Epiphone Les Paul set up questions

[uncletupelo]

I apologize if I should've found this info in the "basic set up" articles, but I'm new to this and seem to be hitting on half the cylinders at present.

So, getting a decent F from the first fret of my E string seems to take superhuman strength. Is it best to lower the nut to make this possible?

I went and tried out a J-Bass the other day and it wasn't hard to depress the E at the 1st at all really.

Also, wher in the hell is the truss rod on this thing? I know the neck is "set," but does that mean there's no adjusting the truss rod? I assume I'm an idiot, and it is right in front of my face.

I bought this thing off Craigslist five months ago, and it plays fine, but I'm thinking that, had I had any idea how to play at the time, I might've gone with a Fender instead. Am I correct in that thinking, or do I just need to set this thing up to play like it is supposed to?

[aquateen]

Also, wher in the hell is the truss rod on this thing?

it's under the truss rod cover which is on the headstock next to the nut.

[kyral210]

If the Les Paul bass isn't working for you, sell it and get yourself a Fender Jazz.

[lowtide]

Here's a few places to go for additional information:

A Closer Look at Nuts
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musi...uts/nuts1.html

Checking Nut Action
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musi...nutaction.html

Making a New Bone Nut
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPAGES/Luth...t/newnut1.html

[lowtide]

Here's the quick way to check your nut for string height at the nut in relation to your first and second frets. It's a quickway to tell if your frets are worn and/or if your nut is worn. The photos show a few steps to take when measuring what the string height on a new nut should be.

Flatten a pencil at least as long to extend the length of two frets.


This photo shows marking a new nut but you can make a small mark on your nut (after removing string(s) to show you where you're at.


Here's a pic of how your string(s) should be sitting in the nut slot and the red mark is where the pencil should hit on your nut:


Naturally there's a lot more involved with a setup but these are quick checks so you'll know where you stand as far as your 1st fret (F) on your E string. This also works on all your strings, but you can just loosen your E string enough to move it out of the way to run the flattened pencil holding it flat against the first two frets.

This info was snagged from here:

Making a New Bone Nut
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPAGES/Luth...t/newnut1.html

[Benjamin Strange]

The above post will only be of any value if you have no fretwear whatsoever, otherwise your line will be shot.

For a quick check on the nut height, fret the string at the 3rd fret, and take a look at the space between the 1st fret and the string. There should be just the tiniest bit of space (enough to fit one or two pieces of paper). If it's too high you may want to have a tech look at it.

Carving a nut properly is the most crucial aspect of setup. Screw up the nut, and you won't be able to get the rest of the bass to play well, no matter what.

[lowtide]

Excuse me but, short of explaining the entire setup procedures and the full construction details, making a mark as stated is going to show if the fret is worn. It's going to show the relationship of the string to the nut. If the mark comes where I indicated the problem with depressing the string on the F lies elsewhere. At that point one can open the book on construction through to the final setup.

We just came at it from two different directions.

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by lowtide

Excuse me but, short of explaining the entire setup procedures and the full construction details, making a mark as stated is going to show if the fret is worn. It's going to show the relationship of the string to the nut. If the mark comes where I indicated the problem with depressing the string on the F lies elsewhere. At that point one can open the book on construction through to the final setup.

We just came at it from two different directions.

Yes, that is true. That said, if the line drawn isn't a perfect reflection of the radius of the board, other issues may have to be addressed beyond just reshaping nut slots.

Ultimately, I'd recommend having a tech take a look at it, if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

[uncletupelo]

Thank you for all your help. I really appreciate it.