problem with 305

[bruce j]

Has anyone here had a problem getting their action low on a 305? First, just to provide some context, I also own a Singlecut Trem from before the lawsuit, and dearly LOVE this guitar. The problem I have with the 305 is that the neck angle appears to be shallower than other PRS designs, to the extent that I had to screw down the tremolo pivot screws significantly lower than "factory" to get the strings adequately parallel with fretboard past the 12th fret (which was not necessary on the Singlecut, nor on the CE 22 which I once owned). Please be aware that I ONLY did this after lowering the bridge saddles for both "e" strings as LOW AS POSSIBLE and adjusting the truss for ZERO neck relief (which results in some fret buzz, and should NOT be necessary). As a result, even a half step of up-pull on the trem arm now causes the trem to contact the body (unacceptable). Did I just get unlucky, and end up with a one-in-a-million lemon from the factory, or has someone else on this forum encountered the same problem? Please help.

 

[Egads]

Got any pics of the trem angle?

 

[CatStrangler]

Has anyone here had a problem getting their action low on a 305? First, just to provide some context, I also own a Singlecut Trem from before the lawsuit, and dearly LOVE this guitar. The problem I have with the 305 is that the neck angle appears to be shallower than other PRS designs, to the extent that I had to screw down the tremolo pivot screws significantly lower than "factory" to get the strings adequately parallel with fretboard past the 12th fret (which was not necessary on the Singlecut, nor on the CE 22 which I once owned). Please be aware that I ONLY did this after lowering the bridge saddles for both "e" strings as LOW AS POSSIBLE and adjusting the truss for ZERO neck relief (which results in some fret buzz, and should NOT be necessary). As a result, even a half step of up-pull on the trem arm now causes the trem to contact the body (unacceptable). Did I just get unlucky, and end up with a one-in-a-million lemon from the factory, or has someone else on this forum encountered the same problem? Please help.

I have encountered this very issue one more than one trem equipped PRS. I once contacted prs customer service with pics but got no response. I can suggest some aftermarket saddles that are lower profile and will alleviate the issue, but they have a different tone than the stock ones.

 

[bruce j]

Interesting. These lower profile saddles install easily into the PRS tremolo?

 

[CatStrangler]

low profile saddles are NOT the answer...a proper set up is...if that doesnt work then you have a warranty issue...call the PTC.

A setup is what's needed if its possible. I am familiar with setting up these bridges and I believe the OP when he thinks there could be an issue with the neck angle, I have seen examples myself. In that case the only option is likely an up-route as pointed out in another thread. With all due respect you are quite incorrect about the saddle profile as I have successfully used this as a work around in the past. I have tried the saddles from Both KTS and TUSQ saddles from Graphtech are lower profile and than the stock saddles and allow for a wider range of adjustment to the lower end without lowering the bridge as much. Cheers, Phil

 

[CatStrangler]

Phil...as I suggested in my post...if the neck is not set correctly it is a possible warranty issue...Though...I have only seen one example of this on the forums...never in person. I recognize low profile saddles can potentially be used as "a work around" ...it is no replacement for a proper setup or a warranty issue...if there is something wrong with the guitar (issue with the neck angle when it was set) it should be sent back to the factory....if he needs to be able to pull up on the bar beyond factory spec then I also would recommend sending it in to the PTC for an up-route...or potentially having a floyd installed (I have played a floyded 305...it's badass).

I don't have an uproute on any of my PRS and I abuse the hell out of trems when I play...never had a problem where I needed to put different saddles on a PRS guitar...so not sure how I am "quite" incorrect...As I mentioned...factory spec should allow for approximately .010 neck relief at the 8th fret and action of 2/32nd's at the 12...with factory installed saddles....I have played trem based PRS for over 20 years...and have had a tremendous amount pass through my hands...maybe I'm missing something but I've been under the impression that those specs seem pretty darn adequate for the vast majority of players?

Bob, I agree that the setup suggested by PRS will meet most peoples requirements. For an example I encountered that wouldn't set up to spec, as you say it may have been remedied by the warranty, I guess by replacement. The issue for me was that I really really liked the way the guitar sounded and felt otherwise and there was a strong chance I would have been disappointed with a replacement.

 

[bruce j]

Thanks for the replies. Respecting getting the guitar professionally set up, I actually had taken it to one of the most respected repair guys in the Seattle area prior to messing with it myself, but I won't name names as it was the only instance where I was totally disatisfied with his work. I wish I had bought the 305 new so that it was under warranty. It is just so visually obvious when you look at these two PRS guitars in profile: the singlecut has a distinct neck angle relative to the body, not as steep as a Les Paul, but perfect to accomadate the top carve and the tremolo height off the deck. The action is nicely low, with the right amount of string "divergence" nut to bridge relative to the plane of the fret board, so that the string height at the 22nd fret is not significantly higher than it is at the 12th fret. The trem is at the correct height, allowing almost a whole step of "sharping" when pulled up. The neck angle relative to the body on the 305 is NOTICEABLY shallower, in fact almost flat. Could this be for the the purpose of making the guitar feel more strat-like? Thats fine, but the tremolo should have been designed a little different, or been slightly recessed into the body somehow, to accomadate this design difference.

 

[HANGAR18]

I want to understand that whole knife edge subject better. I'll try looking online for more information on how these bridges are made.

 

[Rider1260]

Call John Mann @ John Mann Guitar Vault he makes the trem PRS uses
As far as action goes I can set my 305 as low as any of my PRSi and the trem has all the range it should.
The folks at PTC are very helpful I would give them a call also.
I just went and looked at my 408 , CU22 , and 305 all with trems when I sight down the side of all my PRS the neck seems square to the body ( top horn ) with the belly of the body carve giving the proper neck angle
All of my guitars look exactly the same

Hope these pictures help this is my 305

 

[]-[@n$0Ma☩!©]

Call John Mann @ John Mann Guitar Vault he makes the trem PRS uses.

Just to clarify, for people coming here for info, Excel Machine makes the bridges for PRS. John Mann was the original builder of PRS bridges. He still manufactures bridges but they are no longer used in regular production. Mann Made bridges are still seen on the occasional Private Stock and the run of 100 Throwback guitars. John is the only source of original, 1-piece, tremolo bridges for PRS guitars.

 

[Daniel]

IIRC, a properly set-up PRS trem is only designed for 1/2 step "up" pitch, unless the guitar has the "trem-up" route?