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Post subject: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 7:33 pm
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I don't see one here so I thought I'd start a thread for acoustic tech and set up discussions...

First question: anyone know what size hex key the Classic Design truss rod requires? CD 220 SCE to be specific. I'm assuming it's a metric size as it's made in Asia.

Also any tips on replacing, shaping and working with saddles would be appreciated.

Cheers,

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Zach

What I play:
Larrivee OM-03MH
2011 Fender CD-220SCE
1979 or '80 Fender F-35 (date has been hard to pin down)
Samick Greg Bennett D-2


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Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 1:13 pm
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Both of my Fender acoustic guitars use 4mm though 5/32” also work. I went to Lowes and purchased a set of Kobalt Allen wrenches in both metric and standard that way I have everything I need.

Have you considered taking your guitar to a guitar tech and have them do a set up on your guitar? That may address any issues you are having.

I would recommend reading Dan Erlwine book Guitar Players Repair Guide. It’s really a helpful book though the author favors the electric guitar in his examples. You can also check out YouTube to see what is there. "Acoustic Guitar Setup" or " Acoustic Guitar Saddle".

If you’re just wanting to lower your action you need to follow a process of measurements and adjustments in a specific order. All covered in Dan’s book. It would be too lengthy to put it all down here. BTW, you might check to see if shims have been install under the saddle. If you wanting to lower the action you just need to remove the shim(s) and see if that does. If this is an acoustic electric guitar the shims will be under the pickup, but be careful lifting up the pickup; you don't want to damage it or it's wire.

As far as Saddles go there are many options available, i.e. premade Bone or Plastic, Bone or Plastic blanks. Bone is usually preferred due to its hardness and it’s ability to transfer more string energy to the guitars sound board.

I hope that helps. Good luck.


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Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 10:24 am
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Hey RIX11,
Thanks for the swift reply and thanks for confirming my assumption that the truss rod would require a metric hex key. I gambled and bought a metric set but its good to know that what I have is the proper size. Be careful about using the 5/32" on a metric nut every resource that I've consulted says that's a good way to round off the inside of the hex nut.

I've done a bunch of research on set up techniques, and yeah YouTube is amazing. I've seen a few of Dan Erlewine's videos, didn't know that he had a book out, thanks for that tip. Thanks also for the shim tip. I wouldn't have thought to look under the pickup.

I managed to replace the saddle, have adjusted it to the height of the previous broken one. I want to take it lower but I want to ensure the neck relief is set properly before I do and unfortunately the hex key set that I have isn't configured to reach the hex nut properly while still providing enough leverage and control. Gonna go see a guitar tech for that step and then see about lowering the action.

The saddle that came with my new Fender is bone and the reason I replaced it was that a big flake chipped off the front of the saddle at the G string contact point. It's still playable but I figured it would only be a matter of time before another flake chipped off the back lowering the string further and throwing off the intonation.

I actually replaced it with a Tusq saddle from Graphtech, lots of folks consider it an upgrade over bone and probably an equal number disagree. I'll say this for it it's really hard, if you drop it on its end from a short distance on to a hard surface it rings. I don't hear any loss of tone compared to the bone saddle, I really haven't given it a full workout as it was late last night when I finished sanding down the new saddle and I live in an apartment building with neighbors all around. Must be careful of noise complaints. :?

Which Fender acoustics do you play? The work above was on my new CD-220 SCE, I also have a late '70s F-35 that I love.

Cheers and thanks again,

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Zach

What I play:
Larrivee OM-03MH
2011 Fender CD-220SCE
1979 or '80 Fender F-35 (date has been hard to pin down)
Samick Greg Bennett D-2


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Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 4:54 pm
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Excellent, sounds like you have things under control. You know I completely forgot about Tusq; glad you found something that works for you.

I play a Fender Sonoran SCE Black and a FA-125OS NAT just for fun. Both good guitars.


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Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 9:02 am
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Update: gave the new Tusq saddle a proper workout and I have to say I think it's an upgrade over bone. I didn't change the strings when I replaced the saddle and these old strings sound newer with the Tusq saddle. Not quite as bright as new strings but brighter than they were with the old bone saddle.

_________________
Zach

What I play:
Larrivee OM-03MH
2011 Fender CD-220SCE
1979 or '80 Fender F-35 (date has been hard to pin down)
Samick Greg Bennett D-2


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 11:43 am
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Update: have sorted out the truss rod issue without resorting to going to a tech. Now going to sand the saddle even lower to drop the action further. Wish me luck!

Cheers,

_________________
Zach

What I play:
Larrivee OM-03MH
2011 Fender CD-220SCE
1979 or '80 Fender F-35 (date has been hard to pin down)
Samick Greg Bennett D-2


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:36 pm
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Update: saddle now lowered. Action much better. Also installed new strings not as much difference in tone as there was with the old strings. But if it lets strings stay sounding newer longer that's cool with me!

Cheers,

_________________
Zach

What I play:
Larrivee OM-03MH
2011 Fender CD-220SCE
1979 or '80 Fender F-35 (date has been hard to pin down)
Samick Greg Bennett D-2


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:00 pm
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Hey way cool. I'll have to look into a Graphtech for my Sonoran.


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Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 8:15 pm
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Yeah check out the Tusq. You can buy a pre-radiused one and adjust the height yourself. Take your existing saddle out to uses as a guide as you sand the bottom of the new saddle. Start with good coarse sand paper, then go to 400 grit to finish up. I under estimated how much material I had to remove and bought 400 grit thinking I'd skip a step, took me about 3 hours to remove about an 1/8th of an inch off the bottom.

My local repair shop gave me a used Tusq saddle so I'm not sure which model I have. I think it's this one: http://www.graphtech.com/product-204-2/ but I make no promises. Best to take yours out and make the best measurements you can and start with a Tusq model that is close and sand to fit if needed.

Put the sandpaper on a flat surface and use a good straight edge as a guide to keep the saddle vertical on the sandpaper. This will help you keep the bottom of the saddle dead flat and perpendicular to the sides so it won't lean in the bridge slot. If you have to reduce the thickness of the saddle be sure to sand both the front and back equally so you don't disturb the compensation. Same with reducing the length, try to sand both ends equally.

And if you don't like it you're only out about 15 bucks and some elbow grease!

Good luck!

_________________
Zach

What I play:
Larrivee OM-03MH
2011 Fender CD-220SCE
1979 or '80 Fender F-35 (date has been hard to pin down)
Samick Greg Bennett D-2


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Tech and Set Up Questions
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:11 am
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Thanks for the tip. I don't know just when I'll get to it, but thanks anyway.


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