Gibson Les Paul Gets Parts and Setup

[@exproducermichael]

This guys attitude towards everything just makes my day. It's like he is being forced to work on guitars or something and hates it lol.

[@ElBuddyChristo]

I wasn't sure what it was I liked about Dave but you just phrased it perfectly!

[@estavang11]

He's like the Grinch of guitars lmao. He makes my day too!

[@flydeluxe]

@@estavang11 "Grinch of Guitars" - now there's a moniker! Nice! Maybe that should be the title of his channel ... hmmmm ... I can see the t-shirt for it, too!

[@estavang11]

@@flydeluxe Oh yeah I definitely see a T-shirt too haha

[@tempestfury8324]

This guy...Dave from Canada - I don't know him from Adam - but it's pretty obvious he knows what he's doing. I've done my fair share of setups and repairs but "Dave" is my new hero. This is a great video for anyone that needs to learn how simple it is to setup your own guitar. It baffles the mush in my cranium why anyone wouldn't want to learn exactly how their instrument works and better yet, how to adjust it. TF

[@Mikeymoon12]

Normal rules dont apply to this guy he really does know it

[@Spartanm333]

Agreed - some don't even know you must stretch new strings in, especially on a Gibson with its headstock rake and string angle out the back of the nut.

[@ALEEN517]

This video has been a big help for me ever since I got my first Les Paul just over a year ago. Thank you very much for making and posting this one.

[@PhilBrammer]

Got my gauges now - gonna spend the day giving my 2013 LPJ the full treatment. Thanks for he inspiration!

[@davidbergin6184]

I knew a guy who restored a Model T Ford. There were wooden spokes in the wheels that we cracked and looked badly worn out. He took them all out and put them in a container filled with linseed oil. I can’t remember how long they stayed in the oil, but I seem to recall it being a week. At any rate, the spooks came out beautifully. They looked great. Linseed oil is almost magic.

[@ViktorStorniHauer]

Hi Dave! Thanks for the video! I just want to say that linsed oil is very useful but YES, WARNING, it is well known that it can spontaneous ignite. So, after using it, do not just leave the paper or whatever you used to apply the oil on your bench. Have it in a plastic bag and some water and close it well before throwing away. That's what I've learned about linsed oil. Sorry for my English. Cheers!

[@wiseguy9202]

I got to meet Dan Erlewine and I have to say, fantastic guy.

[@flydeluxe]

"Your guitar is not a piece of furniture!" .... nuff said. That I will remember. Thanks Dave!

[@NHfiddle]

Hi Dave, I saw this when it first came out and I'm just realizing its a Les Paul Custom. Nice choice on the cream plastic ware, looks great. Love your vids to this day, June 7, 2018.

[@Guitarluvr717]

Hey Dave I’m home recovering from extensive back surgery. All your videos of been very helpful. Keep up the good work keeps me motivated so wants him walk in a little bit more I can do more work. P

[@patrickromero5365]

Dave you are awesome i love watching you fix guitars your the Man with the plan.

[@webrik33]

You are awesome and I have watched so many of your vids. But I like watching that little old dude over on StewMac too. He does some wicked work. He is a demi-god of luthiery. There's a reason he's working on Trigger...

[@TheKevfromcanada]

I'll throw you a little tidbit i was taught that saved me a zillion headaches. NNAPI. The order to get your setup done without needing repetition. Neck, nut, action, pickup height and finally intonation. Give it a whirl, it made my setup work far more profitable. I really dig your vids man. keep on rockin man!

[@McRonson]

I have a Peavey Predator that's been needing some love for over a decade now. Going to get some Linseed oil for the fretboard and then learn how to set up a Floyd Rose tremelo (Ugh - can't even cope when I bust a string on my MIM Strat). Great tutorials! Very inspirational. Greetings from Glasgow, Scotland!

[@72Moochung]

seriously one of the most informative yet also frikken hilarious how to video's on you tube.... Dave your a legend mate.

[@IvyCottageIndustries]

I love your no-nonsense approach. I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@southmanpaw133]

I have been using linseed oil now for four years or so and i love telling guy,s in guitar shops the lemon oil they sell is shit. Thanks Dave :)

[@dezziwood555]

Thanks for discrediting Lemon oil. I have been using Lemon oil for years on all my guitars and basses. Now I will just use it on my coffee table.

[@gastonlaberge2119]

Lemon Oil doesn't dry so it sits and collects dust dirt etc. Don't use it on anything wood.

[@Daver869]

Thanks for showing us how easy setting up a Les Paul is. Now I have the perfect action on my guitar!

[@knight2011ish]

Well done Kip. Very Professional and done nice and slow so this Old Man can figure it out. I will be following Your Bits. Thank You Again !

[@regortex3364]

“Sock tucker” lol! Dave, I learn guitar setup from you and the best phrases I’ve ever heard, you never disappoint, don’t ever change.

[@MrTommySullivan]

Great video. Just one issue though - I have been hearing very negative things regarding Linseed oil. I just ordered a product called, "FretDoctor". I did quite a bit of research on this. This product is bore oil. Linseed oil is more like a varnish than an oil. Because it forms a continuous film, it seals the surface of the wood like a varnish, but oils of plant origin may later slowly penetrate down to the wood. It can take years. It comes in many forms. The stuff from a hardware or art store is a paint variety, boiled or raw. Both of them stink. If you insist on Linseed oil, get the food grade from a health food store. This grade doesn't smell so bad. After multiple applications, nothing can penetrate it. Bear in mind that, if a board is treated with Linseed oil, it will eventually turn black. Linseed oil oxidizes over time, turning black in the process. That is why so many Rosewood boards of the 50s and 60s no longer look like Rosewood.

[@MrTommySullivan]

Cawfee Dawgg At this point, I don't even bother with ANY oils! I've heard conflicting points of views from various luthiers. Some like lemon oil, some say it's terrible. Others like Linseed, other s say that it gums up everything. Others say that if you have a maple neck or baked maple, that you should use absolutely nothing on it. Others say that rosewood is very porous and takes in dirt and sweat. This is a blackhole.

[@cerrem1]

One suggestion... When adjusting the truss rod nut , pull the neck back ever so slightly to remove some tension from the nut, you will then find the nut very easy to turn, else your gonna strip or damage those threads.....

[@dankfamous1]

I love his remarks the thing that you put the strings threw keep them coming you are good so good you share your skill with us to appreciate or criticize 👍🏼

[@MrRuss192]

Man thats one of the sweetest fret boards ever - nice one Dave.

[@motorjock0478]

Hey Dave, I have really enjoyed watching your repair videos. I saw you working on a Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar, and wanted to see if you have a video, or could make a video about changing the bridge pickup on the Johnny Marr with a Seymour Duncan or similar single coil sized humbucker. The wiring is what concerns me. I would want to sill have the same type of selectability.

[@IceCreamKimi]

Great video, I'm only a beginner guitar player but I learned a lot from this video. And I like your style, no messing around and straight to the point. You freaked me out a bit at around the 11:40 mark looking down the neck with the excess strings hanging in front of your face. When I did my first string change I stabbed myself twice in the finger because the ends of those things are bloody sharp.

[@themuse321]

+Sam De Laurentis one string once went through my fingertip like a centimeter or something

[@Headwind-1]

you can just curl the excess strings into little circles and then they will not bite you and looks sweet.

[@telethom4982]

For someone who thinks StewMac sells crap, couldn't help but notice your StewMac action gauge. And Dan Erlewine knows more about setting up and fixing guitars than we'll ever know. And also, you intonate a guitar in the playing position, Dave, not laying down. That's kinda setup 101. Don't go bitching about people and techniques unless you know what you're doing.

[@joemcgraw5529]

im with you about OILING the fretboard ,linseed is the best !!! lemon oil is a cleaner but Id rather use nafta to clean ,lemon oil will not keep your fretboard from cracking if anything it will dry it out

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Set up starts around 10.57. I trust Dave's advice over anyone else on KZbin. I recommend y'all do the same.

[@wildbill2122]

Dave , are you checking to see if the strings are hitting the back of the bridge plate? and what about the over-wrap saving the day on the tuning issues GIBSON is notorious for? not to mention fret 'BUZZ'.

[@bohandk]

Hi Dave. Thanks for a great video I just bought my first gibson les paul. Its a Slash siganture. When i got it there was a lot of fret buzz on the low e string. so i adjustet the trusrod to get more neckrelief. cause i couldnt get the bridge higher. but i feel like there is way to much neck relief now. What do you think i should do? take the guitar apart and do the whole setup like you do on this video?

[@wyattsdad8561]

Oooooo I got a question!! If linseed oil can combust on a discarded paper towel, why doesn’t it combust on the fretboard??

[@The1970sInfatuate]

For the pickup ring surrounds, I recommend just spending the extra money to get the genuine Gibson branded ones. Cheaper ones never really fit all that well, and the Les Paul is an arch top.

[@pjm329]

The1970sInfatuate I bought all the plastic from Gibson for my '79 Les Paul and they fit really well. But the color doesn't match. Their quality control sucks. I suppose it is their suppliers fault, but they could make sure the crème colors are not noticeably different.

[@jackthebunnet]

hi pal great vid's iv'e been payin these people for years ,now i do it myself ,thanks to you dave ,being a scotsman wee always look for way's to save a penny lol that was how copper wire was invented ,it was two scotsmen fighting over a penny !! best of health to you dave ...

[@alanburridge6947]

They use linseed oil on cricket bats. Dave sounds so young and vibrant here.

[@jelvis65]

Daves not here man!!! lol nice work my canadian friend, thx for all ur info and help videos :) ur a riot, love watchin' ur vids

[@dankfamous1]

jelvis65 so that's the dav Chong was referring to lol now it starting to make sense after all these years 😂

[@ldavis5734]

Man I'm so glad you wiped the drop up off the paper.I was go nuts..

[@1961jscofield]

Thanks for the Linseed oil instructions Dave! I got a bottle at Hobby Lobby with a 40% coupon on "art supplies." Ended up with a bottle about half the size of yours for only $3.

[@gasun21]

***** could you adjust gator milden with that nut wrench? I think he qualifies as a nut.thx

[@HBSuccess]

Hey Dave - Linseed oil is very similar to varnish - if you were to build it up in coats, you'd have an actual finish like any varnish/shellac type finish. I did an _EXTERIOR_ hardwood door with linseed oil and it lasted for years - at least as well as wipe-on varnish would have. I didn't use poly on the door because the dog jumped on it constantly and the scratches were less noticeable. Anyway - I'd be worried about it getting sticky on a fingerboard if you didn't wipe it right back off.

[@mlasch1478]

As always, I really enjoy your videos. If you don't mind possibly answering 1 or 2 questions. In the first part of this clip I am reminded of my 1990's Memphis built, ES135. It has 57 Classic pickups in it, and I happened to notice something about the string spacing and how they appear to pass more directly over the pole pieces on the Bridge pickup but are askew on the neck pickup ones. Other than being anal about perfect alignment of things. I could just shut up and play my guitar, or I could try to verify if the neck is installed centered/straight/ or even not twisted. By the best I could figure out within my limitations, I determined the factory might have simply aligned the neck pickup off kilter by a few millimeters. Any tricks u have for verifying neck alignment, checking for centered, twist etc? Thanks

[@OzziePete1]

Hallelujah! FINALLY, someone mentions the issue of degrading plastic on old guitars. Also thank you for discussing the lemon tree properties and the linseed oil properties. I'm heading to the local art store right now to get some linseed. Thanx mate.

[@tconnors7233]

This was awesome. Just got my first les paul.. This was a great tutorial. Thanks!

[@atarirob]

Hey Davey, I know you probably get asked this a lot but, does the linseed oil still clean good on maple fretboards? With lacquer/glossy fretboard.

[@loadi2865]

Dave you make good videos I enjoy them a lot..thanks

[@blackfender100]

I agree with you Gareth He is a Hoot.Sounds like me when I am working on the guitars.

[@drcrutch]

I love your videos. I do have a question: When you use the Linseed oil on the fretboard, I notice on the papertowel there is a fair amount of residue. Is that varnish coming off? Or is that "dirt" from playing the guitar?

[@paulsguitarstudio126]

An easy way to measure neck relief is the thickness of a playing card at the 7th. Some like less relief but more is a an intonation problem. LPs are variant in neck angle tilt which look different from guitar to guitar but the Gibson setup measurements are pretty good all things considered. The stop piece all the way down is a common myth, not necessary and not in accord to the design. What is more important is not letting the strings bend across the edge of the bridge in the back as angel of strings changes tension feel. A top wrap will feel buttery compared to the properly angled not touching setup Gibson intended. Contrary to opinion of younger players pickups too close can be a problem and can effect the distortion tone on high gain. Easier to get too close than too far away. Action is variant to how you play, the LP is a great guitar and my fav of all time. You need to set the guitar to more your style and word to the wise with strings off you need to allow the neck to reset to tension with the full string pull before adjusting relief and bow. It is never a good idea to remove all the strings at one time, you should avoid this only at times of severe service need or wiring issues.

[@Songwriter4God]

Hey Dave, do you think I could use lemon oil to clean cymbals? I know you probably don't know much about drums, but I was wondering because I bought a hi-hat that's pretty dirty and need to get rid of my lemon oil... You can clean with lemon juice, so I'm curious.

[@tootall11211]

I sometimes use mineral oil, especially in extremely dry fretboards I often come across dealing with 50's and 60's vintage Kent's, Kay's and Hammony's that have been laying around someone's attic. It seems to rejuvenate the wood better than the linseed oil. After it's sucked up as much of that as I can get it to take, I'll often go over it with the linseed oil too.

[@vocalist-qw9lj]

dave you are right linseed oil is the stuff to protect your fretboard if it is rosewood. That is what i use.

[@FRGuitar]

"You measure it on the Tooner ya Knob Gobbler"!!! lol... pmsl! I think you got some Scottish Glaswegian ancestors, Dave McGoocher!! lol.. Keep up the good work & great video's Sir.. I've been a guitar plucker for 30 years & my guitars have never sounded better since studying your channel and doing the work myself the past few years.. Thank you, from yer Scottish Glaswegian blood brother!!! ;)

[@jltrem]

Your "Movie Magic" knobs are identical to those on my Harmony Rocket III. Nice job.

[@jltrem]

Been using artist's linseed oil since I saw your recommendation (used to paint in oils) and love what it does. Have developed a perverse love of the smell of the stuff.

[@franklmac]

Your video would be more complete if you would show how to adjust the stop tail piece. I notice yours is pretty high. Mine is away from the body about half as much as yours. Is there an ideal adjustment?

[@TripleXbeatz]

“I don’t have a book or a fancy store that sells shit....yet!” 😂😂😂😂

[@wildbill2122]

GIBSON SPECS ARE: @ 12TH FRET 5/64-6/64THS on the Bass side, 3/64THS-4/64THS @ 12TH FRET on the Treble side (distance from top of fret to bottom of string).Neck relief is .12" and its disputed widely as to where to check it. Pickup height is the same as the 1st spec noted here. U can find the above info here:www.gibson.com/Support/Tech-Tips/Basic-Guitar-Setup.aspx

[@ericnootebos5855]

Love your video's Dave! Thanks for making those and keep up doing it please.

[@dedetube]

Experts, how good is this video? Is there a second part?

[@precisionbrown6829]

Again Thanks Dave. Saved me a lot of $ to learn how to set it up myself!

[@moimeme7839]

I call it a wraparound bridge because anytime I build a new guitar and I don’t have a bridge part I know I can make one accurate out of that tailpiece😎

[@bobland2012]

Does it matter which way the bridge is facing, i noticed I have mine put on the opposite way that you have but mine sounds fine and yours does too, thanks.

[@BrianArtea]

I love the color dark cherry sunburst, not sure if that's what it's called but looks like that to me.

[@rjw7032]

Nolan era LesPauls (70's-early 80's) had three piece tops and some had pancake mahogany bodies again 2-4 pieces in each pancake layer non centred. Most maple tops were plain. Necks could be 3 piece laminated and with a volute. I played one from '78-86. Weighed in at 11lbs and had amazing tone! Love heavy guitars. To each their own.

[@charlesscottjr6465]

I have a 1970 Gibson Les Paul Custom, Black Beauty, Fretless Wonder. The pick gaurd at the screw hole, near the neck, has cracked and broke. I've also lost the metal bracket, and screws, that attach the gaurd at the bottom of the body. Dave, can you tell me where I can get a replacement? Love the videos.

[@mro2112]

I have learned more from your vids in four weeks than I have in forty years of playing. I have 14 guitars, and I am now a retired UPS man, so I play acoustics, (Takamine, Taylor) and electrics, (Fenders, Gibsons) nearly every weekend. Thank you for your humor, candor, insight, and knowledge. I have projects that I need done, but I don't trust my former employer to get them to you without "Gooching" them.../\/\[]

[@kenfoland]

+Dave's World Of Fun Stuff Hi Dave. Can you give us more details on the manufacturing of those knobs?

[@philbarrows424]

I wish Gibby LP's had 2- adjustment Screws on each side of the pickups like Heritage does. The 2 screws really do a good job at keeping the pickups level. My Gibby LP, has 1 on each side, and the neck pickup is higher on the fretboard side then the bridge side. I am sure this must affect sound at least a bit...

[@Roadghost88]

Back in 1982 we auditioned a guitarist for our metal band. Guy shows up with a 1957 Les Paul that his uncle gave to him. He plugs it in and it sounds funny so our bass player takes a look at it. The guy sanded off the original finish with the pickups still in it, they were full of sawdust and junk. But the ultimate surprise? This kid found the guitar too heavy, so he had taken a drill and a chisel and carves out the back of the guitar to make it lighter! We sent him packing after seeing that. What an incredible waste of a vintage Les Paul. Even Dave couldn't do anything with it. Very, very sad. Les Paul: please respect them, they are a great guitar.

[@dennycox6485]

what a shame!

[@nickfanzo]

what a fuck

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Roadghost88; That makes me feel much, much better about the headstock I practically ruined on my '67 Rickenbacker 360/12.

[@dankfamous1]

Ouch that hurts

[@rickallen6378]

Haven't you ever heard of bondo?

[@M.M_Music]

ive started using linseed oil on my guitars and it works like a charm. have you heard about or experienced spontaneous combustion with the stuff?

[@CaribSurfKing1]

But wait...I wont get my vintage tone unless I spend $1000 on a 59 plastic pickup ring!!! Tone is all in the plastic...didn't you know!

[@reedhead1]

Yes, and don't forget that Gibson guitar polish, it enhances tone just like the greats.

[@gerardmcglade]

I was searching for a video to replace the pickup rings. I thought that you had to sand the new ones into the shape of the top. The reason I'm asking is I bought a new 2013 Les Paul R8 and I can slip a plectrum under the original rings. So I purchased a new set and i need to fit them.

[@redrockax]

My friend uses a mix of Linseed and lemon oil. Heavy on the linseed though!! It's what I use on my fretboards.

[@diesekaltewelt807]

if you had to, how would you change the frets on it, I see it has binding like Rickenbacker basses along the side of the neck. Would you have to remove that binding

[@NickGuitarMalfara13]

I have a 1975 Ibanez Les Paul Custom Lawsuit, with original hardwear on it and pickups. I want to put some Duncans Alnico pros 2 in it to preserve the sound. Should i do it?

[@Garvoon]

Love your style, man! Keep on truckin'! Party on!

[@wijk89]

Why do you first turn the trussrod to make the neck absolutely straight and then when the stirngs are buzzing release it again to get the right relieve? Why not turn the trussrod only once when setting the correct relieve?

[@Ronno4691]

Looks like the same Les Paul on the cover of Ralph Denyer's Guitar Handbook!

[@nitroxsam66]

A quick technical question Dave. If the relief is greater than .012 and you release the truss rod a bit, wont that increase rather than decrease the relief? To decrease relief tighten the truss rod...to increase loosen the truss rod...or am I gooched? Great vids btw. thanks.

[@nitroxsam66]

+Dave's World of Fun Stuff thanks for the reply Dave! Happy 4th from your southern cousins!

[@johnnunn8058]

Thanks Dave, good info about the oil. And as usual , proper good knowledge sharing.

[@cardbored_]

Thanks for the quick reply. Do you have a resource for the specs on setup for les paul other than that book? Maybe somewhere online? I just bought a 2013 LP Standard and it wont stay in tune and appears to have been poorly setup at the factory. I'd like to take a crack at doing it myself but don't know the numbers for string distance etc.

[@anorderedhole2197]

Linseed oil oxidizes as it dries which is a chemical reaction in which electrons are lost. Same process as as a battery as a matter of fact. Linseed oil is a solvent, too. It dissolves non-polar molecules

[@wilsonjames299]

I have a Gibson s1 the first fret needs replaced I heard you need to replace them all the rest doesn't look that bad what do you recommend?

[@twofinger4]

Any tips on ABR-1 bridges? They are notorious for buzzing. Thanks for your videos!

[@robertm8021]

Only one thing to say about Dave. Dave Is Cool.

[@rustyhguitar1]

Intonation and THEN string heights and neck relief? To my uneducated brain it seems that intonation would be the last thing on the list, once everything else is settled. But what would I know? I came here to learn, and I learned a lot. Thanks.

[@musicloverfan1000]

Is there a certain order that should be followed when setting up any guitar? Like, would adjusting the truss rod after checking intonation affect anything with the intonation?

[@desertrain4026]

Love your comment about conditioners and how they are full of....

[@ces69]

Dave, I hate to be the one to mention it but isn’t that bridge mounted back to front? Shouldn’t the saddle adjustment screws point towards the headstock?

[@huskvarsm]

thanks to you dave i can now set up my own les paul to how i want it, i spent a few bucks on basics straight edge etc and im saving a fortune, plus now its set up correctly im playing more and enjoying it. so thanks for putting up with us dumb shitkickers asking lame questions ,for me the penny finally dropped i understand the secrets of the guitar universe har har hardy har har ps keep posting i dig your acid dry humour. pete united kingdom.

[@dankfamous1]

huskvarsm ditto

[@Sparrowhawk1962]

Dave, Love your vids. Never stop telling it like it is.

[@moleman1961]

Nice whiskers on the end pick!

[@Stratboy999]

Nice vid Dave. Didn't learn anything new, just enjoyed the schpiel....

[@AmIonArock]

AmIonArock 1 second ago hello I got a question for you I been wrestling with. I bought a guitar from Japan, a Fernandes FLG. les paul. The build is pretty good, however it does have some troubles. The post studs for the bridge are in wrong position. The set up, all the saddle are turned flat face and sitting up against wall closest position in a straight line. the scale is 24 3/4" High E string no problem. But Low E,A,D Tuned "E" then play first fret. "F" and its Sharp So I'm thinking Theory I need to be longer. so if I work the nut and lower action won't lengthen the note. I could grind the face of the nut could make a longer length or release the nut from its glue position and put in a spacer. But both of these options I think, will look to a potential buyer a hazard flag. Or do I just let it alone and say close enough for rock and roll?

[@Ronno4691]

I put Dunlop brand lemon oil on the fretboard of my Korean made Tokai Love Rock and it brought it up to a showroom finish. Bright, shiny, clean looking and permanently appealing to the eye afterwards. Never happened to any of my other rosewood 'boards. I'm going to try the Crimson Guitars' fretboard cleaner next as it doesn't have any solvents or petroleum in it. Anyone else tried pure Linseed oil or alternative fretboard cleaners???

[@TbagWhitey]

Hey can you do a full set up?...on every guitar....do you have any other videos? ;)

[@HiOctane62]

great informitive video. I loved it. Your a trip LOL. Nice LP Custom

[@ldavis5734]

Sorry going nuts.Do you ever get Sadowsky basses in?

[@joelgrigsby96]

Why would the string height specs at the first fret by so high? 0.020" seems high to me, I like 0.012" give or take a few thousandths of an inch.

[@gearlock77]

so to adjust the action on a strat you adjust he saddles right? or the two post?