bar Chords..
Ivory, Jade before Resin and Plastic
Jade is 5 types
,, Green and White more abundant
ok
I've played Gibsons for 30+ years, and have never had a problem with them staying in tune. In fact of all the guitars I own, and have owned Gibsons by far stay in tune the best. Even better than some high end guitars with locking tuners. If you are having trouble with your Gibson staying in tune it is one of these reasons.
1) You have a fake Gibson
2) You need to change/buy better quality strings.
3) You need to have someone who knows what they are doing to set it up properly.
4) If you don't know what you're doing, don't do anything... ANYTHING you see someone else doing in a UA-cam video.
5) Make sure you have Gibson OEM parts. Or other quality parts installed by a skilled technician.
6) Do not play with the way your guitar is set up coming from the factory to "personalize" it. You likely don't know what you are doing, and will cause more problems. I have played 30+ years, and every factory bought Gibson I have ever owned came from the factory perfectly setup.
NOTE: One of the listed items above is likely what has caused the problem with the creator of this videos Gibson.
He likely doesn't know what he's doing when he thought he would "tweak" something to his liking. IE changed the nut without any experience, old strings, bad strings, adjusted the tuneomatic bridge without any knowledge of what he's doing, replaced the tuning heads without any experience in doing so.
Graphite and file. Maybe not in that order. I had to file the nut on my Strat to get the heavier strings on it, when I go back to the 48 gauge I may have too much room but it will still play. I am more than happy to keep my 52's on there for now
I had that same problem with my 1973 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top.
I hope you fixed it and kept it!
Well yeah. It happens to virtually all Les Pauls, because of the angle of the headstock.
that and also add lubricant to the slots as well.
My Les Paul stay in tune.
Thank you!
Thanks for checking it out!
I use a graphite pencil for the nut and also wind the high strings up on the tuners instead of down. Solved all the problems on my Les Pauls
Edit: the trash talking about Gibson in this comment section is insane. Most of them are propably just mad because they wish they had one
The scratches he make on the headstock 😮
Its dust!!! Lol the files have rounded plastic ends so they cant scratch 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@SteveSterlacci i was a little worried there 😅
Thank you❤
You're welcome 😊
thanks so much!!
Good video
Thanks for watching!
And again it all comes down to a proper setup. Anybody that complains about a fender or Gibson staying in tune simply doesn't know how to set one up or their luthier didn't do a good job.
Set up includes nut adustment, no?
For such an expensive guitar Gibson should have this fixed from the start!
Anyone else catch themself trying to blow the dust away? Lol
its gone now!
That's the one thing the goofy ass EBMM/Sterling headstocks are great at. All strings are exactly in line with the nut. No tilted headstock, no string trees 👍
You've just scratched the palette wood. I would prefer to mantain the D & G string tuning issues
Its just dust lol the files have rounded plastic edges. Dont you worry
Having to need to fix anything on a guitar that expensive should be an embarrassment for Gibson!!
I don't own one but thanks for the advice.
Thanks for watching!
Funny enough... Epiphones do not hace this issue since they headstock angle is not the same as Gibson, had an epi LP Standard few years back... NEVER had tuning issues
I keep mine in tune by having a PRS, lol.
I had an LP that had this problem, had it worked on by a really good luthier, and the problem kept coming back. Had an SG Supra too that would warble out of tune if I wanted to move around with it. No more Gibbys for me.
I added a string tree to my SG helped a lot. Gibson headstock always pull back too much.
Its amazing that untill now after so many years, you'll haven't discovered made un Japan Les Paul's from the 80's. Those guitars have far superior quality than Gibson.
I have ! Those are great. I think they stick to a true 59 spec more than most gibsons
@@SteveSterlacci good man. I had a 1981 tokai ls200 and that was a Monster guitar, true Gibson killer.
I use Big Bends nut sauce.
Go buy a set of torch files the little pack costs 3 to 5 bucks it does a great job and cheaper
Thats a great call!
Every Gibson that had tuning issues that I’ve had my hands on had a nut problem. Changing the tuners is a waste of money.
It's the headstock angle that's the problem, but it's not like you can easily change that.
Man, I have to do this on the cheap 200-300 guitars I can afford.
Graphite from a pen also works😁
Yep!
Pens use Ink not Graphite.
You need a Pencil if you want to find Graphite.
@@scottarnold6528 thats what i meant😁
Wrap the G and maybe the D going up the tuning peg instead of down like all the other strings. Less break angle. And lubricate the nut with pencil lead (graphite).
makes sense to do as well!
@@SteveSterlacci Every time I’ve ever tried filing a nut, I ended up doing more harm than good. So, while trying to find an alternative, I came across the winding going up the G peg thing, and it was one of those “it’s so simple, why didn’t I think of that” moments.
Lubricating the nut, and as I recently learned, the bridge saddles are key to making it work. It worked for my brothers vintage 1964 Gibson ES-175, and my uncles 1957 GibsonJ-45. That guitar is a tank. Hands down the best sounding acoustic guitar I’ve ever played, and now the tuning stability is rock solid. I tuned it once two years ago and it’s still in tune every time I pick it up. ✌️
@@Dan.Solo.Chicago very nice! Definitely a better solution if theres no risk. Sounds like a killer guitar 🤘🤘🤘
@@SteveSterlacci Thank you. ✌️
I have worked the nut several times including a repair shop did it too and still my LP doesn't stay in tune as soon as i start bending strings.
So the slot is too straight, and you've curved it ever so slightly to put less resistance on the string?
$5k and my custom wouldn’t stay in tune. Solution- I bought a prs. The problems go way beyond the nut. Bridge is too sharp and binds there too. The break angle is too much. The necks break at the head. The volume knobs get static easier than other brands. Gibson simply won’t address the issues and make a quality guitar. There are far better guitars for cheaper. Their pickups are sweet though
I just never got along with a PRS
@@SteveSterlacci have you tried a core 594 McCarty single cut? It’s practically a Les Paul just without the issues. They feel awesome. I’ve got 6 prs’s. I’m not a fan of the lesser models, but that specific model is heavenly. The double cuts are nice too but the single sounds better and feels more old school
@@bryanp8010 ive tried a few. Just never the right one i guess
What's a price of this guitar
1992 classic premium flame top..not cheap. Needed a new nut and now it'll stay in tune
And you can actually put a tiny speck of lanolin on it. You'll love it
Lanolin? You mean like sheeps wool?
@@SteveSterlacci it's extract from the wool,, I get it in semi refined. Also mix it with hemp oil good skin lotion, scalp too
Funny..My Ibanez cost 1/4 and came with a graphtec nut. Gibson should take a page out of that book for the money you pay. On a guitar that expensive, if I had an issue like this I'd send that shit back. Oh wait I bought a Gibson once and I did just that! Lol.
A touch of chapstick works wonders after you round that back edge off.
you put some real nice scratches in that truss rod cover lol
Its dust. Check out the longer version and I show ya lol many people thought the same
I have a Gibson and I have never had a problem, it stays in tune fine.
A well cut nut always will
The break angle of the G and D strings are a poor design,have a look at the PRS headstock,both strings are very close to being straight and that's the key,Fender headstock design have the strings straight,I don't like Fenders but they've got this dead right,maybe a "String Butler" might do the job.
Yeah! I have one of those onna dangelico that works great
Graphite in the slots and wound third strings are the ticket.
cant do a wound G but graphite can def help
A little 3 in 1 oil in each groove in the nut does the trick for me.
Try graphite dry lube
Use tape over the headstock to protect it or buy a string butler and not risk messing up your nut.
Good best practice!
Bought a Schecter LP style guitar last year and it's perfect, and it didn't cost half what a Gibson would have.... just sayin'
Those kill!
Im pretty new to the world of electric guitars... but it definatley seems to me like theres a cult of personality around gibson, les pauls specifically
Very polarizing brand! Lol
For the record, my 2020 Les Paul 60's standard stays in tune perfect. They must have changed something subtle.
Graphtech nuts solve all the issues. They're now stock
Always knew LPs had a tough time staying in tune, never knew why! I thought it was the angle of the headstock down. And i know it's a cheap part, but did you just scratch up your truss rod cover?
Nope lol its just dust. The files have a rounded plastic edge 😅
You’re right there Gabe it is the headstock angle down, then additionally more off to the sides progressively out from high and low E to the D and G. It just gets too much friction for a tight string to slide over the corners of a straight slot. Steve addresses those friction points well here with that very slight curve he induces along the string path.
I purchased the cheapest set of
After all, I am only doing a handful of guitars, not 1000 of them.
The files are not sharp. All you need to do is polish the slot.
I did it on my 1991 red wine classic and... no wait just joking dont wanna loose value ahahah. But Nice trick
My Schecter Ultra III would go outta tune from the first strum. I wish I tried to figure it out.
thats a bummer!
can you believe this on a 4k guitar ? wow
Ha ha , he said "Nut".
yeah i did
@@SteveSterlacci 😋
Easier (but more expensive) fix: The String Butler
Does no one else find it hilarious that he's talking about his g string being too loose and needing to use nut files
Worse than loose, it’s stuck.
To be fair, my g strings usually fit perfect and feel awesome especially on stage
It always hurts like hell when I file my nuts