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Post subject: Action on Jaguar
Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2016 6:38 pm
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Hello, this is a first time post, so pls. forgive if this has been covered earlier.

I recently got a Fender Classic Lacquer Jaguar. When I first started playing it, the action and setup was perfect. After I had it for a couple of weeks, though, the action lowered so much that the D string was completely muted, and other strings were buzzing like crazy. I know that the strings stretch with use, but it's hard to believe that they would stretch this much. I have been using the tremolo arm a lot and I wonder if that has something to do with it? I know I could adjust the action, but before I do so, I want to figure out if there is a problem, either with the tremolo system or bridge that could be causing this. Any advice would be great. Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: Action on Jaguar
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 1:18 am
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To be precise, is this your guitar model: 60s Jaguar Lacquer

Anyway, the action (= string height) doesn't change if the strings stretch, the guitar just goes out of tune.

So, my first guess is that the saddle screws have come loose. A tiny drop of Loctite 242 or clear nail polish (or even a drop from a hot glue gun, but I hate those) could help - and while you adjust the screws, also check that every saddle is parallel with the body, not slanted.
And, it's not uncommon that a Jag needs a shim in the neck pocket; when the neck angle is increased, the string angle over the saddle increases and you get more "downforce", which (among other good things) helps keep the screws in place.

Another thing to check is the truss rod; the guitar may now be in a different climate than before, and the initial setup may have changed. Buzzing (or worst buzzing) in certain frets only could suggest truss rod problems.

All in all and IMHO, any new guitar needs a full setup.
A good pro knows what to check & adjust - things like nut slots, uneven/rough frets, optimal neck angle for a certain setup etc. are often ignored in DIY setups. The price is usually below 100$.
Or you can learn to DIY, there's plenty of instructions in the net. Here's a good site for Jag/JM info: Webrocker.de


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Post subject: Re: Action on Jaguar
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:15 pm
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Thank you for your helpful response! I had been hoping to avoid a setup, but that sounds like it would really help to fix the problem and hopefully prevent it from recurring.


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Post subject: Re: Action on Jaguar
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 1:21 am
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Null wrote:
I had been hoping to avoid a setup

This is not for you alone, just my usual Don Quixote's ride to everyone who buys a guitar:

A new guitar needs a setup. Some shops do it before they release the guitar to the customer. Many don't, they just send the guitar as it comes from the factory. That means usually that the guitar has been checked, but not set up. And any setup has most likely changed in transit from controlled factory conditions to whatever part of the world the guitar ends up. California summer to Scandinavia winter...

Anybody can learn to set up a guitar, but it's never a bad idea to use a pro for the "initial setup for a new guitar" - it's a lot easier to maintain a perfect setup than create one.


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