Lowering action

[tcamp22]

Hello all. Thought I would tap the fountain of information in here. Anyway, I have an Avalon D32. I play a mix of finger and flatpicking. Well, I would like to lower the action a little. I havent actually done the measurements yet, but it seems a little high for my tastes compared to other guitars I've had.

Now, I dont want to tinker with the neck/truss rod. Its pretty straight. But, I was wondering a couple things. I have a fishman pickup, and there are some shims under the saddle. Is it okay to just take those out? If not, I guess sanding is the other option. Wondering if there are complications due to a split saddle. Also wondering if there is any kind of ratio for sanding. Example (and only example) if it measures 1" at the 12th fret, a ratio of 1/2" taken off of the saddle. This is only an example....its not an inch at the 12th fret.

I know this isnt rocket science, but any input anyone has would be appreciated. Just dont want to screw up a nice guitar.

Thanks,
Tim

[tcamp22]

Thanks John. Gotta feeling that will do the trick.

[Butz]

Hi Tim,
Some good tips there from John on the amputation of shims. The guitar should project better with-out them, so its worth doing.

If you do need to take anything off the saddles, it has to be done a little at a time with repeated refitting, retuning and playing up and down the arm. Make sure the sanded surface is square and flat (not rounded) and sits in a clean bed....... like all respectable little saddles should.

Regards,
Butz

[onemanband]

Removing 1 or 2 of the shims (depending on the action you prefer) is the easiest and most obvious option but..........if you fancy a little experimenting, why not buy a couple of bone and tusq saddle blanks and form them to different heights etc.. You can then swap to find your own preferred height/sound and just replace them with the originals if you need to change again in the future.

Have fun!!........

Brian

[morgs]

Tim


Definitely take the shims out. You can always put them back if it doesn't work. This will definitely lower the action. ( If you have a saddle-mounted transducer under the shims take care not to damage it!)

As a shortcut, put a capo on the guitar at about the 10th fret, slacken all the strings off, remove the pins and pull out the ball ends of the strings to get at the saddle. It should come up easily so you can remove the shims. Put the strings and pins back, take off the capo and tune up.

Good luck!

John

That's really good advice John! Thanks.

[Kyle]

Along similar lines - I bought a DS-100 last year, and I really feel the action is too high...

Any advice ? Would I be unwise to remove the saddle and alter its height??