Saddle Adjustment on EBMM JP...gimme advice...

[Random Hero]

So I just messed around with the saddles a bit on my JP...and I was just wondering what the optimum height was for them to be at, to keep the radius, and get a super low action.

Is it mostly guess work, aslong as you make sure you keep the strings getting progressively lower towards the edge of the board, or is it precise measurements?

Thanks

 

[Raz]

Well it's not guess work, there are precise measuremants on the FAQ page for the height on the Low E ...once you establish it then using a radius jig or template you can set the height of your saddles to get and match the profile of the necks radius...

here is part of that FAQ:

Q: What is the string height off the neck supposed to be?

A: The approximate factory settings are 1/16" or 1.5875mm from the bottom of the string to the top of the 12th fret.

Players can adjust the action lower or higher to fit their playing style. Clockwise to raise the fretboard, counter clockwise to lower it.

Also check out this thread we talk about setting up guitars:
Set Up Thread

Here is a radius template, but you can easily make your own...

 

[Random Hero]

Well I have the Low E set to 1/16, and when I lowered the saddles, I lowered them all by the same amount, to keep the radius.

Hopefully its correct!

 

[Raz]

Well I have the Low E set to 1/16, and when I lowered the saddles, I lowered them all by the same amount, to keep the radius.

Hopefully its correct!

Fantastic, then it should be ready for some hi-speed shredding...any buzzes can then be sorted out with some tweaks int the neck. Man I just missed an EBMMJP on Ebay for a ridiculously low price...but something smelled funny about the seller..oh the quest goes on..

 

[tommyindelaware]

Well I have the Low E set to 1/16, and when I lowered the saddles, I lowered them all by the same amount, to keep the radius.

Hopefully its correct!

it's correct if you like the way it feels !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Random Hero]

it's correct if you like the way it feels !!!!!!!!!!

lol well I do.

Love it infact

 

[jongitarz]

Someday when I have time(yeah right) I will re write the FAQ stuff. It needs to be done.

 

[Random Hero]

Someday when I have time(yeah right) I will re write the FAQ stuff. It needs to be done.

you need to help me with my radius issues!

 

[MikeVt]

Jon,
When you do revisit the FAQ, can I make a suggestion? The part that REALLY threw me off when trying to learn how to do setups myself was the following passage:

"If a string buzzes on an open string to the 5th fret and no higher, more relief is needed. If there is more buzz from the 5th to the 12th fret, the neck needs to be straighter. "

Those two sentences caused me to go back and forth several times hoping to get it right and always unsure of whether I was really adjusting in the right direction. Since then, I've done a lot of reading on set up procedures, and I think I've figured it out, but I'm still not completely sure. Everybody on the web seems to have a different view of where buzzing is caused by too much relief. Most people seem to say that buzzing above the 12th fret could be caused by too much relief. Some clarification here would be helpful - especially if EB necks are different.

Anyway, just a thought for the updated FAQ.
Thanks,
MikeVt

 

[Raz]

you need to help me with my radius issues!

Take a piece of bristol board (construction paper or thin cardboard) and cut it in a 2 x 3 strip. Loosen the strings or remove them, don't forget to put a soft sponge or cloth underneath the bridge. Cut a notch along the 3" side roughly in the centre to allow for the truss rod adjustment knob. Now place the jig against the neck, perpendicular to the neck...trace the radius of the neck. Now cut this shape out...now you have created a jig for your radius. Use it now to adjust the height of your saddles...I believe the link I posted shows a picture