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Martin dovetail offset?

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Cecil

Post subject: Martin dovetail offset?

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 2:48 pm

Cocobolo

Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:47 am
Posts: 189
Location: United States
First name: Cecil Wayne
Last Name: Carroll
City: West plains
State: Missouri
Zip/Postal Code: 65775
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Semi-pro

I am currently in the middle of my first martin neck reset. The dovetail is offset .075 from the center line of the neck. The bridge also looks to be offset by an equal amount. I this normal? I expected more precision from Martin.

Cecil

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bluescreek

Post subject: Re: Martin dovetail offset?

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 2:57 pm

Brazilian Rosewood

Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:21 am
Posts: 4915
Location: Central PA
First name: john
Last Name: hall
City: Hegins
State: pa
Zip/Postal Code: 17938
Country: usa
Focus: Build
Status: Professional

not uncommon as the spec is .125

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
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Joe Sustaire

Post subject: Re: Martin dovetail offset?

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:47 pm

Koa

Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:17 pm
Posts: 534

Actually I'm relieved, I first read your .075" as .75" off center.
Now I'm not real anal, but 3/4" off would bother me!

Joe

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John Arnold

Post subject: Re: Martin dovetail offset?

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:07 am

Contributing Member

Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2010 12:17 am
Posts: 1292
First name: John
Last Name: Arnold
City: Newport
State: TN
Zip/Postal Code: 37821
Country: USA
Focus: Repair
Status: Professional

An offset dovetail is of no consequence, as the neck can be recentered by adjusting the shims. All that matters is that the strings line up with the neck. The older Martins are frequently offset slightly, to allow more room on the bass edge. That is done by angling the neck slightly, or by placing the bridge off-center. I prefer the former, because when I build a guitar I like for the bridge to be centered on the top.

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Cecil

Post subject: Re: Martin dovetail offset?

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:47 am

Cocobolo

Thanks folks. I can rest easy now.

Cecil

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