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Lowering Action-Old Negra Project
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Gecko
Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico
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Lowering Action-Old Negra Project
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I have done about everything I can think of to get the action a little lower on an old negra project guitar. New, lowered saddle, shaved bridge etc. I have the action down to around 4mm, but would like to get it to 3mm. At first I thought the bridge itself was made particularly high, but comparing it with newer bridges it is not. By any measurement I can make the neck is reasonably straight with no tension on it. Strung up, under tension, with MT strings I get a little relief, about .007" using feeler gauges from about the 4th-13th fret, which to me is not excessive. This measurement was made along the top of the frets. The frets, though they have been redressed, appear to be very level as well. String height, above the top, at the bridge is 3/8", again, so I read, is not excessive, but border-line. There is no bowing in the top anywhere, particularly at the bridge. The string height at the nut, though old (the nut, is old, not the measurement) is not out of spec. I have measured it, but can't find the results right now. Regardless, I would not think that should have much of an effect on height at the 12th fret anyway, or so I'm told. Any thoughts appreciated.
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Date Apr. 12 2006 10:48:00
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JBASHORUN
Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005
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RE: Lowering Action-Old Negra Project (in reply to Gecko)
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Try sawing the guitar in half down the centre. Right the way from the bottom to the headstock. then use sticky tape to stick the 2 halves back together, only this time with one half upside down, so that the half the soundhole is on the top, and half underneath. Then re-string the guitar with fishing tackle wire. Now that I think about it, my advice isn't very helpful. Try removing the saddle altogether, but keeping the strings in place. If you get a much lower action like this, then you know you need to lower the saddle. If not, then it is not the saddle, and maybe the bridge needs adjusting. Its also worth checking the depth of the slot in the bridge, as sometimes one slot is deeper or shallower than another (regardless of bridge height). If its not the bridge, then try a new, lower nut. If this doesn't work either, then check the neck angle. But check if the neck angle is correct before you go taking bits off that you can't put back. If it is a neck angle problem, it might need a neck re-set, but thats a job for somebody who knows how... Jb
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Date Apr. 12 2006 20:50:57
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Guest
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RE: Lowering Action-Old Negra Project (in reply to Gecko)
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Drill the tie block for 12 holes. Then, when you tie the string, you lose the loop which lifts the striing and loses the angle. Now you can lower the bone and still have angle (30 degrees is fine)
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Date Apr. 12 2006 21:34:35
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JBASHORUN
Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005
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RE: Lowering Action-Old Negra Project (in reply to Gecko)
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quote:
Do I have to use a saw, or will an axe work? Won't tape harm the finish? What kind of tape should I use? Which half of the guitar should go back together upside down, bass or treble? I'm really new at this. Gecko, you really are new to this, aren't you? An axe will work fine, but just make sure its a left-handed one, and as blunt as possible. I'd go for the foil-backed backed gaffer-tape, as the reflective surface helps to reflect the sound vibrations, which is great for tone. But yes, some luthiers do claim that tape might harm the finish. So as an alternative, try a hammer and nails instead... but due to the delicate nature of guitars, I would use a glass hammer and polystyrene nails. These are specialist tools, so you'll have to ask your local D.I.Y/hardware store to order them in for you specially. Flamenco guitars are supposed to be more treble-orientated, so logic dictates that the bass side goes underneath, leaving the treble side of the soundhole exposed to produce more noise. Feel free to ask more questions if you get stuck, as I know its not easy. Good luck, and don't forget to order those tools!!! Jb
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Date Apr. 13 2006 14:13:52
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Gecko
Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico
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RE: Lowering Action-Old Negra Project (in reply to JBASHORUN)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JBASHORUN Gecko, you really are new to this, aren't you? An axe will work fine, but just make sure its a left-handed one, and as blunt as possible. I'd go for the foil-backed backed gaffer-tape, as the reflective surface helps to reflect the sound vibrations, which is great for tone. But yes, some luthiers do claim that tape might harm the finish. So as an alternative, try a hammer and nails instead... but due to the delicate nature of guitars, I would use a glass hammer and polystyrene nails. These are specialist tools, so you'll have to ask your local D.I.Y/hardware store to order them in for you specially. Flamenco guitars are supposed to be more treble-orientated, so logic dictates that the bass side goes underneath, leaving the treble side of the soundhole exposed to produce more noise. Feel free to ask more questions if you get stuck, as I know its not easy. Good luck, and don't forget to order those tools!!! Jb I love you guys. Its so nice to come to a discussion group where some members actually have a sense of humor and don't take themselves so seriously!!!!
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |
Date Apr. 13 2006 20:44:51
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