Altering tunings and intonation

[JimmyMoorby]

When I was younger I wouldnt have given any f**** about this and would have just done it but as I get older I read more and more stuff online and I guess you pick up good information and misinformation.

Im looking to change tuning on my les paul from e flat to d standard and will probably also use slightly thicker strings too.  For arguments sake lets say this is going to be a permanent change.  Do I need to worry about the intonation on my guitar at all?  Ideally should it be set up by some one who is an axpert at this kind of thing?

[Lucas]

Yes, you will have to adjust the intonation. Even when you are going from thinner to thicker strings without changing tuning you have to set it up slightly.

The good thing is that you don`t need any 'expert' to do this. What you need is flat screwdriver to work on saddles and tuner. That`s it.
I presume you won`t be messing with truss rod, bridge height. Intonation is really simple and straightforward job.

[Toe-Knee]

Yes. As has been said it needs doing and is very easy to do yourself. Easier than a string change.

I always change the intonation even when changing strings as slightly differing tensions even with the same guage and brand can knock it sharp or flat a bit.

[Lucas]

Yes. As has been said it needs doing and is very easy to do yourself. Easier than a string change.

I always change the intonation even when changing strings as slightly differing tensions even with the same guage and brand can knock it sharp or flat a bit.

Exactly, I always check it as well after changing strings, even that`s always the same brand and gauge. Just in case. Takes a minute.

JimmyMoorby, don`t try to do it 'by ear', you need a tuner
good luck!

[Toe-Knee]

Yeah a tuner is critical.

I find a very accurate way is to plug your guitar into a recording interface and download gtune.vst to do it. It is by far the most accurate tuner that I have ever come across.

[JimmyMoorby]

Thanks for the tips much appreciated.

I changed the tuning for a short moment before changing strings I simply did not like it and it looks like ill forever be an e flat man so not changes needed in the end! 

Still good to know though in case I ever need to for some reason.

[BigB]

Just for the record since no one mentioned this point: if you (permanently) go for heavier strings, you may have to adjust the nut slots a bit, and this is better left to a qualified guitar tech.

[Jamie89]

Its something I have never cared about to be honest, but I don't gig or record so I can easily put up with it.

[Dave Sloven]

You'll soon notice your intonation is out once you go higher than the ninth fret.

Well I hope you would notice.

Easily sorted by a decent tech.  All three of my guitars have had new bridges installed (two Tonepros TOMs and a GraphTech wraptail) and an intonation and set up was part of the installation charge each time.