Biscuit height relative to coverplate

[tractorking]

I’ve just acquired a 1931 Duolian (C 2604) that looks to have never had anything done to it. I’ve been looking for one like that for a long time; seems most all have been fiddled with to various degrees. Some I’m sure required work, but I’m a fan of leaving everything untouched if possible. Anyway, back to my question, the only thing on this instrument I wonder about is that the top of the biscuit sits 4 mm below the edge of the coverplate hole. I’ve had Duolians where the biscuit was flush or slightly proud of the coverplate hole, and seen others, and I’ve also seen many where the biscuit sat lower. So my question is, what did these look like fresh from the factory? Were they designed to be a certain height relative to the coverplate, or did they vary? The reason I want to know is to determine if this lower biscuit indicates the cone has sagged and needs some massage reshaping. I’ll add that this biscuit is not tipped in any direction but flat and parallel with the coverplate.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Tractorking

This is a variable and I have seen them lower than the coverplate. I would say it’s worth checking to see if the cone has sagged and if the neck angle might need adjusting. Other than that…..Enjoy!!!

Shine On
Michael

[davey]

In a perfect world, the top of the biscuit should line up with a straight-edge laid along the frets, and be level with the cover plate. This makes it easy to set the height of the action by setting the height of the saddle, I.e. 6mm saddle = 3mm at the 12th fret.

If it plays well and sounds good, just leave it as it is, things change shape over the years.

[tractorking]

Thanks for the replies. I know it’s a bit OCD. It has the exact sound I’m after so I’ll just leave it like it is.