Low action! Collings OM1

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dadgad6strings
Posts: 77
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:48 pm

Low action! Collings OM1

Post: # 5520Post dadgad6strings
Thu May 05, 2022 10:44 pm

As I mentioned on another post here I acquired a very nice Collings OM1 recently. It was used but doesn't appear to have been played much at all
The action was higher than I like and there was way too much relief. Generally, Iike my action at about 5/64 bass side and 4/64 treble side with a flat fretboard.

So ... I adjusted the relief but left a bit more than I usually do and was going to drop the saddle height to my preferred action. I noticed that there was a saddle in the case pick box and thought I'd give a try first. When I put it in I thought this is really too low but I'll string it back up and see.

To my surprise, the height at the 12th is about 4/64 bass side and 3.5/64 treble side. I figured it would rattle and loose dynamic range for sure.
Next surprise! It plays incredibly well up down the neck and sounds amazing. I play mostly fingerstyle but even with a pick it sounds great without any loss in dynamic range.

At this juncture, I don't see why I'd raise it. I attribute the Collings neck and great fretwork to the ability to be able to set it this low.

Anyone else here play with a super low action?
Last edited by dadgad6strings on Mon May 09, 2022 9:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

dadgad6strings
Posts: 77
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:48 pm

Re: Low action! Collings OM1

Post: # 5543Post dadgad6strings
Mon May 09, 2022 9:59 pm

No one else like their action low?

uponamouse
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2020 5:39 pm
Real Name: Tom N

Re: Low action! Collings OM1

Post: # 5550Post uponamouse
Tue May 10, 2022 11:11 pm

The action on my D2H is similar: a shade below 3/32 and 2/32. I had shaved the saddle a bit more than I intended, but it's been this low for a decade now and suits me just fine.
Cheers, Tom

West R Lee
Posts: 30
Joined: Sat Jul 25, 2020 6:10 am
Real Name: J. D. Brown

Re: Low action! Collings OM1

Post: # 5551Post West R Lee
Thu May 12, 2022 3:46 am

dadgad6strings wrote: Mon May 09, 2022 9:59 pm No one else like their action low?
I set all of mine up with very low action. Funny thing is that I've just gotten my new D1A, and the action on it is perfect straight from Collings. I have lowered the action of both my D2HA and my CJ G. Set 'em up they way you like them.

West

nocaster
Posts: 37
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2018 3:19 am

Re: Low action! Collings OM1

Post: # 5552Post nocaster
Thu May 12, 2022 10:14 pm

I like super low on my Collingses too. Butter.

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