A vintage Ibanez dreadnought came in for a cleanup with the action very high. The saddle was already very low and the bridge had been filed to keep some break angle, so the usual fix was used up. The truss rod brought the action down to where it plays well; it cannot go lower without bigger work. Forty-five minutes.
- Instrument
- Vintage Ibanez dreadnought, natural
- Tech
- Dave Eastwood
- Customer complaint
- Cleanup and high action
- String gauge
- Fresh 12s
- Diagnosis
- Action very high; saddle already very low; bridge filed to increase break angle
- Work performed
- Cleaned up; fresh 12s; truss rod tightened to bring the action down
- Parts
- None
- Bench time
- 45 minutes
- Outcome
- Plays much better than expected and sounds great; the action cannot go lower and the saddle is lower than Dave would want
What Came In
A vintage Ibanez dreadnought, natural finish, in for a cleanup and because the action was very high.
What We Found
The action was very high, but the saddle was already very low and the bridge had been filed down at some point to keep enough break angle over it. Lowering the saddle, the normal first move, was not available.
What We Did
Cleaned the guitar up and put on fresh 12s. Tightened the truss rod, which brought the action down. About 45 minutes on the bench.
Result
It played much better than expected and sounded great, in Dave's words. The action cannot get any lower as it stands, and the saddle is lower than he would want it.
What does a low saddle on an old acoustic tell you?
That the action has been chased down before. Over years the top can belly and the neck angle can settle, and each time someone lowers the saddle to compensate they use up what is left. When the saddle is near the bridge and the bridge itself has been filed, the next step is a neck reset, which is a real job and a real decision. This one got the most a truss rod could give.
Related
- The Repair Vault
- Guitar Repair at Paul's Guitar Hideout
- How to Know If a Guitar Is Worth Repairing
- Used Guitar Buying Checklist, What to Look For Before You Buy
- Martin 000-15: Deluxe Setup for High Action
Bring It In
Old acoustic with high action and a saddle that is already a sliver? Bring it in and we will tell you what is left to try. Guitar repair at the Hideout.
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 stairs are difficult or you're bringing in something you don't want to carry up, call or text us and we'll arrange access.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5 PM
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com