A high neck angle on an acoustic guitar can cause a number of problems, including:
- High action: A high neck angle will cause the strings to be further away from the fretboard, making the action higher. This can make the guitar difficult to play and can lead to fatigue in the left hand.
- Fret buzz: A high neck angle can also cause fret buzz. This is when the strings vibrate against the frets, producing an unwanted buzzing sound.
- Intonation problems: A high neck angle can also cause intonation problems. This is when the notes played on the guitar sound out of tune.
In addition to these problems, a high neck angle can also make the guitar more susceptible to damage. When the neck angle is too high, the neck is placed under more stress, which can lead to warping or cracking.
There are a few reasons why the neck angle on an acoustic guitar may become too high. One common reason is changes in humidity. If the guitar is exposed to dry air, the wood in the neck may shrink, causing the neck angle to increase. Another common reason for a high neck angle is improper storage. If the guitar is stored in a humid or hot environment, the wood in the neck may swell, causing the neck angle to increase.
If you think your acoustic guitar may have a high neck angle, there are a few things you can do to check:
- Place a straightedge along the fretboard. The straightedge should be parallel to the strings. If the straightedge is not parallel to the strings, then the neck angle is too high.
- Measure the distance between the 12th fret and the bottom of the 6th string. The distance should be between 2mm and 3mm. If the distance is greater than 3mm, then the neck angle is too high.
If you have determined that your acoustic guitar has a high neck angle, there are a few things you can do to fix it. However, it is important to note that fixing a high neck angle can be a complex procedure, and it is best to take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician.
There are three main ways to fix a high neck angle on an acoustic guitar:
- Adjust the truss rod. The truss rod is a metal rod that runs through the neck of the guitar. It can be used to adjust the neck relief, which is the amount of bow in the neck. To adjust the truss rod, you will need a truss rod wrench. Turn the truss rod wrench in a clockwise direction to tighten the truss rod and straighten the neck. Turn the truss rod wrench in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the truss rod and bow the neck.
It is important to note that adjusting the truss rod is a delicate procedure, and it is important to be careful not to overtighten the truss rod. Overtightening the truss rod can damage the neck of the guitar.
- Shim the neck. If adjusting the truss rod does not fix the high neck angle, you may need to shim the neck. This involves placing a thin piece of material under the neck to raise it. You can purchase shims from most guitar stores.
Shimming the neck is a more involved procedure than adjusting the truss rod, but it is less likely to damage the neck of the guitar.
- Reset the neck. If the neck angle is very high, you may need to reset the neck. This is a complex procedure that should be done by a qualified guitar technician.
Resetting the neck involves removing the neck from the guitar and re-attaching it at a different angle. This is the most effective way to fix a high neck angle, but it is also the most expensive and time-consuming option.
If you are not comfortable adjusting the truss rod, shimming the neck, or resetting the neck, it is best to take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it safely.
Here are some tips for preventing a high neck angle on your acoustic guitar:
- Keep your guitar humidified. Dry air can cause the wood in the neck to shrink, which can lead to a high neck angle.
- Avoid storing your guitar in extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures can also cause the wood in the neck to warp, which can lead to a high neck angle.
- Loosen the strings when you are not playing your guitar. This will help to reduce the stress on the neck and prevent it from warping.
- Have your guitar set up regularly by a qualified guitar technician. A good guitar technician will be able to check the neck angle and make any necessary adjustments.
By following these tips, you can keep your acoustic guitar in good condition and prevent a high neck angle from developing.