When I bought my Seagull Performer CW Folk and even my Traveller Pro-Series - there is a warning in the owner's manual to not touch the truss rod unless you are professional luthier. Barely knowing what I was doing with the guitar I decided to leave it alone and just play the instruments as they came from the factory. The Traveller has always had a light action with a narrow neck and is easy to play for a beginner. The Seagull on the hand had beautiful tone but was harder to play with the wider neck and the higher action.
My friend Steve in Rochester was having similar problems with tone, sustain and action on his guitar. I forget the brand name but I know it's made in Indonesia. He decided to fix the problem last spring and adjust the guitar on his own. I don't think he adjusted the truss rod but I know he cut the bridge down to bring the action closer to the fretboard. The effect was dramatic and the instrument became much easier to play, had better sustain and feel. Although, I loved the effect I wasn't about to butcher my brand new Seagull to get achieve the same results.
After four months of ownership with the Seagull, I decided to look into adjusting my guitar but I wanted to do something better than just 'guessing' the procedure. I did several Internet searches and several searches on Amazon. I came up with a website form Guild guitars that shows you how to properly adjust your guitar. Some of the other sources I found had esoteric instructions like 'look down the fingerboard and see if it bows in or out...and adjust the truss rod until it looks even'. For me, that doesn't work - I don't know what I'm doing so how am I to know if it 'looks' right. That's almost back to guessing.
The Guild web site describes a method that uses accurate measurements that anyone with basic mechanical skills could follow. The tools are simple; a feeler gauge that you can get from an auto parts store, a fine ruler marked to 1/64 or 1/32 - my feeler gauge had this, an electronic tuner, the truss rod adjusting tool that came with your guitar - both of my guitars came with a truss rod tool, a capo, and either a file or a sanding block.
Follow the instructions at the Guild web site as described. The truss rod tool is either an allen wrench (aka hex key) or a nut driver. If your guitar does not have one - you might be able to search your tool box for a suitable allen wrench or nut driver or as a last resort, your local music store. To adjust the bridge - you may need to lower the bridge and this means removing some material from the bottom of the bridge. I needed to remove 2/32" from my bridge. I first marked one side of the bridge before removing so I know which way it goes back in - this is important. Then I took the bridge out to my garage and used one of those portable workbenches that have a vice in the middle. I put the bridge upside down in the vice loosely and adjusted the part sticking out of the vice to the amount I need to removed. I checked both ends before tightening. Then I used my electric circular sander to remove the 2/32" sticking out of the vice by sanding down to the vice. Hope that makes sense.
I reassembled my guitar - checked the tuning and then measured the nut. The nut didn't need any adjustment. I was solid. I rechecked all measurements to verify that I did everything correctly. Spot On! My guitar now sounds absolutely 100% better and is easier to play. There's not much you can really goof up if you take your time and work with the instructions and your guitar. Don't force anything and if you really feel this is outside of your comfort zone then pay to have this done - it's worth it.
Guild Acoustic Guitar Setup Guide.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Peterborough Versys Ride
I joined a Versys Group ride today in Peterborough. We met up at the Country Style Donut Hut on 115 just outside Newcastle, Ontario at 9:00 am. Everyone was jonesing for a ride and beet the ride organizer to the spot. Jerry aka Mjr.Rage was the leader and organizer - he did a great job of keeping the group together. Even when I somehow got behind and realized everyone was ready to go and I wasn't. How embarassing.
Jerry lead us to Hwy 507 and let it flow. The brave rolled the throttle on hard and lead the group. I've always been a moderate rider - no wheelies, peg scraping or burnouts. But, I felt I was keeping up in the middle of the pack - and I know my speedo was telling me I was running between 120 and 140 kmh. I don't know what the other guys were running at.
Only one corner had me scared. I don't know what happened - I was running hot before I knew it and I know I was leaned over hard but it felt like I was going over edge of the pavement and the rear tire was grabbing for traction but not getting a hold of anything.
Other than that - I had a great time and enjoyed the camraderie of running with a group of professional riders. Everyone had at least a motorcycle jacket, gloves and a full face helmet on at a minimum and many had the pants and decent boots.
The group of bikes were made up of mostly Versys motorcycles but a Concours, a VMax and a B-King also made an appearance. It was good run - I had to split from the group in Haliburton and head back home. This is what motorcycling is for - to clear your head of the troubles that surround us and let us be one with ourselves for a few moments.
Jerry lead us to Hwy 507 and let it flow. The brave rolled the throttle on hard and lead the group. I've always been a moderate rider - no wheelies, peg scraping or burnouts. But, I felt I was keeping up in the middle of the pack - and I know my speedo was telling me I was running between 120 and 140 kmh. I don't know what the other guys were running at.
Only one corner had me scared. I don't know what happened - I was running hot before I knew it and I know I was leaned over hard but it felt like I was going over edge of the pavement and the rear tire was grabbing for traction but not getting a hold of anything.
Other than that - I had a great time and enjoyed the camraderie of running with a group of professional riders. Everyone had at least a motorcycle jacket, gloves and a full face helmet on at a minimum and many had the pants and decent boots.
The group of bikes were made up of mostly Versys motorcycles but a Concours, a VMax and a B-King also made an appearance. It was good run - I had to split from the group in Haliburton and head back home. This is what motorcycling is for - to clear your head of the troubles that surround us and let us be one with ourselves for a few moments.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Letting Go
We have three dogs. They are spoiled and live an easy life. Sadly, our middle dog - Turbo is not doing so well. His prognosis is not good and is at the vet being checked out with x-rays. I was so sad this morning - I picked him up and carried him to the car. I could tell he didn't want to be moved but he's such a well behaved dog he'll do anything to please you. At the vet - I walked him in and he didn't want to go. This is unlike Turbo - he's usually brave at the vet and knows the check up does him good and he'll return home for a treat and more love.
This time, he didn't want to go. The vet tech was trying to make him walk to the back. Instead, I picked him up and asked if I could put him in his crate. I placed him on the blanket and turned and walked away. I kept telling myself, 'He'll be fine'. The vet will find whatever is bothering him and he'll be home and happy again. Begging for us to play with him - he always likes to play.
I think Turbo knows whatever is wrong with him, it's not good. We've been holding him and stroking his fur. Rubbing his hears is his favorite and he's been getting plenty of that.
My partner wrote this about Turbo on his blog: I Love Turbo
Peace be with you my friend:
Turbo
This time, he didn't want to go. The vet tech was trying to make him walk to the back. Instead, I picked him up and asked if I could put him in his crate. I placed him on the blanket and turned and walked away. I kept telling myself, 'He'll be fine'. The vet will find whatever is bothering him and he'll be home and happy again. Begging for us to play with him - he always likes to play.
I think Turbo knows whatever is wrong with him, it's not good. We've been holding him and stroking his fur. Rubbing his hears is his favorite and he's been getting plenty of that.
My partner wrote this about Turbo on his blog: I Love Turbo
Peace be with you my friend:
Turbo
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Lake Erie Circle Tour
For the Labor Day weekend I decided I was going to pull off another motorcycle tour before the season comes to an end. My friend Sharon has done several spectacular Great Lakes Circle Tours and this gave me and idea to do this trip. I live just a few short kilometres from two of the a lakes. The trip was only 634 miles, an easy two day trip. It could be done in one but I'd really be pushing it. Also, I could swing down to Youngstown and meet up with another motorcycle buddy - Dave. We met on the Kawasaki Versys forum.
The weather was the best - about 78F/25C on average. Saturday morning started out cloudy and misty. The kind of magical low lying clouds that tend to part as you go through them. Nothing foggy that blocked my vision but just Misty clouds. These clouds also muffled the sound and it felt like just my bike and I were on the road. I thought it looked like I was going to get wet in a few places but nothing of the sort was to be had the whole weekend. The clouds eventually burned off by noon and I was left with blue skies for the rest of the weekend.
I left my house at 6:20 am. I only took the two side bags and left the top case at home. Being an over night trip I didn't need the whole compliment of bags. The border crossing at 6:30 am went smoothly. I think the border crossing had either a look of 'You lucky bastard' or 'May God have Mercy on Your Soul'. I'm not sure which - I didn't give a crap, just wanted to get out of there without a strip search. A stop for fuel and snacks at the local Sunoco was next and on the road by 7:00.
Lesson learned on the GPS. I've had it for almost 2 years - it's a Garmin 60CSx. I like it - it's not the best for a motorcycle but I've adapted. The problem I encountered is that the route I projected had more than 50 way points. I didn't realize this was a problem until I attempted to navigate the route and got a nasty error that said it could do 'follow road' navigation with more than 50 points. I was at the Sunoco dropping points off the list until I got it down to 50. The first part of the trip was the most important - getting through Buffalo and down to Youngstown was part I need the most, followed by back to the lake and through Cleveland.
My first stop was in Buffalo. I've been wanting to see 32 Wasson avenue. This was the location of the house in the movie Lackawana Blues. I found it easy enough and like most things, there wasn't much left there at all. The house has probably been gone for decades. The only thing left is an old store with the architecture correct for the period and a more modern housing project. Mostly vacant lots. I wasn't expecting much yet it was nice to reflect what once was here - vibrant neighborhoods filled with active people.
After a few pictures I rolled on to Hwy 5 and began my track around the lake. I went passed old industrial sites - some in operation and some abandoned. This area could be beautiful but there is so much abandoned human enterprises left scattered about that it would take a monumental effort to clean it all up. So, it remains to sit and rot. Eventually the industrial sites of Buffalo were left behind and I found myself going past old lake houses and long forgotten businesses. Some with rusty signs that you could hardly make out what went on there. One was for a motel and another was for some one's world famous stakeburger. These places must have been important at one time before the interstates came through.
I made it to Ashtabula by 11. I called Dave and let him know I was on the way and should be at his place by noon. Dave and I yacked about bikes and he showed me his place. An interesting place that he's lived in since he was a kid. He has three distinct and seperate garages. This guys got plenty of toys including a woodshop with lots of nice equipment and tractor (I'm mean tractor not lawn tractor) to boot. We shared a pizza with his wife Jo and son Devon. Our last event was to head over to Shade Tree motorsports. A place Dave likes to go to for the bike parts and the sale staff. It's about an hour away from his house and a very nice ride. Dave and I parted ways at Shadetree and I headed back to the lake. Dave made it home fine by himself. That was nice to spend time with a fellow enthusiast.
Worked my way back to the lake and continued my journey. I arrived in Luna Pier at around 8:00 pm and spent the night at the Motel 8. My dinner was at the local Gander Restaurant. Highly recommended - nice place, good food and kind staff. The Motel 8 was clean and serviceable. The next morning I was back on the road at around 9:00 am. My partner wanted me to visit The Henry Ford Museum to visit the gift shop. The gift shop didn't have what he was looking for and I motored on. I chose the Ambassador bridge to cross and that went smoothly as well. From Windsor I made my way to Hwy 18 and then to 3 and back home, arriving at about 5:30 pm.
The total journey was 1200 kilometers or about 730 miles. I was tired but enthralled with the journey. Now I'm eager to try out some of the other lakes like Sharon has.
The weather was the best - about 78F/25C on average. Saturday morning started out cloudy and misty. The kind of magical low lying clouds that tend to part as you go through them. Nothing foggy that blocked my vision but just Misty clouds. These clouds also muffled the sound and it felt like just my bike and I were on the road. I thought it looked like I was going to get wet in a few places but nothing of the sort was to be had the whole weekend. The clouds eventually burned off by noon and I was left with blue skies for the rest of the weekend.
I left my house at 6:20 am. I only took the two side bags and left the top case at home. Being an over night trip I didn't need the whole compliment of bags. The border crossing at 6:30 am went smoothly. I think the border crossing had either a look of 'You lucky bastard' or 'May God have Mercy on Your Soul'. I'm not sure which - I didn't give a crap, just wanted to get out of there without a strip search. A stop for fuel and snacks at the local Sunoco was next and on the road by 7:00.
Lesson learned on the GPS. I've had it for almost 2 years - it's a Garmin 60CSx. I like it - it's not the best for a motorcycle but I've adapted. The problem I encountered is that the route I projected had more than 50 way points. I didn't realize this was a problem until I attempted to navigate the route and got a nasty error that said it could do 'follow road' navigation with more than 50 points. I was at the Sunoco dropping points off the list until I got it down to 50. The first part of the trip was the most important - getting through Buffalo and down to Youngstown was part I need the most, followed by back to the lake and through Cleveland.
My first stop was in Buffalo. I've been wanting to see 32 Wasson avenue. This was the location of the house in the movie Lackawana Blues. I found it easy enough and like most things, there wasn't much left there at all. The house has probably been gone for decades. The only thing left is an old store with the architecture correct for the period and a more modern housing project. Mostly vacant lots. I wasn't expecting much yet it was nice to reflect what once was here - vibrant neighborhoods filled with active people.
After a few pictures I rolled on to Hwy 5 and began my track around the lake. I went passed old industrial sites - some in operation and some abandoned. This area could be beautiful but there is so much abandoned human enterprises left scattered about that it would take a monumental effort to clean it all up. So, it remains to sit and rot. Eventually the industrial sites of Buffalo were left behind and I found myself going past old lake houses and long forgotten businesses. Some with rusty signs that you could hardly make out what went on there. One was for a motel and another was for some one's world famous stakeburger. These places must have been important at one time before the interstates came through.
I made it to Ashtabula by 11. I called Dave and let him know I was on the way and should be at his place by noon. Dave and I yacked about bikes and he showed me his place. An interesting place that he's lived in since he was a kid. He has three distinct and seperate garages. This guys got plenty of toys including a woodshop with lots of nice equipment and tractor (I'm mean tractor not lawn tractor) to boot. We shared a pizza with his wife Jo and son Devon. Our last event was to head over to Shade Tree motorsports. A place Dave likes to go to for the bike parts and the sale staff. It's about an hour away from his house and a very nice ride. Dave and I parted ways at Shadetree and I headed back to the lake. Dave made it home fine by himself. That was nice to spend time with a fellow enthusiast.
Worked my way back to the lake and continued my journey. I arrived in Luna Pier at around 8:00 pm and spent the night at the Motel 8. My dinner was at the local Gander Restaurant. Highly recommended - nice place, good food and kind staff. The Motel 8 was clean and serviceable. The next morning I was back on the road at around 9:00 am. My partner wanted me to visit The Henry Ford Museum to visit the gift shop. The gift shop didn't have what he was looking for and I motored on. I chose the Ambassador bridge to cross and that went smoothly as well. From Windsor I made my way to Hwy 18 and then to 3 and back home, arriving at about 5:30 pm.
The total journey was 1200 kilometers or about 730 miles. I was tired but enthralled with the journey. Now I'm eager to try out some of the other lakes like Sharon has.
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