330/12 Neck Relief

[Folkie]

I just got my 330/12 back from the shop and have a question about neck relief. Chris Clayton at Pick of the Ricks has informed me that Rickenbacker recommends that their guitars be set up with no neck relief (completely straight), so I just had my 330/12 set up that way. I've noticed that I have a harder time playing barre chords near the nut than I did before the guitar was set up in this manner. What is the rationale for having Rics set up this way, and is there room for personal taste in the way the neck is set? Also, do the type of strings (ie. flats or rounds) come into the equation?

[doctorwho]

Robert, I recommend that you cross-post this under the Vibrola section so the 'resident luthiers' will see it and respond.

[iiipopes]

It should be easier, especially if the nut slot depth has not changed. Are you using heavier strings, or has the action been raised?

[jingle_jangle]

I agree with Scott--it should be easier. All other things left alone (bridge height, nut slots and string gauge), the action from the middle of the neck to the 24th fret should be lower with the neck set flat.

It could be that, with the lower action on the rest of the fretboard, it takes a bit more effort to barre nearer the nut, giving you this impression. If you can't get used to this, it may be possible to lower the action near the nut. However, proceed with great care, as it won't take much to get you into the territory of fret buzz on the first two or three frets!

[David Watts]

Is it possible to set the neck a bit differently on each side using the 2 rods ?
I mean, my luthier told me that he put the neck flat, more on the treble side than on the bass side of my 330.
He told me that Ric guitars having two rods, you can do that.

Does it sound good or is it an heresy for you ?
I'm concerned about an eventual neck twist to come with my beloved 330.
Do i need to run and see a better luthier ?

[jingle_jangle]

That's one reason for the two rods.

[David Watts]

Good news.
You give me confidence in my luthier.

[jingle_jangle]

Your luthier should give you confidence in your luthier...

[Folkie]

Thanks, Scott and Paul, for your expert advice. The action from the middle of the neck to the 24th fret does indeed look visibly lower than it did before this setup. I'm using the same set of strings as before (POTR Curt Mangan Fusion Matched .10-.42). No need for an adjustment. Perhaps I've just gotten used to the way my 360/12 plays, or perhaps I'm just a little rusty.

[iiipopes]

Is it possible to set the neck a bit differently on each side using the 2 rods?

Yes, what Paul said. I must confess that I tend to pick hard on both guitar and bass, so my low E truss rods on both my 4002 and my 360-12WB have a hair of relief to let me "dig in."

[Clint]

...is there room for personal taste in the way the neck is set?

Yes, it's your personal guitar, is it not? I suppose that's one of the reasons that the truss rods are adjustable.

Why not try your new set up for awhile, if you like it, great. If you find that a flat neck isn't your cup of tea, just add a touch of relief.