ENGLISH 35
string tension on your guitar has been changed let the neck rest for 30 minutes before attempting anything. The more
time the neck gets the better your chances to accomplish the adjustment on the first try. Take one finger and place on
the first fret on the low E string and put another finger on the last fret. Using the string as a ruler look at the gap bet-
ween the string and the top of the 8th fret and then use a gauge to measure: it should read 0.25 mm. This lightly con-
cave curvature corresponds to the amplitude of the vibrating string. If the neck isn’t concave enough the strings will be
hitting the first couple of frets creating a buzzing sound. If the neck bow is too pronounced the string is too high and that
leads to intonation problems. The Framus patented 2-way truss rod can adjust the neck in both directions. Turning the
truss rod clockwise will make the neck convex to the strings; turning it counterclockwise will make the neck concave
to the strings. In the center position there’s a tolerance of a complete turn.
String action
After the neck adjustment is complete you can start adjusting the bridge. The height of each individual string follows the
curvature of the fingerboard’s radius. Keep this in mind when changing the string height at bridges that allow for indi-
vidual string adjustments. Framus has the following factory settings for string action:
High E-string at the 12th fret: 1,5 mm
Low E-string at the 12th fret: 1,8 mm
Depending on your playing technique you can lower the string action, or if you have a strong pick attack raise it. With
the one-piece bridges you can adjust the height with the small height adjustment screws. A tune-o-matic bridge with
stop tailpiece will have thumbwheels on its sides. The Framus Wilkinson Vibrato has the option of individual string height
adjustment with the small height adjustment screws, as well as an overall bridge height adjustment using the mounting
studs.
Tip: The Framus Wilkinson Vibrato was designed as a floating bridge system; it should float parallel to the surface. If you
change the string gauge make sure to adjust the spring screws accordingly: heavier strings need more spring tension
therefore you should tighten the screws. You can find the springs in the back of the guitar and underneath a rectangu-
lar plastic cover.
Intonation
Set the intonation so that the harmonic at the 12th fret matches the pitch of the fretted note at the 12th fret. Use an elec-
tronic tuner or your ears. Hit the string like you would normally, and if the fretted note is higher than the harmonic the
string’s length has to be increased (saddle has to be pushed back away from the bridge). Use the saddle screw to move
it forward of backward until the harmonic matches the fretted.
Pickup height
The pickup’s distance to the strings can be adjusted according to different points of view. The closer the pickup is to the
strings the louder the signal. But it also means that the pickup’s magnetic field will have a stronger pull on the strings
affecting their vibrating properties, which will have a negative impact on the sustain. All this also depends on the out-
put power of the pickup (stronger magnetic field) and the type of string. Therefore is the height adjustment of the pickup
a purely personal matter and depends on your personal preferences in term of finding a balance between output and
sustain.
Tip: Start by adjusting the bridge pickup and then compare the volume difference between neck and bridge pickup and
adjust accordingly.
