Shimming? - Common issue or something to avoid?

[Skarekrough]

I checked out a used 99 UV777BK this afternoon. *It was in decent shape with some battle scars but for the price it seemed like a decent deal. *However after closer inspection I noticed something weird. *There was a small patch of neck right where it met the body that wasn't as faded as the rest of the area. *It looked like it had been protected (i.e. in the "neck pocket") but had been brought out for some reason. *This struck me as odd especially when the rest of the neck area looked fine. *Anyone seen soemthing like this as a result of repair work?

It was also noted that the locking nut had been shimmed. *I was told this was a common thing with Universes but I'd like to get a second opinion. *Is the condition that causes the need for shimming normal and natural? *Should I expect to have to shim the neck eventually even if I buy new? *Will a shimmed nut need work again at a later date?

I'm dying to get a Universe but I'd like to do it right the first time. *Is this Universe going to be a potential chronic headache for me?

Thanks...

[Rich]

First, EVERY nut is shimmed [except DNA nuts]. The light area on the neck is where you can't touch it and is not dirty, every player guitar neck looks like that at the pocket.

[nuno]

Rich,
why only DNAs don't have the shim?

[size=0.5](dude! you're at 3500!)[/size]

[Rich]

I know, I need a life away from this computer!!

Ibanez decided they were going to get cute and cut all DNA nut routs perfect so they would not need a shim.

If they were all perfect it would be OK but some were a little too high (within spec) but too high is not good, you have to remove wood. Much better a little low and shim to perfect.

[Skarekrough]

Huh.....

So a shim isn't something I should be concerned about. *And additionally the little area on the neck is just a result of the physics of hands and where they can and cannot reach on the neck? *I don't ever remember seeing those marks on used guitars....but then I don't exactly remember looking.

Sorry If I seem paranoid about this. *I've wanted a UV or Jem for a good decade now but have managed to either not have the money or talk myself out of getting one for whatever reason. *I want to make sure I'm not going to get something that's going to be a big problem in a short amount of time. *This is an instrument I'm planning on hanging onto for life.

[yurich]

shims are there to make the guitar play better, I dont see why you should be concerned.

[littlegreenman]

Anytime you do a refret, if you change frets to a higher size, you'll have to shim the nut too, it's not a big deal, it's no bigger a deal than raising or lowering your trem.

[Preston]

I'm not a trem-player but I love the feel of that wizard neck, so every guitar I buy,I take to an extremely qualified tech and have the trem blocked and every time they have to shimm the neck to adjust. *It is a minor mod, and it has no affect on the guitar or resale or palyability. *And if I choose to sell that particular guitar, I take it back have everything reversed, and viola', good as new.

[Skarekrough]

Hey all...

I want to thank everyone for their help with my queries. *You've all gone way above and beyond to help me out and I appreciate that greatly.

After taking a day and thinking about it I've decided not to buy the Universe I posted about. *It's got a few more dings on it than I really good about and is missing some components. *Additionally if I'm going to get a Universe I don't mind spending a little extra for one that's going to be in top notch condition. *I'm not talking new but the next best thing, which this guitar really is not. *It'd be a good Universe to gig with but I already have guitars for that expressed purpose.

So my quest is on. *I've got about a grand budget (Rich, I'm watching your site like a hawk, buddy!) and I'm looking for a instrument worthy of having waited 10 years for.

Again....thanks all.

[Skarekrough]

Well...looks like a follow-up post is in order here....as of tonight I officially have a reason to post in this forum.

I sent a polite email to the buyer and stated my concerns but left things open so that if he was willing to negotiate a price I'd be willing to possibly work things out. *We spoke over the phone for a bit a little while later. *I make an offer that's low, he makes an offer that I feel is high. *After a bit he makes an offer that I feel is reasonable for the instrument. *A couple hours later I'm the owner of a UV777BK.

I spent tonight going over it a bit, putting some new strings on it and working with the action. *I may take it to a professional and have them do a set up on it though....I just can't get the action to where I feel comfortable.

For the money I'd be hard pressed to find a better deal. *The instruments going to need a truss cover, a tremolo cover and a hardshell case. *But looking at it on my wall next to my Clapton Strat and Schecter C7+ it's really an amazing and unique looking instrument. *In a sesne I'm glad I went with one with a few dings. *I wont be as inclined to treat is as a "museum peice" and will play it out without hesitation.

It took me 10 years to get one of these. *Ever since I remember seeing Vai toting one when he toured with Whitesnake I'd always had it tucked away in my head that I needed to have on one my wall. *I think that decade only made it sweeter though.

Again, thanks all...

[7 Dying Trees]

Congratulations! *arty:

nice axe, and having waited 10 years will make it more magic!