Positioning Plate/Action

[Horace Greeley]

Terry,

I am coming in late on this but am wondering if, in addition to the 52mm 
length (good choice), you have also checked to see if whatever passes for a 
capo is actually linear, without bends, curves and/or deflections toward 
what would be the keybed as you move upward from the tenor to the top 
treble?  If things are truly as screwy as they seem to be, you might need 
to try to work out the plate height from whatever you can reconstruct of 
the proper regulation of the action.  I think I would set some samples 
throughout the action, and then set the plate height using sample "strings" 
(maybe 12 or 11.5, something light enough to not cause problems, but 
sufficiently heavy to not deflect too much while measuring).  Someone used 
to make/sell large flat head machine screws with allen sockets that were 
great for this kind of thing.  The screws would (sort of) self-thread into 
the holes for the perimeter plate screws, then the plate was set on top of 
them, and the allen key could be used to adjust the height of the 
plate.  Quite inventive, and a real time saver.  Traditionally, for S&S, 
the plate height (for the treble) was measured at note 62 (with the 
assumption that the capo was quite straight).  I cannot speak for how other 
makers do this.

Best.

Horace



At 10:37 PM 2/3/01 -0600, you wrote:
> >Anyone have any input on whether I should go with a 52 mm or a 47 mm
> >speaking length? Or best way for me to decide? If it is likely that the 52
> >mm speaking length and 9.5 mm strike point combo is right in the typically
> >good functioning ballpark, I'd rather stick with that - it will be easiest
> >for me. Any input?
> >
> >Terry Farrell
>
>No contest. I'd go with the 52mm any day, and position the strike point
>wherever it sounded best when all was said and done.
>
>
>Ron N