redcharvel Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hi everyone. I bought a Gibson J-100 a couple of years ago and it really sounds great. But the action keeps changing. i've swapped the bridge out, i've adjusted the truss rod, but the guitar just won't settle and the action is too high. i'm afraid to adjust the truss rod any further. it sounds great, but i end up playing my martin because it's consistently easy to play -- much easier than my J-100. any ideas? Thanks, redcharvel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitarstrummer Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 How's your humidity? That could cause the top to swell or sink and change the bridge/saddle height. It should be stabilized by now, if it's two years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcharvel Posted October 10, 2008 Author Share Posted October 10, 2008 thanks for answering. it's been 3 years. re: humidity, i live in an apt. in NYC. So, does this mean i should file the bridge down or give the truss rod another tweak? Thanks! Ann Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearbasher Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 When you say the action keeps changing, do you mean it gets better then worse or does it keep getting higher? I had a J-45 that I used to keep on a stand and the action would change with the seasons. I would have a winter and summer saddle and swap them out each season. Temp/humidity does have a great effect. As far as adjusting the truss rod. The rod should only be used to adjust neck relief, not the action. You should adjust it so the neck is as flat as possible w/no buzzing. Check to see if the top has a belly. If you can't eye it, place a straight edge across the top, behind and parrallel to the bridge to see if there is any swelling. Gibsons tend to have a graceful arch to them. So, if there is a little belly don't get excited. If there is a large belly in the top, check for loose braces and/or over humidification. If there is no belly, the saddle is really low and the neck relief is flat, you might need the dreaded neck reset. Let us know. And, for every person here that agrees with my method/diagnosis another's will differ. 100 ways to skin a cat. If you purchased it new, it is warranted, so you can bring it to an authorized repair shop for their opinion and remedy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcharvel Posted October 10, 2008 Author Share Posted October 10, 2008 it keeps getting higher. will try your suggestions... Thanks, ak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearbasher Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I just noticed your second post. NYC huh? Summers can be humid. You might want to wait a couple of months to see if the drier winter air will flatten out the action a bit. Then you will know it's a humidity problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcharvel Posted October 10, 2008 Author Share Posted October 10, 2008 i just put in a different bridge piece and that lowered the action significantly...playing great now and everything seems to be pretty even! hopefully it will stay that way. the problem with nyc apts is it can go from very humid to very dry in one day because of air conditioning being turned on and off in the summer. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitarstrummer Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 It does sound like high humidity might be the cause of your problem. GB's advice is dead on. You will see a change in your action slightly from season to season. Some people actually have "summer saddles" and "winter saddles" that they can exchange as needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Yep. A lot of upright bass players have summer and winter bridges too. They make adjustable bridges for uprights but they aren't universally accepted yet. An adjustable saddle that is scorned? perish the thought! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jefleppard Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 the dreaded "neck reset" device. below, as pictured. gb, i hope thats not a self-portrait in your avatar. gives one the idea the healings not going too well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitarstrummer Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Cunk, is that a new piece of exercise equipement for your workout room? LOL I must say, you manage to come up with the most unique photos of anyone on this forum (and that's a good thing). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearbasher Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 gb' date=' i hope thats not a self-portrait in your avatar. gives one the idea the healings not going too well.[/quote'] Here we go...off topic, again. No, not a self-potrait, but just about how I feel. Especially since the hospital bill came in the mail today. THANK GOD for health insurance. They charged my health plan enough to buy a dozen (or so) really, really nice flat-tops. Like I said, THANK GOD for health insurance!!!! My out of pocket is only about five years of picks, polish and strings. Hey RED let us know if you have to put a taller saddle in by the new year. And, of course, a picture of the instrument is always welcomed and appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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