Fret bar dressing

[GuitarsAnn]

I've notice that when pressing strings all the way to the fret board on my SG-12 notes and chords get a little sharp. I play some chords, like the "A", with my index finger arched and need to really press down to clear the high "E" string and this causes the chord to go sharp. If I get heavy handed (fingered) chords like the "D" will also get sharp. I also bridge the strings with my index finger. Is this an indication that the fret bars may need dressing down for my style of playing? I don't have this problem with my Yairi's or Martin 12.

 

Thanks,

 

GuitarsAnn

[stein]

That COULD be an indication that the nut is cut too high: Gibsons tend to leave the factory with the nut cut a little higher than ideal. If the strings are too high at the nut, you have to press a little more and it pulls the string sharp.

[pfox14]

That COULD be an indication that the nut is cut too high: Gibsons tend to leave the factory with the nut cut a little higher than ideal. If the strings are too high at the nut, you have to press a little more and it pulls the string sharp.

I would agree. Sounds like the action is too high.

[GuitarsAnn]

Thanks!! That does make sense and it does play a little hard at the lower end. I'm having my Martin set up by a very good luthier, so I will have him set this guitar up as well. I have played around with the bridge and adjusted the neck a little and that helped a lot, but the lower registers were always a little brutle on my tender fingers on both guitars. I bought the SG-12 from a Canadian dealer and it was never set up.

 

My Yairi 12 has a fret bar next to the nut and this guitar has always played easily. I wonder why this is not more common?

 

GuitarsAnn

[EVOL!]

 

My Yairi 12 has a fret bar next to the nut and this guitar has always played easily. I wonder why this is not more common?

 

 

You mean your Yairi has a zero fret?

[Sinner 13]

I've notice that when pressing strings all the way to the fret board on my SG-12 notes and chords get a little sharp. I play some chords, like the "A", with my index finger arched and need to really press down to clear the high "E" string and this causes the chord to go sharp. If I get heavy handed (fingered) chords like the "D" will also get sharp. I also bridge the strings with my index finger. Is this an indication that the fret bars may need dressing down for my style of playing? I don't have this problem with my Yairi's or Martin 12.

 

Thanks,

 

GuitarsAnn

 

I too have had that issue in the past, might just need a good set up.

I too can get a bit heavy handed at times, so it has made me much more aware of it and when I practice now I try to make an effort to fret with a lighter touch.

I find it to help with improved speed and agility on the neck.

[GuitarsAnn]

You mean your Yairi has a zero fret?

 

Yes, there is a bar right next to the nut behind the 1st fret. I have never seen that before on other guitars.

 

GuitarsAnn

[EVOL!]

Yes, there is a bar right next to the nut behind the 1st fret. I have never seen that before on other guitars.

 

GuitarsAnn

 

It was more common in the sixties with Harmony and Teisco type guitars. Modern day, I think a lot of Gretsch and Duesenberg guitars still use a zero fret.