1928 Style 1 Setup Questions

[jromano23]

I've recently fallen deep into a tricone addiction and had the pleasure of recently adding a 1928 Style 1 that joins my well used 1930 Style 1.  The 1930 has replaced cones and a replaced nut, tuners, and changed ebony saddle; the 1928 looks to be original.  That said, the 1928 has some setup issues that I'm hoping to correct myself if possible.  

First off, the action feels very tight compared to the 1930 and I'm getting some buzz from the cones.  The saddle grooves look pretty deep (compared to the '30) which I'm thinking might be sucking out some tone.  To make matters worse, I opened up the guitar and found that the cones have been glued in which also might be effecting the sound, which is thinner with less low end compared to the '30.  I put new medium strings on the guitar (it came with lights) and hoped that might help in the tension department, but still nothing.  

Any advice on what to do?  I'm thinking about opening it up again and putting in a new saddle with slightly higher action and shallower grooves as a first step.  Beyond that, does anyone have a trick for safely removing the glue without damaging the cones if it came down to that?  

Thanks,

Joey

[davey]

HI Joey

I think there are too many unknown factors for anyone to help you out here. What kind of glue is it, break angle, neck angle etc etc

I'd say that it's worth getting someone with experience to have a look at it. The fact is that it's been messed around with and you need someone who knows what they're looking at.

It's still a '28 Tricone though, so it's worth it, they're hard to find these days.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Joe,

Long time!

I would suggest you take the guitar to an experienced resonator luthier. As Davey has said, there are too many unknown factors and it has obviously been messed with by an amateur, or the cones would not be glued in.

It is possible to dissolve the glue, but it may not be possible to save those cones.

You really do need to take it to a good luthier.

Good luck!

Shine On
Michael

[jromano23]

Thanks, Michael and Davey. I figured it is a job best left for a professional. It's en route to Marc Shoenberger...

Thanks again,

Joey