Question: Setup on LUKE

[NewLukeGuy]

All,
I've had my new LUKE for 2 months now. I was on vacation for two weeks and when I came back and played the instrument for the first time I noticed a low E string buzzing that wasn't there previously. It's only the low E. It's happening when I strike the string open or fretted most of the way up the neck. The other strings seem fine. What'st the approach to resolving that? Do I need a truss rod adjustment or just the saddle height adjusters on the low E only?

On a related note, are there factory specs for the angle that the bridge is supposed to be sitting when you look at it from the side view? Or height that the strings are off the neck at the 12th fret. I do like low action but not to the extent where I have a lot of buzzing.

Thanks for your help.
Mike

[beej]

If it played well before, odds are it's just humidity affecting the neck. A small tweak of the truss rod should fix it. I'd start with 1/4 turn counter-clockwise (less tension from the rod, let the strings pull the neck more). Repeat if necessary. You'll probably find you have to do the opposite in the winter when it gets dry, etc.

On the Luke the trem is set to pull up three semitones on the G string. I always adjusted mine to stay about there, but you can lie it flat on the body or float it more, up to you.

I'd get the neck where you want it first, though.

[Slingy]

Put your finger on the saddle on ring out a note, if the buzz disappears then one of the saddle screws might not be sitting flush to the bridge plate. If so just tighten the loose one a bit.

[TNT]

If the other strings remained ok then you probably shouldn't mess with the truss rod (this does the entire neck!). Just tweak the low E saddle.

In the future:

1. Use the truss rod to simply keep the neck "straight".
2. Bridge should be "level" (not tilting back or forward)
3. string height adjustment to be done with the individual saddles.

[NewLukeGuy]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

TNT, when adjusting the saddle should I do the same increment on each set screw of the saddle? How much of a turn yields how much incremental height change as measured at the 12th fret?

Also where should I measure the bridge being "level"? If I'm looking side view at the bridge I see that the bottom surface is at an angle to the body (maybe 5-8 degrees; I'm guessing I'm not looking at the guitar right now).

Thanks again!

[NewLukeGuy]

Here's the reference everybody needs for setup. This was on the GC website somewhere.

[Kaloyan]

Remember the correct order of setting up your guitar and you'd always be fine! Show us the Luke, don't be shy =)

[roburado]

From the Ernie Ball FAQ:

Q: How do I set up my '99 Luke with the floating tremolo?
A: First, check relief in the neck by holding the lowest (bass) string down on the second fret with your fretting hand, then hold it down on the 12th fret with your right thumb and tap on the string in the middle to show how straight the string is. It should be no more than the thickness of a thick business card. If there is no relief in the neck, apply a little pressure in the middle of the neck (downward) after adjusting the trussrod wheel,it should take care of it. If not, please contact us. Factory string setting for standard tuning starts at the bass side 2/32" (0.0254m) to 5/64" (0.127m) and the treble side is 3/64" (0.0762m) to 2/32" (.0254m) measured from the 12th fret to the bottom of the strings. The top of the strings should have the radius of the fretboard when you are looking at the strings in the playing position and by rotating the instrument while at the same time bringing strings into view one at a time. String height is determined by your preference and playing style. If a string buzzes on the open note to the 5th fret and no higher, more relief is needed in the neck. If there is more buzz from the 5th fret to the 12th fret, the neck needs to be straighter (less relief). Check the string height at every adjustment. If buzzing is present throughout the neck, the string height needs to increase. After every adjustment it is necessary to re-tune the guitar. The standard float height is measured at 1 1/2 steps on the G-string. If you set this first at 440 tuning, it may make it easier to keep the bridge close to the same angle while making all of the other adjustments. You may want a different amount of float - many players prefer 1/2 or only 1 step of float. After each adjustment, return to step one, and start again.