I have this Harmony acoustic steel string guitar that I just learned to play on. I just figured out recently that the action is waaay too high. At the 12th fret 6 string the string base is like 2cm off the fretboard. I learned on this thing and boy did I get callouses. So anyway, now I play my mom's old nylon guitar which is like butter... but I still want a steel string to play. Should I bother getting the neck reset or just buy a new one? And if so, can I have some recommondations on affordable good quality steel strings?
2006-11-27 16:23:59 · 8 answers · asked by PaulN 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
From my experience changing the action on a guitar is fairly hard to do, and should not be attempted without knowing what you are doing. There is a truss rod running the length of the neck that can be tightened and loosened in the guitar. But I would get a good guitar tech if you like the sound and drop 20-50 bucks on getting it fixed. Good luck- by the way callouses are a good thing!! I played till my fingers bled on a steel string, and I dont even use a pick. Oh yeah... Then get a guitar humidifier to put with it to keep the guitar from getting bowed again by drying excessively.
2006-11-27 16:31:34 · answer #1 · answered by Chad C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although a vintage Harmony is a pretty cool thing they were practically unplayable from new, and the cost of a neck reset would far exceed the value of the instrument.
Right now, Mirage Guitar Works is having a clearance sale on all of their 2006 acoustics (and acoustic electrics) while they last. These are very nice guitars and include a hardshell case.
The best thing to do is to pick out 1 or 2 models that you're interested in and email them for availability. Their sale is 60% off retail, so you can get a $1000 guitar for $400.00!
http://miragegworks.com
2006-11-28 11:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can have your guitar fixed but it will probably cost as much as your original harmony. If you have a sentimental attatchment to your instrument, it is worth it, I have night mares about my guitars being destroyed, but that's off the point.
an excellent guitar with fantastic intonation that is most affordable is Ibanez. Also, the new Ovations are relatively cheap with a very soft neck (good beginner's guitar).
If you are learning on a nylon classical right now, stick with it, when you move back to a steel string 6, your fingers will find the frets much easier.
2006-11-28 00:36:45 · answer #3 · answered by morbidsmindtrip 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ibanez is a good replacement, not too expensive, easy to play. if not too bad, truss rod may be adjusted. stick with steel strings. after practice, soak finger tips in rubbing alcohol for about 30 seconds and let air dry. it will help protect your callouses you have earned and want to keep. good luck.
2006-11-28 01:04:07 · answer #4 · answered by heliosdan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the neck has an adjustable truss rod the bow can possibly be adjusted out. In my town, new strings and action adjustment runs about $35.
2006-11-28 00:34:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a new quitar, when i first started playing i learnt on a top of the range fender-steel string. The quality of the sound is so much better. I would buy a good fender
2006-11-28 00:26:27 · answer #6 · answered by Crazy_person 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get extra light strings
2006-11-28 00:26:47 · answer #7 · answered by MamaJupe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
find out how much it would cost to adjust the neck first
Diadario makes good strings
2006-11-28 00:29:44 · answer #8 · answered by 4 strings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋