Advertisement
Set the action at the nut.
Lower your string nut slots for better playability using
gauged nut files. Measure string height over the 1st
fret, between the bottom of the string and the top of the
fret. A comfortable medium action is: Unwound strings
(G, B, E): 0.012" at the 1st fret, Wound strings (E,A,D):
0.020" at the 1st fret Use feeler gauges to measure the
gap, or use guitar strings whose gauges match the
measurement you're after. Stop when the string sits on
your feeler gauge. Go slow and check your work
frequently—it's easy to go too far in this step and ruin
the nut.
Set the action at the bridge
Adjust the action at the bridge by raising or
lowering the string saddles. Measure string height over the 12th fret
between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret.
A good starting point is: High (unwound) E string: 1/16" at the 12th fret
Low (wound) E string: 5/64" at the 12th fret. You can always go lower or
higher depending on your playing style. After setting the two E strings,
dial in the remaining strings to match the curve of the fretboard.
Set the intonation
The last step is intonating the guitar by adjusting the string lengths
at the bridge so the guitar plays in tune all the way up the neck.
Your Kit model TE52 and TE 60 have WTB bridges with three
saddles (two per string) these are pre-intonated per pair. Setting the
Low E string will compensate for the A setting, the G string intona-
tion will compensate for the D string. The HIgh E string when into-
nated will compensate for the B string. Using a strobe or other
accurate tuner ...First tune the strings to pitch. Then, press the high
E string lightly at the 12th fret using just enough pressure to sound
the note. Check it with your tuner. If the note reads flat, the saddle
needs to be adjusted forward towards the nut, shortening the length
of the string If the note reads sharp, the saddle needs to be adjusted
back away from the nut, increasing the string length.to set the into-
nation. Repeat this process for the G string and the Low E string
Bridges supplied with the MTE kits are "Wilkinson" WTB "DUPLO"
style. These are also a three saddle bridge but with the added
feature of each saddle having a choice of intonation offsets per set
of strings. These off sets are accessed by rotating the saddle on the
intonation screw. Offset 1 is full travel. Off set 2 will redice this offset
by 50%.this can help when using mixed or custom string guages.
Adjust the pickup height
Holding down the low E and high E strings at the 22nd fret, adjust
the bass side of the pickups to 5/64" from the top of the pickup pole
to the bottom of the low E string. Adjust the treble side to 1/16".
Now Re-tune your guitar and check the action.
Sight down the neck and check for any "overbow"
(bending backwards) causing string buzz on an
open string or Under bow on the neck causing a
higher than necessary action in the middle of the
neck when playing. Adjust the optimum action with
the truss rod.
Your guitar is now be ready to play and ENJOY !!
Advertisement
