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Setting up an Ovation.

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   Forums Archive -> The Vault: 2002-2003Message format
 
luthier444
Posted 2002-12-06 4:37 PM (#215484)
Subject: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 255

I was wondering how many Ovation owners would like to know how to set one up.
Nut action
Saddle height
neck relief or warp
A straight neck isnt always good.
Sometimes things are not what they should be. ;)

Hint: High nut action means lower saddle height.
Hint. Overwarped neck means body fret slap.
Hint. Overbowed neck means a mess.
Meant for beginners :) At the factory to know what someone is talking about. Warped means a loose truss rod or relief. Bowed means a tight truss rod or the opposite of relief. :D

[ December 06, 2002: Message edited by: luthier444 ]
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jrwilson48
Posted 2002-12-06 6:38 PM (#215485 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 23

Location: Indiana
Well yea I would like to know,just had one setup for only $20 but still would like to know
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Ricker
Posted 2002-12-06 7:48 PM (#215486 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 30

I definitely love to know. Knowledge is the root of all trouble. :D
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jbraa
Posted 2002-12-07 7:58 AM (#215487 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
August 2002
Location: Everett, Wa
I too would like to learn about these things, especially about the nut action. It's my 25th anniversary next week and want to show my wife that all the time I spend on this board isn't wasted!
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Beal
Posted 2002-12-08 9:46 AM (#215488 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
Hey Luther Route 44,
Why not work something out with Alpep and have it posted in the reference section?
If your guitar is this way, do this.
If it is that way, do that.
Factory set ups for the nut, saddle, action etc are the following.....
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luthier444
Posted 2002-12-08 9:52 AM (#215489 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 255

Hello. Plesae excuse my grammer.

The little tricks make it easy to set these up.
The first thing I do is check the warp or bow in the neck, The easiest way is to use the low E string as a straight edge. Push and hold the first fret down with left hand and then , with the right hand pinky hold the body fret on the same string. Holding both use your right hand index and tap the Low E string in the center of the neck. There should only be between a 64th to a 32nd space between the string and the fret. {A credit cards thickness.} No space ,the neck is too tight. This warp compensates for the excursion of the string when plucked.
Next Check the the nut height . A low nut can reduse the life of the first position frets and cause buzzing. A high nut action can cause buzzing all the way up the neck. This is because the saddle may be lower, but read the same height at the 12th fret. On the string that you want to check, Press and hold the 3rd fret while tapping the first fret. The unwound strings can be slightly closer than the wound strings. So an easy way to gauge the tap space is use an index card or .10" to check the E and B, A thin pick on the rest of the strings, Factory specs for the action is 3 32nds on the 12th fret low E. 2 32nds on the 12th fret high E. Depending on how hard you play , It can be changed to desired height.
There should be shims under the pickup saddle that you can remove,. Be careful when removing pickup.
OH one more thing. It is always good to make sure the bolt is tight on K bar necks. Vibration can loosen them over time, lowering the neck angle. Rare though.
I hope this helps in any way. K.

[ December 08, 2002: Message edited by: luthier444 ]

[ December 09, 2002: Message edited by: luthier444 ]

[ December 19, 2002: Message edited by: luthier444 ]
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alpep
Posted 2002-12-08 3:32 PM (#215490 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583

Location: NJ
Luthier
if you want to write up some set up tips it would be great and we could find a place to post them.
just e me or call you have my number.
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Mr. Ovation
Posted 2002-12-08 8:45 PM (#215491 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7236

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
Would be a nice addition to the reference section.
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RockyA
Posted 2002-12-25 6:52 AM (#215492 - in reply to #215484)
Subject: Re: Setting up an Ovation.


Joined:
December 2002
Posts: 1

Location: Quad Cities USA
I just normally use a capo on the first fret when setting up my guitars, it leaves the other hand free.
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