Help! I need to adjust my action!

[Metalman_666]

hey guys, I may be a toneologist but that doesn't mean I know anything about basic guitar setup :22: :32:

So I've got an Ibanez SZ520 and I thought it might be nice to try and change the action height and see if I can get it play any better. Here's a picture... where do I adjust this, just with the 2 screws on the bridge?

Thanks in advance.

My SZ520 on the Ibanez site

 

[big_black]

Re: Help! I need to adjust my action!

Yes, on either side of the bridge. You may want to adjust your truss rod as well. A concave or convex neck can cause buzzing as well.

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Help! I need to adjust my action!

How do I go about adjusting it though? I know I take off the cover on the headstock but then what??

 

[Bludave]

Re: Help! I need to adjust my action!

You will need a metric set of allens to adjust the rod. Here is how to check it.
Hold the 6 string down on the first fret and the last. At the 7th fret you should have a little space between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret.
If the space is very small, loosen the rod by turning the screw to the left. MAKE SMALL ADJUSTMENTS. ¼" turns while checking the relief carefully. IF you have to much relief the neck will have a bow in it and the strings will buzz in the open position.
Make this adjustment carefully You should do the same check on the 1st string also. and check it whithin a day or so. Necks have a tendency to move after thay have been adjusted. Once you have the truss rod set to your liking you can now adjust the action. If your intentions are to lower the action, turn the screws on either side of the bridge to drop it down. As with the truss rod make small adjustments. After each adjustment it is a good idea to play up and down the neck, and bend the strings agressively to be certain the guitar is not going to choke when you bend the strings. Once you have the action where you want it you should also check the intonation. To do this sound the open string, and then the harmonic at the 12th fret. Use a good quality tuner to check this. Try to get each string tuned to perfect pitch in the open position as well as at the harmonic at the 12th fret. IF the harmonic is flat of the open string note, move the saddle forward. Good Luck..... take your time and be patient. Once this is done you will enjoy playng your guitar a lot more!!

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Help! I need to adjust my action!

thanks Bludave! Sure seems the complete guide to guitar setup.

 

[big_black]

Re: Help! I need to adjust my action!

First you want to sight the neck. Look down its length from the nut end. You will probably see a slight curve up (concave), or a backbow (convex). Turn the adjustment nut clockwise to decrease the amount of relief and straighten the neck, or counterclockwise to increase the amount of relief giving the neck underbow. I usually loosen the nut completely to begin with to let the truss rod "breathe" a little bit. Start by making little turns and you will see the nut loosen. Then tighten the truss rod little by little. Do it by 1/8 of a turn, wait 10 minutes, sight the neck, make another adjustment if nesessary. Over tightening will cause severe damage so be careful! If you make really small adjustments, you will be OK.

 

[big_black]

Re: Help! I need to adjust my action!

Dang, 'ya beat me to it!

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Help! I need to adjust my action!

lol thanks to you too big black, that's one thing I didn't know about the truss rod.