Stratacoustic question.

Oldguy64 · #1 07-20-2016, 11:07 AM

I bought a cheapie Stratacoustic for this summers trip to Disney and the beach.
My wife is advocating for me keeping the thing.
For that to happen, I need to improve the action.
Will the Shim set for an Electric Strat, work for a Strat acoustic?
The action isn't stupidly high, it is just higher than my "normal" acoustics, and I'd like it to be closer to what I'm used to.
And will it negatively impact the already marginal unplugged sound?

LouieAtienza · #2 07-20-2016, 11:49 AM

There's a typical order of business most set-up guys and gals use before dong any geometry changes to the guitar. First is to check that the relief is to your liking (an easy way is to hold the string down on the first and 14th frets, and check the clearance under the string about the 7th fret to the top of the fret. Then check the nut by fretting the string on the third fret and checking the clearance at the first fret - there should be little to none. Finally the saddle height can be determined.

A shim should not affect the sound appreciably, though lowering the saddle may a little.

Oldguy64 · #3 07-20-2016, 03:30 PM

The relief and first fret are good. But the string height goes up pretty appreciably by the end of the fret board. And the saddle has plenty of room to come down...
But I was thinking the shim was easier and faster, seeing as Stewmac has them ready made.

Dave Abrahamson · #4 07-20-2016, 03:38 PM

Why would you need to "shim" the saddle if you intention is to lower the action. I'm confused. Normally material is removed from the saddle in order to lower the action. And what shim set is used for an electric guitar. With individually adjustable saddles?

Oldguy64 · #5 07-20-2016, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Abrahamson

Why would you need to "shim" the saddle if you intention is to lower the action. I'm confused. Normally material is removed from the saddle in order to lower the action. And what shim set is used for an electric guitar. With individually adjustable saddles?

The shim is for the neck to give it a hair more back tilt.
Sort of like a Taylor neck "reset".

LouieAtienza · #6 07-20-2016, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Abrahamson

Why would you need to "shim" the saddle if you intention is to lower the action. I'm confused. Normally material is removed from the saddle in order to lower the action. And what shim set is used for an electric guitar. With individually adjustable saddles?

This is basically a cross between a Strat and acoustic, so it has the electric-style Fender neck and attaches pretty much the same way - so shims can help here. Unless the saddle is excessively tall that it can cause future damage to the bridge, I don't see a shim an issue here. Being the top is likely over-built, keeping the strings as high from the top can only help sound wise.