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WL-12 Mahogony - Is action higher on 12 fret?

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:44 pm
by Tenzin
I had a little 4 hour binge on my 12 fret Waterloo and realized that compared with my other brand, 14 fret guitars, the action seemed to be a bit higher. (I could actually measure it, but that would make things too easy.) Since the tension is less, in general, on a 12-fret guitar would the action be higher so as not to buzz? I was trying to convince myself to just buy another 14 fret Waterloo to do a proper comparison, but I guess the fear of my wife got the better of me.

Thanks

Re: WL-12 Mahogony - Is action higher on 12 fret?

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 3:46 pm
by nocaster
Do you have someone nearby who could do a proper setup on the guitar? Collings guitars come with medium low action and can go down a bit if you prefer the lowest action.

Re: WL-12 Mahogony - Is action higher on 12 fret?

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 8:08 pm
by Tenzin
I'd only have it changed if I didn't love the sound. I was able to play it a at a few jams for four 45-minutes sets. I was just wondering in my head. Right now, I wouldn't risk changing anything. I've had the guitar a couple of months only and the guitar is still vibrating (from inside the case) a day later. I'm actually only partly joking. I've never felt a guitar vibrate so much from even gentle strumming.

It's my first 12-fret and my first Waterloo. Just writing about playing it makes me smile. It's the smallest guitar I have (I don't count the Martin travel guitar...that was on a whim when I was traveling for work twice a month into tiny towns) and there is no doubt in my mind it's louder than my 35 year old jumbo. It is joy.

Re: WL-12 Mahogony - Is action higher on 12 fret?

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 8:17 pm
by nocaster
How about this. Keep the original saddle but make a second once to accommodate a lower action. The saddle is not glued down. The nut slots might need attention as well but are of course not drop in.

Re: WL-12 Mahogony - Is action higher on 12 fret?

Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2019 4:27 pm
by Cameleye
The action on the brand new WL-12 Mh I recently took in trade and have up for sale measures 3/32" from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the low E string and under the high e it is 2/32".
I've started to play this guitar a little and am coming around to how amazing it sounds.
Also IMO lowering the saddle a bit on yours won't really affect the tone.

Re: WL-12 Mahogony - Is action higher on 12 fret?

Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2019 11:56 pm
by Tenzin
I may purchase another saddle if I really get bored. I have all the stew-mac tools to measure it, it just hasn't really been a problem. I've been enjoying finding my 'right' strings for it. (I'm really enjoying nickle strings on it for the time being.)

Re: WL-12 Mahogony - Is action higher on 12 fret?

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2019 11:11 pm
by Silly Moustache
Tenzin wrote: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:44 pm I had a little 4 hour binge on my 12 fret Waterloo and realized that compared with my other brand, 14 fret guitars, the action seemed to be a bit higher. (I could actually measure it, but that would make things too easy.) Since the tension is less, in general, on a 12-fret guitar would the action be higher so as not to buzz? I was trying to convince myself to just buy another 14 fret Waterloo to do a proper comparison, but I guess the fear of my wife got the better of me.

Thanks
Hi Tenzin, nice to see you here,

I must just correct one of your suppositions. The Waterloos are all 24.75" scale lengths, so regardless of the fret to body design. 12 fretters are NOT lower tension than 14 fretters.

As you may know, I have a 2016 WL-12. Whilst wooden guitars are organic and subject to the effects of environment, Collings made guitars are well set up from the get go and, I believe 3/32" at the 12th (.093?) on bass and 1/16" (.0625") on treble.
My WL-12 lives mostly in my lounge, but have not had to adjust my saddle on mine although I have needed to tighten the relief a little.

Enjoy your Waterloo,