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Saddle shims

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   Forums Archive -> The Vault: 2002-2003Message format
 
iconocoustica
Posted 2003-07-18 9:22 PM (#206517)
Subject: Saddle shims


Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 181

Location: North Carolina
Hi guys,

I would like to raise the action on my custom elite. Currently, there are 2 of the factory shims (phenolic?) under the saddle, each 1/32 ". I have called around locally and also to Elderly where I got the guitar to see if I could score a few of the factory shims and they all say they make their own and don't have the factory kind. It seems easy enough to me to just drop the factory shim in (or out) until I like the action rather than paying somebody $30 or so and then being without my ax while they cut me a new one. Does anybody know where I can get my Ovation-loving hands on one or two factory shims?

Thanks in advance,

Franklin
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TRboy
Posted 2003-07-18 9:38 PM (#206518 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims



Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 2178

Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR
Hey Franklin,

Email me your address and I'll send you one(1)I removed two(2)out from under the saddle of my 6868 Elite Standard to lower the action and now it is sweet & low with no string buzz! I'll probably use one(1)to raise the action a bit on my EA68 Viper so if you need one(1)I'd be more than happy to send it to you - Let me know!!!
. . . . . .


Mike :cool:
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iconocoustica
Posted 2003-07-19 7:28 AM (#206519 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 181

Location: North Carolina
Thanks a million, Mike! Will do.

Franklin
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willard
Posted 2003-07-19 9:07 AM (#206520 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1300

Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Franklin,
When I asked the same question a few months ago, I got lots of answers. From beer can metal to craft store plastic (which comes in various thicknesses). When I finally took things apart to raise the action a bit on my Legend, I found someone had used a piece of the Ace of Clubs from a deck of cards. It seemed to work just fine. I think if I had used another factory shim, the action would have been too high so I took out the Ace before I added the shim. It's perfect now.

An added note...When I first got my Legend from a Music-Go-Round store, there was a small plastic bag in the guitar case with the key and a small piece of phenolic in it. I asked the guys in the store what the plastic was and nobody could tell me. One of the guys thought it was probably something left over from the construction of the shell. I guess I won't be going back there for service on my Ovation.
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TRboy
Posted 2003-07-19 7:47 PM (#206521 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims



Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 2178

Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR
Hey Bill,

I remember your post and at the time I hadn't aquired (GAS) my Elite Standard but I did need one for my Viper (I wound up cutting one from the plastic lid of a Fogers coffee can-worked too!!)
So I was hoping for some "leads" from your post!

If I'd a had an "extra" at the time you would have been more than welcomed to it.....sorry :(
. . . . .


Mike :cool: (Maybe I'll get GAS again soon and aquire US a few!!)
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BruDeV
Posted 2003-07-19 9:14 PM (#206522 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 1498

Location: San Bernardino, California
Hobby shops also carry metal in various thicknesses. If I remember right the thinest you can get is .005 inch. The types of metal I've seen are brass, aluminum and stainless steel.
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Beal
Posted 2003-07-20 7:44 AM (#206523 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
remember whatever thickness you do at the saddle is 1/2 at the 12th fret. I would prefer the ace of spades or diamonds, not clubs.
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iconocoustica
Posted 2003-07-21 8:16 AM (#206524 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 181

Location: North Carolina
Since the saddle transmits the strings vibration to the bridge which then transmits it to the top, doesn't the type of material used as a shim affect the tone of the guitar? I've read that most repairmen use hardwood for shims. Sounds like almost anything can be used, but do acoustical properties matter?

Franklin
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an4340
Posted 2003-07-21 10:17 AM (#206525 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389

Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands
make shim from beer can. Soda can work good too.
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grrroovedude
Posted 2003-07-21 12:24 PM (#206526 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 299

Location: Netherlands
I guess if you have really good ears it matters, but string tension is so high i would think it's hardly noticeable.

I made shims from cardboard but also from 35mm negatives (they are super slim, so you can really adjust tiny heights).

Martin
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Bailey
Posted 2003-07-23 2:26 AM (#206527 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005

Location: Las Cruces, NM
Has any body thought about shims from panty liners?
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MSB
Posted 2003-07-23 4:14 AM (#206528 - in reply to #206517)
Subject: Re: Saddle shims


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 147

Bailey,

Its getting to be a ritual with me that when I see its after midnight Phoenix time I pour a 5 oz. Dixie cup half full of tequila and top it off with diet Pepsi.
Then I sit down at the computer thinking ‘I wonder what Bailey had to say about today’s OFC postings.’ While I only agree with you about half the time I like your posts. Or maybe It’s the Tequila I like. Anyway “keep those cards and letters coming” I give you two thumbs up for your opinion.

Mike
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