1992 Gibson es-135 harder to play

[golferjohn]

My Gibson es-135 has been idle for awhile while I played my Ibanez es-335 copy. I put new strings on my es-135 but it is now harder to play leads and bend strings. Can the neck get out of recommended setting after guitar sits idle for awhile/ dI have adjusted the bridge/string heigth lower w/o causing fret buzz and neck still looks o.k. This used to be the sweetest playing axe I've ever owned but after having set it aside due to it's weight it is just not the same guitar - But still mint beautiful! Thanks for any help on this John

[Giraffecaster]

take it to a tech and get it set up

[nmiller]

The neck has probably warped a little; it's not uncommon after sitting for a long time. If that's the issue, the truss rod needs to be adjusted. As Griaffecaster said, take it to a tech.

[Javanova]

Sometimes the frets can get dirty. A cleaning with some 0000 steel wool can help. Are they bright and shinny?

[Pietro]

You need to learn how to adjust a truss rod if you plan to own a guitar with a mahogany neck. It's easy. You can do it.

[Carl_Tone]

135 is 3 pc maple but it definitely tends to drift. So 1/4 turn tightening, once a day until it passes the strings pressed down test...that's what i used to do to mine.

Have a Yamaha 335 now...much more stable.

That 135 had a SWEET sound though...

[golferjohn]

Thanks for the solid advice about my 1992 ES-135. I am taking it to the Fret Shop today to have it checked out. I believe the neck has warped just enough to throw everything out of sync. The strings are too high when I adjust it for fret buzz and the pickups look too far from the strings. I noticed all of this when I decided to restring and start playing it again. I WILL buy a wrench and learn how to adjust the neck. Wow; didn't realize how letting her set up for awhile could be such a problem. Thanks for your suggestions. John

[gillman royce]

What part of the country ? If you have major temperature shifts throughout the year - yeah, it can warp - but if you live in a stable climate - let us know !

[golferjohn]

Thank you I live in Alabama where we have had extreme winters and summers. My Gibson has been leaning against the wall in the case of course. I did not realize that it could change it's character to this extent or maybe it is just not as easy to play as my Ibanez. I took it to a tech and he said it was action was too low. When I raise the bridge it is hard to play; when I lower the strings I get fret buzz. I am taking it back and having it set up like it was when I bought it. I am not a tech and can't get it right even though it can still be played just not as easy on the fingers. It has never set up this long before. I guess I learned something here. Thanks, John

[Pietro]

golferjohn,

Find somebody to teach you what you need to know to adjust a truss rod. It will serve you really well.