Tuning...MAKE IT stable!

[chrisolson]

Even though my ESP/LTD EC-1000's are head & shoulders better than a real Gibby in terms of tuning stability, they still left a little bit to be desired.

I picked up a couple EVH Wolfgang Special HT's recently, and while I scratched my head at first on why a hard tail guitar would need a locking nut, I was pleasantly surprised at how ROCK-SOLID the tuning was. I could play quite a bit before I needed to tune at all. Even more tuning stable than a well-set-up Floyd. The Schaller tail piece makes it EASY, and there is enough room to adjust from Standard to Drop D, etc...



Anyway, I picked up some Schaller fine-tuning tailpieces, and some Kahler strings locks. The Kahler part made it pretty easy - just drilled a few holes, so no major mods there.

Here's the finished product:

[pianoguyy]

Just a curiosity...
How does the 1000T compare in size to an ESP Eclipse?

I have only played the 1000, never a T.

[Shawn Lutz]

I have 3 "real" Gibson LP's...no tuning issues. I did have an intermittent G string issue on my trad + but a new TUSQ-XL nut fixed that

[chrisolson]

Just a curiosity...
How does the 1000T compare in size to an ESP Eclipse?

I have only played the 1000, never a T.

The EC1000T is a full thickness, double-bound, 22-fretter. No cutaways. Thinner neck than a Lester though.

I have 3 "real" Gibson LP's...no tuning issues. I did have an intermittent G string issue on my trad + but a new TUSQ-XL nut fixed that

I have had a couple that weren't too bad (mainly mid-90's Studio models), but about 2 outta 3 have given me headaches. Glad that you got the good ones!

I've probably owned about 10-12 LP's over the years - Standards, Classics, Traditionals, Trad Pros, & Studios of various forms. That doesn't count the Epi's, which have given me less grief. When you pay as much $$$ for a Gibby as you do, the nut should be PERFECT, especially given the "PLEK" process. Why I can get a Mexi-Tele that holds tune so much better is really a mystery to me. Same can be said for the EC's. Gibson is far too spotty on the QC end of things for guitars with ~$2K price tags. I shouldn't have to shell out for a tech to fix a brand new nut. Just my $.02.

[toejam]

Cool! I like the Gibson TP6 fine-tuning tail piece, put it on my LP Studio for awhile, then put it on my Jackson Mark Morton Dominion.

I bought the Schaller version awhile ago, but it wouldn't fit any guitar I owned... LTD EC with P90s, a Carvin SC90, Hamer Special. Did you have to use the Schaller studs or did it just fit right on the existing ones?

[chrisolson]

Cool! I like the Gibson TP6 fine-tuning tail piece, put it on my LP Studio for awhile, then put it on my Jackson Mark Morton Dominion.

I bought the Schaller version awhile ago, but it wouldn't fit any guitar I owned... LTD EC with P90s, a Carvin SC90, Hamer Special. Did you have to use the Schaller studs or did it just fit right on the existing ones?

I just pulled the studs in the EC's (Pro-Tones) and used the Schaller ones. The originals came out pretty easy. I just put a cloth over the posts and pulled straight up. They popped right out with very little force.

[asix]

my explorer (Gibson) still in tune even after goign int he hold of a 747 from Chigago to London. Its generally in tune for a good amount of playing but i do play with quite a gentle touch. My Patrick Eggle is the best guitar i have for being in tune. Sperzel locking tuners work well. I have tried a SG with mini tune. worded well, looks hideous. Im sure the v3 will be better.

[lepard]

On Pre-2008 Gibsons, I've had to redo every single nut. They are a mess. On 2008-up Gibsons(Plek'd) I sometimes have to widen a slot or 2 just a hair. These cheap tools work great:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cigar-Box-Guitar-Tools-Long-shaft-Nut-Bridge-File-Set-40-01-01-/181573056121?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4698f679

[toejam]

I just pulled the studs in the EC's (Pro-Tones) and used the Schaller ones. The originals came out pretty easy. I just put a cloth over the posts and pulled straight up. They popped right out with very little force.

I see. I never tried changing the studs on my guitars, just tried using the original ones on there.

[Matt_B]

I like the concept of a fine tuning tailpiece but I wish someone offered one that attached to the studs like the Tone Pros tailpieces do.

[chrisolson]

It just slides onto the posts like a normal tailpiece, but the tops of the posts are not exposed. It does not have the little screws that "lock" it in place. That said, the string tension already does that, so I was always a little skeptical of that. Keeping the bridge static would seem more important.

[Matt_B]

String tension does not keep a tailpiece in place if all the strings are removed. I don't care about any perceived tone enhancement but that aspect is attractive to me.

[chrisolson]

Gotcha. Yeah...1st world problem, right?

[pianoguyy]

And when you lock the parts, it helps prevent the string vibration from turnings the screws.