Question for Jon

[Pundix]

I have a Silhouette Special which plays well, however when I get the action I really want I'm getting a bit of buzz and the strings are still a tad too high on the upper frets. I'm guessing that I might need to put a shim under the neck. My questions are these: What should I use for the shim, and am I correct in assuming that it simply sits in the nect pocket at the point closest to the body to tilt the neck forward a bit and lower the action on the upper frets?

Thanks in advance...

Ron

 

[jongitarz]

I don't think a shim is going to help you. Where is the buzz happening on the fretboard?

 

[tommyindelaware]

i know i'm not jon.........
but.....
assuming your neck is straight......
using a shim changes the plane (or angle) of your fingerboard (idealy to match the plane of your strings) . the idea is your strings need to be parralell to your string line.
on a shimless guitar.........if the bridge doesn't lower enough to match up.....a shim is used to raise the angle & line them up. most folks use a medium pick trimed to a rectangle shape...1/4"x1"& lay it like you described in the closed side of the neck pocket.

 

[Pundix]

I don't think a shim is going to help you. Where is the buzz happening on the fretboard?

The buzz is on the lower frets, usually it stops around the 6th or 7th fret. Any advice?

 

[jongitarz]

More relief in the neck...loosen the truss rod a bit

 

[Pundix]

More relief in the neck...loosen the truss rod a bit

I'll give that a shot. I thought I had the truss adjusted fairly well, but it could well be that it's a bit too tight. My thought on the shim was that since the action is low on the lower frets, but significently higher on the upper frets that maybe the neck was a bit out of adjustment not allowing a flat plane.

 

[jongitarz]

I have never had to use a shim on a Silo

 

[Raz]

I have never had to use a shim on a Silo

Is there any way you could scroll down on the main GEAR page and find my post and provide some insite, El Duce! Sorry Pundix for the hi-jacking!

 

[neastguy]

I dont remember the silo having any buzzy fretz? did you leave it on the heater?

 

[Pundix]

I dont remember the silo having any buzzy fretz? did you leave it on the heater?

Nope, no heaters, I just tried to get the action down where I like it - which is probably too low for most people and most guitars. I may have to allow it a bit more heighth to make the Silo a happy camper.

 

[neastguy]

Nope, no heaters, I just tried to get the action down where I like it - which is probably too low for most people and most guitars. I may have to allow it a bit more heighth to make the Silo a happy camper.

thats cool, btw, I got outbid on that silo yesterday.. very PO'd

 

[Pundix]

thats cool, btw, I got outbid on that silo yesterday.. very PO'd

It could be a blessing in disguize. You really should go to the GC by Great Northern Mall and try out that Luke they have for a good price. I played it for about 30 minutes the other day and I have the feeling you'd fall in love with it. Just my humble opinion though. Oh, I also think you can get the same quack as you can with an HSS Silo...

 

[beej]

Mmmmmm .... Luke ...

 

[Pundix]

More relief in the neck...loosen the truss rod a bit

Jon, I ended up going with strings a bit lighter and giving the rod a tweak and was able to come very close to the action I wanted. Thanks!

 

[jongitarz]

Glad it worked out for you