Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings?

p3dsman · 07-15-2009, 11:59 PM

Need some suggestions from my fellow guitar guru's:

What all would have to be done, or, where could I buy parts for a Zakk Wylde Epi guitar to accept larger gauge strings like 'ol Zakk Wylde uses, specifically 10-60's or 11-70's?

I know the nut would have to be modified, but what about the bridge?

Can one buy these parts already modded (where) and just have them switched out, or what work would be required to fit them?

Any info and links if possible...much appreciated

Thanks in advance!

Lucifuge · 07-16-2009, 06:29 AM

Does the nut have to be modified?? I can put 09's and higher on my guitars without having to modifiy parts... You might have to adjust string height and intonation (possibly even neck - truss rod) but you shouldn't have to get other parts....

p3dsman · 07-16-2009, 10:35 AM

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, I am pretty sure that the nut would need to be modified because I have put some GHS TNT .010-.052's on. The low E doesn't sit all the way into the nut slot. Since the strings would be going to .010-60's, and possibly .011-.070's for lower tunings, that is why I am sure the nut would need to be modified, not sure how to go about that. As far as the bridge goes, I am wondering if the string size would be an issue...

Lucifuge · 07-16-2009, 01:11 PM

The problem I have with modifying the nut, is that you might have some problems later on if you decide to change back to a lighter gauge. That and, if you screw it up, you'll have to buy a new nut.
But if you really want to, it's not that difficult. Get a nut file set and work slowly (slow being the key word). If you go too far, you can wind up getting a chiming sound and then you'll definitely need a new nut.
Still seems strange to me... I've had a ton of guitars and never really needed to change anything to the nut. Just, like I said the saddles and/or truss rod.
Good luck either way, and work slowly!

steelhorse · 07-16-2009, 03:15 PM

Unless you've worked on a guitar nut before I wouldn't mess with it. Get someone who has, work on it or evaluate it. Take the strings you would like to use and he can lay them in there and see which slots need to be opened up or he can suggest alternatives.

I used 10-60's and didn't have to modify my ZW Epi.

I did replace the bridge and tailpiece with a USA tonepros set and the pups with a ZW EMG active set with the associated pots/caps, jack.

I also want to advise against swapping between 10-60 and 11-70's because you'll have to re-setup the guitar each time.

Bottom line, work with what works because it works for you, not because it does for Zakk. He has techs doing all of that stuff for him.

I liked the Zakk Epi. Nice guitar and nice tone, I did the upgrades and flipped it after awhile and that's the other thing to consider, future resale value.

Not everyone likes 10-60 or heavier gauge strings and once you cut into the nut slots there's no going back without some buzz or intonation issue.

p.s.

I buy all of the parts for upgrades on ebay. The bridge set I bought new and the EMG Set I bought used but it was in really good shape iirc, oh and I added strap locks, Dunlops. The ZW 10-60's, also on ebay. I just finally used my last set a little while ago (I bought 24 sets).

nofearfactor · 07-16-2009, 05:36 PM

I dont use Epiphones but on my ESP Les Paul shape Eclipse and LTD EC series guitars I have TonePros bridges and Earvana compensated nuts and have no problem with using wider gauge strings. Cheap high quality mods too.

steelhorse · 07-16-2009, 05:41 PM

That's what I'm talking about nofear. Why can't Epiphone add those appointments like the other companies instead of cheaping their stuff out. They'd be viewed more favorably and probably sell more units too.

jcmjmp · 07-17-2009, 09:25 AM

To accommodate larger strings gauges, you'll have to make the nut and bridge saddles larger so that the strings rest nicely in their slots and don't get pinched.

Not doing this simple adjustment will cause you tuning stability problems. The nut and saddle mods require special files that your local luthier should have. If you're serious about bigger strings, have it done right.

If this is the first time you're stepping up in string gauge, I'd recommend you try 10-52 strings for starters. You'll definitely notice a difference in tone.

p3dsman · 07-17-2009, 12:54 PM

Thanks for all of your replies guys, very helpful and appreciated. If I can just stick some fatter strings on there I will be very happy with that, but I want to make sure I do not cause any damage to my guitar whilst doing so. If I am using the thicker strings (10-60), I will only be going with C Standard and Drop C tunings. Right now I am actually using GHS TNT Set (10-52's) and have for some time, I really like them. It's just when I really get going with power chords and soloing I want more stiffness on the low end. Right now the Low E sounds great as long as I don't hit it too hard. But if I do I get that "This string is too wobbly, please try something stiffer" sound lol. That's what I am trying to eliminate. I just need a little bit fatter, and I think going from 52 to a 60 would be the ticket.

I took some shots of my guitar bridge and nut closeup, so maybe any of you with a trained eye can tell me if you think I will need work done on my guitar for 10-60's. Like I said, these pics show a set of 10-52's on the guitar:

I feel silly for asking, but one other concern I have, is how would you be able to tell if I need to adjust the truss rod after putting heavier strings on and what direction is it again to turn the rod? I will be using this set of strings for low tunings only, never standard so hopefully I wont even need an adjustment. The neck looks very straight right now with the 10-52's in a C Standard tuning.

What would be a better bridge replacement/mod if I need it, and where can one buy a new nut online for this guitar?

THANKS AGAIN GUYS.

nofearfactor · 07-17-2009, 01:54 PM

One thing I wouldnt do is to file on a nut to make it wider unless you know what youre doing.

p3dsman · 07-17-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nofearfactor

One thing I wouldnt do is to file on a nut to make it wider unless you know what youre doing.

Right, exactly. I agree. That's what I am wanting to do is shed some light on that. If I do need a mod, then I will be taking the guitar to the local shop to get it ready. It sounds like I can just put some 10-60's on there. But just concerned about the bridge, nut, and truss rod adjustments that I might need.

jcmjmp · 07-17-2009, 05:41 PM

hard to tell from pics whether it needs adjusting but my guess is that it does.

p3dsman · 07-17-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

hard to tell from pics whether it needs adjusting but my guess is that it does.

Thanks for the reply. If i can take any other pics of the guitar let me know.

steelhorse · 07-22-2009, 03:43 AM

It could definitely use a good cleaning too & some nut sauce

chewy · 07-23-2009, 06:59 AM

I seem to remember an interview with Zakk where he said he threads the strings the opposite way through the tailpiece so that the strings go back over the top so that there is less of an angle where they go over the bridge.

p3dsman · 07-25-2009, 09:54 PM

Thanks for all the replies everyone. You know digital cameras really bring out the dust! I wipe down that guitar every day lol. It doesn't look dirty at all in person. Today I cleaned it thoroughly, put some love potion #9 and polished, then oiled the neck as well. Looks brand new again. I bought two packs of the GHS 10-60 Heavyweights, and let me just say this:

AMAZING.

That was the ticket I needed for a tighter sound and better sustain. Speaking of sustain, with this set I actually did put the strings running over the tailpiece and I can hear a bit of a difference as well as the strings have a better feel imho. I was very skeptical about doing that, and funny as it is, it actually works on a les paul...

I actually didn't even need any adjustments made to the guitar since I am tuning lower (Full Step Down & Drop C), it sort of "evened out" the tension --it makes sense when you think about it, you drop the tuning, that loosens things up, you increase the tension (bigger strings), it evens things out. My neck even said so, its more straight from the side and the action feels perfect.

The strings are definitely an adjustment to get used to, but I have been playing with the 10-52 set for some time now, just a little bigger.

Bottom line I would have to say if you are going to drop tune, a 10-60 set is the way to go, never for Standard E A440 tuning. Plus the Low E .060 will fit in a standard tuning peg without too much fuss.

Again thanks everyone for the replies, definitely glad I went with the heavier gauges.

pz.

p3dsman · 07-26-2009, 12:58 PM

I took a few shots of it with the new strings, neck oiled, body polished...pic #2 really shows how thick the strings are (10-60's). #3 is with the (yes i did it) strings over the tailpiece. Nothing like a clean guitar with some fresh stings and a Marshall to go with it

07-15-2009, 11:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
p3dsman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39	Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? Need some suggestions from my fellow guitar guru's: What all would have to be done, or, where could I buy parts for a Zakk Wylde Epi guitar to accept larger gauge strings like 'ol Zakk Wylde uses, specifically 10-60's or 11-70's? I know the nut would have to be modified, but what about the bridge? Can one buy these parts already modded (where) and just have them switched out, or what work would be required to fit them? Any info and links if possible...much appreciated Thanks in advance! __________________ Instruments: Electric - Zakk Wylde Les Paul w/ EMG 81/85's Electric - Crate Electra (Strat Style) Acoustic - Kay 6 String Black Top Acoustic - Gibson 12 String Amplifier: Marshall DSL100MLB (JCM2000) Head MC412A/B Cabs Pedals: MXR ZW44 Overdrive Pedal Dunlop ZW45 Crybaby Wah

07-16-2009, 06:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
Lucifuge Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The LOW country Posts: 120	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? Does the nut have to be modified?? I can put 09's and higher on my guitars without having to modifiy parts... You might have to adjust string height and intonation (possibly even neck - truss rod) but you shouldn't have to get other parts....

07-16-2009, 10:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
p3dsman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I am pretty sure that the nut would need to be modified because I have put some GHS TNT .010-.052's on. The low E doesn't sit all the way into the nut slot. Since the strings would be going to .010-60's, and possibly .011-.070's for lower tunings, that is why I am sure the nut would need to be modified, not sure how to go about that. As far as the bridge goes, I am wondering if the string size would be an issue... __________________ Instruments: Electric - Zakk Wylde Les Paul w/ EMG 81/85's Electric - Crate Electra (Strat Style) Acoustic - Kay 6 String Black Top Acoustic - Gibson 12 String Amplifier: Marshall DSL100MLB (JCM2000) Head MC412A/B Cabs Pedals: MXR ZW44 Overdrive Pedal Dunlop ZW45 Crybaby Wah

07-16-2009, 01:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lucifuge Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The LOW country Posts: 120	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? The problem I have with modifying the nut, is that you might have some problems later on if you decide to change back to a lighter gauge. That and, if you screw it up, you'll have to buy a new nut. But if you really want to, it's not that difficult. Get a nut file set and work slowly (slow being the key word). If you go too far, you can wind up getting a chiming sound and then you'll definitely need a new nut. Still seems strange to me... I've had a ton of guitars and never really needed to change anything to the nut. Just, like I said the saddles and/or truss rod. Good luck either way, and work slowly!

07-16-2009, 03:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? Unless you've worked on a guitar nut before I wouldn't mess with it. Get someone who has, work on it or evaluate it. Take the strings you would like to use and he can lay them in there and see which slots need to be opened up or he can suggest alternatives. I used 10-60's and didn't have to modify my ZW Epi. I did replace the bridge and tailpiece with a USA tonepros set and the pups with a ZW EMG active set with the associated pots/caps, jack. I also want to advise against swapping between 10-60 and 11-70's because you'll have to re-setup the guitar each time. Bottom line, work with what works because it works for you, not because it does for Zakk. He has techs doing all of that stuff for him. I liked the Zakk Epi. Nice guitar and nice tone, I did the upgrades and flipped it after awhile and that's the other thing to consider, future resale value. Not everyone likes 10-60 or heavier gauge strings and once you cut into the nut slots there's no going back without some buzz or intonation issue. p.s. I buy all of the parts for upgrades on ebay. The bridge set I bought new and the EMG Set I bought used but it was in really good shape iirc, oh and I added strap locks, Dunlops. The ZW 10-60's, also on ebay. I just finally used my last set a little while ago (I bought 24 sets). __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

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07-16-2009, 05:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
nofearfactor Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: cold,dark... Posts: 228	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? I dont use Epiphones but on my ESP Les Paul shape Eclipse and LTD EC series guitars I have TonePros bridges and Earvana compensated nuts and have no problem with using wider gauge strings. Cheap high quality mods too. __________________ myspace- http://www.myspace.com/nofearfactor some gear pics- http://community.webshots.com/album/...ecurity=QbSaeN Last edited by nofearfactor; 07-17-2009 at 01:49 PM.

07-16-2009, 05:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? That's what I'm talking about nofear. Why can't Epiphone add those appointments like the other companies instead of cheaping their stuff out. They'd be viewed more favorably and probably sell more units too. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

07-17-2009, 09:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,721	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? To accommodate larger strings gauges, you'll have to make the nut and bridge saddles larger so that the strings rest nicely in their slots and don't get pinched. Not doing this simple adjustment will cause you tuning stability problems. The nut and saddle mods require special files that your local luthier should have. If you're serious about bigger strings, have it done right. If this is the first time you're stepping up in string gauge, I'd recommend you try 10-52 strings for starters. You'll definitely notice a difference in tone.

07-17-2009, 12:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
p3dsman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? Thanks for all of your replies guys, very helpful and appreciated. If I can just stick some fatter strings on there I will be very happy with that, but I want to make sure I do not cause any damage to my guitar whilst doing so. If I am using the thicker strings (10-60), I will only be going with C Standard and Drop C tunings. Right now I am actually using GHS TNT Set (10-52's) and have for some time, I really like them. It's just when I really get going with power chords and soloing I want more stiffness on the low end. Right now the Low E sounds great as long as I don't hit it too hard. But if I do I get that "This string is too wobbly, please try something stiffer" sound lol. That's what I am trying to eliminate. I just need a little bit fatter, and I think going from 52 to a 60 would be the ticket. I took some shots of my guitar bridge and nut closeup, so maybe any of you with a trained eye can tell me if you think I will need work done on my guitar for 10-60's. Like I said, these pics show a set of 10-52's on the guitar: I feel silly for asking, but one other concern I have, is how would you be able to tell if I need to adjust the truss rod after putting heavier strings on and what direction is it again to turn the rod? I will be using this set of strings for low tunings only, never standard so hopefully I wont even need an adjustment. The neck looks very straight right now with the 10-52's in a C Standard tuning. What would be a better bridge replacement/mod if I need it, and where can one buy a new nut online for this guitar? THANKS AGAIN GUYS. __________________ Instruments: Electric - Zakk Wylde Les Paul w/ EMG 81/85's Electric - Crate Electra (Strat Style) Acoustic - Kay 6 String Black Top Acoustic - Gibson 12 String Amplifier: Marshall DSL100MLB (JCM2000) Head MC412A/B Cabs Pedals: MXR ZW44 Overdrive Pedal Dunlop ZW45 Crybaby Wah

07-17-2009, 01:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
nofearfactor Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: cold,dark... Posts: 228	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? One thing I wouldnt do is to file on a nut to make it wider unless you know what youre doing. __________________ myspace- http://www.myspace.com/nofearfactor some gear pics- http://community.webshots.com/album/...ecurity=QbSaeN

07-17-2009, 05:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,721	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? hard to tell from pics whether it needs adjusting but my guess is that it does.

07-22-2009, 03:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? It could definitely use a good cleaning too & some nut sauce __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

07-23-2009, 06:59 AM	#15 (permalink)
chewy Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Shoe Town, UK Posts: 39	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? I seem to remember an interview with Zakk where he said he threads the strings the opposite way through the tailpiece so that the strings go back over the top so that there is less of an angle where they go over the bridge.

07-25-2009, 09:54 PM	#16 (permalink)
p3dsman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? Thanks for all the replies everyone. You know digital cameras really bring out the dust! I wipe down that guitar every day lol. It doesn't look dirty at all in person. Today I cleaned it thoroughly, put some love potion #9 and polished, then oiled the neck as well. Looks brand new again. I bought two packs of the GHS 10-60 Heavyweights, and let me just say this: AMAZING. That was the ticket I needed for a tighter sound and better sustain. Speaking of sustain, with this set I actually did put the strings running over the tailpiece and I can hear a bit of a difference as well as the strings have a better feel imho. I was very skeptical about doing that, and funny as it is, it actually works on a les paul... I actually didn't even need any adjustments made to the guitar since I am tuning lower (Full Step Down & Drop C), it sort of "evened out" the tension --it makes sense when you think about it, you drop the tuning, that loosens things up, you increase the tension (bigger strings), it evens things out. My neck even said so, its more straight from the side and the action feels perfect. The strings are definitely an adjustment to get used to, but I have been playing with the 10-52 set for some time now, just a little bigger. Bottom line I would have to say if you are going to drop tune, a 10-60 set is the way to go, never for Standard E A440 tuning. Plus the Low E .060 will fit in a standard tuning peg without too much fuss. Again thanks everyone for the replies, definitely glad I went with the heavier gauges. pz. __________________ Instruments: Electric - Zakk Wylde Les Paul w/ EMG 81/85's Electric - Crate Electra (Strat Style) Acoustic - Kay 6 String Black Top Acoustic - Gibson 12 String Amplifier: Marshall DSL100MLB (JCM2000) Head MC412A/B Cabs Pedals: MXR ZW44 Overdrive Pedal Dunlop ZW45 Crybaby Wah

07-26-2009, 12:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
p3dsman Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39	Re: Modding a Zakk Wylde Les Paul for Thicker Strings? I took a few shots of it with the new strings, neck oiled, body polished...pic #2 really shows how thick the strings are (10-60's). #3 is with the (yes i did it) strings over the tailpiece. Nothing like a clean guitar with some fresh stings and a Marshall to go with it __________________ Instruments: Electric - Zakk Wylde Les Paul w/ EMG 81/85's Electric - Crate Electra (Strat Style) Acoustic - Kay 6 String Black Top Acoustic - Gibson 12 String Amplifier: Marshall DSL100MLB (JCM2000) Head MC412A/B Cabs Pedals: MXR ZW44 Overdrive Pedal Dunlop ZW45 Crybaby Wah

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