Is there a luthier in the room?

[michaelgadoua]

I have an old elec/ac Ovation (1978) that needs fret work. The first three frets are ok but it quickly becomes out of tune. I need the frets redone, or the bridge, or something so that when you play a note on any fret, it'll be in tune. Suggestions? Recommendations? References or Referrals? (Penngrove/Rohnert Park/Cotati area)

[Wade Hampton]

It sounds to me like an intonation problem at the bridge, which can happen in a number of ways but is probably due to the neck-set and top geometry shifting as the years have passed.

I'm not familiar with the towns you listed - are those in Southern California? If you mention the nearest big city to your home we can probably help you find a good repair tech within a reasonable driving distance.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Howard Klepper]

Have you put new strings on it?

If that doesn't work, ask at Tall Toad Music.

[michaelgadoua]

Penngrove is just south of Santa Rosa; Santa Rosa is an hour north of San Francisco.

Strings don't seem to be the problem. The strings are in tune, the first fret is in tune, the second fret starts to wane, the third fret is even less in tune, the fourth, fifth, etc., frets are sharp by a full step.....

I'm hoping the frets can be realigned, or it's a bridge issue.

[Bruce Sexauer]

Pretty hit and miss down at the Toad where technical issues are concerned. If you bring it by my shop n Petaluma I will tell you what is happening and make recommendations re further action . . . no pun intended, and no charge either.

[Howard Klepper]

...........

[michaelgadoua]

Originally Posted by Bruce Sexauer

Pretty hit and miss down at the Toad where technical issues are concerned. If you bring it by my shop n Petaluma I will tell you what is happening and make recommendations re further action . . . no pun intended, and no charge either.

Thanks, Bruce - I'll stop by.
Cheers,
Michael

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by Bruce Sexauer

Pretty hit and miss down at the Toad where technical issues are concerned. If you bring it by my shop n Petaluma I will tell you what is happening and make recommendations re further action . . . no pun intended, and no charge either.

Cool!!

Steve

[michaelgadoua]

My first impression of the shop, Sexauer Guitars, was "wow." The outside doesn't give it justice; however, the real "wow" are his guitars. Pristine workmanship and sound. He makes instruments other than guitars. You can actually hear the difference between his violin and fiddle. Each of his guitars has a very unique sound - attributable to the type of wood and other features.

When you're ready, this is definitely the place to buy a very special guitar.

Michael

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by michaelgadoua

My first impression of the shop, Sexauer Guitars, was "wow." The outside doesn't give it justice; however, the real "wow" are his guitars. Pristine workmanship and sound. He makes instruments other than guitars. You can actually hear the difference between his violin and fiddle. Each of his guitars has a very unique sound - attributable to the type of wood and other features.

When you're ready, this is definitely the place to buy a very special guitar.

Michael

So apart from someone sticking a salad bowl on the back of your guitar, what was the problem and is it fixed?

[murrmac123]

Originally Posted by michaelgadoua

You can actually hear the difference between his violin and fiddle.

Now you got me curious. What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle ?

[cmd612]

..........................

[Bruce Sexauer]

Originally Posted by murrmac123

Now you got me curious. What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle ?

About the same as the difference between a finger style and a flat picking guitar.

It's all in tonal envelope and set up. A violin has very conservitive technical parameters, whereas they are all fiddles.

The guitars problem was a VERY slack truss rod, which I adjusted at no cost. It needs frets and other attention, but that's not why it was sharp.

[00-28]

for Bruce. You stepped up and helped someone out. Nice job!

..........Mike

[michaelgadoua]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

So apart from someone sticking a salad bowl on the back of your guitar, what was the problem and is it fixed?

Amazingly - Yes. Like magic. Tightening the truss rod in the neck did the trick; however, I should redo the frets as forty years has worn them down....

Cheers!

P.S. There is a salad bowl on an Ovation.