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Hey.

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Custom, about a month old, and it has the stock strings on there (probably 9s or 10s). I have recently just started a band that is going for a much bassier, grittier sound, and I am going to change to 11s or 12s.

Now, all my knowledge in this aspect is limited to Strats. I know how to adjust Strats to accomodate for heavier string guages, but not Les Pauls. What adjustments do I need to make to a Les Paul if I am switching to a heavier guage?

Thanks in advance.

~Rob~

I'm thinking it's about the same. I've always kept 9's on mine, but if you go to 11's or 12's you might need to tighten the truss rod to compensate for the increase in bending that the heavier gage strings will cause unless you don't care about high action.

At least there's no tremelo to deal with.

I've found that the best a Les Paul can play/sound, IMO, is 11's in Eb tuning.
It feels the same as 10's in standard, but sounds much better.

Since the slots don't need to be too much wider, you can get away with running a folded piece of sandpaper in the slot, so the 11's don't stick.
Just adjust the trussrod slightly, and reintonate the guitar, and that's it.


Originally Posted by GearjoneserI've found that the best a Les Paul can play/sound, IMO, is 11's in Eb tuning.
It feels the same as 10's in standard, but sounds much better.

Since the slots don't need to be too much wider, you can get away with running a folded piece of sandpaper in the slot, so the 11's don't stick.
Just adjust the trussrod slightly, and reintonate the guitar, and that's it.

I'm gald you said that, because I am planning on playing in Eb, or dropped Db. Same thing really. Thanks for the help guys!

One more silly question though. Do Fender Super Bullets fit the grooves on an LP?

I have 11's on both my Diodati's and my Fernandes Ravelle.
All are LP in style guitars.

I love the deeper tone. I also like the striffer feel. Nicer for alternate picking.

Once you change strings it may take a week or so for the neck to settle.
So, you might find yourself constantly retuning during that time.
The neck will settle down and be stable again. So be patient.

Kent