Noob with questions about my Artcore AG75

CarolM · #1 04-22-2011, 10:23 AM

Hi, I've had this Artcore about 3 weeks and I'm loving it, but the tuners seem kinda "soft" to me, like they're not holding well. I'd order some Grover rotomatics but I don't know if they'll fit, or if I would have to take it back to the luthier who set it up for me. Does anyone know if they'll fit, which model, or if there is another good line I could install myself?

Also, I love the action but the G string is buzzing..is this something I can raise myself? It sounds like it's coming from the bridge but it's got to be the frets right?

Last, the neckside strap peg (?) is on the back of the box which surprised me, and it means the neck is hard to see when I'm standing with it. I try to read without looking at my hands but I really got to see for some of the new chords I've learned. Could the unit be moved to the neck?? It does't appear so because there's no real flat area.

Thanks..

RonD · #2 04-22-2011, 10:40 AM

Hi CarolM,
You said "the tuners seem kinda "soft" to me, like they're not holding well".

Are they actually slipping? If not, why change them.
I'm sure you'll be hearing from the Artcore users very soon. Lots of them here.

About the strap button, you can move it. The area doesn't have to be flat.
I would suggest you have your luthier install it.

Cheers, Ron

grovecity · #3 04-22-2011, 11:00 AM

does the string buzz all over or just a certain part of the neck? If you think its the bridge place your fingernail in the saddle over the string and pluck the string. if the rattle or buzz goes away it may very well be the spring that maintains the intonation. check to see if its loose and turn t snug with out changing the position of the saddle just a little tweak is all thats needed. If you have a lot a bridge rattle and very little money I have wound a little thread around screw and spring not pretty but functional. All your doing is stopping that spring from vibrating

CarolM · #4 04-22-2011, 11:26 AM

OK thanks grove I will check that out.

Re the tuners, I think the reason it seems "soft" is because they turn so easily, & seem to have some play before hitting the resistance to get it back in tune.

The strings are the factory-installed d'addario.12 set that the luthier just left on for the setup (I thought he had to change them).

caravan · #5 04-22-2011, 09:55 PM

I had a AG75 once. I really likes the tuners but I had to tighten the little Phillips screws on each one so they wouldn't feel "soft". For me, the tune-o-matic bridge was too hefty to tranfer tone sufficiently to the top, and the top is already kind of small. Stew Mac sells a nice rosewood bridge with a bone saddle for about $23 US.

I also don't care for the hefty Ibanez tailpiece... it's not actually steel but some kind of cast or pot metal. Does your Artcore have the newer Santa Fe logo thingy on the headstock?

pierre richard · #6 04-22-2011, 10:17 PM

my 1977 2355 (es175) Ibanez has no problems at all..

are you sure the tuners do not hold tuning? did you make sure you "pre streched" the strings?...thats tuning it and then pulling sideways on it to stretch it out of tune and then re tune it...a few times till it will stay in tune..

and raise the bridge a little to raise the action...the string off the fingerboard more...

no buzzing on mine and the tuners are fine without any aftermarket additions..

time on the instrument..pierre