Question about action height on Yamaha CG171SF or CG172SF

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LBrandt

Posts: 46
Joined: Jun. 7 2011

Question about action height on Yama...

Hello,

I know that I've asked for opinions on the Yamaha CG171SF and CG172SF already, but I'd like to ask a slightly different question about them.

I was at a Guitar Center store a couple of hundred miles away, where I looked at both guitars (they still had a 171 in stock), but it seemed to me that the action was too high on both of them, and it didn't look to me as if there was enough saddle remaining to be able to lower the action enough.

I was really in a hurry when I was there, and didn't have the time to inspect it that closely, but I'd go back and get one, if the action can be low enough.

Can anyone who has a 171SF or 172SF tell me whether you were able to get the action down low enough? I would like it at no more than 3mm (6th string, 12th fret) and even lower if possible.

Thanks,
Louis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 2 2012 23:15:12

keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to LBrandt)

Louis--most factory guitars are set up with a high-ish action so they will not buzz when played by the typical factory guitar buyer (i.e., the guy who has a real heavy attack, uses a pick, does not understand string tension and buzzing, etc.). the yamaha guitars i have seen and played all had enough saddle for the possibility of lowering. you can go on-line to see photos of these guitar which should reduce your anxiety of about having enough saddle. these are factory guitars and are pretty much standard with respect to specifications, etc.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 12:08:44

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to LBrandt)

quote:

I would like it at no more than 3mm (6th string, 12th fret)

Louis, the CG 172SF (I played the one of a friend of mine) has an action of exactly 3mm. and I believe it is fine.

ciao,
giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 12:49:08

LBrandt

Posts: 46
Joined: Jun. 7 2011

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to gbv1158)

giambattista,
Thanks. Did it appear to you that there was enough saddle to lower it even more if you wanted to?

Thanks,
Louis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 18:55:10

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to LBrandt)

Louis,
on the guitar of the friend of mine, the saddle has 1 mm (max) left that can be lowered.
BUT... I do not know if that may cause strings buzz.
As I told you I played this guitar and, truly, I felt the action very confortable
( but consider that I am used also on my classical guitar wich has an action of 4.5 mm.!!! )

ciao,
giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 19:19:17

LBrandt

Posts: 46
Joined: Jun. 7 2011

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to gbv1158)

giambattista,

Thanks again. Did you mean that there is only 1 mm of saddle showing above the bridge, or did you mean that 1 mm could be removed from the saddle and still have saddle showing?

Louis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 20:24:01

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to LBrandt)

quote:

Did you mean that there is only 1 mm of saddle showing above the bridge, or did you mean that 1 mm could be removed from the saddle and still have saddle showing?

as I remember and talking by telephone with this friend of mine, the saddle has left above the bridge still almost 2 mm at the 6th string and 1 maybe 1,5 mm at the 1st string
;
but, Louis, lowering the action I would be afraid for the buzz.

If you want I my take some pictures of the bridge and send them to you in a coupple of days- let me konw.

ciao
giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 20:46:53

LBrandt

Posts: 46
Joined: Jun. 7 2011

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to gbv1158)

giambattista,
Thanks again. Yes, if you don't mind, I would love to see a photo of the bridge and saddle.
I don't think that I'd mind a little buzz.
Thanks,
Louis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 21:15:51

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to LBrandt)

quote:

I would love to see a photo of the bridge and saddle

ok, give me a coupple of days.

ciao

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 4 2012 21:19:02

LBrandt

Posts: 46
Joined: Jun. 7 2011

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to gbv1158)

giambattista,

Thanks.

Louis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 5 2012 1:33:33

gbv1158

Posts: 410
Joined: May 29 2009
From: Italy

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to LBrandt)

Hello, Louis

I suppose you have not received my direct mail to you via forum;
I am not able to upload the pictures I have of the 172FS bridge becasue the file's format ( too big) .
So I'll be able to send you the photo via regular mail but I need first your mailing address, mine is : gbv1158@libero.it

ciao
Giambattista

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2012 18:25:17

GuitarVlog

Posts: 441
Joined: Mar. 19 2009
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to LBrandt)

Assuming that 3mm = 0.120inches, then the answer is yes. That's the action on my CG171SF. I can take it lower but I'm buzz-averse and the 6th string will have a faint buzz if I take it lower. I know because this is the 2nd (or maybe 3rd) saddle that I've carved for my Yamaha.

Keep in mind that, as good as manufacturing processes might be, wood qualities from one guitar will vary versus the next. It's not improbably that the guitars that you encountered might not be suitable for lowering the action much further. Use your own judgement or bring a friend who's a good guitar technician.

_____________________________

Upgraded Yamaha CG171SF
The Guitar Student Journal

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2012 19:48:52

LBrandt

Posts: 46
Joined: Jun. 7 2011

RE: Question about action height on ... (in reply to gbv1158)

Giambattista,

Thanks for the reply. No, I haven't received anything from you in forum mail. If you want to send photos to my email address, use my wife's address, which is

gigijanice1@hotmail.com

Thanks,
Louis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 8 2012 2:07:33