RGR421- My high-E is too close to edge of fretboard

Hadeloc7 · #1 11-28-2008, 03:39 PM

So, I have an RGR421 that is flawless except for this one issue that is driving me crazy and I'm not exactly sure what to do. All of the strings seem to be just like 1-2 millimeters shifted to the right. I was given advice to try adjusting the neck in the neck pocket but the neck pocket on this guitar is very snug.

I don't really know what to do and I am thinking of bringing it to my local repair shop.

I was thinking that maybe the bridge is not centered but, as you can see in the photo, I've drawn a black line straight up the middle where the two pieces of flame maple meet and it bisects the bridge perfectly, but notice how it does not bisect the dot inlay, which makes me think the neck is infact crooked.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. It is depressing having an otherwise perfect guitar that I keep sliding off of whenever I'm soloing on the high e.

Here's the pic:

**Ayrton** · #2 11-28-2008, 03:56 PM

Looks like the neck just needs a tweak. Are the strings centered at the nut?

Big Job · #3 11-28-2008, 04:00 PM

Thats a trickey one you got there. The low E is very close to the edge of the FB - its almost like the neck to too skinny. I can only suggest the following really.

Is the nut skewed over to the right too much?

Or,

The bridge is too far to the right.

I'm sorry there is nothing else I can contribute really! I hope that someone else can add something good to this because this is quite interesting for me.

Chris

Hadeloc7 · #4 11-28-2008, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Looks like the neck just needs a tweak. Are the strings centered at the nut?

Yeah, the strings look fine at the nut.

Do you think worst case scenario, the neck pocket would need to be widened slightly so the neck can be repositioned? I would definitely not attempt this myself. If it were a cheaper guitar I would..

Also I wanted to point out... Notice how the there is an obtuse angle where the neck meets the pup ring on the left side, but on the right side, the angle is acute.

failsafe306 · #5 11-28-2008, 04:24 PM

did you buy it used or new? if new, send it back! it doesn't look like an easy fix. flawed guitar.

**Ayrton** · #6 11-28-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hadeloc7

Yeah, the strings look fine at the nut.

Do you think worst case scenario, the neck pocket would need to be widened slightly so the neck can be repositioned? I would definitely not attempt this myself. If it were a cheaper guitar I would..

You can try this yourself, or have any tech guy do it.

Back off the strings, but don't remove them. Loosen up the neck bolts and "tweak" the neck straight. It will shift in the pocket, and a very small amount will line up the strings.

Re-tighten and tune.

Hadeloc7 · #7 11-28-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

You can try this yourself, or have any tech guy do it.

Back off the strings, but don't remove them. Loosen up the neck bolts and "tweak" the neck straight. It will shift in the pocket, and a very small amount will line up the strings.

Re-tighten and tune.

You think it will move even if the neck looks really snug in the neck pocket?

**Ayrton** · #8 11-28-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hadeloc7

You think it will move even if the neck looks really snug in the neck pocket?

Yep, and just a small tweak will line it up. If you don't feel comfortable trying this, just have a qualified tech set up the guitar. Not only will you get a proper set up, but the alignment will be corrected.

Hadeloc7 · #9 11-28-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Yep, and just a small tweak will line it up. If you don't feel comfortable trying this, just have a qualified tech set up the guitar. Not only will you get a proper set up, but the alignment will be corrected.

I might as well go get a pro setup since I've never had that done. I always try to do everything myself cause I don't really trust that many techs will be as careful as I am with it, hehe

**Ayrton** · #10 11-28-2008, 04:58 PM

I am sure you can find a decent tech in NY.

Hadeloc7 · #11 11-28-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

I am sure you can find a decent tech in NY.

Yeah...I really hope you are right that it just needs a neck tweak. I agree w/you and the analysis of the photo leans towards this being this being the problem. If the bridge and pickup mounts really are off center, I'd be heart-broken. Especially since this is a string- through guitar...

Unfortunately I was still a bit "green" on playability inspection when I bought this guitar a year ago and thought I had inspected everything before I took it home, but this issue just slipped my radar.

**Ayrton** · #12 11-28-2008, 06:35 PM

Believe it or not, your issue is not that uncommon. A tech should be able to fix you right up.

Where is NY are you, so others can suggest a tech for you.

Canadian Mark · #13 11-28-2008, 06:39 PM

Ayrton's suggestion worked on my Hamer Diablo.

Hadeloc7 · #14 11-28-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Believe it or not, your issue is not that uncommon. A tech should be able to fix you right up.

Where is NY are you, so others can suggest a tech for you.

Glad to hear its a common issue. I'm in Westchester County.

Thanks for your help btw

iced_ink · #15 12-02-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

You can try this yourself, or have any tech guy do it.

Back off the strings, but don't remove them. Loosen up the neck bolts and "tweak" the neck straight. It will shift in the pocket, and a very small amount will line up the strings.

Re-tighten and tune.

this is what i do to guitars with misaligned neck.it's possible that the guitar's neck shifted because of a hard knock on the neck, while in transit etc..if it was shifted you can shift it back to it's proper alignment snug fit or not.