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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
 Posted - 03/29/2007 : 12:46:20
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I have a Fender 52 RI Telecaster with maple board/neck lacquered with nitro cellulose. It�s a fine sounding instrument, well built and everything.
The problem with it is that it�s really hard bending strings (0.010 high E) on it, it�s like the lacquer is really gluing the fingers. I have a rosewood board tele too, and that one is a dream bending on. Also have a polyurethane maple board tele, that one is not near as hard to bend as the cellulose one.
Well, any suggestions what�s the problem??
I don�t want to rub the board with steel wool, I know that will work, but I don�t want a satin finish.
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2007 : 19:06:02
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Are you sure its not the different neck radius of the '52 that might be affecting bends? The '52 is 7.25" radius, and maybe some of your other Teles are 9.5"? Or maybe the neck shape is affecting your bends? Maybe the action needs altered?
Or try this, tuning down a half-step, or going to a lighter gauge string. I know D'Addario makes a 9.5 gauge, and maybe those will feel a bit like 10s, or maybe even going up a gauge so you have more string to grip and bend... |
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StratoSphere
Double Platinum Member
Canada
2232 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 01:49:04
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im guessing its either neck shape or possibly fret size. it is surprisingly hard to switch neck shapes. my main guitars are all U shape, but my new "Strato-Tele" has a C shape and its a world of difference.
ive never heard of finish interfering with bends, but you never know. |
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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 07:40:48
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I have the same radius on all my teles, but the frets are different in both high and width. The ones on the 52 RI are quite low and here we can have an explanation.
As for neckshape I�m used to everything so that doesn�t matter.
But I can feel the friction of the cellulose, it even makes funny noises (quirks) when I bend (only heard without an amp of course) so the type of lacquer is of importance here.
My solution this far is using 0.009 with the three bottom strings from a 0.010 set. It works but I would like to have the thicker top strings too.
A theory is that the lacquer is not dry enough yet, I also have a strat with cellulose lacquered maple board. It has wider and higher frets but the quirks is not on this neck and it�s very comfortable for bending with 0.010.
I got an advice from another guitarist that can be a good one, put 0.011 on it, tame it and go to 0.010 again.
Summing up I think it is the frets mainly and to a certain effect the friction of the cellulose board.
Refretting is quite expensive so that is no alternative, this is a replica of a 52 tele and the frets should be the ones on it.
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 09:06:04
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Definitely sounds like fret height and width. The increased width will create more friction when sliding, and the height difference definitely will affect it. I wouldn't be too worried though as I heard nitro finishes improve with time, so it may need to dry out. Maybe treat it like a fine bottle of wine, and let it age a bit...
Have you checked any other forums? I am a member on a Fender forum, and I am sure you can find out if its something others have experienced or if there are ways to remedy the problem without unnecessarily affecting the guitar. |
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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 09:31:43
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I have asked the same at guitar forums in Sweden, but nothing great came out of it. The solutions was about the same as here, except that someone suggested baby powder on the board�
I�m quite sure that when the cellulose lacquer has dried up the problem will be solved more or less.
I will register at the Fender forum as soon as possible.
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 17:20:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Goran
I have asked the same at guitar forums in Sweden, but nothing great came out of it. The solutions was about the same as here, except that someone suggested baby powder on the board�
I�m quite sure that when the cellulose lacquer has dried up the problem will be solved more or less.
I will register at the Fender forum as soon as possible.
Here's the one I am on...
http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&topic_number=604243
I am mainly on the Squier side of things under the name bowlfreshener. Follow registration instructions carefully, they almost banned me for not following the correct registration procedure...but it is a rather relaxed forum with mant knowledgeable people when it comes to Fenders and Squiers.... |
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Hard bending tele
