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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Seattle | Yesterday, I acquired a 1122-4 classic in fine condition (through Ebay) and am a brand new member. The Seller put on La Bella, probably medium tension nylon strings. The distance from the high E (nylon)string to the beveled edge of the fret, especially in the lower positions, is smaller than in other typical classicals I have, and the string slips off the edge of the fret when I am playing fast. I am considering lowering the strings about 1mm at the bridge anyway and am wondering what to do about the string slipping (occasional, but annoying). I will measure the nut width but perhaps the 1973(??. my serial# is 019613) made units had a narrower neck and nut on their earlier classicals compared to the later units? Perhaps a higher tension string (harder to play but compensated by the lowered action)will reduce this E string slipping problem? If the edge of the fret were not beveled so much but flat, with edges polished to prevent cutting, that would add 1+mm to the fret clearance and may solve the problem. I play classical style left hand position with thumb low down and don't rub the fret edges. What little fret wear there is on this guitar is in the first several positions, and if changing these frets were the only solution, I will do it.
I love the punchy loud tone of the guitar. The best (and adequately loud for an acoustic nylon) sound is when the strings are plucked lightly which makes for real ease of playing. There are NO cracks in this mint condition unit and I would also like a pointer or two on maintaining it, humidifying, etc. to keep it crack free. It is in the Ovation factory case.
Great to have this friendly forum.
Thanks
sambagroove |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1889
Location: Central Massachusetts | Another Northwesterner! Welcome! You just missed the NW OFC party, but there will be others. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | The price list shows the 1122 to be a Classic Balladeer, but the Ovation site doesn't show it on the discontinued models. So there isn't a description of whether it was made for nylon strings. I don't know, but I'm guessing it might have been made for steel strings, which might be the cause of your problem.
As far as care, just don't let it get too dry (below about 40%) or go from extreme heat to cold or vice versa, probably not a problem in Seattle. There are lots smarter people on this board who can answer your question. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Hi sambagroove, Welcome and congratulations,..is the nut perhaps a tad narrower then the neck,so that you could move it a bit to the other side,if not,then you could perhaps find one that `s a little smaller,or you could make/have one made,it certainly would be a lot easier/cheaper ,than fiddling with frets.. :) |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Seattle | The nut is 1 7/8" exactly per specs. I am used to more space between the outer strings and the end of the frets in typical classical guitars (one look shows the significant difference). I have learned to adjust by being a little less sloppy in my left hand fingering and this is actually strengthening my technique. I have come to like the Ovation bright tone so much that I prefer it to my other classicals (I don't have an expensive concert grade instrument; my best one is a 1979 Takamine C134S, solid cedar top with full rich tome). I get a softer, "bass-ier" tone, good for bossa/samba by right hand plucking further away from the bridge, and a slight adjustment in my right finger attack. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Huh? I thought 1122 was 2 inch nut. Anyway, you could put on a new nut and cut the string spacing a little closer. Dave |
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July 2002
Posts: 1900
| ..I wouldn't think the classic balladeer would be braced for steel strings?...sounds risky.. |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Get hygrometer. |
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nylon E string slips off fret 1122-4