Sandra asks…
How do i lower the action on my guitar?
I have an acoustic guitar. Recently the action on my guitar (the action is the distance between the strings and fret boards) has risen, I’ve heard it is because of the change in humidity this time of year and was told to get a guitar humidifier. Well i did and so far it hasn’t made a difference. Any tips on how to lower it?
NydiaMccartney answers:
The reason why this has happened is probably due to changes to the neck – probably an up-bow. This can be caused by switching to lighter strings, changes in humidity or changes to the neck wood itself (of combinations here off).
In any case – before actually contemplating adjusting the action (which is done at the bridge saddle and nut), you need to make sure the neck is straight. That is almost perfectly straight – with a very slight up-bow or “dump” in the middle. If you hold one of the E-strings down at the first fret and somewhere around the 14th fret, then you should ideally have just 1-2 mm clearance between the string and the frets in the “middle”, around the 7th fret area.
If not, then you will need to have the neck truss rod adjusted. This is no difficult or involved task but it is definitely not something you want to attempt on your own. If done wrong, then you’re potentially looking at major repairs. So, always leave it to a pro or someone who has done this a number of times – and who are willing to explain the procedure to you. Eventually, this is something you want to be able to perform yourself.
When the neck relief (the above) is properly set according to the string gauge you use and your playing style, then you can take a look at the action at the bridge saddle. On most acoustic guitars, this involves changing the bridge saddle (the thin white plastic or bone material piece routed into the bridge), or filing it down. Again, this is definitely best left to someone who knows what they’re doing.
The final step – if needed – is to adjust the action/string height at the nut (the plastic/bone piece between the tuners and the first fret). This is definitely nothing you would even contemplate doing! It takes considerable skills and proper tools to get the height just right without going too low, plus it needs to be adjusted properly according to your playing style.
There’s an east way to find out if the guitar needs some adjustments in this area. When you have the guitar neck and action at the bridge set to your liking, then clamp a capo at the first fret. If the guitar suddenly appears much easier to play – easier to fret – then you likely have the strings too high at the nut. This is very common on most lower end guitars by the way…
If you want to learn how to do these things yourself, then this is an excellent guide: http://www.learnelectricguitarnow.net/master-guitar-set-up
Mary asks…
What should I look for when buying an acoustic guitar? – i am a begginer?
i am going to start learning guitar and was wondering what i should look for in an acoustic guitar.
so any suggestions/advice?
thanks
NydiaMccartney answers:
I’m surprised no one has yet to mention a solid top. A solid top is probably the main contributor to superior tone. The top of the guitar is what produces the sound by vibrating. Laminate tops (thin sheets of wood sandwiched together) just cannot produce the timbre and sustain of a solid top.
While action (string height from neck), and intonation (all notes in tune) are definitely important factors, they can both be adjusted by sanding or shimming the bridge or a truss rod adjustment, and bc of the price increase for a solid top, those other two factors should be a given.
A great guitar with a solid top is the yamaha 700s (yes the S stands for solid top). I own one and it was set up quite well right out of the box and it only cost me
$200 USD and change.. The top is solid spruce and back and sides are nato. The higher models in the 700 series are more expensive only bc of more ornate inlays and rosettes and back and side wood (which are important but not as much as the top).
Back and sides generally determine how dark (rosewood) or bright (mahogany) the tone is, while the top determines how crisp (spruce) and warm (cedar). This is all due to the porousness and density of the wood.
Also what type of music you want to play is important Classical, or folk is the most general approach. Nylons are nice in the beginning since its easier on the fingertips but if you don’t plan on ever playing classical, you’ll most likely have to get another steel string for playing folk or acoustic rock.
Body type is also important in steel strings. I personally prefer concert/folk bodies which are shaped more like a classical guitar (think a hot woman’s hourglasss figure). But the majority of the steelstrings out there are dreadnaught (chubby woman’s figure). Concert generally has a more tighter sound more suited to finger picking, but I like them bc I’m mainly a classical player, so the body type feels comfortable.
Lastly, let you ear be your guide. You don’t have to be a concert musician to know what your ear likes. Just go out there, make sure it has a solid top, just mess around and feel how “easy” the notes are to press. Good luck!
William asks…
Does changing a guitar pick guard make it lose value?
I have a fender cd280s and I want to change the pick guard. I want to put a Gibson humming bird one but I was wondering if that made the guitar lose value in any way? I’m not a guitar expert that is why I’m asking.
NydiaMccartney answers:
Hello there,
In most cases, any time you modify a guitar to take it away from stock, you decrease the value. With a newer, inexpensive model that is less of an issue than with higher end guitars or vintage guitars. In order not to have a decrease in value, you will need to find a buyer who likes the changes you made to the guitar. That makes selling the guitar much harder to do (without a decrease in value).
There is some work involved in changina pickguard. Denpending on what adhesive is used, what type of finish is on the guitar, whether the pickguard adhers to the finish or the wood, all are factors to take into account when trying to remove the pickguard without damaging the guitar. Damage the face of your acoustic guitar and you have trashed the resale value.
Then you need to find a pickguard that is the same size and shape. If not, you will see “tan lines.” The area under the pickguard will look a different shade than the part not covered up by the pickguard.
Here is an article to guide you.
Http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/repair/acoustic-guitar/pickguard.php
Later,
Michael asks…
What the hell am I looking for in an acoustic guitar?
Particularly the wood used, though I could use a full guide. I just can’t recognize a difference, though I’m interested in learning, definitely.
NydiaMccartney answers:
Acoustic guitars are tough to nail down because as of late some companies have been using laminates and other newer techniques and get surprisingly good results. I am mostly an electric player so my expertise is somewhat limited.
Anyways strum a nice gibson acoustic, or taylor and hear the full shimmer of the guitar. Now pick up a cheap Ibanez, it sounds harsh and bright. Really thin, and anemic sounding. This is completely due to woods used. I really like my acoustic guitars to be mellower, but it just depends on your style. Color and grain help identify what type of wood is used. Lots of companies mix and match to get best compromise between price and performance.
Maria asks…
Can I cut a skateboard with a coping saw?
I have a 7/8 ply wood skateboard and i am planning to cut it to make a schlongboard. I dont have any jigsaws or anything but i do have a coping saw. I was wondering if it would be possible to cut through that wood. THANKS!!
NydiaMccartney answers:
It’ll work, it’ll take forever, but it will work.
Just make sure your saw blade is tight line a guitar string, and remember, let the saw do the work, you just guide it, don’t press is into the wood, let it ease through.
Jenny asks…
How much does a Gibson Les Paul guitar weigh compare to an average electric guitar? Are they too heavy?
Also how much does an average guitar way in general?
Also how much does an average electric guitar way in general?
Also how much does an average electric guitar way in general?
NydiaMccartney answers:
Lse Pauls vary in weight, and that’s why some people complain about the weight and others don’t. On average, they’re around 9-10 lbs. Gibson uses different techniques for weight relief, depending on the model. Read here: http://www.themusiczoo.com/blog/2012/a-guide-to-gibson-weight-relief/
Here’s a link where people discuss the actual weights of their Les Pauls: http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/2121-what-weight-your-les-paul-then.html
There isn’t really an “average electric guitar weight”. There are so many brands, and models. I tried a PRS made of Korina wood that was barely 5 lbs. I think your average Strat or Tele will come in a bit over 8 lbs, but that will vary by the wood used and the amount of belly cut, etc.
I’ve played a solid walnut guitar that’s styled after a Les Paul for many years. It weighs 9.5 lbs and gets very heavy on the shoulder. The difference between 8 lbs and 9 lbs doesn’t sound like much, but your shoulder definitely knows the difference after playing a gig.
Given the variation in weights, I recommend that if weight is a concern to you, try any guitar IN PERSON before buying. It’s really the only way to know.
Ruth asks…
Do different laminated woods affect on the sound of a solid top classical guitar?
In the market there are different brands producing students’ classical guitars but when I inspect them they are made of solid spruce top with laminated rosewood, mahogany or nato back and sides while they cost differently. Would you guide me to know how different sound they produce?
NydiaMccartney answers:
The lamination tend to reduce the quality of the sound going through the glue. The result is a more mid range, less sustain sound. I think the type of those three woods will be less important than the lamination itself. The type of wood on these guitars probably has more to do with marketing.
Solid rosewood rejects some highs. Mahogany is more efficient, reproduces the highs, the mids and the lows, perhaps not so much the mids. Nato I think is similar to cheap Mahogany.
The different prices of the guitars reflect the quality of the fingerboard (flat, warp over time), and the quality of the spruce top, the general workmanship of the guitar, and perhaps the specific bracing.
Donald asks…
How much chance do I have to become an actor? What else do I need to become an actor?
Hey guys,
So, I’m 13 years old and I live in Montreal! I will start to take acting classes and it’s going to start soon. I don’t really have a lot of talent but it’s average; I can dance (Jerk and Bhangra), I can play the trumpet and the recorder, I can have an Indian accent and I can master it real easy!! I like to make art and I got 3 months of lessons on film making. I got wood shop lessons at school for 5 months and I can wistles, key hangers… I can speak French, English, Punjabi, Hindi and a little bit of Spanish. I use to play ice hockey (3 years), I play badminton, soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling. Last but not least I love cooking. I’m going to take karate, gymnastic, guitar, ukulele and improv classes. Maybe I will take singing, stand up comedy or Spanish classes.
Hope it was enough information and THANK YOU. Plz answer!!
NydiaMccartney answers:
You are very young and fortunate enough to have been able to try a range of interests. As a general guide though you need talent, years of youth theatre experience, singing and dancing skills, a great knowledge of the industry, formal actor training at a great school, networking skills and opportunity.
Once you have narrowed down your interests over the next few years, you will have a better idea of whether you want to put in the amount of hard work and training it takes to become an employable actor.
George asks…
What are some categories I can use for a Hannah Montana themed Jeopardy?
I’m hosting a slumber party for my younger cousin and the theme is Hannah Montana and I’m trying to think of games to go with it. I need categories for Jeopardy and questions I ask. Also, include other games we can play.
NydiaMccartney answers:
What about a song catergory. Other Hannah Montana Games :
MAKEOVER – MILEY STYLE
Hannah Montana’s popularity is due in part to her unique sense of fashion. Girl’s love the style, flair and accessories! Have fun with make-up,scarves, hats, jewelry etc. You may want to invite a fun teenager or mom to help with the makeover. Take pictures with a digital camera that you can print during the party. The guests can decorate their own picture frame with craft foam, stickers, gel pens etc.
It’s Showtime!
Provide a Karaoke Machinewith CD’s and the guests will have a ball singing alone, in a group and maybe even adding their own choreography.
Kit’s Tip: Although a Karaoke machine seems like an extravagant addition to a birthday party, it can double as a birthday gift. My pre-teen daughter used her machine at every sleepover and was even asked to bring it along when she went to other homes! Don’t forget to purchase some Karaoke CD’s as well.
Hoedown Throwdown
This Hannah Montana dance is a great one for both boys and girls should you be hosting a co-ed birthday with this theme. Follow this online step-by-step guide hosted by Miley Cyrus in order to learn those funky moves from the movie! You could even have a dance contest or combine it with a musical “freeze” game.
PINATA FUN
Fill a guitar pinata with candy, stickers, jelly bracelets and hair clips.
Body Glitter for the Girls
Girls can mix their own body glitter during the party to take home using this simple recipe.
You’ll Need:
* 1 cup aloe vera gel
* Fine polyester glitter (any color, available at craft stores)
* Small cosmetic travel container with a screw top, for each girl
To Make: Fill the containers 1/4 full with aloe gel. Pour a small amount of glitter in the container. Provide wood craft sticks or plastic coffee stir straws for mixing. Add more gel until the mix is complete. Close the lid and decorate mailing labels with gel pens to attach on the container.
Faux Leather Cowboy Vests
If you’re having a co-ed crowd, these vests are a good craft choice.
You’ll need:
* Brown paper grocery bags
* Markers
* Stickers (stars, Hannah Montana-themed stickers, flowers, western images, etc.)
* Scissors
Directions :Cut one side of the bag down the middle to make vest opening. Cut the bottom enough to fit a child comfortably around neck and shoulders. Decorate with markers.
Quick and Easy Party Games for This Theme
Here’s a list of simple games to include when you need an extra activity…
* Pass the Microphone – play just like Hot Potato with a Hannah CD playing.
* What’s Missing – place several items on a tray or in a travel cosmetic bag; Hannah cd, lip-gloss, fashion accessories etc. One player leaves the room. Take an item away. When the player returns, can she guess what’s missing?
* Twenty Questions with a Hannah Theme
* Who Am I with Hannah Characters
Rodeo Games
* Tin can shoot played with empty pop bottles and a squirt gun. Place three cans on a bench and take turns with the water gun.
* Have a rope tying contest with licorice, or real ropes.
* Boot Toss – Use large cowboy boots and bean bags. The children will try to toss the bean bags into the boots. Or, use a large cowboy hat.
* A game of horseshoes of course!
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