The steps to follow if you want a better action on your Gretsch Jim Dandy guitar. Here I set-up a mostly slide guitar action to an easy play finger-style one.
I'm sure the "old timers" did go to crazy lengths when setting up their guitars either, a sound down to earth honest example on how to set up your guitar, I wish I had of seen this 50 years ago when I started out playing! Good job.
oddly enough my Jim Dandy came out of the box set up just about perfectly... I put a different saddle in .. but I didnt hear that much difference.. I made video of it on my channel. I just put the old one back in because I didnt want to deal with sanding it down :) I really thought the guitar would be a piece of junk and I was pleasantly surprised.. I play it everyday
Hi thanks, I really like your relaxed way of explaining the easy mod you did to saddle and nut. Do you think a zero-fret nut might be good for this guitar? Also, was wondering what weight of Martin strings you put on. Did you go lighter than the 12's that supposedly come on them? Thank you!
Hi Gene, nice video and well explained. What gauge strings did you put on it please? I'm keen to make the same setup on mine and want to change strings also. Not sure what are on it from factory, but they're quite thick! (and very squeaky)
I installed D'addario nickel bronze light gauge. Standard OEM strings are D'addario EJ16 phosphor bronze. If you're sure the strings are those, you could try extra light gauge on either brand.
First thing before sanding the nut is to adjust the trussrod, because it changes the action. On mine I had to adjust it a lot! I went from 4 to 3mm just adjusting it. Then yes, sand a bit the bottom nut...