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Joined:
December 2002
Posts: 29
| I have an Ovation 12-string Balladeer (circa 1998)and realize that it is extremely difficult to fret the strings especially on the lower frets. I thought I might consider lowering the action. I understand that I must first set the neck relief. Then, I'm supposed to control the action by filing the nut slots and removing shims (if they exist) from under the bridge.
I checked on the web for guitar luthier supplies and a set of special-purpose files to do this is over $100. Are there any DIYers out there who can share what tools they use to do this? I realize I can take it to someone to do this, but I kinda want to do this myself.
Thanks,
Neil |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | First step:
Check to see if there are shims under the saddle!
If there are, remove one and try the action.
That's the primary, LEAST INVASIVE way of lowering the action. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Cliff's right, and 9 times out of 10 it will solve the problem. |
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Joined:
December 2002
Posts: 29
| Agreed. That would be simplest. However, I notice the biggest problem is on the frets closest to the nut. Do you still think lowering the saddle will help up there? |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | If the problem is at the first few frets then an action adjustment at the bridge will have no significant effect. It requires, as you've already figured out, a nut adjustment. Cutting a really nice nut not only takes the correct tools but some skill & experience & modifying the existing nut or nut-slot isn't worth the hassle. Any nut work is especially tricky with a 12-string. The correct tools include proper nut files for the wound strings & saws of appropriate gauge for the trebles. Needle files aren't up to the job. A badly cut nut is a pain in the ass. (Cliff - inuendo alert!!!) A decent tech can make a new nut from bone or a good synthetic for around half the price of a set of nut files. If you want to try a quick fix you could crack off the existing nut and attempt to plane or file down it's base a little. If you remove too much material you can shim it back up. This is much less hassle than attempting to re-cut individual nut-slots without the correct tools. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1196
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | Neil, cutting the nut slots is really a job for someone with experience. It is so easy to cut them to low, and you end up with a string banging on the frets. But nut height is so important for a well playing guitar. See if you can find someone in your area who does this type of guitar work. You will love the way your 12-string plays after you have this done. |
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Joined:
December 2002
Posts: 29
| Thanks, guys. You convinced me. I'll take it to a pro. |
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Filing nut slots
