660/12 Lefty set-up questions

[RutleDirk]

I hope it won't compromise my credibility if I don't share these stories; it would be most disingenuous...

Certainly not, Paul! Perfectly understandable.

By the way, Stuart, that looks like an absolutely gorgeous instrument. More pictures, anywhere?

[doctorwho]

I have no credibility to lose , so I'll tell a horror story!

I heard from an eBay seller a number of years ago about a guitar that he had received with the strings loosened. The bridge, no longer being secured tightly by the strings, worked its way loose from under the strings during shipping and essentially "danced" across the top of the guitar during the rest of the time in transit. When the case was opened, there were many scratches and gouges across a lot of the top, enough that the guitar needed a refinish on the top. IIRC this was on a collectible Gibson.

Enough of a horror story for you?

[RutleDirk]

Yup! (*cringe*)

[RicukStu]

I hope it won't compromise my credibility if I don't share these stories; it would be most disingenuous...

Certainly not, Paul! Perfectly understandable.

By the way, Stuart, that looks like an absolutely gorgeous instrument. More pictures, anywhere?

Thanks for the compliment. Sure, I'll get some pics up in the next few days or so if you really want me to.

[bbmusic]

I'd like to piggyback onto this thread, if I may, since it involves setup on my 660/12 (albeit a righty).

My guitar came to me with some relief in the neck. My sense is that it falls within that range of "minimal relief," because it doesn't appear extreme to the eye, and the instrument plays well (at least, compared to my 360/12).

My only concern is that, to the eye, as I look down the neck with my eye at the nut, the treble side seems to have a bit more relief than the bass side. I'm judging only by the appearance of the neck binding as I look down it.

I don't want to take it to a tech of indeterminate Rick skills, and I don't want to start tinkering with it myself to correct some visual imperfection, because I'm happy with the guitar as a player. But I also don't want to let a condition persist that may worsen and cause irreparable distortion/damage to the neck.

Should I worry? Should I break out my new Xcelite L8?

Thanks to anyone who cares to chime in...

[bbmusic]

or...thanks for nothing, if no one cares to chime in...

[kiramdear]

Michael, I think it's worth waiting a couple of days for Paul (jingle_jangle) to weigh in on your question. He's been on vacation but should be catching up with us this week. If he can't talk you through it he can be trusted to correct your problem in person.

[bbmusic]

I'd like to piggyback onto this thread, if I may, since it involves setup on my 660/12 (albeit a righty).

My guitar came to me with some relief in the neck. My sense is that it falls within that range of "minimal relief," because it doesn't appear extreme to the eye, and the instrument plays well (at least, compared to my 360/12).

My only concern is that, to the eye, as I look down the neck with my eye at the nut, the treble side seems to have a bit more relief than the bass side. I'm judging only by the appearance of the neck binding as I look down it.

I don't want to take it to a tech of indeterminate Rick skills, and I don't want to start tinkering with it myself to correct some visual imperfection, because I'm happy with the guitar as a player. But I also don't want to let a condition persist that may worsen and cause irreparable distortion/damage to the neck.

Should I worry? Should I break out my new Xcelite L8?

Thanks to anyone who cares to chime in...

Paging Dr. JingleJangle...

[jingle_jangle]

Wait a minnit...

Michael--you've bought a TR wrench but are afraid to use it?

The biggest issue with Rick 12s when adjusting the rods is that the truss rod cover must be removed, and it can't be removed or replaced in most cases without loosening at least some of the strings, so you've got to leave it off while adjusting the rods, and until they settle in, and then detune, replace the cover, and retune to pitch. A hassle to many.

Anyway, the bit more relief in your treble side calls for a minor adjustment.

Detune, pull the cover, retune to pitch. Check the relief again. Tweak the treble side nut about 1/4 turn. Let it sit for a few days and look down the neck again. If it's OK, then leave it be for a few days, playing it regularly. The act of playing helps the neck to normalize. Vibes and all that.

If it needs further tweaking, tweak an additional 1/4 turn each time, waiting a day or two in between. If you get impatient, it may over correct.

Same thing with the bass side. To remove the relief, go 1/4 turn at a time, tightening. Gotta wait here, too.

[bbmusic]

Michael--you've bought a TR wrench but are afraid to use it?

Oh Paul...you see right through me!

I guess my fear is that I'll get it all adjusted perfectly and then (dare I say it?) not like it as much. I'll be left with fret buzz and have to tone down my playing style, or some such predicament.

But enough of the handholding. Into the breach...

[bbmusic]

PROGRESS UPDATE:

bass side: very, very straight
treble side: almost straight, just gave it one last turn
strings broken: 1

no L8 grind-down required.