Distance between bridge & neck on hollow-bodies....

[PorkyPrimeCut]

I'm trying to give my Vox Ultrasonic a decent set-up.

The Vox has a non-fixed bridge. It's just heald down by the strings. Is there an ideal distance that it should sit in relation to the neck?


EDIT - Ooops. This is in the wrong section. Can a mod move it to the non-offset section please. Thanks. Sorted. Cheers.

[theworkoffire]

You mean so it intonates properly?

First work out the scale length (2x distance from nut to 12th fret) then add about 1.5mm for the distance to the centre of the treble side of the bridge, 4mm for the bass side. As you check the intonation you might need to adjust this - depends on how adjuatable your bridge is, how high your action is and what strings you're using, etc.

[PorkyPrimeCut]

So is this right?



Then I set the 1.5mm to 4mm using the saddle adjustment screws?? Not by actually having the bridge on a slight slant??

I didn't count the very first fret as I think it's a zero fret. Right?



Here's where having a guitar tech as a friendly next-door neighbour would be really handy!

[theworkoffire]

Ah - forgot about the zero fret - you measure from that to the 12th fret, not from the nut. I'm guessing it's a 24 3/4" scale (629mm).

No, the 1.5-4mm is to put the bridge at a slight slant in relation to the frets, like on gibsons, but you might not need to do this if you have enough travel on the intonation adjustment (like on a JM), and especially if it's a roller saddle. You should maybe try having the centre of the bridge about scale+3mm from the zero fret and see if it has enough saddle travel to intonate. If not, just move it slightly as required - there'll always be some trial and error involved.

[PorkyPrimeCut]

Cheers for that!

The bridge is set up. All I need now are some heavier strings. I split up a 12 string set & even choosing the appropriate 6 strings (the heavier) they're ridiculously light guage. I'm way too used to playing with 11's. I swear these are like...er...3's...hehehe.

Also, while we're here, is there a recommended amount of times the strings should be wound around the tuners?

Sorry for the Q & A session. I'm being very lazy when there's probably a site that'll tell me all about it. If you guys told me to hold the guitar 6 feet above the ground & drop it to test the resonance I probably would.....not.

[theworkoffire]

From here: http://www.fender.com/support/other_fender_guitars.php

Vintage keys. For these, you'll want to pre-cut the strings to achieve the proper length and desired amount of winds. Pull the sixth string (tautly, remember) to the fourth key and cut it. Pull the fifth string to the third key and cut it. Pull the fourth string between the second and first keys and cut it. Pull the third string nearly to the top of the headcap and cut it. Pull the second string about a 1/2" (13 mm) past the headcap and cut it. Finally, pull the first string 1 1/2" (38 mm) past the top of the headcap and cut it. Insert into the center hole in the tuning key, bend and crimp to a 90-degree angle, and wind neatly in a downward pattern, being carefull to prevent overlapping of the strings.

Seems like prety solid advice. Hope you get it sorted ok.

[PorkyPrimeCut]

Its funny. I've change the strings on my guitars so many times but its only the my Jazzmaster that I do right. Good old Klusons.

I've been doing the others totally wrong!