Issue about neck setup, washers and strings, need some advices

[rimbaud]

Hi guys

Lately i've done a little but extremly usefull mod on my passive Fender JB 5: a neck shimming. I couldn't lower the G string as I wanted to, so I tought it was a good idea. And it worked well indeed ! it gave me more punch also, specially with slap technique, and I've been able to lower that G string.

But 1 or 2 days later the neck bowed a little, I found that normal cos' neck shimming makes tightened strings. So I wanted to tighten the neck, and it was really closed so I couldn't turn the neck-screw anymore, so I lowered the bridge a little and slacked off the truss rod, to avoid issues. My neck's still bowed a little but it's ok.

I must say that I use a quite heavy string set, 45-65-85-105 with a tappered 125 B, D'Addario nickel Hex core



So 1st:
- I think that hex cores cause stronger strings tensions, part of the problem???

2nd:
- using a lighter string set will certainly help, a 45-65-80-100 with the same tappered 125 B could be ok?

3rd:
- avoiding hex cores and trying some round cores could be ok? and I must say that Fodera strings set seems more and more attractive to me, but .... living in France, is it possible for Fodera to ship worldwide?

4th:
- washers tips? well .... I'm a little puzzled with that I must say, does it tally with my issue? can it really be a good solution?

Sorry for my broken english (if someone don't understand me) and thanks in advance for all advices you'll be able to bring me.

Cheers,

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by rimbaud

Hi guys

Lately i've done a little but extremly usefull mod on my passive Fender JB 5: a neck shimming. I couldn't lower the G string as I wanted to, so I tought it was a good idea. And it worked well indeed ! it gave me more punch also, specially with slap technique, and I've been able to lower that G string.

But 1 or 2 days later the neck bowed a little, I found that normal cos' neck shimming makes tightened strings. So I wanted to tighten the neck, and it was really closed so I couldn't turn the neck-screw anymore, so I lowered the bridge a little and slacked off the truss rod, to avoid issues. My neck's still bowed a little but it's ok.

I must say that I use a quite heavy string set, 45-65-85-105 with a tappered 125 B, D'Addario nickel Hex core



So 1st:
- I think that hex cores cause stronger strings tensions, part of the problem???

2nd:
- using a lighter string set will certainly help, a 45-65-80-100 with the same tappered 125 B could be ok?

3rd:
- avoiding hex cores and trying some round cores could be ok? and I must say that Fodera strings set seems more and more attractive to me, but .... living in France, is it possible for Fodera to ship worldwide?

4th:
- washers tips? well .... I'm a little puzzled with that I must say, does it tally with my issue? can it really be a good solution?

Sorry for my broken english (if someone don't understand me) and thanks in advance for all advices you'll be able to bring me.

Cheers,

*May we assume the G string saddle was bottomed out?

*Neck shimming does not make for tightened strings. It does affect the relationship amongst 3 different planes: strings, neck, and body.

*If the truss rod nut is removable, you may add spacing washers for added "travel".

*Hex cores, for the most part, feel stiffer but produce no greater tension. A lighter gauge, however, would provide lower tension.

I would recommend addressing the truss rod issue before any string experimentation.

Riis

[rimbaud]

Yes G string saddle bottomed out: well... the bottom was stuck on the bridge, and more than 2mm action with a flat neck, no buzz at all (still learning english !)

about the truss rod nut, this is an early US standard JB 5 bought last year new serie with High Mass bridge and string thru body system. I don't really know but if someone can tell me that the truss rod nut is removable, that's ok for me, before i make mistakes !

And i'm looking at the light medium Fodera strings set, 44-62-85-106-125 tapered, does it bring less tension?

THhx for your kind reply Zooberwerx

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by rimbaud

Yes G string saddle bottomed out: well... the bottom was stuck on the bridge, and more than 2mm action with a flat neck, no buzz at all (still learning english !)

about the truss rod nut, this is an early US standard JB 5 bought last year new serie with High Mass bridge and string thru body system. I don't really know but if someone can tell me that the truss rod nut is removable, that's ok for me, before i make mistakes !

And i'm looking at the light medium Fodera strings set, 44-62-85-106-125 tapered, does it bring less tension?

THhx for your kind reply Zooberwerx

The string set almost resembles a 45-105 (125) so I won't even venture a guess. Do investigate the truss rod issue. I'm sure somebody in-the-know can help out. You could always remove the strings and just loosen the nut until it either comes to a stop or falls off.

Riis

[rimbaud]

Well I think you're right indeed about the truss rod, I'll give it a try, and washers are cheap ...

About gauges, yeah I do prefer playing with this kind of standard gauge cos' the sound and the playability really suit me, anyway... I'll have a look on that truss rod nut thx a lot !!


Cheers