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Groups » The Guitars » lowering action + crack in neck

STARTER MESSAGE

01.05.2009, 11:45

Hi, Got wo questions. I bought a Rautia recently second hand and have now discovered a hairline crack at the 18th fret high E across to 18th fret low E. Its about 1mm at the start and diminishing in size. Can the neck be replaced/ doe sit need to?
I want also to lower the action on this guitar. How do I do this? It's the stop tail bridge model. Thanks for any replies/ suggestions.
Rick
- richard41

REPLIES

01.05.2009, 15:16

richard41

Hi,
Just to add that this looks like a stresscrack as the guitar has no signs of it having been knocked.
Thanks

- richard41

02.05.2009, 19:43

jussi

Hey Richard,

I just sent you an e-mail. Basically, I'd need pics of the crack to be able to evaluate the situation and whether or not the neck needs to be replaced.

Assuming your Rautia has the Gotoh 510UB fixed bridge (since you have an older edition Rautia I could confirm that if you send me the serial number by mail at jussi@flaxwood.com), here's how to adjust the action:

You don't need special Flaxwood -specific tools to adjust the height; regular tools should do you fine. You need an open-end wrench to do this.

1 - remove the strings
2 - loosen the nuts on the top of the bridge posts with an open-end wrench
3 - remove the bridge by pulling it backward
4 - adjust the height of the bridge by either tightening or loosening the bridge posts
5 - when satisfied with the height of the posts, put bridge back in place, and tighten the nuts on the top of the bridge posts
6 - replace strings

NOTE:

* adjusting string height is always more or less trial and error, so you may have to adjust and readjust many times before you get it to where you want it

* our master luthier Veijo Rautia usually just replaces the 6th and 1st E-strings to check for the height at first; if it's not right yet it's easier to just remove two strings than six. However, take into account that the pull on two strings is remarkably less than on six, so when estimating with two strings you'll want to adjust the bridge height so the action is just a tad lower than where you want it. Once the rest of the strings are put on, the additional pull should raise the overall action slightly.

* always recheck intonation after adjusting the bridge.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

-J

- jussi

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