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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | As many of you know, I've got an original Glen Campbell Deluxe Balladeer. These are hard to come by (best estimate was that only about 50-100 were ever built -- I'd guess closer to 50) and only three are owned by people on the board, including the very first one built for Glen with his initials at the 12th fret.
I've never been happy with the sound. It always sounded kinda crashy to me. I've always known that there was a problem with the saddle (it was very shallow, loose, and had 4-5 shims under it). I finally sanded a bone saddle for it. It was high when people were out for the NAMM show and Templeman said to "take off 2, no 3 mm from the bottom". I compromised at 2 1/2 mm.
The saddle fits snuggly width wise, and the action is perfect on it. And the sound --- WOW! It's a freakin' canon. Sounds great up and down the neck and power chords sound rich and big. This is the sound that Ovation started building their rep on in the late 60's (the guitar dates to late 68 - early 69.
Can you tell I'm thrilled? I might have to bring this guitar back to the next OFC gathering so people can see what they are like.... |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 347
Location: Reno, NV | So whats your action measurement now at 12th fret? Do you measure or do you just go by what feels right?
Whats your measurement from strings to the top of the bridge? |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | It does have a terrific and loud sound. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | I've never measured at the 12th fret. It feels right and the intonation at the 12th fret is spot on. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | The GCDB was about 1.5mm higher at the 12th than the action Moody's '87 collectors, which he was happy with. There was sufficent string-break on the GC not to need a neck reset. The simple rule is; for each 1mm change in action at the 12th fret you need 2mm at the saddle.
That particular guitar is a monster. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | I always like a reasonably high saddle in order to get a strong break over it to maximize sound. This saddle, to my eye, is lower than I would have liked, but the sound and playability of this guitar is so good now, I don't think that having a higher saddle would do anything for it.
It's ready to go into a jam with a bunch of Martins and hold it's own. |
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Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | You should experiment with different kinds of strings until you get it just perfect. Dave |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 863
Location: Central Florida | Good on ya, Paul. I'm glad you were able to help the GCDB rediscover its voice... Enjoy! |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | I did a hotel room neck re-set on his 70's Viper, and that plays real nice now too. |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | Nothing like a bone saddle and a good set up to make a guitar come alive.. |
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Finally -- Just Right!