My guitar was setup for the wrong tuning...

[Pr0fess0rSasquatch]

First of all I'm new so hello everybody. I'm Sasquatch and I've been a proud SG owner for about 8 years now. I have a Gibson Faded Special in Worn Cherry that I got in '07, I've taken to calling her Rose. I've heard that some people don't like the Faded Special series but I think they're beautiful guitars, even if a little plain looking compared to other Gibsons.

Anyway, I took my SG to a tech for some fretwork and the guy told me the job would include a setup. When he asked what tuning I'd like it setup for I told him that I usually keep this particular guitar a half-step down. Well when I picked it up the other day, I didn't notice until I got home that it was tuned to standard. I don't know whether I should take it back and ask him to correct this or if just a half-step isn't gonna make that big a difference. My bridge is stock so it's not like I'm dealing with a trem where the suspension is gonna get all messed up. I'm primarily concerned with intonation, I want my chords to sound as in tune as possible across the fretboard. So what do you guys think I should do?

Also, I don't know how much difference string size makes but just in case, I use 11-54.

 

[iblive]

Just tune her down a half step and play away. It'll all be just fine.

 

[Dave_Death]

The main thing it might affect is your neck relief. If it starts to buzz take it back, the tech should be able to adjust that on the spot

 

[Robus]

Learn to do you own setup.

 

[Biddlin]

It shouldn't be a problem.
;>)/

 

[Col Mustard]

Welcome to ETSG Perfesser! Lots of us own and love the faded SG specials, including me.
I don't think that your guitar will have any problems... I use 11s on my faded and had it set
up for those, but I've also put them on all my other electric guitars and like the way they
sound and feel. Intonation should be the same whether you tune down a half
step or not. You can check it yourself with an electronic tuner, just don't press too hard at the 12th fret, you could throw things sharp if you do.

I also use several alternate tunings, changing back and forth with no issues. I have a Fender Telecaster
that I use mostly for slide... when I took it in for setup, it was in open D tuning: DADF#AD
The tech noticed that and told me he'd set the guitar up for open tunings. I nodded and looked wise
and let him do his thing. The guitar works perfectly in DADF#AD, DADF#CD and EBEAbBE, plus I just
tuned it up to standard and it sounds and feels fine.

You can keep your eye on neck relief as suggested above, and if yours seems wrong you'd be justified
in taking it back for adjustment. Most guitar techs will tweak things if you paid for a setup and need some
more work. Good luck, and rock that faded.