Question table flatness

[Rainer]

Isn’t the table supposed to be flat on a Guild M20?

 

[jedzep]

Looks fairly good. You want about an eighth to a quarter gap from your straightedge at each end. Don't let it get to under or over humidified.

 

[jedzep]

...that's the gap when the straightedge is placed level across the belly.

 

[jedzep]

Is that an oldie?

 

[Rainer]

Thanks for the fast replies. I just ordered a hygrometer. Should be here next week. What should be a proper percentage

 

[jedzep]

...so in other words, slight belly is ideal.

 

[Rainer]

Is that an oldie?

No it’s from 2022

 

[jedzep]

...40-55% RH

 

[jedzep]

A sunken belly indicates dryness, a bulge indicates mushy.

I should have guessed, seeing the compensated saddle.

 

[Rainer]

A sunken belly indicates dryness, a bulge indicates mushy.

I should have guessed, seeing the compensated saddle.

Thanks. Have to school myself more on the tech side. Love playing them but don't touch it otherwise. Just got it back for a good set up and the luthier did a great job on it. I was surprised of how much he lowered the saddle. I knew it was way to high when I bought it but ask myself why Guild sets them up so high. I know hard hitters like the action quite high but those little guitars don't seem to be designed for this.

 

[chazmo]

Rainer, I'm not 100% sure of it, but I think that the tops on Guild acoustics are radiused. I.e., they are not built to be table top flat.

You don't have a problem with your guitar unless there is a bulge (belly) or if it's sinking. And, then, it's really only if it's excessive, as a slight bit of each is completely normal. Essentially it's a question of whether the guitar is stable and stays playable or whether it's getting out of shape.

 

[Rainer]

Rainer, I'm not 100% sure of it, but I think that the tops on Guild acoustics are radiused. I.e., they are not built to be table top flat.

You don't have a problem with your guitar unless there is a bulge (belly) or if it's sinking. And, then, it's really only if it's excessive, as a slight bit of each is completely normal. Essentially it's a question of whether the guitar is stable and stays playable or whether it's getting out of shape.

You all gave good informations and I did some other researches on the internet. I was a little concerned as the guitar stood for two years in its case and was hardly ever played by the original owner.

Now the guitar is on a stand as I like reaching out for it in my favourite position, lying on my couch.

 

[Christopher Cozad]

Rainer, I'm not 100% sure of it, but I think that the tops on Guild acoustics are radiused. I.e., they are not built to be table top flat.

Guild soundboards were flat (or mostly flat) at one time, hence the term “flat top guitar.”

I “borrowed” the radius I measured on more than one new (-ish) Guild back in the day to establish my own radius for the guitars I build. It is a 52 foot radius. It is common today to tighten that radius to less than 28 foot. The physics behind it are relatively simple: an arched span can be stronger (think of bridges over water). So, why not really crank up the arch in the soundboard - ‘cause it’s stronger? Have you ever “heard” an acoustic archtop guitar?

So, flatter is louder, but it is necessary to compensate with the bracing.

Rainer, what I am seeing from your photos is perfectly acceptable for modern guitar construction, and all the advice from jedzep and Chazmo is spot-on.

“...my favourite position, lying on my couch."

Classic!

 

[Rainer]

Well my little hygrometer just arrived. It says 49%.
I guess I’m just fine leaving the guitar on it’s stand

Thanks again for your help

 

[Rainer]

Final report
To get my house to the good air condition I had to buy a dehumidifier as the hygrometer read 64%.
Just got a quite expensive model second hand. The humidity has dropped to 52% in half an hour.

So my M20 can live its life on a stand and I can pick up easily without even leaving my comfortable armchair

 

[Christopher Cozad]

...So my M20 can live its life on a stand and I can pick up easily without even leaving my comfortable armchair

Look at how adding a Guild to your life has resulted in such great benefit...

…improved air quality, improved quality of life, improved comfort...

…the list of improvements, directly or indirectly attributed to owning a Guild guitar, may one day require a thread unto itself.

 

[jedzep]

Do you live in the northwest?

 

[Christopher Cozad]

{he he} I believe Rainer does live in the northwest...

…northwest France, that is.

 

[Rainer]

Yes French Britany. Not really north but certainly west. I live in an old house though. Large stone walls.