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cionian

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Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Hi,

I've purchased a floyd smy2d back in 08 but have rarely had occasion to play it much due to personal circumstances. I've attempted to set the guitar up with a locally recommended technician as well as attempting myself to adjust it to no avail; I think there may actually be something wrong with it and wanted to know what's the deal with sending the guitar back to the factory for an overview?

Thanks,

Tom.
 

cionian

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Hi guys,

I live in Melbourne Australia; the store recommended a luthier with whom they deal with and have taken the guitar to him a few times. For all I know there may be nothing wrong with it but I keep getting this uncomfortable feeling. I don't really know all that much about guitars and setups. I've tried to solicit information from this forum as well as the luthier himself but what I really need is an authority to take a look at it and say..there's nothing or something wrong with it. The main issue is that I can't seem to be buzz free without the strings being quite high. I also don't for example know how much of a difference is in principle to setting up a guitar..the luthier here may be correct in all that he says but I just don't know. If CS is the way to go I'll contact them and organise shipping etc...otherwise if you know someone locally who knows about EBMMs please advise.

Thanks.
 

yellowv03

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
433
Location
Florida
Any decent luthier worth his salt should be able to set that guitar up and or tell you if it has an issue in 30 minutes. Sending it to EBMM from Australia for a setup is gonna cost you a buttload in shipping for a very little amount of bench time. What is making you think something is wrong with it.
 

JMD

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Joined
Mar 14, 2011
Messages
159
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Get a second opinion - from someone will show you his/her assessment and explain the set-up. I think any professional should also have enough communication skills and take the time to educate the customer (i.e. take out the lingo and speak plainly) - then you can make an informed desicion regarding it's issues/non-issues. Tough situation - hope it works out for the best for you.
 

cionian

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Get a second opinion - from someone will show you his/her assessment and explain the set-up. I think any professional should also have enough communication skills and take the time to educate the customer (i.e. take out the lingo and speak plainly) - then you can make an informed desicion regarding it's issues/non-issues. Tough situation - hope it works out for the best for you.

I think this is very sensible. See how we go.. Cheers.
 

ScreaminFloyd

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Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
712
Mostly it looks like a communication problem as well. Don't ship it to SLO, If anything ship it to Colin. I'm not sure how far away you are from Colin. It is tough finding and trusting a Tech you dont know with your Guitar. Even worse if there is no communication. If I need my Music Man guitar worked on, It does not leave my sight. I wait at the Guitar store and watch and ask questions from the other side of the counter. I know the Tech though at my local guitar shop and I've learned a lot. Some people dont have that option though. Floyds can be tricky, at least for me. High action and low string buzzing could be a couple of things. Best though for to learn and read as much as you can regarding your guitar. Then hopefully you will be able to find someone you trust and cares about you being happy with their set up. Good luck to you. Keep us posted.
 

cionian

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Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Mostly it looks like a communication problem as well. Don't ship it to SLO, If anything ship it to Colin. I'm not sure how far away you are from Colin. It is tough finding and trusting a Tech you dont know with your Guitar. Even worse if there is no communication. If I need my Music Man guitar worked on, It does not leave my sight. I wait at the Guitar store and watch and ask questions from the other side of the counter. I know the Tech though at my local guitar shop and I've learned a lot. Some people dont have that option though. Floyds can be tricky, at least for me. High action and low string buzzing could be a couple of things. Best though for to learn and read as much as you can regarding your guitar. Then hopefully you will be able to find someone you trust and cares about you being happy with their set up. Good luck to you. Keep us posted.

This is another good tip though unfortunately Colin lives in another state; will keep in mind though and keep you all posted. I will take the guitar to another tech locally for a second opinion first.
 

brokenvail

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Joined
Jul 6, 2007
Messages
755
Location
Lakeland, FL
This is another good tip though unfortunately Colin lives in another state; will keep in mind though and keep you all posted. I will take the guitar to another tech locally for a second opinion first.

Another state is way better and cheaper then sending it to the US for a look I would assume. Colin may know some techs in your area also.
 

cionian

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Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Another state is way better and cheaper then sending it to the US for a look I would assume. Colin may know some techs in your area also.

I've done some research and have booked a setup on Friday with a local tech @ Real Guitars

The guy's name's Brendan and he rates highly with the local talent in Melb.
 

cionian

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Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Sending SMY2D back to EBMM; Update.

A quick update. Took the guitar in 14th with some EB strings..found out that it'll need to stay for a week. He had a quick look at it..explained a bunch of which I didn't understand anything.. I explained about the buzz and also of the need for a second opinion (being him).. He wasn't fussed..very laid back, she'll be right kind of guy. Got it back 21st and found that he wound it with the standard EB 10s which were in the case.. I apologised and brought his attention to the brown paper bag right next to the guitar with 18 strings in it and a little slip of paper noting the gauges I'd like on it (Morse's).. He seemed confused but then remembered and restrung them on the spot.. I paid 92 bucks, the quote was for 75..he seemed to charge for my strings as well.. Anyway, the thing buzzes more than before..the action is even a little higher..just over 2mm from top of 12th fret to bottom of string.. The only positive that I can tell is the intonation.. He said something about lowering the nut as well..will need to call back and find out exactly what was done to it for reference.. He also said that new guitars can be hit or miss..that mine wasn't too bad except for some slight uneven frets here and there.. He really didn't seem bothered by it and recommended just to play as they'll wear down in time. I also noticed there were three other MMs in there..there was one petrucci for sale and two in their cases.

Anyway..two cents to anyone who can guess whether I'm happy or not..
 

Mpcoluv

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Joined
Oct 16, 2010
Messages
129
Does it buzz acoustically? Through the amp?
A super low and buzz free action are hard to come by.

I personally like a medium action as opposed to a really low one.
 

cionian

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Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Does it buzz acoustically? Through the amp?
A super low and buzz free action are hard to come by.

I personally like a medium action as opposed to a really low one.

Yes it buzzes through the amp and being a little over 2mm (string bottom not middle mind you) does not seem to be low action.. The neck's quite straight from what I can tell..very little relief. The strings I'm using are quite light and my hand's quite heavy due to three fingers on the pick which doesn't help.. Playing the thing is actually OK except the buzz through the amp's clean (Trace Elliot Speed Twin).. Maybe I'm being completely idiotic about all this..

Glenn, I may contact Colin at some time. I think maybe for now I'll just play the thing.. Perhaps it'll settle in time.
 

Roubster

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Joined
Aug 20, 2005
Messages
2,639
Location
Crooklyn, NY
Did you contact Customer Service yet? I'm sure they can walk you through it as that is why they are there man. No offense, but no one from the forum can fix the problem. It can be several different factors.
 

cionian

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Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
234
Did you contact Customer Service yet? I'm sure they can walk you through it as that is why they are there man. No offense, but no one from the forum can fix the problem. It can be several different factors.

None taken.. I'm just sharing my experience here, not expecting for a diagnosis and fix.. The title of this thread indicates my frustration in-line with your suggestion..

Glenn suggested contacting Colin as he's here in Aus..I may possibly do that a little later on. Contacting CS is a last resort as I'm sure they'll just cover the material in the FAQ's and ask me to send it back if issue still persists.
 

guitarp77

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Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
1,094
Location
Santiago, Chile
Cust Serv is great. They helped me a lot with an issue I had with the SMY2D, and now I´m happier than a two-tailed dog with it
 
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