Thank you so much Adam. After watching your video I took the shims out of both of my guitars and now they play like butter. I can't thank you enough. Don.
Thank you so much for this video. The action on my Ovation Celebrity CC44 has been high since I got it and you have shown me how to actually lower it to where it is a joy to play. I can’t believe I was able to do it myself without having to bring it in to a guitar tech. Thank you for your great explanation and demonstration of how to do this😊
Awesome advice. I found 4 thick brown shims in my ovation, I removed 2 of the four and the action is so much better AND the intonation is now really close to perfect (the high action was enough to make notes ~20 cents sharp at the 12th fret). I may remove one more shim and see if I get any buzz. I did not find any thin or angled shims.
Thank you. This is my second Ovation and first was used and action was phenomonal. This one strings too high. it's the 1778tx. so, I'm going to have at it and see what happens. Agan, thanks. Tony d.
Adjusting the action is a three step procedure. First check or adjust the truss rod . 2 Check the nut adjustment . 3 is this adjustment , lowering the saddle height . Once you set your guitar up , always use the same gage strings it was set up for.
Good to know, was wondering why my Saddle had a wire attached lol. Didn't know it was two pieces or there were shims under it. Although in my case I believe it's a combo of the truss rod needing a slight adjustment, and maybe one shim removed from the pickup assembly
Wow! Now this looks helpful. Say I'm getting buzz and dead strings on the hi E B G strings, this is recent after a year of playing 300 90 minute sets, is there a way of only effecting those strings and not the low E A D stings. I like the low action that I've had, so I don't want to get far away from that. Do I really need a pro to dial this in?
Ummm,... on the Thinline you didn't remove a shim... so how am I supposed to know if I'm doing it right? I have a Thinline and need to lower the action - sure wish you hadn't cut the video short just before the most important part...
I'm the original owner of a 1984 Anniversary Edition Ovation. Does my instrument have the bridge shims shown in this video? I'm planning on replacing the string set with the latest D'addario 12-53 offering and want to lower the action just a tad, if swapping out a shim is an option. Otherwise, I'll take it to my tech.
Hi ICON music - What size allen wrench do i need to adjust the truss rod? Also - I have already tried to use the allen key sent with the guitar and cannot get it seat well. I bought the guitar used so I cant be sure that the one I got was the correct size
HI just about another ovation, this time a timeless with mahagony top. I tried adjusting the string height from bridge like I did with my other one and there are no shims underneath the pick up? Is there something I'm missing?
Hello, I have a 1979 Ovation (seen on my profile photo) Pacemaker 1615 12 strings acoustic electric guitar and It had only 2 shims that I took off from the bridge and still had a high action on last frets. Would you guys please tell me what can I do to low a bit more? I will appreciate your comenta. Greetings from Valencia, Venezuela 🇻🇪
Si le quitaste las laminitas y aún te parece alta, solo queda rebajarle 1mm a la cejilla con una lima o lija, importante; el lijado debe ser parejo para que coma uniformemente.
@@robertomunoz3656 … gracias hermano pero no se puede hacer porque es electro acústica y si conoces a las guitarras Ovation electro acústicas no tienen las semillas como las que son solamente acústicas, son distintas … saludos
I removed the pickup it's a 2 peice never came apart there was only one shim a metal one removed it retuned didn't sound right so I put the shim back in exactly how I had removed it now it still doesn't sound quite the same as factory did more tinny sounding and real sensitive like the bridge and strings what could be wrong ?? it's a celebrity elite Plus ovation guitar
. My strings are to low and there is lot of buzzing. I'm going to try to put more shims in the first place. In need more shims. Where can i buy them? I hava a celebrity 12 string ovation.
This is not true for all Ovations. I actually have to sand down the bridge piece on top of the pickup for my older shallow body. I wish it had been this easy as it was rather painstaking.
My Truss rod adjusting bolt is located through the backside opening which is removed with the one screw, then on up inside and at the base of the neck . Ovation CS257. :)
Good Lord what a nightmare for Ovation guitars without a sound hole!!!! And ad we all know with Ovation, the face of the guitar can belly up!!!! How many Ovation guitars from the 70, 80s, 90, we see with cracked and bowed faces????? They sound awesome plugged in, one of the best sounds out there, but a true nightmare for some of them!!! I just bought a used DJA34, and the saddle is very thin and doesn't work like shown here, and the strings need to be lowered??? Now what???? Edit: I just spotted the round hatch in the back!!! Let's cross our fingers for a truss rod in there???? Whew!!!!
if there are no shims, and ur action is high throughout the frets, ur best option is to remove material from the saddle itself. i recommend taking material off from the bottom of the saddle, however that can prove difficult given the design of most ovation saddles, they are somewhat segmented into little blocks on the bottom. also make sure you play with the neck relief a little bit as well. I am currently adjusting my ovation right now for the first time and i am learning that it takes quiet a bit of patience and a lot of re-tuning between each adjustment. key tip - SMALL adjustments is the best way to do it.
You can loosen the strings and then unscrew the one straight screw on the back and take the access door off. Then there is a 13/16 Allen screw Allen screw adjustment for the truss rod. Tighten it. Then tune the guitar. Check your neck bow by holding down your low E string at the 12th fret and the first fret. If you can Barely hold a “thin pick” on the 6th fret with the string then it’s set right. You have to keep losing the strings and making adjustments and tuning and checking. Once you have the neck set, then set the bridge for string buzz
It's very likely your saddle isn't making good continuous contact with the pickup. "Been there." Make sure you've got it tight against the pickup all the way across.
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
Exactly what I needed. Thanks for a well-explained, well-demonstrated video without a bunch of peskingly annoying ads!
Thank you so much Adam. After watching your video I took the shims out of both of my guitars and now they play like butter. I can't thank you enough. Don.
This helped so much! Ive been hating trying to use the truss rod for minor adjustments. This was a lifesaver
Thank you so much for this video. The action on my Ovation Celebrity CC44 has been high since I got it and you have shown me how to actually lower it to where it is a joy to play. I can’t believe I was able to do it myself without having to bring it in to a guitar tech. Thank you for your great explanation and demonstration of how to do this😊
Nine years later, this video helped me revitalize an old 1867. Thank you.
Mine has sat on the shelf for 10 years because I hated the high action. Thank you for this video!
Awesome advice. I found 4 thick brown shims in my ovation, I removed 2 of the four and the action is so much better AND the intonation is now really close to perfect (the high action was enough to make notes ~20 cents sharp at the 12th fret). I may remove one more shim and see if I get any buzz. I did not find any thin or angled shims.
Thanks a million. Really helped!
Thank you. This is my second Ovation and first was used and action was phenomonal. This one strings too high. it's the 1778tx. so, I'm going to have at it and see what happens. Agan, thanks. Tony d.
Gracias excelente vídeo
This video is very helpful but I'm wondering if the procedure is the same for the Ovation 12 string?
Adjusting the action is a three step procedure. First check or adjust the truss rod . 2 Check the nut adjustment . 3 is this adjustment , lowering the saddle height . Once you set your guitar up , always use the same gage strings it was set up for.
Fantastic explanation. I am going to try that when I finish work tonight.
Excellent video
Good to know, was wondering why my
Saddle had a wire attached lol. Didn't know it was two pieces or there were shims under it. Although in my case I believe it's a combo of the truss rod needing a slight adjustment, and maybe one shim removed from the pickup assembly
Wow! Now this looks helpful. Say I'm getting buzz and dead strings on the hi E B G strings, this is recent after a year of playing 300 90 minute sets, is there a way of only effecting those strings and not the low E A D stings. I like the low action that I've had, so I don't want to get far away from that. Do I really need a pro to dial this in?
Ummm,... on the Thinline you didn't remove a shim... so how am I supposed to know if I'm doing it right? I have a Thinline and need to lower the action - sure wish you hadn't cut the video short just before the most important part...
Did you look on the back of the guitar for a port hatch? In there let's hope is a truss rod?.?
I'm the original owner of a 1984 Anniversary Edition Ovation. Does my instrument have the bridge shims shown in this video?
I'm planning on replacing the string set with the latest D'addario 12-53 offering and want to lower the action just a tad, if swapping out a shim is an option. Otherwise, I'll take it to my tech.
How did it go? Also, just a suggestion-I had the D’Addario 12s on mine and switched to the EJ26 11s and think it sounds and plays much better.
Great instructional video. Thanks 🙏 for posting!
Awesome! Does the Applause AE-138 also have shims? I love that guitar as much as my "real" Ovation, but the action has always been a little high.
Hi ICON music - What size allen wrench do i need to adjust the truss rod? Also - I have already tried to use the allen key sent with the guitar and cannot get it seat well. I bought the guitar used so I cant be sure that the one I got was the correct size
All of the Ovations do NOT have shims, I ordered a Celebrity Elite and it did Not have shims, plus the tuner was'nt working working so I sent it back
Thanks - I did not remember on which side the pickup wire was attached.
HI just about another ovation, this time a timeless with mahagony top. I tried adjusting the string height from bridge like I did with my other one and there are no shims underneath the pick up? Is there something I'm missing?
All fine with my CE44-5-G, now faster than light. Thanks.
Thanks a lot ...!! The video is great and very useful...🙏🙏
I don’t have shims in mine. CC057 celebrity. I love the sound and the instrument overall. Just way too high to play anything other than open chords.
Hello, I have a 1979 Ovation (seen on my profile photo) Pacemaker 1615 12 strings acoustic electric guitar and It had only 2 shims that I took off from the bridge and still had a high action on last frets. Would you guys please tell me what can I do to low a bit more? I will appreciate your comenta. Greetings from Valencia, Venezuela 🇻🇪
Si le quitaste las laminitas y aún te parece alta, solo queda rebajarle 1mm a la cejilla con una lima o lija, importante; el lijado debe ser parejo para que coma uniformemente.
@@robertomunoz3656 … gracias hermano pero no se puede hacer porque es electro acústica y si conoces a las guitarras Ovation electro acústicas no tienen las semillas como las que son solamente acústicas, son distintas … saludos
@@robertomunoz3656 Cejillas**
I removed the pickup it's a 2 peice never came apart there was only one shim a metal one removed it retuned didn't sound right so I put the shim back in exactly how I had removed it now it still doesn't sound quite the same as factory did more tinny sounding and real sensitive like the bridge and strings what could be wrong ?? it's a celebrity elite Plus ovation guitar
Thank you so very much!
I removed all ships but the guitar is still high , what can i do now??.
Thank you
Truss rod on the head stock of the guitar.
thanks
Awesome! Super helpful!
. My strings are to low and there is lot of buzzing. I'm going to try to put more shims in the first place. In need more shims. Where can i buy them? I hava a celebrity 12 string ovation.
You should try and adjust the neck truss rod.
Very helpful...
Thanks Brother. Awesome
This is not true for all Ovations. I actually have to sand down the bridge piece on top of the pickup for my older shallow body. I wish it had been this easy as it was rather painstaking.
How about on by adjusting it on the truss rod on the headstock?
My Truss rod adjusting bolt is located through the backside opening which is removed with the one screw, then on up inside and at the base of the neck . Ovation CS257. :)
Thanxs for the video
👍🏻
Cool thanks man.
Thank you 💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙
Good Lord what a nightmare for Ovation guitars without a sound hole!!!!
And ad we all know with Ovation, the face of the guitar can belly up!!!!
How many Ovation guitars from the 70, 80s, 90, we see with cracked and bowed faces?????
They sound awesome plugged in, one of the best sounds out there, but a true nightmare for some of them!!!
I just bought a used DJA34, and the saddle is very thin and doesn't work like shown here, and the strings need to be lowered???
Now what????
Edit: I just spotted the round hatch in the back!!! Let's cross our fingers for a truss rod in there????
Whew!!!!
The problem with ovations are the high action 😕
Truss rod way is the final step on your problem.
@@AngeloLuis22 I did and its still high
My ovation applause has a high action, after taking the bridge and pick up out there are no extra shims can anyone help me in lowering the action?
if there are no shims, and ur action is high throughout the frets, ur best option is to remove material from the saddle itself. i recommend taking material off from the bottom of the saddle, however that can prove difficult given the design of most ovation saddles, they are somewhat segmented into little blocks on the bottom. also make sure you play with the neck relief a little bit as well. I am currently adjusting my ovation right now for the first time and i am learning that it takes quiet a bit of patience and a lot of re-tuning between each adjustment. key tip - SMALL adjustments is the best way to do it.
You can loosen the strings and then unscrew the one straight screw on the back and take the access door off. Then there is a 13/16 Allen screw Allen screw adjustment for the truss rod. Tighten it. Then tune the guitar. Check your neck bow by holding down your low E string at the 12th fret and the first fret. If you can Barely hold a “thin pick” on the 6th fret with the string then it’s set right. You have to keep losing the strings and making adjustments and tuning and checking. Once you have the neck set, then set the bridge for string buzz
I did it and now my guitar doesn't work when I plug it in
It happened to me too, either only one or two strings are amplified.
It's very likely your saddle isn't making good continuous contact with the pickup. "Been there." Make sure you've got it tight against the pickup all the way across.