Guitar Headstock Rant - Why Les Pauls Don't Stay in Tune!

Well, I'm too mellow to actually rant, but if your Gibson goes out of tune after a few 3rd string bends, then this video is for you!
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[gregorwalton]

I solved my LP tuning problems by not being able to afford one

[desertfox]

Nah, let's not evolve the Les Paul by solving real issues. Let's bankrupt the company by trying to turn it into an iPod.

[clownpocket]

Never had tuning problems on my Gibsons.
-Lube the nut with graphite
-tune to pitch, bend strings, retune to pitch if needed.
-play

[nevermind-heni]

I noticed when I dropped my LP and the headstock snapped off it got knocked out of tune pretty bad. Try to avoid this.

[AxelAlexK]

My $200 telecaster stays in tune like a champ. I'd be so mad if I paid $3000 for a gibson and my $200 guitar stayed in tune better.

[kevingoodrich]

I solved the tuning issues with my Les Paul Classic. I took it to the guitar store near me and sold it. Problem solved.

[anggerrangas]

just play like lil wayne, you don't have to worry about this kind of stuff

[gregmccourt]

Headless guitars: No headstock problems.

[JuskoLord]

That Gibson headstock angle is like a hockey stick.

[JamesShore]

This guy is the most canadian canadian there is.

[humanbass]

I blame the guitarists themselves with their obsession with tradition and "vintageness".

[odinogle]

Never had any problems with my LP studio. Had it for 11+ years and I've always loved how it stayed in tune compared to other people's instruments. Took me a while to even notice that this was a common problem.

[intrsoul]

1. Big Bends Nut sauce and/or TUSQ self-lubricating nut. Miraculous.
2. Don't use a ton of winds on non-locking tuners (takes forever for the strings to stretch) or try locking tuners. Several brands have vintage-looking locking tuners now.
3. Lock down the tailpiece and bridge with TonePros or similar units.
It took me a couple of years to arrive at this :( Hopefully, this will shed some light and save others the headache.

[Bleats_Sinodai]

I think the headstock Brian May made for his Red Special is probably one of the best headstock designs in history, and way ahead of it's time, considering when he built that instrument.
It's similar to the PRS in regards to tuner placement, but it's arrow-tip shaped, kinda like in a Flying V.
He used a zero-fret, as well as a roller bridge, which further help with tuning stability. Keeping your strings free to roll over the nut and bridge is, in my mind, the best way to keep in tune.

[Kazkrin]

As a owner of a PRS SE Santanta II, I feel a huge relief when you came to point with PRS designed.

[tonyandrys]

Makes me glad I was only able to afford an Epiphone.

[guitmanful]

That's amazing! I personally own 2 PRS guitars, and never noticed the string angle! Makes sense!

[mandolinic]

Why did my eyes water when he said "binding in the nut"?

[kevinsibley]

Darrell (if I may address you by your first name), I just started watching your videos a week ago. I have now subscribed to your channel. I must say I am really impressed with your combination of "technical" information, complete with sound (pun intended) reasons why you like certain things about the guitars and what you don't like. And you sure can play! All in all a format I really like, personally. I do not play guitar myself but have gotten a bug to learn how about a month ago. I am, however, a long time musician as a drummer (since 1974). I am also a retired engineer and research scientist. Keep up the great work. Kind regards, Kevin.

[sixbladeknife]

Stretch the strings properly and make sure the nut is cut properly and lubed up if necessary, I have no tuning issues with my Les Pauls.