Les Paul Custom

[@freto_cognito9001]

I have learned SO MUCH from watching your videos Mike. Thank you again for all your hard work!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Very welcome

[@kennethslumley]

Man! I love the way you cut and fit that nut.👍

[@hadtodoit2647]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@StringTechWorkstations]

My pleasure! MMcC

[@ronmorey3475]

I love the hockey puck tricks. So Canadian! Thank you for all of your great lessons!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

You are so welcome! \m/ ! MMcC

[@craig.encinitas]

Thank you for this video. My 60’s Les Paul Standard (2020) has binding over the fret ends. When I eventually have it refretted, the new ones will obviously not have binding on them. I’d like to go with larger frets. So I guess my non-question question is, that is one way to tell that a Les Paul has been refretted, due to the new fret ends not having binding on them.

[@timrussellguitar1516]

Beautiful job dude. And yeah that’s a lot of work

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thanks!

[@TheJeffcurran]

I always enjoy your work.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad to hear that! MMcC

[@bobancirovic5254]

I learned a lot from from watching your videos Mike. Thank you,you a truly expert.Greatings from Serbia

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know Bob.

[@spkay31]

Your work on the nut and the final product looks superb. I can't tell but it almost looks like you have enough overhang on the front shelf to do some compensation/intonation adjustment aka like an earvana. That's great on a Les Paul where the short scale always takes its toll on the g and b intonation on the first two or three frets.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

I've never tried an Earvana or any other commercially available nut. The nut is just part of the equation. The lay-of-the neck / string gauge / scale length / tuning / fret condition / action preference .... imho ... too many variables ... to just plop a pre-made nut on and expect it to work. It may help slightly; but to get this level of precision, it is a full days work. Cheers Scott !

[@spkay31]

@@StringTechWorkstations Definitely agree. The custom angle of the string to the tuner that you use also makes the nut more stable for holding tune.

[@aluminati9918]

Thanks so much again for sharing your knowledge! Approaching another refret in my humble home workshop. ( w. Jescar pre-radiused EVOs of course) Will employ a bit of your tricks.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

That is awesome! Best Regards. MMcC

[@joaohenriquemurge]

I will buy this GPS unit as soon as I get in Canada. It's amazing tool.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

It will be so nice to hook up and trade some stories ! Cheers Brother ;^ )

[@seanc.5310]

This is excellent work and well explained! I just discovered your channel and look forward to watching all of the videos. I have a few partscaster's that I experiment with fret work on but I think I would leave the vintage stuff to a pro like yourself. Thank you sir

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Welcome aboard Sean !

[@mikedavis8165]

ROCK ON

[@nicolen.9642]

One of the most meticulous work to do on a guitar (beside the bracing work). Very interesting 🎶🎶🎶

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Many thanks! MMcC

[@nicolen.9642]

@@StringTechWorkstations You're welcome!

[@wilsonjames299]

Awesome job man. What does a refrett job like that usually cost with no binding and with binding. Les Paul's? Great video 2thumbs up....

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Depends on a few variations.BTW: Just subbed to your backing tracks channel. Nice !

[@CRAZYCANUCKTV]

I've seen so many videos on refretting Gibson guitars but barely anyone who keeps the fret job original. I have refretted a couple of different les Paul's, and was able to keep the fret nibs aswell. It's very time consuming but definitely is possible. Great video man!!

[@Stewbert_72]

Care to explain how you get the lengths exact of each fret then ?

[@codyt4012]

Beautiful work, thank you for including all your viewers in it. I have an epiphone les paul 1960 tribute plus, it needs some help. Its a beautiful guitar but the fretboard has just never been quite right. That age old story. What Kind of cost is involved in having the whole shebang done with compensated nut? I bought the guitar brand new in 13, most of its time has been spent in the case because of the fretboard issues. I'd love for it to play as nice as it looks.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Are you shipping or commuting ?

[@codyt4012]

@@StringTechWorkstations I would be shipping. I am in Oregon, USA.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Send me an email: [e-mail]

[@ned1621]

Hello Michael great video and I have subscribed. I''m a newbie to fixing guitars have bought a few second hand Yamaha Acoustics to practice refretting on for myself really. I'm on my third refret job now but I notice that you don't use glue when refretting, other videos I watch do this, is there any need to glue new Frets in? It actually can be a little messy, though I am careful you can still see the stain on the Fretboard even though I try to wipe the superglue off as quick as possible.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Welcome aboard Ned ! I prefer a good mechanical fit. There are times where glue is desired if the mechanical fit needs some help. There are many who use glue. Just a personal preference. Both methods work well when executed properly.

[@ned1621]

@@StringTechWorkstationsOk that's great thank you for that info and keep em coming, slán ó Éirinn

[@MrAcEsNeIgHtS1188]

Although I LOVE my 70's Fretless Wonder I want to "Man Up" to 6100's! Thank you for this video and the link to the other! What are the different screwdriver sizes for the bridge and pot adjustments? The hockey puck on the bridge screw is going to be a finger saver! Although you linked the other video to show pole spacing-the tape over the saddle blanks was what really got my attention-again-thank you!!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

The transitions in that old video were enough to make me seasick .. Lol ! I'm glad you found some extra nuggets in there.

[@MrAcEsNeIgHtS1188]

@@StringTechWorkstations "Traditions"-I caught that-but it's not my day to play Grammar/Context Nazi-that would be Friday! Yes Sir-another nugget was the Vernier! My Harbor Freight one was trying to tell me my .060 E was a .010!!! Even after a new battery.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Aaaah ! A vernier "gone rogue' ! Lol !

[@MrAcEsNeIgHtS1188]

@@StringTechWorkstations LOL!!

[@gtrsean2429]

Please , explain the nut more. Overhang on the board. Is this a Feiten type nut cut? Also the deep string slots and teeth looking result would bother me. Not throwing shade at all. I'm genuinely wanting to know. Thanks.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

This is covered in much more detail for the Tier 3 Patreon subscribers ... with hours of detailed video ... nut blank packages / step by step instruction spec sheets / tools and supplies. Because of all of the variations and extrapolations of : scale length / string gauge / various tunings / the lay of the neck / action preferences etc .. etc ... it is a constant "moving target".

[@alandust2188]

When do you need to use glue to install frets and what kind of glue......thanks as always for the great videos?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Hi Allen. Oftentimes a drop of super glue ( Like PRS ) on the two outside edges is enough. If the fit is sloppy ... you may have to resort to 5 minute epoxy ( I hold the frets down with capos until the glue is set ). Good Luck ! MMcC

[@SlipknoTXXIV]

When you're filing down the fret edges how do you ensure a consistent angle?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Practice.

[@hadtodoit2647]

Did you glue frets before you installed them?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

No glue. Just a press fit.

[@Mec22222]

Why no glue?

[@bechet12]

What tool would you need to be able to measure the size of the frets that are on a guitar in order to replace them?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Digital vernier calipers. $15.00 at Canadian Tire.

[@bechet12]

@@StringTechWorkstations Thank You!

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Great presentation! My 1962 Gibson ES335TD has the same issue with the misalignment of the strings over the bridge pickup pole pieces - I don't think it affects the performance (I hadnn't noticed it over the years), but it does not look great when you look at it in detail! BTW, I missed your explanation for the nut overhanging the fretboard?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

This is covered in much more detail for the Tier 3 Patreon subscribers ... with hours of detailed video ... nut blank packages / step by step instruction spec sheets / tools and supplies. Because of all of the variations and extrapolations of : scale length / string gauge / various tunings / the lay of the neck / action preferences etc .. etc ... it is a constant "moving target".

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

@@StringTechWorkstations - thank you!

[@ericfriedman3498]

Aren't we forgetting something? Like how to nip the tang?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Something like this ? ... Part #1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4LUp6yVi7eop8U Part #2:kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZmxl3Wkh9Sjbc0 Part #3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naPQYaCBr7RqodE

[@ericfriedman3498]

@@StringTechWorkstations , thanks for the information

[@bongnp]

are these frets not glued in?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

No glue.

[@belo1971]

Hello, Would Dunlop 6100 or JESCAR 57110 would fit on a Les Paul ? I have a light touch but love easy bend for blues and classic rock covers...Thanks for your answer and help. Kindest regards from France 🇫🇷

[@StringTechWorkstations]

With ebony fingerboard, you have to make sure the tang is not too tight or you will force the neck into a "back-bow". The crown is a personal choice.

[@belo1971]

@@StringTechWorkstations , thanks a lot...so, what would you put on it when you love jumbo frets like me please ? Cheers from France

[@pk952]

I put them on both of my Les Pauls and they’re great! Imo small frets just make playing harder but ymmv….

[@JP-yp1ry]

What neck relief do you use on gibson scale guitars and what kind of action height at 12th fret? Just curious, thanks!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

I try to get it as "laser-straight " as possible ... then back off the truss rod a 1/4 turn. Action at the 12th fret low E string is 7/64" / High e 5/64". I start there ... then adjust minutely, to the customers preference.

[@spudvader]

How do you cut the tang, do you use a nipper?

[@StringTechWorkstations]

I have an old set of Klein nippers. You can see in other videos. I'll paste a link.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Here is a 3 part series on Gretsch refret with fingerboard binding: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4LUp6yVi7eop8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZmxl3Wkh9Sjbc0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/naPQYaCBr7RqodE

[@spudvader]

@@StringTechWorkstations That's awesome, thank you very much

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Your welcome ... we are all in this together ... trying to make the world a better place... one guitar at a time. Cheers \m/ !

[@guitartec]

The ONLY reason I haven't refretted my 73 BB FW is because I want to keep my nibs. I actually don't mind the small frets which I dressed and crowned 10 years ago. Someday when I get some time, I'll refret it by pre cutting my new frets to the exact size. he nibs stay or it's not a Custom in my book. I'm sentimental

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Fair enough. To each their own. MMcC

[@sean997]

It might just be me or my eyes but at 16.40 all the strings look like they're leaning towards the right/under side or the guitar. Like the bridge is out of alignment. Also I'm not bashing anyone's work, I've followed this gentleman for a while, love watching his videos and know he's amazing at what he does. I'm just asking ☺️

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you Sean. The issue is the pole spacing on the bridge pickup. Normally the bridge pick up pole pieces are spaced further apart than the bridge pickup pole pieces. Not the case here. I'll look for a previous video with a LP custom and come back and post it here. MMcC This White LP Custom video explains: kzbin.info/www/bejne/on2pp3WtobKMaq8 This is a very old video ... I apologize for the editing ... it is pretty dizzying to watch with all of the transitions ... Doh ! Lol. Fast forward to 4:06 and you see me explain ... the difference in spacing. Cheers \m/ ! MMcC

[@sean997]

@@StringTechWorkstations ah ok, I'll give that a watch now. Thank you so much for the information and explanation. I always find your videos useful as it helps me to spot errors in guitars I or my friends have/may purchase and as a result am able to get them fixed. 🙏 As of now I'm lucky to have a 2021 Gibson es335 that just needs the strings lowered as and a possible straightening of the neck, as I'm sure I've heard you say before that Gibson sometimes ships their guitars with a lot of relief. thank god. but your knowledge and advise is always a lesson that is useful to be heard! 🙏 Thank you!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Oooh a shiny new 335' .... lucky duck !

[@sean997]

@@StringTechWorkstations I'm very lucky, sir! ☺️ She's beautiful! And I got even more lucky....it's stays in tune!

[@PierceThirlen2]

Pole pieces in guitar pickups are silly. How many guitarists do you know that NEVER bend a string? Bend a string and the pole piece is no longer aligned. A blade style pickup is superior, whether you use a magnet for the blade or use a permeable material for the blade.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Usually with the LP custom ... the pole spacing is wider at the bridge pickup ... for some reason this one isn't. If the string is within 3/8" distance the pole will pick it up ... not a big deal ... but a bit disappointing for a guitar of this value.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/on2pp3WtobKMaq8 This explains the pole spacing difference from bridge PU to Neck PU. Go to 4:06 in the video. This is a very old video ... my apologies for the dizzying edit .. with WAY to many traditions. Doh ! Lol ! MMcC

[@6nosis]

Yeah no blade pickups bro chicks hate those…. If you don’t look cool what’s the point?!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

@@6nosis Lol !