Ibanez Electricguitar Maintenance

Page 1

STRINGS AND TUNING MACHINES If strings become dirty, discolored, or produce a dull sound or buzz, replace the strings with new ones. For best results we recommend replacing one string at a time, this will help to avoid removing the string tension from the neck. When replacing strings with different gauge strings, it may be necessary to adjust the truss rod tension. (We recommend only qualified technicians perform this.) Instruments that have tremolo systems installed may need to be adjusted after string replacement as changes in string tension can cause the tremolo to raise or lower. Please follow the instructions below for your particular model. The strings should be tightly wound on to the tuning machines from top to bottom with 2 to 3 string wraps around the post. In the case of unwound guitar strings, the ends of the strings should be prepared as shown in the diagram to prevent unintentional slippage from the posts. In the case of tuning machines, where the string ends are inserted into the posts, the string can be cut to length in advance using a pair of string cutters. If the tuning machines are sealed gear units, they are self- lubricating types. The set screws for the tuning knob are adjustment screws that can be tightened with a small Philips head screwdriver to increase the tension. *The use of coarse strings may lead to buzzing and sound distortion. Using strings that have twists or kinks may cause buzzing or decreased sustain. Make sure that the new strings are smooth and free from any defects before installing. 13 2 Ibanez steel string guitars and basses are equipped with adjustable truss rods. The purpose of a truss rod is to adjust the neck to counteract string tension. There are many reasons for truss rod adjustments. One of the most frequent reasons is changing string gauges or tuning pitch which can affect string tension. String tension changes may affect the string height and cause fret buzz or notes that dont ring true. To adjust the truss rod, locate the truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct wrench into the nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise) the rod. Truss rod tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first fret the holding the strings down at the fret position where the neck joins the body. Insert a thickness gauge between the string and the fret at the 8th fret. There should between 0.3mm to 0.5mm clearance. That clearance is referred to as neck relief. Too much neck relief can cause the neck to have higher action in the middle of the neck causing poor intonation and uncomfortable playability. No neck relief can cause fret buzz. *Appropriate care must be taken when adjusting the neck and we recommend only qualified technicians perform this procedure. LOOSEN TIGHTENLOOSEN TIGHTEN LOOSEN TIGHTEN 8th fret NECK ACTI O N Ibanez guitar string action is set at the factory. However there are many reasons that an instruments string height can change. Instruments can be affected by changes in temperature and moisture. High string action can make the guitar difficult to play. If the string action is too low, fret buzz or unclear notes can occur. In the case of string action, make sure the guitar is in tune and the truss rod is adjusted properly. Ibanez action is set at the 14th fret. The action may also need to be readjusted after the neck has been adjusted or strings have been changed to a different gauge. Follow the instructions in the relevant bridge manual to make adjustments. *If strings other than those described above are used, gradually increase the action clearance from the treble side through to the bass side. INTONATION Intonation adjustment is the operation of adjusting the location of the string at the saddle to compensate for different string gauges or different tunings. Follow the instructions of the particular bridge intonation below. Intonation is properly set when the 12th fret note and the 12th fret harmonic are exactly the same note . This is the center point of the scale and the most accurate way of setting a standard scale length. With the harmonic note as the standard, if the fretted note is flat move the bridge saddle forward toward the headstock (a) to decrease the string length. If the fretted note is sharp, move it back away from the headstock (b) to increase the string length intonation adjustments. *Please note that strings can be broken when the saddle is moved, so always loosen the strings before making adjustments. TREBLE SIDE BASS SIDE SOLID GUITARS 1.5mm 2.0mm SEMI ACOUSTIC GUITARSFULL ACOUSTIC 1.7mm 2.3mm GUITARS BASSES 2.0mm 2.5mm PICKUPS The output level of the instrument as well as the quality of the signal can be affected by the pickup height. Pickup height should be adjusted until the volume of neck and bridge pickups are almost equal with both volumes wide open. The volume may drop drastically if the pickup height is too low. As the pickups are magnetic, fret buzzing and distortion may occur if the pickup is too close to the strings. Use a small screwdriver to make adjustments to raise or lower the pickup. *Instruments that have adjustable pole pieces can be adjusted to balance the output of each string. BATTERY Instruments with EQ sections or active pickups have batteries that need to be replaced periodically. Replace the battery when the sound becomes distorted or if you notice a volume decrease. To maximize battery life remove the plug from the output jack when the guitar is not in use, this turns off the circuit.

Page 2

STRINGS AND TUNING MACHINES If strings become dirty, discolored, or produce a dull sound or buzz, replace the strings with new ones. For best results we recommend replacing one string at a time, this will help to avoid removing the string tension from the neck. When replacing strings with different gauge strings, it may be necessary to adjust the truss rod tension. (We recommend only qualified technicians perform this.) Instruments that have tremolo systems installed may need to be adjusted after string replacement as changes in string tension can cause the tremolo to raise or lower. Please follow the instructions below for your particular model. The strings should be tightly wound on to the tuning machines from top to bottom with 2 to 3 string wraps around the post. In the case of unwound guitar strings, the ends of the strings should be prepared as shown in the diagram to prevent unintentional slippage from the posts. In the case of tuning machines, where the string ends are inserted into the posts, the string can be cut to length in advance using a pair of string cutters. If the tuning machines are sealed gear units, they are self- lubricating types. The set screws for the tuning knob are adjustment screws that can be tightened with a small Philips head screwdriver to increase the tension. *The use of coarse strings may lead to buzzing and sound distortion. Using strings that have twists or kinks may cause buzzing or decreased sustain. Make sure that the new strings are smooth and free from any defects before installing. 13 2 Ibanez steel string guitars and basses are equipped with adjustable truss rods. The purpose of a truss rod is to adjust the neck to counteract string tension. There are many reasons for truss rod adjustments. One of the most frequent reasons is changing string gauges or tuning pitch which can affect string tension. String tension changes may affect the string height and cause fret buzz or notes that dont ring true. To adjust the truss rod, locate the truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct wrench into the nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise) the rod. Truss rod tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first fret the holding the strings down at the fret position where the neck joins the body. Insert a thickness gauge between the string and the fret at the 8th fret. There should between 0.3mm to 0.5mm clearance. That clearance is referred to as neck relief. Too much neck relief can cause the neck to have higher action in the middle of the neck causing poor intonation and uncomfortable playability. No neck relief can cause fret buzz. *Appropriate care must be taken when adjusting the neck and we recommend only qualified technicians perform this procedure. LOOSEN TIGHTENLOOSEN TIGHTEN LOOSEN TIGHTEN 8th fret NECK ACTI O N Ibanez guitar string action is set at the factory. However there are many reasons that an instruments string height can change. Instruments can be affected by changes in temperature and moisture. High string action can make the guitar difficult to play. If the string action is too low, fret buzz or unclear notes can occur. In the case of string action, make sure the guitar is in tune and the truss rod is adjusted properly. Ibanez action is set at the 14th fret. The action may also need to be readjusted after the neck has been adjusted or strings have been changed to a different gauge. Follow the instructions in the relevant bridge manual to make adjustments. *If strings other than those described above are used, gradually increase the action clearance from the treble side through to the bass side. INTONATION Intonation adjustment is the operation of adjusting the location of the string at the saddle to compensate for different string gauges or different tunings. Follow the instructions of the particular bridge intonation below. Intonation is properly set when the 12th fret note and the 12th fret harmonic are exactly the same note . This is the center point of the scale and the most accurate way of setting a standard scale length. With the harmonic note as the standard, if the fretted note is flat move the bridge saddle forward toward the headstock (a) to decrease the string length. If the fretted note is sharp, move it back away from the headstock (b) to increase the string length intonation adjustments. *Please note that strings can be broken when the saddle is moved, so always loosen the strings before making adjustments. TREBLE SIDE BASS SIDE SOLID GUITARS 1.5mm 2.0mm SEMI ACOUSTIC GUITARSFULL ACOUSTIC 1.7mm 2.3mm GUITARS BASSES 2.0mm 2.5mm PICKUPS The output level of the instrument as well as the quality of the signal can be affected by the pickup height. Pickup height should be adjusted until the volume of neck and bridge pickups are almost equal with both volumes wide open. The volume may drop drastically if the pickup height is too low. As the pickups are magnetic, fret buzzing and distortion may occur if the pickup is too close to the strings. Use a small screwdriver to make adjustments to raise or lower the pickup. *Instruments that have adjustable pole pieces can be adjusted to balance the output of each string. BATTERY Instruments with EQ sections or active pickups have batteries that need to be replaced periodically. Replace the battery when the sound becomes distorted or if you notice a volume decrease. To maximize battery life remove the plug from the output jack when the guitar is not in use, this turns off the circuit.