Newby introduction

Mark_H

Hi all

I see it's good manners to introduce yourself here on the Forum ? so I'll also get on board.

My name is Mark,I live in Cape Town,ex valie. I'm still learning to play the guitar But am a huge fan of the Gibson range (don't own one yet)

I have a pearl River acoustic guitar with steel strings. (apparently supposed to have nylon)

warrenpridgeon

Mark_H wrote: Hi all

I see it's good manners to introduce yourself here on the Forum ? so I'll also get on board.

My name is Mark,I live in Cape Town,ex valie. I'm still learning to play the guitar But am a huge fan of the Gibson range (don't own one yet)

I have a pearl River acoustic guitar with steel strings. (apparently supposed to have nylon)

Welcome to the nuthouse! Don't feed the locals... they bite. lol.

I also started on a nylon guitar that had and still has steel strings on.
It had about a 7ft action when I got it. I filed down the underside of the bridge and nut and got it down to around half a foot. lol.

Never stop learning and pushing your limits. It's amazing when things that seemed impossible before become easy.

Mark_H

Ha ha ha,Thanks

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. I actually posted in the repair section with regards to high action.

That's pretty much the only thing stopping me from practicing. As someone recently said it's like trying to run with water is your boots.

But will drop it down to about 3 mm(sittng on about 4.5-5mm at the moment) and give it ago.

wern101

Welcome Mark! Lots to learn here. A great way is to enter the monthly competitions, those really stretch you!!
Have fun

Stoffeltoo

Hi Mark. Very envious that an ex Vaalie gets to Cape Town. Welcome to the forum and like minded nutters. Enjoy your stay and remember the best road in the Vaal is the one down to Cape Town!

V8

Mark_H wrote: As someone recently said it's like trying to run with water is your boots.

Pretttyy much, I've seen a few cheapies that qualify as wall decorations - unplayable, even after a lot of tinkering.

There are a few variables aside from saddle/nut height & truss rod adjustment. If it was intended as a classical (the classical style slotted headstock & lack of a truss rod are signs), perhaps increased tension from the steel strings caused the bridge to lift/belly or neck to warp. Tough to say - if in any doubt, ask someone to check it out.

Mark_H

So last night I decided to take the saddle out and low and behold, someone had actually put a piece of plastic underneath to raise the action. Removed the plastic, put the saddle back and voila. action is where it should be. ? even though it's still out by .4 but that already was an improvement and didn't battle strumming 8) Now all I need to do is practice the caterpillar/scales to get my fingers use to the fret board and by next week I can start practicing properly ? ? ?