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Neck set up question.


CJTopes

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Posted

So it looks like the weather change here in WI is messing with the neck of my new Prospect. Not unusual, it happens on other guitars. The difference with this is that I'm getting buzzing on the first couple up frets but the action on the 10th fret on up has risen. Normally this time of year I would just tweak the truss rod to lessen the tension. But if I do that I'm thinking the fret but on the first few frets will increase. Any idea whats going on here. I would just take it in but I'm running short on "guitar cash" since one of my bands split.

Any advice is appreciated..

Posted

How old is your guitar? The weather could be a coincidence and the problem could be the nut slots getting worn down. My 2001 H150 I bought last year needed a new nut immediately and was probably way overdue.

 

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Posted

Loosen the truss, this will give the relief required for the first frets. As stated you expected this.

 

Otherwise call me to chat further.

Guy

 

Thanks!!!

Posted

Well I'm sure i'll get a lot of pushback from what I'm about to say (rum & diet coke in hand) but...

 

In my humble assessment, Heritage fretwork before the new owners took over was shit because they didn't plek the frets like Gibson does and if all you ever do is play jazz with a high action, who cares? It's no big deal. BUT if you want a low action with high performance (plays like butter) the factory never got their frets to that level of perfection.

 

You want proof? Here's one of my brand new Heritage guitars at the plek machine a few years ago.

https://youtu.be/KQJYB3Sq1zw

Posted

loosen the rod 1/8 turn at a time. if buzzing disappears and action is too high above10th fret, lower the bridge to compensate.

 

That's what I would try first. Anything more involved and I'm off to see the luthier.

 

I never heard the one about "jazz with high action" before. I like mine very low and my neck with very little relief.

Posted

loosen the rod 1/8 turn at a time. if buzzing disappears and action is too high above10th fret, lower the bridge to compensate.

 

+1 !!

Posted

First I would look at what relief you are starting with. Easy eyeball method, hold down the E string at the first and last fret and look towards the middle..is the string resting on the frets or is there a gap? If there is no relief, give it a little (turn left) if there is too much relief, I'd try to straighten it (I like a straight neck or close to it) and raise the bridge a tad if you have to. All that said that is what I would do with all my "bought used" collection..never had a guitar with a warranty. Maybe Rob will chime in..full disclosure I'm an amateur. Usually though after the winter ends and there is a little buzz at the first few frets I loosen the truss a little, usually works.

Posted

Well I'm sure i'll get a lot of pushback from what I'm about to say (rum & diet coke in hand) but...

 

In my humble assessment, Heritage fretwork before the new owners took over was shit because they didn't plek the frets like Gibson does and if all you ever do is play jazz with a high action, who cares? It's no big deal. BUT if you want a low action with high performance (plays like butter) the factory never got their frets to that level of perfection.

 

You want proof? Here's one of my brand new Heritage guitars at the plek machine a few years ago.

https://youtu.be/KQJYB3Sq1zw

That is a very accurate statement, it is not 2013 down there anymore... We talked for years about how you buy and new guitar and have a pro fully set it up to get the best, which is not the case anymore in most instances.

 

You, like me expect a guitar to play superbly... They are at pretty darn good right now without the PLEK.. which I expressed should be a primary core investment at the market they are seeking.

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