EPIPHONE LES PAUL - How to Setup Your Electric Guitar - Step by Step

[@perttutorvinen9180]

Needed some memory refresher, since it’s been 25 years last time I had to setup a guitar. By far the best video I could find, and I did find plenty!

[@s1mp13m4n]

This worked perfectly on my Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 budget guitar. Now that used $50 guitar plays very well. Thank you Music Nomad.

[@robjames1157]

Jeff does a fantastic job explaining and demonstrating setup - many thanks Jeff -- learned a lot !!!

[@nerdly44]

This is by FAR the most comprehensive set up video I have ever seen. Thanks a million.

[@danthegeetarman]

Love your guys’ step by step breakdowns! Best out there. Your setup system paired with the tools you have are the first one to take all the guesswork out of the process. Also very reasonable prices too which is why I go to you guys over stewmac every day 💪

[@robosulo]

Thank you! Would love to see a classical guitar setup guide as well. Your channel has been a great help with all the different types of guitars you go through with these instructional videos. I am hoping that you will make a setup video for a nylon string classical guitar in the near future.

[@bradwilliams7145]

Thanks for a great video for setting up my epiphone/Gibson that I bought new, 25 years ago.

[@jbenedict967]

after a fretlevel, i use a straitedge from first to the 12 or 15, on the frets and feeler gauge the 8th fret, on the fret. i think this is way more accurate, because touching strings with feeler gauge is relative

[@Manuel-gh9wm]

S-set up job I've ever seen you are mandatory step-by-step set up an international Epiphone Les Paul thank you so much for sharing and teaching s&j tire repairs and how to take care of our guitars great video😅❤

[@thefalcon666]

Best setup videos out there, thanks!

[@clangray]

Correction on my prior post. By leaving the "pick capo" in while setting the action on the low E only, you'd be setting the action at the 12th fret to an actual height of .070, not .060. Once you remove the "pick capo" the string returns to its real height which would be higher than what you measured on the gauge before it was released.

[@PaulHere1953]

Just what I needed to set up my Epiphone DC Pro! Thanks!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Excellent neck angle on that Les Paul Custom, which is evident by the low bridge height over the body - most of them aren't that low in my experience. I find that a lower bridge allows for a looser feel and better vibration transfer, but it could be in my head? I like my pickups much lower than recommended, almost flush with the pickup surrounds, but on guitars with higher bridges you have to raise the pickups accordingly. It's better to use your ears than measuring, although after you find the sweet spot it's not a bad idea to measure it for future reference.

[@Bigboybooya666]

Joe Welsh talks about this in a Carvin video. He says lowering the bridge into the body increases sustain which is a flaw in Gibsons

[@Guitarman59]

Isnt .020 kinda generous at the 1st fret? My Epiphone is at .008 with no buzzing. I've never set up an electric guitar before and this is extremely helpful & easy to understand. Thank you for this! 👍🎸

[@DavidFeilyMusic]

Any tips on balancing string action, neck relief, and pickup height when there is a lot of magnetic pull from the pickups where it effects the action/feel?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Great question. If you check out around 2:30 in this video, Geoff shows lowering the pickup to help ensure the magnetism from the pickup doesn't interfere with the strings oscillating. Feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail], and we can talk about your specific instrument as well.

[@Graham_Reeves]

Shouldn't you retune between each adjustment of the truss rod?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Make sure the guitar is in tune during the setup process. Adjusting the truss rod will only affect tuning a slight bit. It is always good to check tuning to make sure you are at proper string tension.

[@SawdustAndShavings]

Do you find that the pickups are too boomy with having the low and high e at the same pickup height?

[@JohnZornAscended]

If that was the case you could adjust the poles individually.

[@denro0]

when I put my pick between the strings at the first fret, my string radius is wonky at the bridge too.

[@darrelowen9528]

Great instructional vid. Unfortunately don't have a pick capo, what thickness is it please?

[@b3nnyb3nny]

Just use a regular capo or something to hold down the string at the first fret

[@clangray]

A 25.14 you have your "pick capo" holding down the low E string at the 1st fret, but nothing holding down the high E string. Could you please explain the reasoning behind this "offset" approach? 🤔 If your action at the 1st fret is .020 at the nut saddle on the low E, wouldn't you be dropping the action at the 12th fret by an extra .010 on the low E? So you would be reading .060 on your gauge, but in reality you'd be at .050? 🧐

[@DarthBadger16]

Thank you for the instructions, very well made. One question, please: if my stopbar (tailpiece) is risen, should I lower it all the way down before checking neck relief ? Or it does not matter ? Thank you in advance.

[@enyaratna]

Woow, filing the saddles, looks intimidating

[@FrankJoseph-vc7qj]

Awesome Vid!!! What guitar tuner are you using?

[@crabbybastardguitars9955]

Best ever guitar set-up video. 😀

[@NebulaStudios1]

What adjustments are needed for the stop tail piece? What about a guitar with two truss rods. Independent for the bass and treble sides.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Great question. Can you reach out to us at [e-mail] to help us better understand your specific instrument? Thank you!

[@GreatYTShark]

Love your videos and use a number of Nomad products, I'm happy with them all. Is it possible to do setup video on a Gretch with a floating bridge? Also a classical acoustic to show why you have the dedicated gauge for it. Thanks

[@twinkletoesdonkey]

Can someone please explain why you use a pick capo at the first fret for setting action/string height? I honestly don't know anyone that measures strong height this way and all manufacturers give factory measurements based on distance from 12th fret, WITHOUT a capo. Thanks in advance to anyone who can enlighten me.

[@MusicNomadCare]

You use the pick capo to hold the E strings down at the first fret because the first fret is a fixed reference point for making the truss rod adjustment and string height adjustment. The measurements labeled on the gauges are based off the fixed-point reference of the first fret. Holding down the string at the first fret with the Pick Capo allows you to make an accurate adjustment following the KISS methods linear flow. Feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail] and we can dive further into the topic together.

[@rigodon97]

Thanks for the video! Managed to set up my Epi all by myself and I can definitely feel and hear a difference. My only concern is on the G string: my only way to get it intonated was to set the saddle way to the bottom. And I mean really at the limit. But it's perfectly intonated now. It looks way off compared than the other though. Is that normal to have on saddle all the way down compared to all the rest ?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Awesome to hear the video was helpful. Can you reach out to us at [e-mail] and we can discuss your instrument's specific needs? Thanks!

[@letsridehard]

Do you measure the pickup height by placing the gage on top of the pickup screw? Or on top of the Pickup plate?

[@MusicNomadCare]

You measure the pickup height from the top of the pole piece/pickup screw. Thank you.

[@josephdlucero1104]

Since the LP has only one truss rod it can't be loosened. So how does one get relief?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Email [e-mail] to help you with your specific guitar and needs.

[@elijahstraub]

Thanks for the video. Helped me a lot! I don’t have your product. But I’ll keep it in mind whenever I upgrade. Looks worth it! Thanks again

[@ramone167]

When and why should the tailpiece be adjusted? I was curious as to why it was untouched.

[@MusicNomadCare]

The tailpiece is usually in the proper position from the manufacturer and usually doesn't need to be adjusted. The tailpiece should be lower than the bridge to have a ramp angle so the strings go down towards the tailpiece. You can lower the tailpiece if needed but make sure the strings do not touch the back edge of the bridge when ramping down the tailpiece.

[@ramone167]

That’s why I asked. I recently got a Les Paul direct from Gibson and the tail piece was screwed all the way down with all 6 strings touching the back of the bridge.

[@shadowghst7704]

Hey guys! Question about the bridge radius. What about guitars that have compound radius? Which radius should the bridge follow?

[@MusicNomadCare]

With your strings off, you will still measure the fretboard radius at the last fret. You will then match your string radius to the fretboard radius. For example if you have a 9.5" to 12" compound radius you will want to use the larger number which is the flattest part of the radius.

[@shadowghst7704]

@@MusicNomadCare Thanks! Love these videos! I’ve learned so much from them. One suggestion I would make though. Like many other people, I have purchased a handful of Firefly guitars. They are great modding platforms! Geoff has said that even new guitars need some setup. Firefly is no exception to that rule. Please do a video on some of their guitars. They may not be top of the line, but man, do they have quite a following of people. The quality keeps getting better, and I suspect they will soon be a contender. Just a thought…Peace

[@ThomasMoore.1]

Excellent video. Very helpful and enjoyable to watch

[@e.leehuff561]

great stuff, which tuner do you use?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Thank you, in this video we are using a Peterson StroboPLUS HDC.

[@jazzbox1]

So pickup measurement is from the pickup cover, not the screw lugs?

[@MusicNomadCare]

When measuring pickup height you measure using the top of the pole piece.

[@jamesp9141]

Love your vids, you should do a setup vid for Les Paul Jr's, both Compensated & Non-Compensated.

[@johnwilson4564]

I thought the screw heads had to face the neck so isn’t that bridge backwards or does it matter

[@MusicNomadCare]

The adjustment screws are usually on the pickup side; if a guitar is oriented with the screws facing the tailpiece and the setup and intonation are done properly, then it is okay that the screws are on the backside.

[@johnwilson4564]

Thanks and how come there’s no 26 file just a 28

[@tuna22lm]

One thing I have always wondered if a violin and bass violin can make music and they don't have frets then why do guitars need frets in order to play? I would think that if a guitar could be played with out having to use frets that it should be easier to push down the strings to touch the fretboard. I have always wanted to know why guitars need frets.

[@ItsJustRyan89]

They don’t need frets

[@ruschm]

This is such a great video, thank you! I realized when using the action gauge, I never pushed down on the 1st fret, which is why I was always off. Also, it would be cool if the correct measurements were bolded or called out more. So 1/16”, make line two on the gauge bolded if that is standard p/u height. Yes, I can read a ruler but it’s hard to see! 😂

[@tuna22lm]

Awesome video very educational.

[@hemicuda22]

Hey I’m new to the guitar world and I just recently purchased this guitar, I was just curious, should the fretboard be oiled or coated with anything when it’s brand new?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Depending on the conditions your unfinished fretboard has been exposed to, for example, how long the guitar was sitting before sold, you can go ahead and use the F-ONE Oil. It is a good idea to make sure it is properly conditioned. The fretboard will absorb what it needs for hydration, and then you can wipe off any excess.

[@hemicuda22]

@@MusicNomadCare thanks!

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Crowning fret files. Do you sell those?

[@AviMus82]

Why does Gibson recommend .010 then I wonder?

[@noname1st139]

This gentleman is great, I've recently had a Gibson SG supreme,the action come super low,buzz on E,A strung, not sure if strings weren't 10s!, I'm not 100% but I bought new 10s, installed as usual and the strangest thing ever, the damn bass E string was touching the rear humbucker pole,so I'm now down the rabbit hole of setup, More buzz, I'm confused, the strings that come of felt like 9s,but I would have thought thicker strings would go higher of the fretboard, got to take it too the place i bought it from to set up, very annoying,i bought it brand new! If I could prove they'd played it before sending to me I'd be sending it back but I actually do love it, it's just the action needs raising slightly,& humbucker poles dropped & humbucker dropped maybe,but it's coil splitting so I'm not sure 🤯😩, I'll try it on my epi custom pro, least I'll get in the ball park, they're ultra low in the cavity

[@MusicNomadCare]

I'm sorry to hear your new Gibson has been frustrating to get set up; feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail] and we can discuss your instrument's specific needs.

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

I have an Epiphone LesPaul FX Plustop Pro. It has a Floyd Rose and i could use some advice on the string hight and anything else you might find helpful. Its my very favorite guitar. Thank you for any advice.

[@spoonerluv]

They have a floyd rose specific vid if you search through the channel, it covers anything you'd want to know.

[@tuna22lm]

I saw on a different podcast that if you needed to fill any of the but slots so that you could refile them again that you could use baking soda and add a drop of water to the baking soda let it dry then refile them. My question is does that actually work? It might have been baking powder I do know for sure it was one or the other but does that really actually work? Just curious that's all.

[@RandomCanEHdian]

Side note to everyone: 4mm and 5/32 are identical. If you have an imperial wrench set, you're good.

[@jimdoner3443]

Is there a way to break in the files, mine aren't so smoth feeling., but made good slots on bone

[@high_on_nightmares]

Definitely needs to be smoth. Always moar smoth

[@jimbaaab]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@86cornbread]

Thank you. Very informative video

[@giannibiancocircus]

P.U . 1.60 bridge 2.40 neck mm height

[@musicmnw1982]

Best money you'll ever spend. Them and StewMac. Not always the cheapest but always the best. That fretborad oil lasts for years. I own ten guitars that need to survive harsh northern winters. I use that wrench the most. I hate pulling the knobs off every two days. That little goofy wrench is worth it's weight in gold! You haven't felt pain till you rip the shaft out of a pot.

[@SP-ro8kk]

Mr Robots father is really awesome!

[@Digmen1]

This is a very detailed video. But as an amateur player, why don't guitars come setup pretty good from the factory!

[@MusicNomadCare]

Sometimes, the factory setup can be higher than you prefer. Many manufacturers are going to set their action height higher than is comfortable for most players because they want to avoid any fret buzz when they are played. Check out this quick short where Geoff talks about it: kzbin.infoIMKLLnctyuk

[@jbenedict967]

no 4mm is slightly smaller , thats why people strip things

[@honestthoughtswithrob4236]

Haha i was literallylooking for this yesterday

[@erikg2515]

I have a 1959 Epiphone Les Paul and the G string won't intobate.

[@bbh565]

Pretty common nowadays with G strings being unwounded. You can find videos online about flipping the bridge saddle to get more room.

[@b3nnyb3nny]

Had to do this with my epi 335. Also the but may need to be filed or changed.

[@goodboyringo9716]

Filing the saddles, checking string radius on guitar and other set up should not be part of a buyers job after buying a guitar. These type of job requires special tools that are not cheap.

[@growapair3880]

K I see guys on here using a capo at 3rd fret and measuring gap at first fret for nut height saying it should be .018 to .020 thousands on all strings and even to the first fret.. you have 3 different sizes .020 .018 .016 thousands and your not using a capo who am I suppose to believe now you definitely are a pro guitar technician I see...😂 I would love to know the correct way it's supposed to be slotted and done just like a pro here in this video who's correct I'm lost! 😂 And also how are 3 different heights keeping a perfect even height across the fretboard to the first fret and following the fretboard radius? is it because three strings are not wound and there are? I just don't understand how you're following the fretboard radius with 3 different measurements 😂 and like I said above who's correct lol"

[@steelhead197]

I love when comp say “we are going to show you how to set up your guitar….as long as you buy $50 worth of our products! Lmao

[@btstirewalt]

I don't know, man. I didn't buy anything from them, but I followed the steps and got great results. 🤷

[@dg1294]

You don't have to buy their products bro!...but you will need tools to do the job so, let us in on your secret, what will you use?

[@Adrian-yi8fl]

Considering it would probably cost you $150 to get this done at a guitar store I don't think that's too bad. Me I spent 15 bucks on their ruler thingy. The other tools I already have

[@RubbelisPro]

You can do a setup with any tools you like so long as they're the correct measurements. They just make it easier for the common man.

[@werewolflover8636]

That’s a whole lot more than $50! More like a few hundred!

[@TupacShakur69]

I don’t think filing the bridge saddles is something people should be doing. Unless you really, really want to fine tune the guitar to absolute perfection, I think adjusting the height of the bridge itself is much better.

[@EdgardoKilcrest]

Thank you! Would love to see a classical guitar setup guide as well. Your channel has been a great help with all the different types of guitars you go through with these instructional videos. I am hoping that you will make a setup video for a nylon string classical guitar in the near future.