Another Les Paul That Don't Play So Good... Imagine That

[@TheseTangledWebs]

I love watching your videos. I feel like I'm learning basic luthier skills and the ins and outside of what might normally walk into a guitar repair shop and how to fix it. You're a good man. Cheers.

[@andrewhodgson8895]

Dave, I have to confess, I've been watching other guys on KZbin fixing/messing with/judging guitars, but I've come back because you're normal. Keep up the 'better than the other mediocre stuff' work. 👍

[@travisvodden3838]

I never had an instrument that didn't "choke out" at the higher frets of have frets that "don't work" I thought it was a deficiency in my playing. I am learning so much "fun Stuff" Thanks Dave

[@megatrends]

Spot on, ice remedy for this problem. I had this issue with a 2006 Les Paul Classic and I just did a fret leveling after doing a neck straightening redo. I had the added problem of some fret wear from the 1st to the 12th so the frets higher than the 12th weren't worn hardly as much making "proud frets" which contributed to the problem. Just leveled the frets and at some point down the line will do a refret but it should be good for a few years anyway.

[@PaulHofreiter]

Dave, I don't know what it is but I have casually watched for a long time and now eagerly await each video - it is calming and therapeutic (half serious). It's relaxing working on guitars myself but I didn't expect to enjoy watching someone else do it so much.

[@ChristopherRoss.]

I am learning/have learned so much about guitar maintenance by watching this channel. Thanks Dave!

[@216trixie]

Chris McCartney Me too. I do my repair work and lutherie I'm learning, while Dave's vids are playing.

[@travisvodden3838]

Me three

[@chingasofarkaso]

Does anybody else find it therapeutic to watch these? Plus it's informative as shit. Love this channel!

[@DeadKoby]

I have 3 LP's and an SG... one of my LP's has the laminated maple neck ('79).. the SG can be a bit fidgety, but the LP's don't have much issue. Summer to winter a little truss rod turn to compensate for the humidity difference.

[@willieguitars]

I had the same problem with a $6,000 Les Paul elegant. So I got a flawless Carvin DC127 and sold the Les Paul. I'm still happy!

[@TheMitchbassman]

Les Paul "Elephant"??? I never heard of that model.. The Elephant.. what'a cool name though. Id like it just for that.

[@TheEchelon]

TheMitchbassman He clearly wrote elegant. Or was it a lame joke?

[@dickr9345]

@@TheMitchbassman Dyslexia is a bitch, huh?

[@dennisapplegate7553]

I've got a DC145 best guitar I've ever owned . Looking to order a Kiesel headless soon.

[@gerberbernstein7360]

Hey Dave, you can spring clean while waiting for that April Wine reunion.

[@mb19512002]

The BEST Les Paul I've ever owned, was a 73 Deluxe (i.e. Pancake) with mini Humbuckers ! I've also owned a few from the early 80's that were good, but the 73 was the BEST !

[@mrshiney2]

Voice is a hybrid of George Carlin and Bill Murray

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

Just use low tac tape so you don't have a problem peeling it off the guitar and a LOT less likely to leave adhesive behind when removing it.

[@nasanction]

Blue painters tape comes off a lot easier then masking tape. ;)

[@smacman68]

They make this stuff called O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hands. It is a paste that you put on your fingers and it will get rid if the splits and cracks and whatnot. It comes in a jar like a can of Skoal and it is awesome. They sell it at hardware stores and the like.

[@gerberbernstein7360]

I have a 98 Sheraton from the Samick factory. Plays like a dream. Probably cost less than those pickups.

[@Abbynorml1979]

This is exactly what I needed to see, I was getting so frustrated! Now I need to order fret working tools. Thank you!

[@raytorvalds3699]

lmfao ! "I only have chickens and they're all clean". After a duct (duck) cleaning service calls. Thanks Dave, I could use the laugh after a horrible day. also, proteculate is way better than to protect.

[@jonathananthony1901]

I love a good Gibson..... but after owning 5 Les Pauls, 2 SGs, and a custom shop 335, I've been slowly switching over to PRS. The main reason being neck stability. The only Gibson I had that didn't have a neck issue after a few years was the custom shop 335. I own a 15 year old, and a 10 year old PRS that have ZERO neck issues. They are rock solid and stable no matter what time of year or temperature . It really sucks because I don't think there is anything that sounds like a good Les Paul! But what good is a guitar that sounds great but develops neck issues in less than 5 years?

[@klascojoe]

I have a PRS and a les paul classic. They are the the best I have owned in 40 years of playing. And I have owned a lot. Mine stays in tune, sounds great, and it never fights me. It just plays great. I guess I got lucky.

[@tjllwyd]

I finally got a pair of guitars last year that I've wanted for a long time.....a les paul traditional and a firebird traditional. Both are 2016, and both are starting to do this. Both needed quite a bit of break in, as in they just kept sounding better with use, but now I've had to raise the action beyond my acceptance level. So I will be blocking in a fall-off on 14th fret up. After really close inspection after noticing this, both guitars are about .0018" thinner where the heel was shaped. Not much, but with the general rule of 2xthick=8xstrength for any piece of wood, that variance is enough to be overcome by the string tension over time.

[@jimmydeuces]

Dave, thanks for the entertaining videos. I appreciate what you're doing. I've learned a good bit by watching. I have a question, if it's okay. What size is that feeler gauge?

[@headknocker8999]

That LP is a Classic with a Standard Truss Rod Cover = Black ceramic pickups = 496R & 500T.. Some are marked Classic & some Model on the headstock.. Had one in the early/mid 90s just like it.. Some Lesters can even sound like a strat to = See Avatar of "Red Hot Red".. ROCK ON Dave.. Next trip to canada I'm gonna look you up Sir!!

[@adamarsenault1785]

It is a Standard with SD A2P's. It is my guitar....

[@adamarsenault1785]

It is a Standard with SD A2P's. It is my guitar....

[@johnny6148]

good education. funny guy. i had a 1967 les paul and traded it like a fool.

[@wildbill2122]

the 2017 Les Paul STANDARD I just bought is frikkin PERFECT. Got it from an on-line retailer....AND ITS PERFECT. OUT OF THE BOX, I tuned it, then I checked the RELIEF, STRING HEIGHT @ 1st, 12th Frets before I played it. It was setup to GIBSON SPECS, not a blemish on it, a true MASTERFULLY CRAFTED Guitar, for nearly $3 Grand, it should be...and it is.

[@oldgoat381]

WILDBILL212 my 2012 SG 70s tribute (cheapest SG at the time) was the same, dead on out of the box, bought online. That said, I have played brand new Gibson's that have been astoundingly lackluster to play.

[@wildbill2122]

YEP, Its all in the SET-UP and a player's preference's.EX.: I set mine slightly more 'CLOSED', relief wise, @ .006".

[@almostliterally593]

Dave would love my band. I play a Rickenbacker bass and the guitarist uses a Les Paul. golden combo lol

[@SecondMarsh]

Thanks Dave, don't let the walchers get ya 😉

[@alansmith8264]

Call the new episode WHAT'S IN DAVE'S DRAWERS GET A TOOL HERE.

[@bigdzzplace]

you give me second thoughts on buying a Gibson for my bucket list, got an epi joe perry boneyard that never had to be touched, ya im 60 and been playing for years.Got a great assortment of guitars and all make me happy. Played coast to coast in Canada full time for 10 years and my best workhorse was a Carvin at that time. great video by the way..TC

[@jonlennon3348]

Can you do a video showing how to set up a strat including how much clearance you need under the strings and mention which feeler gage is correct. Basically a complete tutorial on a simple set up so to speak. I would really appreciate it and will make a donation after the video gets posted.

[@reubensolly2237]

You should name that episode "What's in Dave's Drawers?" LOL.

[@6zippo0]

Hi Dave, I'm curious as to why you didn't just create a fall away?

[@1thess523]

hey at certain points you look like a goatee'd Liam Neeson ! I GOT A SET OF SKILLS AND I WILL USE THEM TO UNGOOCH YOUR GUITAR!!!!

[@concernedcitizen2898]

1thess523 more like and old Ethan Hawke.

[@woofystevenson2943]

gibson. mohogany neck is softer than a maple neck and is more maliable thats why the truss rod is more responsive

[@woofystevenson2943]

i like maple and wenge or paduak necks. not a fan of the set neck thing gibson does its just a big inconvenience when setting up because it isnt as fixable as bolt on and if you for some reason snap a neck its four screws to put a new one on instead of buying a whole other guitar. but really mohognany doesnt stay still enough to be that usable for a neck good choice getting a maple one.

[@j_freed]

Sure those are 'stable' woods although even a maple neck can get a fretboard hump at the body end over time. Woods do settle in and there's some compression and lateral force going on where neck and body join. It's not that uncommon for any wood instrument to need a fret relevel or even a neck reset (especially older flat tops.) Mahogany is not the most stable material always but it does often have a nice weight and sound in my opinion. Headstock snapping off is a whole other topic, the grain is very short there.

[@kenlelon369]

I'm wondering if this guitar has undergone a round on the world renown PLEK machine at the Gibson factory. Although it may be a tad too old to have gotten in on that. Would the PLEK do as good a job as Dave?

[@dragchainreaction]

depends on who you ask. people who own plek machines are like religious cultists.

[@j_freed]

Ken Lelon - that might depend how good Dave is LOL! I believe a Plek job gives a certain quick uniformity but a very experienced hand worked level, crown and polish can be more discriminating. You can level off the minimum fret material by hand and you can tweak around specific needs and wishes. That's only my guess.

[@cwr1210]

Like your videos. Very informative with a nice touch of humor.

[@bryannelson3462]

After leveling all the frets go back and take a smidge off frets 13 to the end of the fretboard and you'll get better results when playing those frets.

[@Bourbon-Canted-Ky-Windage]

This kind of QC is why, when I bought my LP last month, I bought a 1992 that was kind of minty for 25 years old.

[@ekirenrut]

You're Bill Murray and the guitar is the gopher. Love it!

[@Woods_Hiker]

Dave is the Guitar Whisperer. Nice work.

[@zackdaniels6858]

I need to send you one of my friends...a 98 les Paul custom...with this exact same problem...only a tad bit worse....makes me sad to even touch it...Cheers my friend! your the best! zack~

[@marshallgibson3932]

I have 122 Les Pauls ranging from mid 70's to a week old 2019 and they all play excellent like new. I adjust them myself when needed which is practically never so maybe I've just been lucky so far. None are weight-relieved. My only complaint with Gibson is these new Cryogenic frets. They are not as durable as Gibson claims.

[@emcg.9655]

122?..typo😂

[@me-bk9er]

@@emcg.9655 I thought the same...lol

[@nickfanzo]

He actually has 122

[@dlapp14]

Are those Yamaha NS-10's on the wall? How do you like them?

[@jeffwarren9791]

Dave buddy,youre the man!!!! I love your videos!!! I just discovered daves world of fun stuff and i gotta say...very interesting and very informative.love it MAN!!! Don't stop doin what ya do Dave!! 9h are ya by any chance a Canadian?? Just curious ya sound like ya must be from either B.C. Alberta or Ontario.

[@MattyDemello]

What block are you using for sanding the frets? Someone told me it has to be a flat, balanced wood or something. Not sure. What block do you get?

[@BostonWhoFan515]

Pete Townshend remodeled his own guitars.... in his own special way. Fret buzz? No problem. Smash bang boom!

[@raymondperrault5821]

I always wondered if Townshend actually smashed any 1958-1960 Les Pauls back in his early days.

[@jeremyv4636]

and he did it with style and panache!

[@jamesrockford2626]

he smashed mostly 70s 'deluxe' les pauls

[@nickm.9474]

I guess once its flat it don't matter. But when sanding while the guitar is flat would the neck flexing be a problem?

[@hissinghed]

It all boils down to signal to noise ratio. Gibson banks on the fact that most people who buy a Slash Les Paul are going to be pumping it through so much distortion, the fret buzz will be buried under saturation, so they skimp on the setup. How Norlin of them.

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

You've probably got too much relief (upbow) in the neck. Loosen the strings, tighten the truss rod, and when you tune back up the high frets will probably play clean. You may have to raise the bridge a bit, but you probably don't have to level and crown the frets.

[@vsmicer]

I wonder if this is only something that happens with 'later' Les Paul's? My original '58 has never done this, nor a friends '60 original either. But as I also do repair/restoration work, I get a fair few from around 1975 onward that have this exact same issue. Norlin changed the make up of the glue...I wonder if that has a contributing effect in the neck joint?

[@PavelNygryn]

vsmicer No, it's known problem since first series of LPs. But it depends on so many parameters - e. g. local climater or changes of humidity through travelling...

[@wildbill2122]

What year 'SG' is that Dave? Why did you 'Overwrap' it after settin the Intonation and the rest? what do you set the relief at on an 'SG', and WHY ?

[@nigelsmith721]

Brilliant video

[@iixslashxii]

i love your vids dave! shalom from israel! by the way, when i find a masking tape to be too tacky i just put it on my jeans once... in my scale models its working good...

[@xoconostle5240]

if the instrument is supported at distant points (end of the body, way down at the headstock) won't u be inducing some curve in the neck just with the weight of the guitar? Wouldn't it be better to check/adjust neck straightness( truss adj.) in playing position?

[@xoconostle5240]

thx for the reply, Dave. I dunno. Seems the thickness differences across the neck as opposed to thru the neck is more resistant. Upon reflection after watching u mess w so many necks, in practicality any flexion while benched facing up is probably negligible.

[@TheMellowmetalhead]

If a neck flexed that easily just having strings on would fold it in half. There's about 100lbs of string tension, compared to an 8lb guitar body on a padded rest.

[@tnokeefe]

The problem with this guitar is what luthier's call raising hump, No not some sexy connotation, I am surprised that Dave didn't check that the frets were seated properly and I am even more surprised how you supported the neck dangerous, to say the least. Another surprise comes with the leveling of the frets, the neck is not firmly supported along the back of the neck to stop the downward pressure from inducing a bow into the neck as you level the frets, now to top it off the frets recrown their selves/or maybe you left that bit out, sorry about the negative comment Dave but I have to call it as I see it.Terry

[@Danniow]

What other luthiers would you recommend watching here on KZbin?

[@sgtcaco]

Exactly what I just said.Ya it was hard to watch,ouch!

[@sgtcaco]

When I did my first fret level job ,I looked at a few vids,found one that was the best way and went with that.My neck turned out better than I have ever felt and played. P.S here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnXcaJZ8Z5pomrs

[@caseD5150]

DAN EARLWINE

[@tnokeefe]

Cassidy Van Sambeek4 days agoHighlighted reply DAN EARLWINE Hi, there is no comment just a picture of you and your name that is it? cheers Terry

[@ssammyjenkis]

Dave, my Norman ST68 kicks ass, but it's in big time need of a setup and I don't trust anybody from the big stores to do it. I've gone to several for work on instruments in the past and I couldn't help but notice that they really don't give two shits. Can you look at the godam thing fer me? I'll pay you cash on the nail! I'm in Etobicoke there Bud.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

I remember the stick and mud puddle. when were you playing in it? I don't remember seeing you there.

[@ian-c.01]

When we played it we could be anywhere, it was whatever your imagination wanted it to be !

[@thomasconrad2630]

Law of averages,..some guy named Michael Jackson said it best, the more you're liked the more your hated, imagine that.

[@minisurfbanana]

I have a 2003 honey burst and it still plays amazing!!! And I just bought a 2017 minty new Goldtop Classic on Reverb for $1400!!! Both are amazing!!!

[@jameswellington4795]

Second hand is always the one. I have a 2002 Standard in amber. Very similar to the AFD Slash sig. 1195 pounds. Hands down the best guitar I own. But I am more prone to buying 2000-2008 Gibsons. They definitely don't make them like they used to. Unless you're paying 5000.

[@giovannifarinacci4533]

Love your videos. Thanks

[@MtnLiner]

I’m a little upset... just kidding. You’re the best, Dave! Wish I had a basement.

[@bakerXderek]

Nice Gooch shirt

[@wenisinvietnam]

bakerXderek a wild Baker X. Hey there.

[@gringobandito639]

Damn, I'm glad I found your Channel!!

[@bmorr6734]

2nd that about learning lots from your vids Dave. If you are every out Oshawa way, beers for you.

[@vintagevanhalen5394]

dave youre awesome , just sayin man.

[@jukesters123]

Isn't a set neck GREAT for tone and sustain?That buzzing out tone,hard to play tone?

[@soylentkris]

I suspect the effectiveness of the Gibson truss rod is due to the fact that most (not all) Les Pauls have mahogany necks, which is nowhere near as rigid as maple. This would account for why one must tighten a Fender rod to achieve the same result.

[@brucenlittlepictures]

People seem to love to drop the action as low as it’ll go and then complain when the fretboard buzzes and notes choke out...

[@jameslatimer774]

I find that putting the tape along the edge does protect but is a pain to get off.

[@RFT2112]

could you slow mo that tape extraction.. super exiting.

[@1066wastrel]

can I suggest that mahogany is much (MUCH) softer than ash, so the truss rod has much less to,- I dunno the term, "fight against"? hence why gibson necks are "way more responsive" to truss rod adjustment

[@daveycmusic5150]

When grooming frets, the middle of the neck should be supported so that when you work the neck you don't push a bow into it. Dave is good enough to not push down too hard, but many of fret jobs have been mauled that way.

[@mightymikemeijer]

I see Dave get’s some negative comments on the way he levels the frets with no support other than the thing supporting the neck at the first fret. Having fretted, re-fretted and leveled/crowned quite a few necks myself now (I DO NOT consider myself a pro repairer in any way though) I have to say I don’t understand the common ‘wisdoms’ about how to support a neck when fretting/leveling/crowning. I hear some people say with great conviction the neck has to be supported all the way so it is straight. The idea being that if you don’t do that the flexing of the neck will cause the leveling to be uneven. That’s right but as soon as you string up the neck will also be flexing. In the same say. That’s why Our overpriced friends at special tool-shop sell a device on which you can tie the guitar so it keeps the neck flexed when you remove the strings. In theory you can level the neck in the position it is with strings. I level with strings removed supporting the neck all the way. When I make a new bolt on neck from scratch I level the frets completely straight this way.. works fine. A guitar neck NEEDS some relief to play nice. It HAS to be slightly curved and so have to be the frets as a whole. So I guess there are a few ways to get a neck to play nice. There is a tendency to make it seem like rocket science which it most certainly is not... ik keeps players from trying to get involved in setting up their own guitars and doing repairs. Nice for guitar repair men but strange to me anyway... buy a 100 dollar second hand piece of crap, some basic tools en level the frets, crown them and give the truss rod a turn. Learn and be more informed when you send your 3000 Dollar guitar to a tech. If you screw up, refret the cheapo and if that fail, fret again. That’s how I started doing it and the 50 Euro bass still plays very nice after five years... don’t believe everything you read, just try and see what works for you. Dave has customers and I never read angry posts from clients saying he made a mess of it so he’s probably doing it right...

[@gotshemp]

Mike Meijer All-Round Entertainment A

[@sussudioscott9383]

What type of polish did you use when hand polishing the frets?

[@todd-1]

Dave: It don't play so good me: it *doesn't* play so good Dave: you noticed that too!

[@UK-iy5hn]

A stick and a mud puddle, LOL Dave!!

[@brwhyon]

Great video Dave, when was the last time you had a CAT scan ? You sound like we could be related, I know, frightening to think there could be two out there. Ha !

[@stevehogan8829]

Great vid Dave.

[@briansteffmagnussen9078]

A cheap solution i use is a whetstone for the frets. And a steady hand. I've never failed and my frets are smooth as silk. I will recommend to try it out, Maybe rehearse first time on a dirt cheap guitar. It is manageable for most people and you save a load of bucks on the shops.

[@frankkolton1780]

Either the neck pocket on the body isn't cut within spec or the tongue on the neck isn't. For the amount of money that Gibson charges you would thing they would have some type of quality assurance.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

You should support that neck better. Downward pressure will bend that neck as go up and down with that sanding block.

[@kellphil76]

Hey Dave do a video on how a truss rod works please!

[@rvsteve583]

"no chickens, and my ducts are clean"

[@shpeen8835]

Dave and Game of Thrones. All I watch these days.

[@sepultubob]

thanks a lot for sharing !

[@therickashesoloband]

great video

[@evhwannabe6590]

Hey Dave, any reason why you don't use Never Dull anymore on the frets?

[@hootenanny58]

Dave's World of Fun Stuff Good ole speed'n'sport, Davey. I just picked up a fresh can today.

[@pasinbyyou]

DAve, how do you deal with the binding nubs at the edges of the frets?

[@markhoskins]

Either that or the new segment will be called, "Dude!... where's my wrench!"

[@scottwebb8151]

Damn,7 or 8 usable frets on a $1.8k guitar,this is why Chibsons are gaining steam..what's the vintage on this girl Dave? Doesn't look that old or worn.....

[@berkearall8563]

Aquatic Highs they are great dude fr

[@MrTubularBalls]

+Aquatic Highs The original didn't sell and was discontinued. They became popular because Bloomfield played one, was forgotten again, later became popular again because of Slash (who doesn't actually play a Gibson, but a custom copy built by a local luthier). Gibson had major problems, guitars were shipped with wet finish at some point, just to meet deadlines. New management fired everybody , hiked the prices and focussed overpriced reissues. Those are bought as an investment, never get played, that's how the company makes its money. Horrible place to work: www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-Gibson-Brands-RVW963029.htm

[@meep231_]

MrTubularBalls He only played his copy until the early 90's. Until he got real Gibsons.

[@MrTubularBalls]

+Adam Taylor Lol all the old line-up GnR albums are late 80s-early 90s. Chinese democracy is from '08 but that's new line-up. "Until he got real Gibsons", you mean until they payed him enough to pose with their guitars. Btw the new lineup includes Ron Thal, who played Vigier. He also had to switch to Gibson, it was in the contract.

[@meep231_]

MrTubularBalls He got a Gold top in 91 and was using a refinished 87 standard at that time too.

[@Star_Sn1per]

My father has a 2004 Bb king model.. You should see how bad the binding work is on it.

[@rareform6747]

Good Job !

[@GuitarMagik]

10 inch radius ?

[@jameslatimer774]

what fret files are u using lately? have u tried the Z file from u know who?

[@Bourbon-Canted-Ky-Windage]

Dave, what fret polish did you use?

[@johnbatesowen9708]

Nice Work

[@weibernipple]

I believe the technical term is farting out.

[@dezionlion]

how can the neck be straight if you don't lay it flat?

[@michaelmccracken2500]

Would like to read a bio on you , did you play in a TO band, are you a road tech, , where are you from , some personal stuff. Enjoy your channel. I am waiting for the next duct call I get.

[@jrsmoots]

Have you tried Gorgomyte?

[@MikeGervasi]

Pretty funny. Demo at the end sounds a lot like the beginning. I think your fingers are just broken ;)