That temperarature change bit was an eye opener. To hear it come back into tune as it cooled back down. Quite a surprise that it made so much difference. 😮
Cool, don't drop it or let someone accidentally knock it over, because the headstock will snap off like a button popping off. All LP owners live in this fear zone, knowing it could happen any moment.
I guess I've been lucky. I've heard so much over the years about Gibson tuning problems, but my The Paul which bought new in 1978 has always been as good as gold. It seems pretty amazing considering it was their budget model back then, but the nut's cut perfectly and it still refuses to go out of tune even with a Les Trem II fitted. In fact, it's one of my most stable vibrato-equipped guitars, even though it wasn't designed for it! Some of my friends mocked it when I bought it for not being a "real" Les Paul, but it's never let me down and I wouldn't willingly part with it.
Les Paul 4ever! My 74 vintage standard has been with me 40 years, I wore the finish off the neck gigging, still my go-to! Guitar went airborne in just a gig bag when I had a bicycle crash on the way to a rehearsal, no damage at all. Tuning issues were fixed by a new set of Kluson tuners. I like the idea of lubricating the nut slots, probably icing on the cake.
Reducing the break angle tension by wrapping the strings up - genius! I always fan the G & D nut slots on Gibson type guitars and also file the base of the said slots so they’re ramped at the same angle as the headstock. I find this also helps with intonation as the strings have one definite initial contact point. Another great video @Guitar Niche!
Thanks! The hack is not my idea but still needed to be shared as some folks find it helpful. IMO, a good setup and properly cut nut (as you mentioned) are the better way to go.
I've been playing Gibson 335's & Strats for around 60 years. When I put strings on I go one over the top and then 2-3 winds on wound strings down and 4-5 winds down on unwound strings. I normally have Bigsbys on my guitars too. I recently started lubing the nut and any friction point on the Bigsby. I also slightly stretch my strings a couple times before tuning. I rarely go out of tune, I maybe check my tuning once during a set. I sometimes even detune my high E string to a D for some slide work. I still stay in tune.
Never had any issues with tuning on any Gibson with a fixed bridge. The nut slots need to accommodate the string gauge, and put a little lubricant in there, and you’ll be fine.
Agreed. I've never had issues with Gibsons and I've never once used nut sauce. Sometimes I'll run a pencil lead in the slot , but a properly filed nut works well.
@@soapboxearth2 Yes, I just use graphite (pencil lead) or sometimes a chap-stick (lip moisturizer). But having the fret slots cut correctly to match the string gauge is the all important step.
Graphtec have introduced a tusq nut with the middle 4 slots angled toward the string trees, works like magic. Prior to that I agree with the other comments that having a correctly cut and lubricated nut seems to solve all issues. As for the stupid comments about LP owners constantly worrying about headstock breaks, grow up ffs!
This works 100%.🤘I do 4 winds up amd I also made the nut slot wider for the G string. It is kind of hard to describe but it is at a angle on the one side of the slot. All I know is the G does not go out of tune no matter how far i bend a note.
Interesting. I’ll have try that on my Gibson. I have a Balaguera with a String Butler. Highly recommend it, and they have one that’s clear so it doesn’t create a shadow in the headstock’s nitro finish.
@@tvviewer4500 No way! Just looking at old photos of my LP and the wood grain definitely matches! I think it had a Gibson 57 Classic in the bridge position?
How to fix? Don't buy one of these unreliable problematic guitars. Gibson refuses to address any of their well known issues, instead inventing the excuse 'it's original spec' or some other nonsense. I just saw a review in a guitar magazine for a product you can put on your Gibson guitar to keep the neck from breaking, it's such a prevalent issue. Looks like a neck brace for your LP or 335. It's the shitty headstock angle, and always will be.
If you have such an overwhelming dislike and low opinion of these guitars, stop looking at posts like this and spouting pointless drivel, no Gibson owners gives a s*&t about Gibson haters like you!
Total rubbish, I've got a 1964, Gibson, Cherry red, ES-335, standard as the day I bought it, brand new, sixty years ago, and It's never gone out of tune, l despear at some of these badly informed videos.
That temperarature change bit was an eye opener.
To hear it come back into tune as it cooled back down.
Quite a surprise that it made so much difference. 😮
I had mine properly setup and the nut cut properly - never had any tuning problems on G string or any string. A well cut nut is the key.
Cool, don't drop it or let someone accidentally knock it over, because the headstock will snap off like a button popping off. All LP owners live in this fear zone, knowing it could happen any moment.
Agreed!
@@flybynight1929 I don't live in fear of my Les Pauls headstock breaking.
New LP owner here. I will make sure I do this on future string changes (although I haven't noticed an issue yet).
Thanks for the tip!!
You're welcome!
I guess I've been lucky. I've heard so much over the years about Gibson tuning problems, but my The Paul which bought new in 1978 has always been as good as gold. It seems pretty amazing considering it was their budget model back then, but the nut's cut perfectly and it still refuses to go out of tune even with a Les Trem II fitted. In fact, it's one of my most stable vibrato-equipped guitars, even though it wasn't designed for it! Some of my friends mocked it when I bought it for not being a "real" Les Paul, but it's never let me down and I wouldn't willingly part with it.
Les Paul 4ever! My 74 vintage standard has been with me 40 years, I wore the finish off the neck gigging, still my go-to! Guitar went airborne in just a gig bag when I had a bicycle crash on the way to a rehearsal, no damage at all. Tuning issues were fixed by a new set of Kluson tuners. I like the idea of lubricating the nut slots,
probably icing on the cake.
Reducing the break angle tension by wrapping the strings up - genius!
I always fan the G & D nut slots on Gibson type guitars and also file the base of the said slots so they’re ramped at the same angle as the headstock. I find this also helps with intonation as the strings have one definite initial contact point.
Another great video @Guitar Niche!
Thanks! The hack is not my idea but still needed to be shared as some folks find it helpful. IMO, a good setup and properly cut nut (as you mentioned) are the better way to go.
I've been playing Gibson 335's & Strats for around 60 years. When I put strings on I go one over the top and then 2-3 winds on wound strings down and 4-5 winds down on unwound strings. I normally have Bigsbys on my guitars too. I recently started lubing the nut and any friction point on the Bigsby. I also slightly stretch my strings a couple times before tuning. I rarely go out of tune, I maybe check my tuning once during a set. I sometimes even detune my high E string to a D for some slide work. I still stay in tune.
Great!
Never had any issues with tuning on any Gibson with a fixed bridge. The nut slots need to accommodate the string gauge, and put a little lubricant in there, and you’ll be fine.
Bingo!
Agreed. I've never had issues with Gibsons and I've never once used nut sauce. Sometimes I'll run a pencil lead in the slot , but a properly filed nut works well.
@@soapboxearth2 Yes, I just use graphite (pencil lead) or sometimes a chap-stick (lip moisturizer). But having the fret slots cut correctly to match the string gauge is the all important step.
It's a workaround. Ultimately a good setup and properly cut, lubricated nut is the way to go.
Graphtec have introduced a tusq nut with the middle 4 slots angled toward the string trees, works like magic. Prior to that I agree with the other comments that having a correctly cut and lubricated nut seems to solve all issues. As for the stupid comments about LP owners constantly worrying about headstock breaks, grow up ffs!
This works 100%.🤘I do 4 winds up amd I also made the nut slot wider for the G string. It is kind of hard to describe but it is at a angle on the one side of the slot. All I know is the G does not go out of tune no matter how far i bend a note.
Excellent! Thanks for sharing :)
Interesting. I’ll have try that on my Gibson. I have a Balaguera with a String Butler. Highly recommend it, and they have one that’s clear so it doesn’t create a shadow in the headstock’s nitro finish.
A string butler? Like putting peanut butter on a steak. Good to know you fixed the issue Gibson won't.
I just make a new nut and angle the new slots toward the corresponding tuning pegs. And dust them with some graphite powder.
Great!
never had this issue with over twenty five yrs on my es335. I've always made my own nut, and only use a wound G
I do not use typical nut files when setting up I use torch tip files, they are round they come in different diameters game changer………….
I don't know how many people talk about G string of gibson.. my slash afd always stay in tune..
I installed string Butler years ago
It does work...
This hack did not work on my 80 LP Custom, I guess i need a nut job, no pun intended.
Yeah, it works for some but not everyone. Depends on your setup, nut material makes a difference too. Thanks for trying, appreciate the feedback :)
I do that on all strings on my Gibson.
Interesting argument !
Thanks!
Thanks , Steve !
You're welcome!
I've found that the best fix is to put the G on the low E slot, and move the E and B up.....
Gibson are appalling, they should have this sorted on every guitar that leaves their workshop.
gibson should copy the prs headstock
Amen. PRS doesn't hide behind 'VOS' garbage, Gibson knows the neck angle is shit, they just won't do anything about it.
I'm pretty sure that's my old guitar! Does it have a chunkier 50s neck? I sold it back in 2017, if I remember correctly.
Yes it is chunkier. Omg
@@tvviewer4500 No way! Just looking at old photos of my LP and the wood grain definitely matches! I think it had a Gibson 57 Classic in the bridge position?
Cool! If you have the old serial number (I recorded it) that would would be a ringer.
@@guitar-niche Ahh damn! I didn't record it when I owned the guitar unfortunately. The grain definitely matches my old LP to a T though.
@@WarmachineCAN Don't remember that particular neck's profile. But the owner is in the region :)
I'll ask him where he picked it up.
How to fix? Don't buy one of these unreliable problematic guitars. Gibson refuses to address any of their well known issues, instead inventing the excuse 'it's original spec' or some other nonsense. I just saw a review in a guitar magazine for a product you can put on your Gibson guitar to keep the neck from breaking, it's such a prevalent issue. Looks like a neck brace for your LP or 335. It's the shitty headstock angle, and always will be.
If you have such an overwhelming dislike and low opinion of these guitars, stop looking at posts like this and spouting pointless drivel, no Gibson owners gives a s*&t about Gibson haters like you!
Total rubbish, I've got a 1964, Gibson, Cherry red, ES-335, standard as the day I bought it, brand new, sixty years ago, and It's never gone out of tune, l despear at some of these badly informed videos.
No doubt. Next....
@johnnycarlo
Your a democrate amature😂
How to fix this is easy. Put it back in its case put it back in the closet. Go buy an ESP Eclipse! Problems solved.
How to fix? Buy A Sire or Schecter!
What about the nut angle?
Not much you can do about the nut angle except have it properly re-cut. Otherwise this is a simple workaround that helps.
Looks like there'll still be a good bit of break angle, without the tension/pressure = better tuning.