1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

[DeterOblix]

I own a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe and the high E string is flat or dull sounding compared to all the other strings. This happens whether the string is pressed down or open. It's just dull sounding. Doesn't ring out like the others when picked fretted or open. The guitar is 100% original. It has the original bridge set up and also the original nut. It also has a fairly new set .10-.46 strings on it. I plan to post pictures of both the bridge and nut, but if you happen to know what the high E would sound flat or dull?

 

Thanks in advance.

[btoth76]

Hello and welcome.

 

Congratulation on owning such a beauty!

 

It's a nut problem. The slot for that string is too low.

 

Bence.

[capmaster]

If the string is affected open and fretted as well, I'd assume trouble with its bridge saddle. Perhaps it isn't seated well due to gunk or tarnish hampering vibration transfer.

 

You say she's a 1974. Does she have an ABR-1 or a Nashville bridge? 1974 is the transition year.

[DeterOblix]

Thanks for the replies. I'm almost 100% certain that it's the High E saddle in the bridge. It's pretty beat on. It's an ABR-1 bridge. I ordered a few new saddles and a bridge saddle filer from StewMac.

 

[charlie brown]

I have the '76 version, of that same guitar, only "right handed."

 

 

 

Had to have the pickups "wax potted" about 10 years ago, as they became "mirophonic" to the point of being useless, without it. Also added the Grover tuners,

but kept the original "doubel ring" Kluson tuners, "just in case."

 

CB