Help on my ES-137

peanuts · Newbie Alert Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

Hi, I'm new to the forums and I guess I need the help of the Gibson guru's here. I purchased my ES-137 last year, and initially it was flawless for me. But now I have been noticing that some strings start to buzz especially around the 3rd and 5th fret.

I can't seem to adjust the rod any further, and I am using .10 gauge strings. The action seems fine too. Normally I would change the strings to a higher gauge in this case, but I am wondering why the problem started all of a sudden. Also if anyone had the same problem and what you guys/girls did to solve it.

Thank you

herb · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:26 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forum! Very Happy

The bow in the shape of the neck of your guitar has moved from up around the 12th fret to down around the 4th fret from the sound of your description. This can happen over time for many reasons, one can be climate change. Are you experienced at truss rod adjustments or are you experimenting? This is not something that should be done by anyone that has not learned the proper way to do it. It is another leading cause of your problem. Since you have asked the question it gives me the impression that you are trying to fix it yourself without knowing the proper methods. If this is the case; take it to a reputable and qualified repair location and get a new set of strings and a proper set up. Most reputable and qualified repairmen will either let you watch how it's done or tell you how to do it properly after they fix it. Playing around with truss rod adjustment when you don't know exactly what you are doing can permanently damage the neck of your guitar. It is not for the faint of heart. Wink

Good luck and let us know what happens. Also - after you have made the required 10 posts and been here 7 days - we'd sure like some pidtures! Cool

peanuts · Newbie Alert Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks for the reply Herb. Actually I did take it in to the shop and the guy there told me that he couldn't adjust the truss rod any further, and he said that basically it was already at its max. I am not sure if this is true or not, since I have never adjusted the truss rod on any of my guitars by myself.

I was thinking about adjusting the action at the bridge, but I didn't want the strings to be too unbalanced, so I am thinking of a heavier gauge strings. I don't know if the heavier gauge strings will work though.

And how can I confirm if my truss rod is at it's peak? Thanks again! I will surely try and post some photos once I am able to.

herb · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:54 am Post subject:

If that is the case and the shop did not know how to fix it further; it isn't a good place to take a guitar for repairs. Talk to some pro guitarists in your city and find who they take their guitars to for repairs. Your guitar needs to be put on a workbench jig, and adjusted properly. There's more to it than sticking a 5/16 socket on the end of the nut and just twisting. Wink

SAguitar · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

Herb's got some good advice there, Peanuts, take it. I wouldn't take any more guitars back to that first place you mentioned. Actually there are very few techs out there that know what they're doin', compared to the total number of people who are available to do the work. I found that out a long time ago, I couldn't trust anyone around here with my guitars, so I decided to learn it myself.

peanuts · Newbie Alert Joined: 11 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks for the advice guys. I will try and find a good place to get my ES tuned up. Laughing

Problem is I live in Tokyo, I'm going to have to do a lot of asking around.

herb · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:32 pm Post subject:

Tokyo?

We have a guy that lives over in Japan over at Fendertalk. I'll ask him if he knows any reputable shops in Tokyo or the surrounding area. We want your ES playing right! Once a truss rod will no longer adjust, the guitar needs to be put in a jig and the nut loosened and then the neck needs to be physically but very gently bent back to shape and held while the nut is re-tightened. You don't want some hack trying that! Wink

Let's see what we can find out. In the meantime, try to find some pro players around and ask where they go for set ups.

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:58 am Post subject:

Really, ask some pros. Don't be shy, they won't mind. Just approach some of them after a set, and tell them what you're looking for. Most of them are happy to give out advice like that. They love guitars too, and don't want to see a good one messed up by some hack. Cool

bosrocker51 · Tadpole Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 22