lowering action on Republic highway 61 ??

[gaza]

Hello,
.I'm new to the forum ,and also to resonators. So if my question seems a bit dumb please bear with me.

I recently bought a steel Republic highway 61. I like the sound and the way it feels. Generally quite happy with the guitar.


But. as i play mostly finger style i would like to lower the action a little. No problem I thought. I have done this on my Martin and have even worked with a luthier and built an acoustic so i have some experience. However, when I removed the cover plate to get at the saddle (which by the way is not at all well made) i discovered it's glued into the biscuit with super glue . Also the cone does not easily come out. Why is this. I thought they just lifted out??

My question is. How do I lower the action ? I think also a new saddle would be a good idea.

Any thoughts or advice or guidance you guys have would be very appreciated.

thanks

Gaza

[pete1951]

First, have you done everything else you can to lower the action? So is the nut as low as it can be, ( is it much more playable with a capo on the first fret?)? Is the truss rod holding the neck almost straight? ( a small curve is needed, but too much will raise the action a little)

Pete

[pete1951]

Next, it is possible to lower the saddle slots without removing the cone, it’s difficult and cone damage is very possible. Lowering the saddle too much also reduces pressure on the cone and reduce tone, volume and start rattles. The manufacturer may have put a bead of some rubbery glue round the cone, this would stop any rattling caused by ‘engineering tolerances’ . Any signs of glue? My guess would be a contact adhesive, there are solvents you could use round the cone. These should not hurt the internal structure BUT be careful not to get any on the outside, there maybe varnish that it will dissolve.
Pete

[Michael Messer]

Hello Gaza

Welcome to our forum.

The job of lowering the strings is a relatively easy thing to do, however, I am concerned that you cannot lift the cone. As Pete has stated, there may be some glue. If there is glue in there to stop any possible buzzes and rattles, it will be inhibiting the performance of the cone and therefore it doesn't sound as good as it should.

Can we see some photos of the cone and biscuit with the coverplate off.

Shine On
Michael

[gaza]

Thank you Pete and Michael for such a quick reply.

Its certainly easier to play with a capo on the first fret. So maybe this a good place to start.
The neck looks pretty good to me just a very slight curve. So thats o.k.

Filing the nut down is fairly simple and straight forward. It's going to be this weekend project.
Once again thanks for the good advice

[bonzo]

Hi Gaza, welcome to the forum. I've got a Highway and I have to say it is the biggest sounding guitar I own! It will never be accused of being subtle, has a big sound all its own. Loads of fun!

[gaza]

Hi Bonzo,
Oh yes! Its a the loudest acoustic i've ever played. Also not the easiest guitar to play. I'm getting some serious callouses on my fingers. But great fun for bashing out blues. For "subtle" look elsewhere.

i see you have a pickup on yours.
What did you get?

[bonzo]

Hi Gaza, I think you may have been looking at a different guitar 🎸 than mine.
I have customised mine with a galvanised metal finish as I wasn't keen on the distressed finish it already had.
It's featured on the forum somewhere, but if you would like to see it I can post again.
Have to say that if any reso didn't need a pickup it's this one!
I don't gig and only use pu's so I can hear myself play and use pedals etc.
My go to pu's are lace and sixtus, both of which do what I want them to.
Hope this is of some help, all of us on the forum like to see pictures of guitars, so post away!

Best wishes to you all, John