Never Had To Do This Before

[F312]

I changed strings on my new/used in mint condition 2018 Martin 00-17. I noticed a very slight ramp on the string holes mmm. It came with Martin Retro MM12 Nickel monel strings .012-.054. They sounded good but I like to experiment, so I put on Martin FX Fleible Core phosphor bronze .012-.054, same size.. Played it an hour and noticed the strings were out of alignment from the string holes. you could see where the strings lay before on the saddle with small markings. The D and G strings were the ones that were out of alignment. I loosened them up and dropped them back in to place where they were slightly ramped and better aligned. Never had to do that before. Does Martin ramp there holes for any reason?

I also noticed my string height is a bit higher, does anyone know about these strings having higher tension to cause the higher action?

Ralph

 

[davismanLV]

So why would a 2 year old guitar have ramps? I don't think they affect the sound but just wondering out loud, just like you. So maybe flexible core = higher tension? I have NO idea.....

 

[bobouz]

I have two Martins, built in 2000 & 2001. Both bridges have slots that were ramped by the factory when new.

 

[F312]

I have two Martins, built in 2000 & 2001. Both bridges have slots that were ramped by the factory when new.

So they do ramp them. Mine are very slight, but when I changed the strings, I missed the slight groove/ramp which made my string misalign.

Ralph

 

[davismanLV]

I hate it when I miss my ramps!!!

 

[F312]

I hate it when I miss my ramps!!!

Is that the high five mixmaster in Dallas?

 

[davismanLV]

Is that the high five mixmaster in Dallas?

I'm not sure but it's surprisingly similar to the Spaghetti Bowl in downtown Las Vegas!!

 

[fronobulax]

Mixing Bowl Springfield VA

I had to commute through the area for mush of the construction.

 

[SFIV1967]

Is that the high five mixmaster in Dallas?

Yes it is, have driven there many times in the past as one of our factories was in Plano. It was always impressive for me coming from Germany and seeing those highways, including the massive construction work in the early 2000s. Especially driving North on 75 and seeing the many levels above your head.
Ralf

 

[F312]

Yes it is, have driven there many times in the past as one of our factories was in Plano. It was always impressive for me coming from Germany and seeing those highways, including the massive construction work in the early 2000s. Especially driving North on 75 and seeing the many levels above your head.
Ralf

When"s the last time you seen the massive structures?

Ralph

 

[GAD]

Imagine all those roads but underground in tunnels and that what Boston feels like these days. Having exits within tunnels is so strange.

 

[walrus]

One plus of the pandemic ( the only one?) is the traffic is lighter. Boston traffic is messed up, to say the least...

walrus

 

[F312]

I did find this nickel wound vs phosphor bronze wound.

Quote; Gauge for gauge the NW are lower tension than the PB because nickel is lighter than bronze. Less weight=less tension to pitch. End of ouote.

Which in turn would raise my action a bit ~ no? Speak amongst yourselfs.

Ralph

 

[Nuuska]

Imagine all those roads but underground in tunnels and that what Boston feels like these days. Having exits within tunnels is so strange.

Stockholm has also some tunnels with exits and entry-ramps - first time is really strange. But the real HiFi-tunneling take place in Rüdi's Heimland - some of them mountains are like swiss cheese.

On one railroad trip the train crosses the river about 4-5 times within few miles - and even makes 270 degree turn inside mountain tunnel.

And there's one particular straight tunnel - can not remember where exactly - the guy who was in charge of planning the route noticed, that there is a spot, where on birthday of his daughter the sun can shine through the tunnel, if he adjusts the line and angle correctly.

What a birtday present - first you must make sure the calculations are absolutely correct - then you have to convince everybody, that there's no alternative


EDIT - Ralph is trying hard to veer this thread back to track

 

[F312]

EDIT - Ralph is trying hard to veer this thread back to track

I must be being punished for all my veers. Woe is me. ... and me being scheduled for heatbreaking procetures next week. I'm hoping I'll have some answers soon. Stay save my friends.

Ralph

 

[geoguy]

"heart-breaking procedures"?

I don't mind Boston's tunnels . . . the extension of the Mass Pike to Logan Airport, in particular, was a sweet reward after putting up with the 16-year constuction cluster**** known as The Big Dig.