Action + Tune-o-matic = Disgruntled CPeck

[cpeck]

So, I have a tune-o-matic on two Jazzmasters I own. The action is not as low as I want, and I've done all I can with manipulating the truss rod and messing with the bridge height.  There seems to be one thing left that may work: remove the bushings.  This will lower the action another few millimeters. Has anyone done this? Will it eff things up? Or is it a safe move?

[zhivago]

have you shimmed the neck?

[cpeck]

have you shimmed the neck?

I don't know what that means 

[zhivago]

it's when you insert this (see picture below) between the neck and the body....vintage ones had it too...here's mine....

[cpeck]

it's when you insert this (see picture below) between the neck and the body....vintage ones had it too...here's mine....

Oh...hmm. I've never had the neck off mine.  It's an AVRI.  Can you buy these easily?

[Pumpkin]

Get a business card and cut a piece the same shape as zhivagos  shim in the photo,one thing you need to remember is if for example you need the action lower put it at the back like the photo.

In the neck pocket 1mm will be 2-3 mm at the bridge so you really don't need the shim to be very thick to get a result.
I have shims in my jag because the TOM is as low as it goes and i adjust the action with shims in the neck.

It sounds bad by having no action adjustment outside of taking off the neck but once its set your action will stay exactly as you want it for ever basically.But.... when shimming for the correct action you need to re tune to test string height so you have the right pressure or you'll screw the neck on,tune it up and find you have way to much and you'll need to do it over again.

It only takes 2-3 times to get it perfect,if you find one piece of card is not enough but two is too many,just use one and move it slightly towards the headstock (about 2mm at a time) and you'll get it right.

[chrisjedijane]

my AVRI has a shim in the neck, I think they do it in the factory these days as mine was bought brand new.

If your neck is shimmed, you could always try filing down the saddles on the TOM or something, or making the string slots deeper. This might make it a little easier to get closer to your preferred action.

[Superfuzz]

So, I have a tune-o-matic on two Jazzmasters I own. The action is not as low as I want, and I've done all I can with manipulating the truss rod and messing with the bridge height.  There seems to be one thing left that may work: remove the bushings.  This will lower the action another few millimeters. Has anyone done this? Will it eff things up? Or is it a safe move?

Have you put off the previous bridge posts?
Anyway I've you can always take off some mm of alluminum from the bottom of your TOM..as I've done.

[Puke+Cry]

i want a tune o matic in mine, are they okay? any tuning issues, buzzing intonation? i've heard that the trem doesnt work properly with it, is this true?

[Soiouz]

i want a tune o matic in mine, are they okay? any tuning issues, buzzing intonation? i've heard that the trem doesnt work properly with it, is this true?

Read around:

index.php?topic=304.0

[Puke+Cry]

yeah, haha i was just reading it before you posted