Fergus12 Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 My newly aquired Epi Les Paul needs constantly re- tuning. Its only very slightly on each string apart from 1 or two. Is this a intonation problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 My newly aquired Epi Les Paul needs constantly re- tuning. Its only very slightly on each string apart from 1 or two. Is this a intonation problem? Usually this type of problem (assuming it's not new strings stretching) is a mismatch between the string gauge and the nut slots. If the slots were cut for 10 gauge and now the stings are 11 or more, then the slots prevent the string from sliding freely as you fret, and especially when you bend notes. The string gets drawn a little through the slot as you play and then catches there instead of sliding back into it's original position in the slot. Try some graphite in the slots. You can get white graphite at a good guitar shop. That won't darken the nut. Or buy a product called "Nut Sauce". Or you could try a set of lighter gauge strings. If either of these solve the problem, then you are free to decide if you want to get a new nut cut for the gauge strings you prefer. The problem could be the tuners themselves, but usually it's this strings-nut slot mismatch. Cheers, Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fergus12 Posted November 17, 2012 Author Share Posted November 17, 2012 Thanks Doug Yes i can hear a ping on a couple of strings when tuning. Will get it checked out. Cheers Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dporto Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 Thanks Doug Yes i can hear a ping on a couple of strings when tuning. Will get it checked out. Cheers Wayne Take a piece of 150 grit sandpaper and fold it (you may have to fold over twice for the heavier strings). Now run it lightly through the string slot in the nut a few times - until the string no longer bind in the slots. Don't put much downward pressure so as not to cut the slots deeper. This should do the trick if the strings are binding and the chances of ruining the nut are slim to none - Good Luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristof_w Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 I had the same problem a few weeks ago. I just took off all the strings, and put them back on, and the problem fixed itself apparently... You might want to try that before doing anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitmore Willy Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 Don't put much downward pressure so as not to cut the slots deeper. +1 For minor slot adjustments: Torch tip cleaners. Under $5 from any welding supply house. Willy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiggy Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 I find running a piece of guitar string (of appropriate gauge for each slot) back and through the slot a few times after scraping some pencil lead dust into the slot usually does the trick. Probably wouldn't work if you are going from 9's to 13's but works fine if going up a couple of gauges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted November 18, 2012 Share Posted November 18, 2012 I find running a piece of guitar string (of appropriate gauge for each slot) back and through the slot a few times after scraping some pencil lead dust into the slot usually does the trick. Probably wouldn't work if you are going from 9's to 13's but works fine if going up a couple of gauges. Good tip, Wiggy. Thanks. BTW, I used to live not too far from you, in East Molesley on Beauchamp. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiggy Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Good tip, Wiggy. Thanks. BTW, I used to live not too far from you, in East Molesley on Beauchamp. Cheers, Until I was 13 I used to live in Worcester Park and my best friend at the time lived in Hurst Road, just up the road from you. Small world isn't it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vestapol Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 Until I was 13 I used to live in Worcester Park and my best friend at the time lived in Hurst Road, just up the road from you. Small world isn't it! Pretty amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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