My new Martin's action too low?

fts06 · #1 05-25-2020, 09:18 AM

My new Martin d18 has just arrived and I feel like notes are buzzing when I hit it a little hard. What is the best way to know if it's lower than it should be?

Also is there a way to identify the gauge of strings on it? Seller said it's 12's on it but Martin factory strings are 13s. And the guy didn't know a lot about acoustic guitars. So I'm confused about what gauge string should I put on it.

don't know if it helps but some pics:

https://imgur.com/OiPESSg
https://imgur.com/rPDCXSc

BrianovichIV · #2 05-25-2020, 09:28 AM

Could very well be that it needs a truss rod adjustment due to the lower tension strings...or OOTH it might need .13s to achieve proper relief. Or both, potentially.

fts06 · #3 05-25-2020, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianovichIV

Could very well be that it needs a truss rod adjustment due to the lower tension strings...or OOTH it might need .13s to achieve proper relief. Or both, potentially.

Maybe there are already 13's on it and the guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Is there a way to identify string gauge?

s2y · #4 05-25-2020, 09:55 AM

What is the action?

What's the humidity doing in your area?

Could be backbow. Could be a nut slot cut too low. Could be a bad fret. Hard to say without looking it over.

JayBee1404 · #5 05-25-2020, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fts06

Is there a way to identify string gauge?

Measure them! Do you have a digital caliper? If yes, just measure the thicknesses in thousandths of an inch.

fts06 · #6 05-25-2020, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

Measure them! Do you have a digital caliper? If yes, just measure the thicknesses in thousandths of an inch.

Unfortunately I don't have one. If I buy a set of 13's, maybe I can tell just comparing them by looking? Even if they are 12's on the guitar right now. Would going to mediums affect it badly?

dcmey · #7 05-25-2020, 10:05 AM

I would have a setup done to it, and have the tack put on what your use to playing.

AgentKooper · #8 05-25-2020, 10:07 AM

Take it in to a reliable repair shop and get a good set up for the string gauge you prefer.

dcmey · #9 05-25-2020, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fts06

Unfortunately I don't have one. If I buy a set of 13's, maybe I can tell just comparing them by looking? Even if they are 12's on the guitar right now. Would going to mediums affect it badly?

I wouldn't just automatically change to mediums, whatever you're use to. Volume wise it will be similar, but more bass from the mediums, and a little bit more clarity with the lights. Also not to mention, lights will make it less likely for a quick neck reset. You bought a used guitar.

fts06 · #10 05-25-2020, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s2y

What is the action?

What's the humidity doing in your area?

Could be backbow. Could be a nut slot cut too low. Could be a bad fret. Hard to say without looking it over.

I'm trying to measure the action at 12th fret with a tape measure but it's difficult with it. Any advice on measuring it the right way?

BrianovichIV · #11 05-25-2020, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fts06

Maybe there are already 13's on it and the guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Is there a way to identify string gauge?

Also possible. Maybe you could contact the seller and ask...for example, if they personally put new strings on for you, it’s a good bet they’re 12s and what he said was accurate.

docwatsonfan · #12 05-25-2020, 10:35 AM

a US nickel is about .075 thick

" normal " Martin factory action is around 3/32 ( .093) low E at the 12th

so if the nickel can't slide under neath it would be pretty low.....

charles Tauber · #13 05-25-2020, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fts06

notes are buzzing when I hit it a little hard. What is the best way to know if it's lower than it should be?

The definition of "lower than it should be" is "notes are buzzing when I hit it a little hard".

The question is then why are they buzzing? That depends, in part, on where they are buzzing. Open strings only, only at middle frets, only at lower frets, only at specific frets, equally all over?

String height over the fretboard is governed by three variables: string height at the nut, string height at the saddle and the shape of the neck (i.e. relief). Where it buzzes tells you which of these are the cause. String height is one possible cause of buzzing, but not the only possible cause.

If you want to learn about guitar setup, there are many articles and videos that will teach you the basics. To perform basic setup work you will need to invest in some tools. If you are careful in your buying, plan on spending $50 to $100 on a basic set of tools. "Found objects", nickels, dimes, paper clips, credit cards, welding tip cleaners... are not a replacement for proper tools. Doing good work requires appropriate (good) tools.

If you aren't interested in learning, or don't want to invest in the tools, take your guitar to a professional for a setup. There is no shame in taking it to a professional. (I don't change the oil in my car and don't want to: I take it to a professional.) A basic setup will range from $40 to $150 depending upon who's doing it and their geographic location.

Coop47 · #14 05-25-2020, 10:42 AM

If it just arrived, were the strings under tension when you opened the case? If you had tighten up the strings to bring them to pitch, leave it be for a while before you do anything else - the neck may shift back into place on its own.

If not, all the other previous advice applies...

MC5C · #15 05-25-2020, 10:42 AM

A US penny's edge thickness is just under .0625" and a quarter's thickness is just over .0625" (1/16"), so use those coins to judge your action height at the 12'th fret. Slide the coin between the string and the fret. Martin spec is just over 1/16" for the high E at the 12th fret and a little higher for the low E. (actually 7/64ths on the low E string and 5/64ths' on the high e string). People who "hit it hard" usually need higher action than that.