Avalon DS200

[Sam Price]

I bought this guitar second hand and had it converted to a left handed version, as it's very hard getting hold of ideal left handed guitars.
(using a Saddleboy)

I have heard that bracing can cause tonal problems with conversions...would it be be a problem with my DS200? I have done some research into the AXX bracing system and have yielded no results.

Any advice would be most welcome.

[JB]

Hi Sam

It is possible and if there's any top that will suit a conversion it IS the AXX style because it is symmetrical.

The main problems are the nut but that's easy enough, just replace it with a lefty and the saddle, not so easy to do right because all saddles are angled for the correct intonation.

The proper way is to fill in the saddled slot and then re-route the channel at an opposite angle for the lefty saddle and everything will be fine.

I've known some players that just changed the nut, and replaced the saddle without touching the bridge saddle slot and everything was good enough for them ... but they only played at the bottom of the neck and never ventured near the 12th fret.

In a case like that the guitar intonation will be out the closer to the 12th fret they play.

I sure hope this helps
Cheers
Jim

[Sam Price]

Brilliant, and thankyou for your help!!

I am really grateful that the Silvers weren't designed using the AXE bracing, or I'll be in trouble!!!

I had my guitar converted last week using a British designed conversion kit, and in my excitement in making an inroad into Avalons, completely forgot about the bracing!

Thanks again

[Sam Price]

I would like to ask a question about the laminated rosewood back and sides of my Ds200...

Seagull's back and sides of the S6 series are made of 3 layer laminated woods, say for example, wild cherry.

Could any wise Avalon experts tell me the process of lamination with their guitars, please?


The only reason why I ask, is that I cannot believe the tone of this fine guitar. I refuse to believe that it is mainly the spruce top that is creating the sweet sustain, and the wholesome sound...sorry, I am going off to play it again...

BTW, what can I do to enhance the sound further? I cannot do anything about the Saddleboy converter I installed, (I am keeping my options open by being able to convert it easily to a rightie should I ever sell it to get a Gold...)

Would changing the bridge pins help? I know that experimenting with different brands of strings helps too..

*BTW* I may be visiting the Factory in the Summer.....

[JB]

Hey there Sam

The only thing I can tell you about the laminated sides are that they are a 3ply type. These are supplied and used in the Korean factory only.

I'd say most of the excellent sound and resonance is a combination of the solid wood top and strut pattern.
But ... laminated sides can have a very good affect on the sound of a guitar as they tend to be very stiff / hard helping to give a bright sound with good trebles.

I can't help you at all with the Saddleboy, never had any experience with it ... heck ... never even seen one in the flesh.

Jim

edit ... you'd be most welcome to visit us at the factory and remember to bring some money with you ... atleast a guitars worth