The dreaded Gibson/Epiphone sharp G Curse!!

[kylef]

I know that this is a common problem with Gibson/Epiphones, where no amount of tuning will keep that bad boy G string in tune!

 

I have an Epi Les Paul, and Riviera, and now i want to sort it.

 

How do i sort this? Im pretty sure its the nut, and been told it is.

 

Whats the cure?

[vintage clubber]

TUSQ nut...

[metalheadUK]

Make sure the string is not binding in the nut slot, and lube it.

 

Make sure the strings are stretched properly, and that it's actually strung properly (no messy crossovers on the string post).

 

Stretch the strings behind the nut, and between the bridge and tailpiece.

 

Works for me.

 

[billybilly]

I think the only way to achieve this is to go with the buzz feiten or earvana nut.

 

I always thought it was strange that all of my guitars had a problem with the G string and a luthier told me that the G should actually be an F# but ultimately, a guitar would be harder to play this way.

 

I have had the Buzz Feiten system and it works great. I have not tried the earvana, but will on my next custom neck.

 

Good luck!

[bluesnapper]

Make sure the string is not binding in the nut slot, and lube it. Make sure the strings are stretched properly, and that it's actually strung properly (no messy crossovers on the string post). Stretch the strings behind the nut, and between the bridge and tailpiece. Works for me.

 

This. Or use a wound G.

[kylef]

Lube it with what?

[metalheadUK]

Vaseline works well, or pencil graphite, or you can buy a specific lubricant like "Nut sauce".

 

[xStonr]

wound G

[fu2jobu]

 

Make sure the string is not binding in the nut slot, and lube it.

 

 

^^ This

 

I use fine grit sandpaper to ever so slightly widen the slot and it has solved the problem a few times. The trick is to be gentle IMO. Haven't tried lube as it seems like a less permanent solution but I hear it works.

[guitarcapo]

wound G's are awesome.

 

Intonate the bridge too.

[WRGKMC]

 

I think the only way to achieve this is to go with the buzz feiten or earvana nut. I always thought it was strange that all of my guitars had a problem with the G string and a luthier told me that the G should actually be an F# but ultimately, a guitar would be harder to play this way. I have had the Buzz Feiten system and it works great. I have not tried the earvana, but will on my next custom neck. Good luck!

 

 

I had three of the earvana nuts and use them for a long enough time to know they suck and pulled them off. The Buzz feiten are irreversable mods and you need to use special tuning to get the guitar in relatively close tuning.

 

The only thing that will put your guitar in tune with a piano is this. http://www.truetemperament.com/site/index.php

 

You can get the G string in but you need a pro to set it up. A tuner wont tell the whole story either. You may need to lower the nut, adjust truss and intonation and chabge brand of strings. If the frets are worn in the root position they will play sharp as well ad a guitar player with a monkey grip.

 

If you havent tried this, Tune with the guitar strings open then use the tuner to adjust the intonation to the last fret vs using the 12th fret. Be sure the strings are new and stretched in well. If that still doesnt get it, try a different brand of strings. Some brands do not have even string lbs pull and a less rigid string will bend sharp easily. Heres a couple of examples of string poundage when tuned. If the third string has low poundage in comparison to others it will bend sharp.

 

http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-r-plus-rxl-l.html

 

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-epn120.html

 

http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-prcl.html

 

If all the strings are fairly even, its less likely you will have the problem.

 

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-eps520.html

 

With heavier strings like 10s, theres even less problems

 

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-eps510.html

 

Then compare 8's they're all over the place.

 

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-eps530.html

 

As you saw even with the two manufacturers, they vary widely in Lbs pull. The trick is to find a brand and gauge that intonate well and remain in tune. All the other issues dissapear with a good setup. If you switch gauges, you screw everything up. The relief height and intonation all need to be redone.

 

I been using these and have as near perfect playability and tone as can be expected. I maintain 28 guitars in my studio and buy strings in bulk so I've tried nearly every brand an gauge out there and found these superior to most and they are reasonable in cost.

 

I use these and have zero problems with sharp G string after ite properly set up.

http://www.juststrings.com/szo-3050sf.html

[Pope on a Rope]

If your strings are stretched and wound properly around the posts and the nut slot is properly cut and lubed you should have no problems keeping the G in tune.

 

If you can't keep your G string in tune on a Gibson, Epiphone or whatever, you're doing something wrong.