A60E with rippling/telegraphing

[MrBluesky]

Longtime PRS fan and first time poster. I’ve loved my CE24 and recently decided to try one of the PRS SE acoustics. I purchased a new A60E. It took a while to find but ultimately arrived two weeks ago.

It looks amazing but I was surprised the guitar had some small waves in the top, right below the bridge. They are noticeable to the touch but hard to photograph. In doing some research it appears this may be due to humidity? Also, the neck looks straight but the action is very high.

I use a local luthier/guitar tech and typically have a professional setup done but he suggested I properly humidify the guitar to see if the waves flatten out a bit first. The action can be adjusted but will need some work. He indicated PRS acoustics are generally well setup from the factory and mine was not typical from his experience.

Is this something others have noticed? Are there any tips on cause or correction? I’ve emailed PRS CS to see if they have specific guidance. I appreciate any perspectives…

TIA

 

[Wakester]

The Action on my A55e was very low for an acoustic, but where I liked it. An adjustment of the truss rod should take some of the height out of the action. Humidification may or may not help. My action drops even lower if the neck gets too dry but yours may swing the other way depending on which side of the tree the neck came from. If you live in a dry climate, I would recommend keeping the guitar in it's case with Humidipaks to get it and keep it at about 45% rh. It may take a week to a week and a half before it settles out and everything stabilizes. If the top doesn't level out, I would send it back to your dealer to exchange for a new guitar. JMHO.

 

[danktat]

The action on my A40E is the best I have felt on any guitar within its range. It plays almost like an electric. Can't say that I have had any of the kind of issues you are referring to with yours. But if it was brand new, and you are noticing issues with the top, I would contact the dealer you purchased it from to see if something can be done. Sometimes there is a limit to how long you have to make a claim.

 

[MrBluesky]

Thx Wakester and danktat for the suggestions. I’m actively humidifying it to see what happens. The dealer has approved a return but has no replacement as they are on back order.

PRS customer service responded and suggested I send it in for them to inspect and set up (at no cost). Amazing support and not what I expected.

 

[danktat]

Amazing support and not what I expected

PTC and customer service are second to none. Whether it is something from their private stock or from their SE line. They actually give a d*mn what their products that are out there are like.