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Joined:
May 2014
Posts: 2
| Hello all!
Can't believe I haven't found this forum before now.
Recently acquired my third Ovation - a Balladeer 4861 made in Korea - for only $50!
It is playable as it, but needs some cosmetic work (which I can do) but I'd like to lower the action, and haven't the foggiest how to do so.
I've had no luck locating an Ovation repair shop in the Washington, DC area, and seek all of your wisdom in what to do now.
Thanks kindly in advance for you assistance... |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Welcome. Lowering the action can be simple or complex. If it's going to be simple, just remove the strings, gently prise out the saddle and remove the little piece of plastic (or whatever) that is underneath the saddle (called a shim).
If there is no shim there, it becomes more complex. The neck may need adjustment (there will be an Allen bolt inside the body). Check to see if the neck is bowed (simple way is sighting down the strings) and tighten the truss rod 1/4 turn. Leave it sit for a while, then reinspect and tighten as necessary.
If the action can't be lowered enough through those mechanisms, then the job is harder. |
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Joined:
May 2014
Posts: 2
| Now I just plain feel silly for not looking under the saddle!
The other Ovations I have both have very low action, so I never would have guessed that there would even be shims under there.
15 minutes of work, and 15000% increase in enjoyment - THANKS TAFKAR!!! |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | feel free to pot about if you like Buddy. Your newbie status has been lifted |
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Want to lower action on Balladeer 4861