Totally flat neck?

robgilmo

Would there be a reason why someone would set up a guitar to have a totally flat neck? Mine has, I didn't set it up, action is low, buzz is minimal , would there be any gain in or need to put some relief in the neck? 

robgilmo

Just to add, fret on third, strings touching 1st, nut doesnt look too worn and no open string buzz, is this Ok?

guitarfishbay

If it plays fine then it’s fine.

I prefer to have a neck as straight as it will go, but all guitars are different and some need more relief than others. 

Collings

I set up all my guitars with very little relief but I think it depends on the player as well as the specific guitar.

guitars4you

For me personally I will set the guitar up with barely any relief - But I play with a very light touch - Such a set-up won't generally work for a player with a 'heavier' picking hand - So it can work, but won't work for all

ICBM

The only real problem with dead straight is that it’s harder to tell there isn’t a back-bow, but if it isn’t buzzing then it’s unlikely.

guitars4you

ICBM said:

The only real problem with dead straight is that it’s harder to tell there isn’t a back-bow, but if it isn’t buzzing then it’s unlikely.

valid point - I suppose if you adjust from a slight blow to flat/nearly flat then you know your own reference point to start from

I'm not sure totally flat is usable/sensible, unless you are a shred/speed player with loads of gain and play with a light touch

I have minimal relief for my own guitars but still just a hint of relief can be seen when checked - Shop stock and I'll set up with a hint of extra relief but will always adjust as required by the customer

ICBM

Yes, even though I play Rickenbackers which are famous for being meant to be dead straight, I actually find the smallest amount of visible relief is better.

guitars4you

One negative with minimal relief and a lowish action is zero tolerance and a regarding any uneven frets, so be aware of this

robgilmo

This plays fine, really low action, feels slinky , strings are 10's, Im quite surprised because my Tele has a fair bit of relief and still buzzes, even with a medium-high action. 

guitars4you

robgilmo said:

This plays fine, really low action, feels slinky , strings are 10's, Im quite surprised because my Tele has a fair bit of relief and still buzzes, even with a medium-high action. 

Don't know what guitar it is - Plus quality of set-up inc fret dress/level frets etc as this can have an impact on both this guitar and your Tele - If it works then all well and good - Your Tele might get there with a fret dress

Also remember with less relief, there is zero tolerance for any 'movement' that the summer to winter might bring, so be prepared to check and edit accordingly - Likewise winter back to spring - Does not always happen - depends on the guitar, temperature of surroundings etc

robgilmo

Its an old 1995 Epiphone Les Paul, lovely old thing, hardware is cheese though. Tele is a Baja.  I wonder if the flat neck is causing me to lift the bridge higher? A bit of relief would mean I could drop the bridge wouldn't it?
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/140374/bridge-options-for-a-korean-epi-les-paul#latest

guitars4you

robgilmo said:

Its an old 1995 Epiphone Les Paul, lovely old thing, hardware is cheese though. Tele is a Baja.  I wonder if the flat neck is causing me to lift the bridge higher? A bit of relief would mean I could drop the bridge wouldn't it?
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/140374/bridge-options-for-a-korean-epi-les-paul#latest

Just seen those pics now ref your bridge on another FB posting  - It is a question of balance - Not one specific item to a set-up - many times a tweak here and there to get it were you need it to be

Depends what action you need - I don't have it shred metal low but I still require an easy 'girlie' action that responds to a light touch - SRV would have hated such a set-up but it gives me  a well balanced set-up across the whole fingerboard