Figs. 11 and 11a
show the complementary condition called
bowing where the headstock bends away from the strings.
To check for warp or bow in the neck, perform the following
procedure as described in the following text and illustrated
in
fig. 12
:
Depress the 6th string, E, between the nut and first fret
while holding the string against the fingerboard at the
13th fret.
Check the clearance between the bottom of the string
and the top of the 5th fret.
The clearance should be a minimum of .005" to .015"
depending on the string gauge. It should not be more
than .032" (
1
/
32
"), or the neck has a "warped" condition
and must be adjusted at the tension rod.
Check the clearance of the first string, E, in the same
manner.
If either E string touches the 5th fret, the neck has a "bowed"
condition and must be adjusted at the tension rod.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 10a
Fig. 11a
19
All Ovation guitars feature an adjustable steel tension rod. The
tension rod serves two purposes. It counterbalances string
tension, giving the neck additional strength. The rod moves
the neck forward and backward in response to the changing
seasonal humidity. As the humidity in the air increases (as in
the Spring and Summer), the fingerboard will swell slightly,
creating a slight backwards warp. This will result in fret buzz that
increases in intensity closer to the nut. Conversely, when the
humidity is low (as in Winter), the fingerboard loses moisture,
causing the neck to “bow” forward. This results in a high action
towards the middle of the neck. If buzzing occurs with this
condition, it is usually on the end towards the bridge.
If you wish to adjust the tension rod of your Ovation, please
use the procedure which applies to your particular model
from among the following. We do, however, recommend that
you contact your Authorized Ovation Dealer if you are unsure
about any part of the procedure.
Tension Rod with Headstock Access
When adjusted correctly, there should be a slight forward bow
in the neck. The proper amount of bow can be determined
by holding the low E string down at the first and last frets at
the same time, and viewing the gap between that string and
the top of the 7th fret. There should be a gap of about .010"
(.25mm), or about the thickness of your high E string. If the
gap is less than that, you need to loosen the truss rod to move
the neck forward. If the gap is more than .010" (.25mm), you
may want to tighten the truss rod.
Fig. 12
18
