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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 131
Location: Yalova/Turkey | Hope I will be able to explain in English: The top of my Celebrity CSE-445 RRB is not plain any longer, it started to bulge. About half a centimeter (0,2 inches)... The saddle is still in place, shows no lifting from the top.
It is my first 12 string ovation, I know that the string tension is much more intensive as with a 6 string.
So some precise questions:
Do I need to fear further bulging?
Should I have it fixed?
Would it be okay to pass some time to look whether it bulges more or whether it stays that way?
I know that some in here recommend tuning 12 strings down to reduce string tension. I tried, but I didn´t like the sound which changes a lot (even if I use a capo to get back the normal tuning). Also I don´t like to sing the songs I love with a lower tuning.
One of my problems is that I bought the guitar 2 months ago in Germany, but I am living in Turkey. It will take some time to be able to show it to the shop I bought it from.
I ordered a set of very light strings, maybe this might help a bit. Don´t know the gauge of the strings which are on the guitar right now, they are still the ones put on by the shop I bought it from, because they sound ok.
I hope some of you will share their experience and give me some hints about what I should do.
Will post some pics showing the bulge within a few hours.
Looking forward to your advice.
Best regards, Chris. |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 379
Location: Alagoas, Brazil | My 12 string Craviola had a pronounced bulge on the top. I was worried, so I eased the strings. The bulge was gone as soon as the tension was relieved.
After that I found some extra light (.09) strings, and put them on. The bulge didn´t come back.
I think it is normal some movement on the top, because the tension is high on a 12 string guitar. Maybe we should worry if the bulge keeps growing (you will notice that the strings will get higher and higher), because this could indicate a structural problem.
Best regards,
Miguel |
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Joined:
November 2008
Posts: 1119
Location: Michigan | Well thats kind of tough Chris. I would most definitly try to get it back to the store where your purchased it. Changing strings, and tunings are fine if your are nursing a 30-40 year old guitar, but not a new one. The store should offer you some satisfaction. |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 131
Location: Yalova/Turkey | The guys in the shop I bought the guitar (Musik Schmidt in Frankfurt) tell me I should get a hydrometer (or hygrometer) and check the humidity, they guess it might be too dry cause of heating in winter. Is this nonsense or good advise? I know one should store guitars at about 40-45 percent of humidity, but a slight bulge in a 12string rather makes me think about string tension. What do you guys say?
By the way the case hase too small bags with a hydrophil material in it to keep away moisture, so where is the logic to put this in the case and tell me the air might be too dry? |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 131
Location: Yalova/Turkey | I took off the strings, let´s see what happens until tomorrow. |
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Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 602
Location: Hanau, Hessen, Germany | Chris,
humidity is a very likely reason for what happened. I don't have a hygrometer myself. What I do is I always have a little pot filled with water standing on my radiators to keep some humidity in the air. So far I never had any issues with my Os.
I hope everything will end up well for you.
Fingers crossed
Meuti |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Start learning to play slide guitar. Just kidding, really.
Get a humidifier for your guitar case.
Cheers,
Chris from Yakima |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Or, only play the guitar in the warm months. Now, I am kidding. |
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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 686
Location: Route 66, just east of the Cadillac Ranch | Chris,
It's not unusual for an older guitar to develop a little bit of a "belly." Years of tension from the strings can cause the guitar top under the strings to sink and the guitar top in the lower bout to raise. My 1111 has a slight belly, but it gradually formed over time and still plays and sounds great. A couple of things that will help determine if it's a problem or not:
1) Did it happen overnight, or did it take years to develop? If it happened slowly over time, it's may not be a problem. If it happened very quickly (within a few weeks), you may have a problem with the bracing.
2) Are you running heavier strings than the guitar originally had? Some guitars specify light guage strings. Find out what Ovation recommends for your guitar.
3) You should maintain the humidity of any guitar. I've heard different numbers, but I try to stay around 50%.
There are others on the forum that know a lot more than I do, but hopefully this will give you a few ideas to get you started.
Good luck,
Nick |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4075
Location: Utah | Some bulging is normal. On my 2007 Collector's Edition it is quite visible due to the gloss finish. I would guess it is in the same range of deflection as yours. My Adamas 2080 also has some bulge, though it is invisible without a straight edge because of the texture of the top. Again, I would guess it is in the same range as what you describe, 0.2 inches. My guitars bulge behind the bridge and then go in slightly between the bridge and the neck.
Definitely keep an eye on it to see if it progresses, but my guess is that it is normal from what you've described. The top has to be just strong enough not to fly apart, but not too stiff. If it isn't flexible, it won't vibrate well.
Humidity is important. If your home is dry, get a room humidifier and set it beteween 40% and 60%. The little sponge units that you can put in the guitar case reportedly work, but I am not convinced that they provide uniform humidity throughout the case or over time. Certainly they are better than nothing if you can't get a room humidifier. |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 131
Location: Yalova/Turkey | I got a hygrometer now and lo! and behold! the humidity is 45 %... So this cannot be the issue. The "bulge" has lessened a bit, but I am still a bit worried, most of all since I still don´t know the reason for it. Humidity does not seem to be the issue. :( |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4075
Location: Utah | Can you post some pictures? |
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August 2007
Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | Chris I know this will not help you but my Legend LX developed a similar bulge like your guitar. So, share a problem makes it more acceptable, right ? ;) . If you look at the Ovation site is clear they individually calibrate the top of each guitar make it slightly arched. And that's normal. But mine (bought it new) after a couple of years developed a belly I was forced to keep off the 2 saddle shims to get an acceptable action. The guitar however have a beautiful sound to it and still very confortable to play. At an inspection no braces went loose and I hope it's not a structural or construction problem make it even worst in the year to come. Let us know any development. I cross my fingers for you.
Riccardo |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Many old gits. develop the " belly-up" , yes , very expensive ones too , everyone I know , think that it improves on the tone , and many on other git.forums agree..there are luthiers who say that string gauge 12-54 and over WILL cause bulging , known as that " belly up " over time.
Vic
http://www.guitarrepairshop.com/ask.html#bulg |
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Help - the top of my guitar bulges...
