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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 7
Location: Sierra Madre, California | I just got my 1778T this Monday. I was wondering what material does Ovation use for the nut on this guitar?
The reason I am asking is that it looks like the slots for the D and G strings are cut really deep and there is not much space between those strings and the first fret. I was thinking I might have to have a new nut made.
Also, has anyone lowered the action on this guitar before? What would be involved? It has the LX bridge on it.
Higher up on the neck the action is a bit higher and I was hoping I could get it close to some of my electrics.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Michael |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I believe they're using Tusq nuts now.
T'lower your action, y'need to take a shim (or 2)out from under the saddle . . . |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | I doubt the nut is cut too low. Take out one .020" shim from under the saddle, and take most of the relief out of neck by turning the truss-rod "in". If I fret the 1st and 13th frets, the low E almost touches the 6th fret, but it doesn't buzz when I play, and it sounds amazing, so were good here.
I'm quickly falling in love with my Custom Elite... |
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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | Me too Fred, from the first minute I saw it ... |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | :D
Seriously,
I would never buy a guitar like this for myself. It's just too pretty. I'm really glad the adjustments came out the way they did. I played tonught at church, and after a little tweaking on the pre-amp, I found a sound that seemed to work. Now, if only I could play half as good as it sounds...
Michael, You get your Elite T dialed in, and you'll never look back!! |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4070
Location: Utah | Michael, my daughters 1778T has the slots cut very deep in the nut, but the actual fret clearance is fine.
Try fretting between the 2nd and 3rd frets and then look at the gap between the string and the top of the 1st fret. There should be a very slight gap. I need my reading glasses to see the gap. An alternative to looking at the gap is to lightly tap the string onto the first fret. You can feel if there is indeed a gap or if it is touching.
A small gap is fine, but if there is no gap, the nut slot is cut too low.
I really like the playability (and sound!) of Martin Marquis 80/20 strings, light gauge. The phosphor bronze seem a bit stiffer to me. Try some 80/20s and you might find you don't need to lower the action. |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 7
Location: Sierra Madre, California | Thanks everybody for your replies.
FlySig - it sounds like your daughter's guitar and mine are similar in they way the nut was cut. It does look deep.
My wife took our 4 month old and 4 year old out for the morning and early afternoon this past Monday so I had plenty of time to play. I am not getting any fret buzz so I think I am OK.
I'd still like to have the action lowered but I'll have someone check out if there is a necessary truss rob adjustment that has to happen in conjunction with that or not.
Thanks for the string recommendation. I'll have to give them a try. I had a set of 12 gauge Elixirs (nanoweb -phosphor bronze) on a cheap Yamaha acoustic and I really liked the feel. I was going to give those a try when the current set needs changing which is soon. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4070
Location: Utah | You can check the neck relief yourself with a long straight edge. I have to hit the sack for an 0'dark 30 shift tomorrow so I can't dig out the details, but IIRC you can find instructions at Frets.com as well as a number of other good sites.
Basically you will put a straight edge on the frets and see if there is a slight gap at about the 10th fret. There should be a slight gap only. You can carefully make minor truss rod adjustments to get the relief just right.
If noone else chimes in with some links, I'll try to find some for you. It isn't hard to do, you just have to be patient. |
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1778T - what material is used for the nut and an action question