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Post subject: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 10:47 pm
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I just picked one of these up and like it, but action on the higher frets is way off compared to the action by the first fret. So, my question is, how do you lower that action?
I don't think taking any off the bridge is the answer due to the piezo pickups, but can you shim the neck? The neck isn't warped. It just looks like the neck needs a shim, but I'm not sure if that's able to be done on this model or if there's another way to adjust the action on this thing?


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Post subject: Re: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 12:50 am
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It's a bolt-on neck, so it can be shimmed (applies to Telecoustics, too).
Before you shim it, check the relief and adjust the truss rod if needed (it's a dual action rod).
It's also possible (with the shim or instead of it) to adjust the action at the saddle, sanding it down from the upside or taking the saddle off and shaving the bottom. The piezo makes it more difficult but not impossible.

And: you could just take it to a pro for a setup.


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Post subject: Re: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 8:32 am
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do like jmattis suggests, have someone look at it.

you can sand down the saddle, but if the guitar has other problems, (for example, winter weather is extremely dry, or summer when it's humid causes a lot of issues with guitars)

the truss rod could use some adjusting, but you need to know what to look for, and how to adjust it for a particular guitar.

you don't want to start chasing solutions around, until you know what the root cause really is.


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Post subject: Re: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 11:48 am
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KidBlast wrote:
you don't want to start chasing solutions around, until you know what the root cause really is.

No, but doing a "standard setup" can help identify the root cause and exclude cumulative problems from being misinterpreted.


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Post subject: Re: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:20 am
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Check neck bow first and adjust truss rod if wrong.

Don't do any other adjustments before neck bow is ok .


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Post subject: Re: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2016 11:02 am
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arth1 wrote:
KidBlast wrote:
you don't want to start chasing solutions around, until you know what the root cause really is.

No, but doing a "standard setup" can help identify the root cause and exclude cumulative problems from being misinterpreted.


a standard setup on ancoustic is what?

Check the truss rod, and see how the nut is regulated.

If you get the releif set, and still don't like the action, you're now taking material off the saddle. no problem unless A: you don't do it quite right, or B: take off to much. you hit the point of no return really fast, unless you have a drop in replacement for the bridge.

There aint much that goes on here that a novice DIY'er can do.

the chances of the insturment suffering from "dry guitar" sydnrome this time of year, is pretty good if the OP is "in winter" now.


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Post subject: Re: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 6:27 am
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KidBlast wrote:
arth1 wrote:
KidBlast wrote:
you don't want to start chasing solutions around, until you know what the root cause really is.

No, but doing a "standard setup" can help identify the root cause and exclude cumulative problems from being misinterpreted.


a standard setup on ancoustic is what?

Check the truss rod, and see how the nut is regulated.


Pretty much. If using any strings that have a nylon/carbon/gut base, perhaps also check the string tension. Even if the strings are "good", the tension can change over time, and be reason for wanting to change them before adjusting the truss rod.
On the other hand, depending on the strings, you may not want to change strings too often either, as it can take a little bit before new strings are "settled" - longer than for electric strings.


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Post subject: Re: Stratacoustic action
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 6:58 am
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arth1 wrote:
On the other hand, you normally don't want to change strings too often either, as it takes a little bit before new strings are "settled".

That's highly personal - some players get a new set for every gig, some prefer "old string tone", most fall somewhere between those.

KidBlast wrote:
a standard setup on ancoustic is what?

Checking the general condition (e.g. no cracks, warps, loose joints, bulges in the soundboard, broken nuts/saddles/tuners...).
Then checking/fixing frets & fret ends, checking/fixing nut grooves & saddle, (checking electronics & some contact cleaner style maintenance if needed), installing strings, checking/adjusting relief & action & intonation, cleaning/treating the fretboard & the rest of the guitar.
That's about what I'd require if the bill is the standard 60-80€ :wink:


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