Adjusting String tension & height JP model

[PaoloGilberto]

Hi,

finally my guitar came from US.

it does not have a user manual, and having the fact that is different that my previos Ibanez ZR tremolo, I have a problem adjusting string height(truss rod ?) and string tension (I do that adjusting the two (screw)bolts under E strings on bridge?).
can you help please?

thank you.

Paul

 

[Spudmurphy]

Now that's a set up question.

We say on the forum that if it's a new guitar - to contact Customer Service or your local distributor.

You won't be able to adjust the "string tension" as this determines the pitch of your string. What you can adjust is the action - the height of the string above the fretboard. Any good set up book can show you this but as a general rule of thumb the set up of the action on most guitars goes something like this:-

Restring your guitar using your preferred gauge.

Get the neck straight via a truss rod adjustment.

Lower the strings via the saddle adjustment screws until you get a faint buzz.

This might be all it takes - as when you amp the guitar the buzz invariably is not noticeable.

The next step depends on whether or not you want an absolutely straight neck - as by slackening the truss rod very slightly will introduce bow into the neck or "relief". This will give the sting more room to vibrate in the middle of the neck and will more than not reduce the buzz.

A good set up is a combination of all the above and more when you consider string intonation and trem set up.

I have a friend who builds guitars for a living and have learn't from him. I would say that if you are not confident - take it to a GOOD guitar repairer.

Hope this helps?

 

[PaoloGilberto]

thx a lot for reply.

My problem is that I do not know to lower the strings.
from those two screws under the E strings - bridge?

 

[Spudmurphy]

The string height based on your query is achieved by adjusting the 2 grub screws in the saddle - but honestly- if you don't know what your doing then take it to a pro. It'll save you grief and heartache. Ask him if you can watch him do it?

 

[douglasspears]

doesn't the JP come with 10s? I think this dude is used to 9s, and will get the tension he wants by switching to 9s.

 

[PaoloGilberto]

Thx a lot for answers guys.
The tension problem might be because of 10s strings , because I only played until now on 9s.
however I know this tension can be adjusted somehow , as far as I know from truss rod. is that right?
The string height: on MM site says: "The best and easiest way to adjust your action is to use the truss rod. To lower your action, turn the wheel clockwise. To raise your action, particularly if you have fret buzz, turn the wheel counter clockwise. It is always a good idea to make just one or two turns at a time, then play it and see if it needs more adjustment. It normally doesn't take many turns of the wheel to notice a difference."
but as I can see that is not enough , you have adjust string height for every string at the saddle part. right?

thank you.

 

[RobertS]

The string height: on MM site says: "The best and easiest way to adjust your action is to use the truss rod. To lower your action, turn the wheel clockwise. To raise your action, particularly if you have fret buzz, turn the wheel counter clockwise. It is always a good idea to make just one or two turns at a time, then play it and see if it needs more adjustment. It normally doesn't take many turns of the wheel to notice a difference."
but as I can see that is not enough , you have adjust string height for every string at the saddle part. right?

That depends. If set up on Your guitar was made for the string You use now, then adjusting action through adjusting truss rod should be enough.
If You however have changed the string gauge, than You need to adjust trem strings tension and the truss rod too probably.
If it's not enough, than I would mess with the saddles screws.

 

[SteveB]

While the height of each string's 'saddle' on the bridge can be adjusted, I wouldn't go messing with them unless you know what you're doing. The heights of those saddles should follow the curvature (radius) of the fingerboard.

You can turn the truss rod very easily on Music Man guitars & basses.. it's the 'wheel' at the end of the neck where it meets the guitar body.

But please, read the FAQ before you do anything, so that you know how to determine whether or not a truss rod adjustment is necessary.

http://www.music-man.com/faq/music-man-guitars/