changing sTrings
Strings should be replaced when they become dirty, discolored, or produce
a dull sound. Change one string at a time to maintain the string tension
on the neck. You can change guitar strings in five easy steps:
Loosen the string by turning the tuning peg and remove the string
1.
from the guitar.
Thread the string through the hole in the bridge, either on the back
2.
of the guitar or at the end of the “stop tailpiece” bridge (Figure 1).
Feed the end of the string through the hole in the tuning peg.
3.
Leave some slack so the string will wind around the post a few
times (Figure 2).
Bend the end of the string and tighten it by turning the tuning peg.
4.
Carefully trim the excess string with wire cutters.
5.
aDJusTing The acTion
On electric or bass guitars, the bridge or bridge saddle can be raised or
lowered to adjust the action. Turning the saddle screws clockwise usu-
ally raises the height of the saddle and increased the space between the
strings and the frets.
Truss roD aDJusTmenTs
The truss rod is a device installed in the neck of the guitar to stabilize
and control the straightness of the neck, and support it against the string
tension. A guitar neck flexes under string tension, bending forward.
Removing the string tension will straighten out the neck.
Bow
A neck with a “bow” in the middle will cause bad action and impair
intonation. The truss rod can be tightened to eliminate a bowed neck.
Hump
A neck with a “hump” in the middle will cause string rattle and false
tones. The truss rod can be loosened to eliminate a hump in the neck.
It’s best to have a professional repair person adjust your guitar’s truss
rod. If you’re doing it yourself, be very careful. Too much of a turn can
damage the neck of your guitar.
If you are familiar with making adjustments yourself, you can locate
the truss rod at the end of the neck, just above the nut of the guitar.
Loosen the 3rd and 4th strings to access the truss rod.
Adjustments should only be made to the truss rod in very small incre-
ments. Start with less than a quarter of a turn. It’s helpful to mark
your truss rod so you can monitor your progress or return it to its
original position.
cusTomer assisTance
Phone: 888.551.1115
Email: info@firstact.com
First Act Inc.
745 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116 USA
Colors and specifications depicted on this guide may vary slightly
from your product.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any means without the prior written permission of
the Publisher.
First Act and the First Act logo are trademarks of First Act Inc.
© 2009 First Act Inc. All rights reserved.
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