Jon...Thank You!

[rockdisciple]

I recently got my JP6 back from Jon and I have to say it's unlike anything I've played. The action is sickly low, for me, and after practicing on my high action, 11 gauge Artcore for two weeks, I'm actually having to get used to using less pressure with my left hand and less aggression on my right to keep from thrashing the poor thing.

The upside is clearly that it's tremendously smooth to play, and requires very little exertion to pull off everything I'd want to do. I'm particularly enjoying my bends and legato runs at the moment. The problems I was having with fret buzz are resolved, and it's simply become even more of an amazing guitar to play(too bad my acidic hands wear down the strings so quickly.)

I wanted to ask you, Jon, and perhaps others who have been in my position:
What should I do to keep it playing and feeling this good? I'm fairly inexperienced in guitar maintenance so I'd love to hear the full story so I don't miss anything. Thanks a lot! I haven't posted much lately, but I do drop by and check on threads a fair bit. I really enjoy this community, and plan to stick around for sure.

 

[tommyindelaware]

i would recomend you learn how to measure your fingerboard's straightness as a first step. if you learn how to accurately monitor your fingerboad...you will get a feel for what you like & don't like actionwise....and how to obtain it.
as a beginner mabey you should get a set of guitar straight edges.
.http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Straightedges/Precision_Straightedges.html
some guys don't seem to need them after they are expierenced.....but i still use them . i like the 12'' model and the 24'' for setting action.....
with these.....you can easily and accurately tell if your fingerboard is flat .... got high spots or dips & takes out all the guesswork. beginners can't guess....
i set my action on the upper frets using the bridge saddles height adjustment screws-with the fretboard adjusted flat. then i use relief on the truss rod to adjust the action in the middle....
if your interested in hearing more on how to take these measuements...let me know......

I recently got my JP6 back from Jon and I have to say it's unlike anything I've played. The action is sickly low, for me, and after practicing on my high action, 11 gauge Artcore for two weeks, I'm actually having to get used to using less pressure with my left hand and less aggression on my right to keep from thrashing the poor thing.

The upside is clearly that it's tremendously smooth to play, and requires very little exertion to pull off everything I'd want to do. I'm particularly enjoying my bends and legato runs at the moment. The problems I was having with fret buzz are resolved, and it's simply become even more of an amazing guitar to play(too bad my acidic hands wear down the strings so quickly.)

I wanted to ask you, Jon, and perhaps others who have been in my position:
What should I do to keep it playing and feeling this good? I'm fairly inexperienced in guitar maintenance so I'd love to hear the full story so I don't miss anything. Thanks a lot! I haven't posted much lately, but I do drop by and check on threads a fair bit. I really enjoy this community, and plan to stick around for sure.

 

[rockdisciple]

Thanks a lot! I'll definitely check those out. I found I wasn't too great at guessing string height when I tried set my own action recently. If I come to a point where I'm needing to make some adjustments, I may ask to hear more then. I appreciate the advice! Do you think there are any other things I should know about upkeep, or is action the big one?

-Chris

 

[jongitarz]

Glad you like your axe! In addition to what Tommy said, I would buy a 6 inch steel ruler, and when the guitar is set up like you want it, measure everything. Write it down so you can use it in the future when you need to set it up.

 

[NorM]

I would buy a 6 inch steel ruler, and when the guitar is set up like you want it, measure everything. Write it down so you can use it in the future when you need to set it up.

Sage Advice

 

[jazzbo jim]

A good point!
Trussrod adjustments are like Brylcream..a little dab'll do you! (Is my age showing? )

Jon, I'm digging my axis and I hope to snap a couple pics with the new neck.

 

[jongitarz]

Glad to hear it, Anthony. I would love to see the pics!

 

[rockdisciple]

Thanks for the advice, Jon! Even without experience I can understand the logic behind your suggestion. It's nice to hear from people who clearly know what they're doing
P.S. Yeah, congrats on the Axis, man. It's always good to hear people being pleased with their MMs.