PlayJazzGuitar.com Forum

[Michael]

I bought my first archtop guitar about a year ago and have a question regarding changing strings. This is the first guitar I have owned that has a floating bridge. When I change strings I like to remove all of the old strings so that I can really clean the instrument thoroughly. When I begin to put the new strings on, I hopefully return the bridge to it’s proper position. There are very slight depressions in the guitar tops finish which I use as a guide. Finally my question – How do you archtop players insure that you get your floating bridge in exactly the right place for optimum intonation after a string change? Any advice and tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated by this newbie.

[Martacus]

I usually change one string at a time, and only remove all of them once a year or so to clean everything. I prefer to keep the neck under tension as much as possible. When I DO remove all the strings, I just check intonation - I'll use a tuner on the 12th and 19th frets.
_________________
Information is not knowledge,
Knowledge is not wisdom.
--Frank Zappa
www.martypowerjazz.com

[Gorecki]

I'm going to move this topic over into Guitar Repair.

Here's a topic containing a basics guide on guitar setups to add to Martacus's comments.

http://www.playjazzguitar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=856

[Jazzy]

Hi

Here`s a link "archtop guitar setup"

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/Archtop/ArchtopSetup/atsetup.html

hope it helps

michael

[Michael]

Guys,

Thanks for all of the solid advice and links. Armed with the provided information, a new set of strings and a Korg tuner, I will attempt to change my strings and check/adjust my intonation. Thanks.