A LAG acoustic came in for a setup, a string change from 11s to 12s, an electronics check, and a rattle inside the body.
What Came In
A LAG acoustic-electric. The owner wanted it set up, the strings moved from 11s to 12s, the onboard electronics tested, and a rattle inside the body tracked down.
What We Found
Moving up to 12s called for a truss rod adjustment and the nut filed to suit. The electronics needed testing. The rattle took some chasing.
What We Did
Replicated the rattle and traced it to the interior washer on the output jack. Tightened the jack nut and the rattle stopped. Tested all the electronics and they worked as they should. Set the truss rod and filed the nut for the 12s. About an hour on the bench.
Result
It sounds fuller on the 12s, with the rattle gone.
Worth Knowing
A rattle inside an acoustic is one of the harder things to chase, because the top amplifies any loose part and the sound seems to come from everywhere at once. A loose jack nut or washer is a common culprit, since the endpin jack works loose with use.
Going up in gauge on an acoustic adds tension and usually fills out the tone, but it also needs a setup so the neck relief and nut keep up.
Bring It In
Got a buzz or rattle you can't pin down, or want heavier strings on your acoustic? Bring it in. Standard setup is $79 and we'll get it back in your hands as soon as possible.
Related
- What a Guitar Setup Includes and Why It Matters
- What Is Fret Buzz and How Do I Fix It
- When to Change Your Guitar Strings and How to Know
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday to Sunday, 12 to 5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com