JPMM factory setup specs?

[JeffV]

I'm trying to get my JP back to the way it was originally set up when it was shipped from the factory. Since then I had someone do some changes to the setup and am wishing I hadn't. It played perfectly the way it came originally, so I'm trying to get it back to that setup. Thing is, I'm not sure what the height of the string saddles should be. The FAQ doesn't mention anything about this and I tried searching the forum and didn't find any info on this. Could someone give me these measurements? I'd really appreciate it.

 

[jongitarz]

String height is measured from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string, and it should be 2/32"

 

[JeffV]

Ah...thanks Jon! So all 6 strings should measure the same 2/32" at the 12th fret?

 

[JeffV]

Yeah, I definitly have to raise the string saddles. Will making these changes screw up my intonation?

 

[jongitarz]

It may change the intonation slightly, but I don't think you need to worry.

 

[JeffV]

I've successfully raised my action and it plays much better now! Thank you.

However, I seem to have a little buzz problem on the A string - particularly at the 6th and 9th frets. All the other areas are fine, or very minimal. I've tried tightening the truss rod to lessen the relief, and it helped a little bit, but not much. I'm not sure what to do next because it seems like the neck is almost perfectly straight ....maybe just a hint of relief. So I don't know if I should tighten the truss rod more or try raising the action on that string a little higher than 2/32". What do you suggest?

Hmm.. I just noticed that after making my adjustments that the trem plate isn't parallel with the body anymore. The back of the trem plate is raised slightly now. Should I adjust that to make it parallel again, and could that fix all my problems?

 

[SteveB]

Jeff,

You should definitely adjust the trem claw to get that tremolo parallel with the body again. I don't know if it will fix your 'a' string problem, but you really want that bridge parallel.

The technique is to (in your case) tighten the two screws on the trem claw a little, then tune to pitch and check the trem for level. Repeat until it is. It'll take you from 10 to 20 minutes depending how fast you tune.

 

[jongitarz]

I would loosen the truss rod just a bit (left) and see if that fixes the buzz on the A string.

 

[JeffV]

For some reason, I'm having a hell of a time getting rid of the buzz at the 9th fret on the A string. I loosened the truss rod several times to add more relief and it helped a little bit, but the buzzing still seems a little excessive to me. Everywhere else is fine, although now the string height is more than 2/32" due to adding relief.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[SteveB]

Could it be a high fret? (One of you repair gurus?)

 

[jongitarz]

I don't know....It's pretty hard to set up a guitar via computer, but I am thinking a professional should take a look at it.