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March 2002
Posts: 20
Location: WPB, FL | Hi,
I just purchased a 12 string model 1615 and the action seems a little high to me. However, I am a complete novice, and just learning to play. I have a 6 string acoustic for that.
My dream for many years was to learn to play "Under the Double Eagle" on a 12 string like Roy Clark. Well, to make a joyful noise anyway.
Back to my question. Is their a height measurement? If so, what and where measured from?
I did loosen all of the strings, snug the big 6th? measure to the 32nd, tune all of the strings and gauged no discernible difference in height. From the reference on this sight I determined it is a 1981 model, but that is all I know. thanks for any help.
Harold |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Tune the guitar.
Hold down the bass E string at the first and where the neck joins the body. At the mid point between those two there should be about .005" of a gap. That will tell you if your neck is basically straight.
Next measure from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string. Bass side should be 3/32 and the treble 2.5/32. That will be comfortable. especially on a 12 string. On a 6 string I always liked a 3&2 action (3/32 and 2/32) Martin used to use a 4&3 set up but I think they're lower now. Electrics should be 2.5&1.5.
Much of this will be to your likes and style. A higher action will make the guitar sound better. A lower action is easier to play. If you've got a heavy right hand a low action will buzz like crazy. You decide what's right for you. |
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December 2001
Posts: 7236
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Hey cwk2,
I didnt' know it was possible to check the action without a dime and a matchbook cover. |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Yes it is possible but it's a highly technical procedure and should not be tried at home without proper supervision and preparation. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 20
Location: WPB, FL | Thanks for the input! I am going to get right on that. I would do the dime and matchbook method, but I can't remember the last time I saw a matchbook, they're pretty rare it seems!
Now if my music abilities were only as good as my technical mechanical grasp.
Thanks again guys |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 28
Location: Chicago | Suggestion: Bill's tips here for action adjustment, as well as the suggestions in the other thread about the shims and how much to turn the truss rod... these are things that maybe should be added to the reference section. While they're not hard to find now, as this site grows and the bulletin board gets bigger, tips like those may be hard for new members to find. |
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March 2002
Posts: 873
Location: puerto vallarta, mexico | good idea phaseshift. might prevent the same questions from being asked over and over. this is probably the most common adjustment a guitar owner would want t make. russ
is a word search feature possible on this site? |
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December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | I think any 12 string guitar regardless of the maker will need some adustment in time if not a neck reset. I do not believe that Ovation has any abnormal adjustment or failure rate compared to any other builder in the industry |
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March 2002
Posts: 873
Location: puerto vallarta, mexico | i agree al. that is why they are made with an adjustable neck in the first place. there is allot of tension on a 12 string. throw in temp and humidity changes and general abuse it is a wonder they stay straight as well as they do. i think anybody with even a little mechanical ability should learn how to tweak their action. it is very satisfying to successfully improve the action. and even the top of the line guitars need it over the years. |
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March 2002
Posts: 20
Location: WPB, FL | Well now,
I took out the one shim under the bridge 0.023" and tightened the truss nut 1/2 turn. bass clearance is now 4/32 to previous 6/32 annd treble is 3/32 to previous 5/32 +/-.
I put on new strings and it seems pretty good. The clearance on the first fret is really close, but I don't think it is a problem. Sounds fine. I am having a heck of a time tuning the B strings. Might I have over stressed them and thus spoiled their resonance so that they are out of sync with the rest of the strings?
As I noted earlier, I am a brand new beginner and this 12 string rascal is a lot more challenge then my cheapy Johnson 6 string. But I will persevere. Thanks, guys.
Harold |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 873
Location: puerto vallarta, mexico | when you next are ready to change strings, try pulling out one more shim if there are any. i played a 12 string last night at a beach party. low action is really important or it becomes too much of a chore. feels good to have done this minor adjustment yourself, doesn't it? russ |
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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 56
| I found this thread in the archive as I investigate how to adjust the action on my new Legend.
How do you measure the distance between the top of a fret and the bottom of the string in 32nds of an inch?
Alina |
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March 2002
Posts: 20
Location: WPB, FL | Hi Alina,
Most hardware stores, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. sell a 6" scale that measures to 64ths and has decimal eqivalents on the back. You use it just like any other ruler. A magnifying glass or jewelers loupe is a helpful addition.
Harold |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | those little 6" scales are invaluable. They make the numbers much smaller and don't print them as dark as they did 20 years ago unfortunately. At least it seems that way. |
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12 string action height
