JP's action to be set on a GC guitar before I buy...

[DrKev]

Beauty!

 

[ozzyrules]

Which kit are you referring to Ozzy? I have the stewmac string height gauge already.

My kit includes: straight edge
radius tools
action gauge

 

[Highway Star]

Thanks Ozzy!

I think you are referring to this stewmac.com kit: Basic Setup Kit

I like the radius tool. That makes it so much easier to see what is going on at the bridge with the string heights.

 

[Spudmurphy]

I just read about fall away and I will continue learning more about that since this is the first time I have heard of it. First link I found: Fall-away? - The Acoustic Guitar Forum

I've knowin it as "ramping off" -Erlewine covers it

 

[ozzyrules]

Thanks Ozzy!

I think you are referring to this stewmac.com kit: Basic Setup Kit

I like the radius tool. That makes it so much easier to see what is going on at bridge with the string heights.

Bingo! That's the one.

 

[Highway Star]

I will look up "ramping off" as well. Thanks Spud!

Thanks OzzMan!

 

[jvh]

Since we are talking about setups and tools you guys should check out the tool below. Best Investment I ever made. Feeler gauges just don't cut it anymore. They take too much time and aren't as accurate.

Nut Slot Gauge

 

[djlynch]

Very nice JP. Hope you get that action dialed in to your liking!

 

[Highway Star]

JVH: you are just using that pressure gauge for the first fret, correct? The video at stewmac doesn't talk about it for anything but the first fret/nut height.

Thanks for the compliment DJLynch! The more I play it the better I like it.

Tomorrow I plan on going into GC and talking with their tech. He does good work. I have zero experience with a tremolo and spring setup like the JP has. Right now the trem plate is not parallel with the body and I think it is hampering my ability to dial the neck and action in.

Thanks guys!

 

[jvh]

JVH: you are just using that pressure gauge for the first fret, correct?

No you can use it for anything. I use it to check neck bow and action at the 12th fret. It's simplistically a dial indicator with a brass block holding it. Even though you can do all of this just off of feel I prefer to check my numbers. I find it's critical though when it comes to cutting the nut.

Glad your enjoying the guitar.

 

[DrKev]

Interesting tool! But I'm wondering about using this gauge for anything other than nut/1st fret measurements.

Just as for tuning, I always make action and relief measurements with the guitar in playing position because with the guitar lying on it's back, gravity and the weight of the body with the neck supported at the headstock will affect the neck curve which will affect tuning and action. The effect on tuning is obvious if you just try it.

Clearly, for 1st fret measurements the difference will be tiny being so close to the nut but the differences will be at the largest in the middle of the neck. It may not be a huge difference (and it will still be a great way of producing a consistent setup time after time) but I wonder it kind of negates the accuracy of the tool and makes it difficult to accurately compare one person's set up specs to another's.

Of course if you can use it with the guitar in playing position, then great! If not, bear in mind that there may be a little differences in the action you measure depending on what position the guitar is in.

JVH, wanna do some science? Can you try it and see?

 

[jvh]

Interesting tool! But I'm wondering about using this gauge for anything other than nut/1st fret measurements.

Just as for tuning, I always make action and relief measurements with the guitar in playing position because with the guitar lying on it's back, gravity and the weight of the body with the neck supported at the headstock will affect the neck curve which will affect tuning and action. The effect on tuning is obvious if you just try it.

Clearly, for 1st fret measurements the difference will be tiny being so close to the nut but the differences will be at the largest in the middle of the neck. It may not be a huge difference (and it will still be a great way of producing a consistent setup time after time) but I wonder it kind of negates the accuracy of the tool and makes it difficult to accurately compare one person's set up specs to another's.

Of course if you can use it with the guitar in playing position, then great! If not, bear in mind that there may be a little differences in the action you measure depending on what position the guitar is in.

JVH, wanna do some science? Can you try it and see?

I've never heard of techs measuring the guitar in playing position. I really think that has a negligible effect on setup. It's kind of like those setup vices that put pressure on the headstock to stimulate string tension. As well as a plek machine which does the same, but holds the guitar I believe standing up. I really think most of these methods are overkill. Even though I know you are correct in the fact that it does affect tuning. I mean if you put enough pressure on the back of the neck you can change the tuning of the guitar by shifting the neck bow. You can make measurements then tweak in playing position and go back and document the "gravity" measurement for next time. I really think we are talking about .001-.002" movement which I would consider negligible.

I bet musicman just sits the guitar flat on it's back with a neck cradle and adjusts. One reason I really don't want to try measuring in playing position is having to hold the guitar then put the indicator on it and press the strings to measure. I would need 4 hands to make this measurement. I always try to be very carefull with the brass block... Trying not to scratch the fretboard. Anyways, yeah no doubt there is an impact just as weather can cause movement. Just not sure how much movement we are talking about.

 

[DrKev]

I really think we are talking about .001-.002" movement which I would consider negligible.

Not for neck relief, that's not negligible. Neck relief is best done with the guitar in playing position.

I bet musicman just sits the guitar flat on it's back with a neck cradle and adjusts.

No, they don't.

 

[look_at_her]

I've never heard of techs measuring the guitar in playing position. I really think that has a negligible effect on setup .

Just my 2 c- had my Luke setup by the HQ guitar tech-after all necessary work,like fret levelling,neck,bridge and string height adjustment the height @ 12 fret is 1,2 mm on treble and 1,3 mm on bass side. Believe me,the best setup I`ve ever had on my guitars.
My tech used this special tool that holds the guitar in standing position when doing all the tweaking and measurements.