Viper 1000 string height/problems..PLEASE HELP!!!

[aspguitar]

Recently I started tuning down to dropped c for a metal band I've been playing with. When tuned down, strings wont hold tune and intonation is bad. I sent my guitar off to be set but they told me that the viper (SG shape in general) has a very long neck with not much attached to the body so neck bends easily. They suggested i try using 12-54 to see if it would hold its tune. When i put these strings on however, the first few frets buzz because string is too low but at the 24th fret, the string is very high up, and from 12 up sounds do not come out unless i push really hard. This is a problem because i play a lot of lead/fast runs using hammer ons and pull offs which now wont come through. What should i do? Please help!

[Bouncepogo]

sounds like your tech doesn't know what he's talking about.

You are aiming to match the string tension at Drop C with the tension used at regular tuning, and you do this by using heavier gauge strings - hence the neck shouldn't be effected at all.

It sounds like your guitar needs a full setup by someone who knows what they are doing, i suggest you source another tech

[TaoZen]

Pogo is right.

Your Luthier is an ignoramus. The shape/model of the guitar dosen't matter. as long as it has a straight neck with a functional truss rod, It can be adjusted. Vipers whether LTD or standard are great guitars and better than most Gibsons. I use Vipers exclusively.

It sounds like your neck doesn't have enough relief in it (it is backbowing). He is right in using heavier guage strings, but there still isnt enough pull on the neck to straighten it so it won't buzz, so it sounds like your truss rod needs to be adjusted. If he didn't try to use a feeler guage on the guitar to see if it has enough relief or offer to loosen the truss rod, take it to someone else.

Here is a quick way to check for yourself.

Make sure your guitar is in drop c tuning (use a tuner) and If you put a capo behind the 1st fret, then hold down the bass E string at around the 15th fret, there should be just enough room between the string and bottom of the 7th fret to slide a regular business card in. if the card is pinched between the string and the fret, or there is a lot of room like three or 4 cards worth of room, your truss rod needs to be adjusted. Take it to a reputable luthier to do it. It'll cost you a few bucks, but it'll be worth it in a properly set up guitar which will be a joy to play.

Also check the ESP online manual to do basic setup if you want to try it yourself. Thing to remember is, take it slow and make small adjustments.

Best of luck!