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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2
| Hello,
I have an Ovation CC057 which I really like but I find it harder to play than other acoustics I have tried. I can't figure why it seems harder. I have an Ibanez acoustic at home as well, and I have put the exact brand and gauge of strings on both yet the Ibanez is much easier to play. The action looks to be similar on both so I don't think it's that. The frets seem higher on the Ovation. Could that make it harder to play? The Ibanez is much older so maybe it's just use over time?
Anyone have a similar experience?
Thanks... |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 31
Location: Los Angeles, California | Hi, and welcome!
I just bought the same guitar you have and the action is pretty good for me. One of the "demo" models they had at the store had a lousy set-up but I'm assuming since you said it was about the same as your Ibanez that is not the problem. Is yours brand new? Used? Had it long?
The Celebrity does not have as low of an action as my Balladeer and I have an old parlor guitar that frets like "soft butter". The CC "feels" about the same as my Gibson. Not really hard but not as easy as some of the others.
If you want you can try lowering the strings by removing one shim under the bridge but there are a few things I would check before I did something like that.
Could it be "harder" to play because the neck/nut is narrower than you are used to? Maybe try switching to the Adamas strings. ???
Andy |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | Action is an elusive subject. Go to the Ovation Owner's Manual (PDF) or this link:
O Manual
Take a look at some of the measurements and things to look at. If the neck is right but the strings are high at the 12th fret - remove a shim. Ovations are very adjustable.
Fret hieght is another issue. The LX series have less fret removed in the truing process because of their design.
It never hurts to locate a local Luthier or tech to handle your stuff.
And Welcome! |
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Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 146
Location: Germantown, MD | Woody, as is often the case, is absolutely right: Check the measurements. If they don't match the specs and you bought it from a local shop, ask them to double check your measurements and, if necessary, remove/change a shim. This is preferable to trying to remove the shim yourself because of the possible risk to the pickup.
It's just an impression, but I think that the frets on a CC057 might be a bit more squared off than those on some other guitars.
Peace, and welcome,
John |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 31
Location: Los Angeles, California | MGD- Oops, MGB, (One is a car the other a beer. Better not get those mixed up)
Here is ONE answer, not necessarily the answer.
The fret height on MY CC057 is exactly .037"
The fret height on MY Ibanez is exactly .044"
Ergo, the Ibanez is taller by seven one-thousands of one inch, on mine. Neither has ever had a "fret job".
Andy |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2
| Hi guys,
Thanks for all the replys. I did two things that really improved the playability. First, I took out one of the shims and lowered the action. Second, I put a lighter gauge of string on it. It is much better now.
Thanks! |
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Ovation harder to play?
