Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

[Kenni]

Hello

As the title says...
I have an old acoustic guitar in, where the action is too high, and the neck is almost impossible to play, especially from 5th fret and on...
The saddle is as low as it will go, the same for the nut, and the bridge has been shaved a little... so I'm looking for options..
I do a lot of repair, setup and maintenance on guitars, so I know my fair share, but opinions would be nice, from you all..
A Neck Re-set is obviously the way to go here, but do I have another alternative?

Cheers.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

You can shave the bridge down if it's tall. There's also something called a 'bridge doctor' that you can use if the problem is being caused by the top warping, it fits in the guitar and applies counterforce under the bridge.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

Yep, first check the bridge belly with a ruler. You might see a bulge behind the bridge and a dip between the soundhole and the bridge.

 

[VinceT]

Re: Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

Also, look for a Dan Erlewine video, where he sands a contour into the base of the bridge plate to counteract the bulging top of an acoustic. Not only is it highly educational and informative, it’s kind of meditative to watch!


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[Aceman]

Re: Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

Save your money and buy a new guitar.

What is the "old" guitar...Vintage Martin? If not, skip the hassle. New Guitar is best cost/benefit.

There is an alternative for you...

 

[ICTGoober]

Re: Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

Yes, please let us know what instrument you have, and maybe some pictures of the problem?

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

Yep, first check the bridge belly with a ruler. You might see a bulge behind the bridge and a dip between the soundhole and the bridge.

This isn't necessarily an indicator of a problem. Every acoustic I've seen that was older than 40 has at least a little belly bulge and dip under the strings. It could be a problem though, so if the OP can show the amount of dip with some pictures someone here could probably let him know if it's worth worrying about.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Old Acoustic Needs Neck Re-set - other options?

Neck reset is really the only option.