Any step by step instructions on how to do a neck reset on a Taylor?

[Tito83]

I've bought a Taylor 114 recently and it's a nice guitar, but the action is pretty high and there's really nothing more I could do aside from doing a neck reset or filing the bridge, but what I've got from Taylor is that they do not recommend it, the way to make this is to reset the neck. I don't have an authorized repair shop or luthier near me and I really don't trust local luthiers, so I prefer to do it myself.

Has anyone done it? How should I do this? I'm used to doing it with electrics, but I'm not familiar with the double shim thing, so I'm not really sure how it works.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Eagle1]

You just need a different set of shims and then swap them over . Takes no time but you have to peel the sticker off the heel block to get at the bolt . The other bolt is under the fingerboard overlap and easy to feel from the soundhole . There is also a bit of caulk filler around the fingerboard and base of the heel to make it look perfect .

 

[nateclark]

I can't recall if that model has the nt joint. Anyone know for sure?

Here is how I handle a neck reset on taylor's "new technology" neck joint:

http://fingerlakesguitarrepair.com/taylor-neck-reset/

 

[xjojox]

I've filed many a bridge saddle, it's easy enough and you can always get a new saddle. Hard to tell without seeing the guitar which fix is the right way to go.

 

[Axekisser]

Nice job on that Nate! I have to make a trip down to see your shop. Ithaca is nice this time of year!

I can't recall if that model has the nt joint. Anyone know for sure?

Here is how I handle a neck reset on taylor's "new technology" neck joint:

http://fingerlakesguitarrepair.com/taylor-neck-reset/

 

[blong]

Don't file the bridge. It can ruin the bridge and is not necessary. You can file the saddle from the under side, but the Taylor neck reset is pretty easy if you are handy at all! Filing the saddle can ruin it and it will need to be replaced. I never recommend filing the bridge (the wooden part). The saddle is the white bone (usually) part that sits in the bridge. I'd do the neck reset. Call Taylor's customer support line and see if they will send you the shims and the video. It's easy. Of course, I've been working on guitars for almost 30 years, but it is very, very easy. If you can't get the video, I have an extra copy, I think. I can send it to you if you send it back so I can share it with others.

Let me know. I can also walk you through it after you watch the video. If you call Taylor, they may send everything to you. Just ask. Worst thing they will say is send it to an authorized repair center, but it's not necessary.

Bob

 

[John Coloccia]

FWIW, some other luthiers I've talked with have mentioned that it's not impossible to get Taylor shims right from Taylor to do this with factory parts. I've not had to do it myself, yet. Maybe that's changed, and maybe I have bad info, but it might be worth it to ask around to local luthiers to see if they can do this for you with the proper shims.

re: shaving the bridge. It's a last resort, but can sometimes make a crap guitar into a nice guitar, allowing you to reestablish a good break angle on the cheap. As Bob says, this is completely the wrong approach to take on a Taylor because the neck angle is sooooo easy to adjust if you just have the right parts, and only moderately difficult to adjust if you have to make new shims from scratch.

 

[nateclark]

Thanks Mike. Let me know the next time that you are in the neighborhood.

 

[Tito83]

I really appreciate all the help! Thanks a lot everyone!

blong, I just might accept it, I'll contact you through PM.

nateclark, thanks a lot for the instructions! And I really smiled when I saw a formula! I "hate" trying to guess anything, and it'll be really helpful!

John Coloccia, I tried to reach them through email and Facebok, but no luck. I just might call them as blong suggested. I've read on some board that someone got the shims from Taylor, but I live in Brazil, so it might be a little bit of a problem - as usually is.

Again, thanks everyone!

 

[levelfrets]

I can't recall if that model has the nt joint. Anyone know for sure?

Here is how I handle a neck reset on taylor's "new technology" neck joint:

http://fingerlakesguitarrepair.com/taylor-neck-reset/

That model does have the NT joint. I just did one fairly recently. I'm with you, I prefer to re-angle/modify the stock shims. Takes the worry out of ordering and waiting for the wrong shims from Taylor and ending up with a drawer full of useless shims.

 

[GuitarWhisperer]

The reason they would rather you reset the neck than file the bridge is that the bridge is an external brace and needs to be the correct thickness to provide the correct support.