Not so flat top

[ozigor]

I have a MASTERBILT DR500M and I notice that the top is slightly raised at the bridge.

I would say about 2-3mm.

I guess this is due to the string tension.

Is this tolerable or should the guitar remain perfectly flat??

[zombywoof]

Cannot speak to the Masterbilt line specifically but most flattops are not really flattops but have a slightly radiused top.

[Red 333]

...most flattops are not really flattops but have a slightly radiused top.

 

+ 1

 

Red 333

[bill67]

The top raises in damp weather.

[TP]

You will want to get something to control the humidity. Guitars are happiest when the humidity is between 40-60%. Mine are happiest around 40% so that is where I try to maintain the humidity in my music room. In my case, I live in a dry climate during the winter months and need to keep solid wood guitars in their cases with humidification. If you live in a humid area, you may need a de-humidifier for your cases.

[ozigor]

Thanks for the info friends.

 

I have a humidity instrument (forgotten the name) to measure the air in my house. I don't have the luxury of a music room.

I will have to humidify my guitars for winter as the heating will dry out the air, but summer doesn't get that humid. The highest I have noticed was around the high 60's.

So I just have to put up with that. If it gets any higher I will get some case de-humidifiers

Thanks again everyone for the info.

[zombywoof]

One notable exception to the radiused tops would be Gibsons starting about 1969. They went to flattops - Just another bright idea from the bean counters who gave us the square shoulder J-45.

[TP]

One notable exception to the radiused tops would be Gibsons starting about 1969. They went to flattops - Just another bright idea from the bean counters who gave us the square shoulder J-45.

 

:) :)

 

(Please don't let them thing about any square shoulder J-45 re-issues!!!!)

[abbeyroadman]

Hi Ozigor -

 

Had to take a look at my two and one-half year old DR500M after reading your comment. Mine is "flat", as I cannot visibly see any type of "raising" at the bridge area. I keep all my guitars in the lower level of my home (below grade), so humidity, or the lack of, is not an issue for me. I change strings often, and usually tune down one-half to one full note.

 

Regards,

[Red 333]

Hi Ozigor -

 

Had to take a look at my two and one-half year old DR500M after reading your comment. Mine is "flat"' date=' as I cannot visibly see any type of "raising" at the bridge area. I keep all my guitars in the lower level of my home (below grade), so humidity, or the lack of, is not an issue for me. I change strings often, and usually tune down one-half to one full note.

 

Regards,[/quote']

 

If you put a ruler or strait edge across the top below the bridge, you will find that there is indeed a slight arch.

 

Red 333

[americanelson]

Hi,

 

For what it is worth, I have a RJNS-500. I am very happy with it but it is very, very sensative to humidity. I have had some 'knowledgable' music store folks tell me that my model is notorious (sp??) for bulging due to thin top. Others claim the top width is 'pretty standard for a production model'. All that said, when the humidity is at least 45% or more, the top behaves and it is a nice sounding insturment and stays in tune. Below 40% and I have had the tuning fluctuate while playing one song!

[ozigor]

I see that raising is not unusual so I am reassured.

Abbeyroadman I am going to try down tuning to see if the top comes back, however I am now less concerned if this issue is common on flatops.

Thanks again

[abbeyroadman]

Red 333 -

 

You are correct - placing a ruler below the bridge does reveal a slight arch that visually I cannot see. Thank you for the insight. No concern on my part though, action and intonation remain perfect from my perspective and preference.

 

Regards,

[Red 333]

Red 333 -

 

You are correct - placing a ruler below the bridge does reveal a slight arch that visually I cannot see. Thank you for the insight. No concern on my part though' date=' action and intonation remain perfect from my perspective and preference.

 

Regards,[/quote']

 

Yeah, that slight slight arch is what you want to have. A bulge or divot above or below the bridge would be a cause for concern, though--sign of a structural problem or over/under humidification.

 

Red 333