drop C preparations

[Guitar Adjuster]

With the heavier strings you will most likely have to file the nut to accept the larger diameter strings. Neck adjustment also, maybe even file the bridge saddles a little larger for those thick *** strings!

 

[meemawuk]

What gauge strings are you going to put on it?

 

[redmax61]

If you're using a Les Paul to tune down, you're going to need some fairly heavy strings to keep from the strings going sharp when you pick them. Ideally, a guitar with a longer scale length would be more suited to tuning down. I use 13-56 on my PRS and tune down to a B, and even that's almost on the border of being a bit too flimsy. 14-58 works better.

I agree with what they said. Opening the nut for the larger string diameter is absolutely necessary. Adjusting the intonation is also necessary. You'll want to at least check the neck adjustment. It may not be necessary. The lower pitch of the strings may balance the heavier guages. At least that's my experience on the two guitars I have that are set up that way. The saddles *should* be OK.

 

[themisfit138]

I didn't have to change anything on my Les Paul but string gauge. I play in C standard, gauge 13-56 worked well for me.

 

[phyrexia]

I didn't have to change anything on my Les Paul but string gauge. I play in C standard, gauge 13-56 worked well for me.

Your guitar is not set up properly if all you did was slap some 13s on there. To properly change the gauge of strings you'd need to do the things other people have mentioned: truss rod, nut, possibly saddles. You would also have to adjust the intonation like the OP stated.

If you have a plastic nut you might get away without filing the nut. I think they're more slippery than bone but that is just in my limited experience.

 

[themisfit138]

I checked out my guitar today, the nut if fine, how do I know if I need to mess with the truss rod or not?

 

[MetalHorse442]

You should be fine on truss rod unless there is a problem. For Drop C I run D'addario light tops heavy bottoms so the lower strings art still tight but the top strings aren't cables that are inmpossible to bend. I also have a LP that I use in C with straight 10s on it. My other guitarist uses ernie ball not even slinkeys, I think they are like 13-56?

 

[phyrexia]

Again, any change in string tension or gauge will require (to some degree) truss rod adjustment to compensate for the change in pressure on the neck. This is all basic guitar setup stuff.