Anthony_JB Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 Hey everyone! I decided to give my new Casino some tender loving care by buying a Dunlop Guitar kit. I oiled up the fretboard with the Lemon oil and polished the body. I even bought some new strings. First time restringing my Casino and oh boy, is it different from stringing a Strat. (It's a pain in the ***.) I think I might have messed with the bridge or something because now my low E string (the 6th) buzzes a lot as if it's hitting the fret. How do I adjust the bridge the right way? Good rule of thumb? I have the Tune-o-Matic bridge on it and I don't know if I have to have the bridge level all the way or just raise the side of the low E. First Casino, I need tips. Greatly appreciated! Anthony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron G Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 First Casino or first guitar with an adjustable bridge? I'm going to guess the latter. There is no "right" way. But a good starting point would be to adjust the action to the Epiphone factory specs detailed in the owner's manual. On the two outside (E) strings, at the twelfth fret, measure the distance between the top of the fret ant the bottom of the string. Epi specs are 4/64" (high E) and 6/64" (low E). If you don't have a ruler that measures in 64ths, you can get one at Home Depot for less than five bucks. In case you don't have your manual, here's a PDF: http://www.epiphone.com/images/EpiOwnrsManul.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony_JB Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 I adjust the bridge by turning the thumb wheels on the TOM correct? By the way, thanks for the information! Very useful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron G Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 I adjust the bridge by turning the thumb wheels on the TOM correct? Yes but you'll need to loosen the strings to relieve the tension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony_JB Posted May 25, 2009 Author Share Posted May 25, 2009 Cool deal! Thanks! Here's a picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 NICE, looking Casino there, Anthony! Don't forget to "stretch" your strings, as well. New strings (because they're new, and haven't been stretched by constant tuning) will often buzz a bit. You can make the adjustments needed, and then readjust later, if needed, as well. Sometimes, even different string brands, will behave a bit differently...New! While you're at it, graphite or pencil lead the nut slots, to lube them, and keep your strings from binding. Then, you should be "good to go!" Cheers, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony_JB Posted May 26, 2009 Author Share Posted May 26, 2009 I make sure to stretch a new set everytime; takes out all the slack. Graphite or pencil led the slots? I've never heard of that. I just grab a pencil and write over the slot? Thanks Charlie! My first one Archtop/Epiphone and I must agree, she is beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafaelh Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Graphite or pencil led the slots? I've never heard of that. I just grab a pencil and write over the slot? Talking the same thing...although CB's way is just using the led shavings or graphite dust....Lol,I think is what he means. Anyhow the end result's the same. I personaly never done either and never had an isuue...guess just lucky. Nice Casino btw....congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timandbob Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Talking the same thing...although CB's way is just using the led shavings or graphite dust....Lol' date='I think is what he means. Anyhow the end result's the same. I personaly never done either and never had an isuue...guess just lucky. Nice Casino btw....congrats![/quote']Nice Casino. Did the pencil thing with my Dot at the last string change last week. Did wonders when I played and did string bends. But, so far, its just this one gig test. I have another gig this weekend so after that I will know for sure how well the graphite/pencil shavings are working for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Well, it's a precaution, and harmless...so, I do it every string change. Just use graphite powder...or, (what I do) use a #2 pencil, sharpened enough to get down into the groves on the nut, and rub it back and forth as needed to coat each slot, dark. You can wipe away any excess, after the strings are in there, and tuned. If, when you tune, and have not used the graphite/pencil lead, and you hear a "ping" as you tune...it's the string binding in the nut slot. The graphite just gets rid of that, by "lubing" the slots. Makes for less tuning, quite often, because there's no binding and slipping. Lots of folks, at first, think their tuning machines are bad, or slipping, but it's usually NOT that...it's usually the nut/binding problem. Anyway, it's up to you...was just a suggestion. ;>) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mgrmatt Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Anthony JB, Awesome lookin Casino! As usual CB comes through with good advice, it is very beneficial with most standard (stock) Epis that have plastic nuts that tend to have more of a binding issue. mgm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg M Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 The pencil/graphite trick is a good solution. Also, there is some stuff on the market called Big Bends Nut Sauce. The Big Bends stuff come with an applicator. One tube is enough to last for a lifetime. The problem with the nut is usually an improperly cut nut. The nut groove should taper downward from the fretboard end to the tuner end. Also, the tuner end of the slots should fan out a bit to allow the strings to angle toward the tuner. Minor details that make a difference. But, as said above, the graphite works. If you want the problem to go away forever, have a tech fix the nut. It's a three munute job with the proper nut files. Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony_JB Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 I've managed to reduce the buzzing significantly by raising the bridge. I even went ahead and lubed up my nut slots. However, now I have the weird rattling noise. It's coming from the lower end of the guitar by the bridge. It's only noticeable when it's unplugged but it's annoying. What could it be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron G Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 VERY good chance it's the bridge that's rattling - Casinos are notorious for it. The screws and retaining wire tend to rattle. If that's it, other members can point to a drop-in replacement you can install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 However' date=' now I have the weird rattling noise. It's coming from the lower end of the guitar by the bridge. It's only noticeable when it's unplugged but it's annoying. What could it be.[/quote'] Two things: - as others pointed out, the bridge. Casinos and bridges equals rattle. Search around and you will find out ways to remedy it. - my Casino produced this bizarre rattling, still does. I was sick. Insane noise. Then I realized it was the pickup selctor switch. When in the middle position it can rattle sometimes. Chack that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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