I have the same guitar with the same problem. I waited until I changed strings before pulling the saddle. These are light guitars and respond to changes in weather conditions more so than other guitars, even other Martins. Thanks a lot for this video.
Next time use your capo to keep strings from tangling once loosened and then pull bridge pins. Sand saddle on a flat file to keep everything square then finish with sandpaper. Also remember the lower you go the less volume the guitar will have.
Good job. Ive owned my 00015m for a week and love it. Action is slightly on the high side, I feel more confident about trying to reduce it after watching. 👍
Great video. I have a couple of questions. I thought when measuring action you had to fret the 1st then measure? Also when checking neck relief, I thought you had to fret both the 1st and 12th and check if you could fit the feeler under the 8th. Also, I'd be intresed to know the saddle height in the center/middle.
Great video man! You are a braver man than I. I’ve had my Fender acoustic since 92 and I’ve never adjusted the action. Maybe this video will inspire me to do so, the action is a bit higher than I like but it also strengthens my muscles so when I do play a guitar with lower action it’s gravy baby. I love these type of guitar videos! Keep up the good work!
I just bought a new Cordoba guitar and now I’m aiming to do this myself. It may have been mentioned in the comments but can you please tell me where you got the measuring tools? They have some on Amazon but I want to find a similar straight ruler that I can lay along the neck to accurately measure the bow in the neck, one similar to the on you use in this video. Thanks!
I have the same guitar. I bought it new and I’ve had it for about three years and the action has continued to slowly creep up. I like my action a little lower, closer to 5/64” on the bass side. It’s now over 6/64. I’ve sanded the saddle pretty good already and it’s looking like I need to take it down a little more, but there is not much left. It was a relatively low saddle to begin with. I’m worried I’m going need to have the neck reset if this trend continues, which would really suck on a guitar less than five years old. On a side note, be careful of any pressure on the underside of the guitar. The sides on my are paper thin. I had to have a crack repaired. I love playing it. Sounds amazing.
I agree your action is getting high. Sadly, a lot of acoustics leave the factory with fairly high actions, even more expensive ones. Of course the manufacturers state 7/64" (B) and 5/64" (T) so they are 'covered". Was the crack warrantied? Was it humidified?
Congrats on your 000-15, they are awesome guitars and very near and dear to my heart. Kudos to the courage in making the adjustments to yours. Consider a “dampit” humidifier to keep in your sound hole, and highly advise keep it in your hard case. A cannot recommend this and to other folks adjusting your guitars. Most players see a setup or humiliation and storage a pesky thing. I have witnessed unbelievable horrors of improper maintenance. A setup and neck relief should be done regularly, it takes so little time but every or every other string change as a nice check. Look at it as regular and very routine maintenance because really a truss adjustment and string action setup is truly strengthening the neck. This helps from prematurely having a neck lift or top lift issue and thus needing a neck reset and other expensive repairs many years down the line. I understand people are apprehensive about doing these things themselves. But it is worth learning how to do it to preserve your guitar and as an added bonus it makes even more enjoyable to play.
I have a OOO-15M as well and work on/set up all my guitars. The mahogany seems to be much more sensitive to temp/humidity changes. I always humidify my studio/work shop to 40-45%. Being in southern Arizona that’s constant work. Bought a whole room EVAPORATIVE humidifier that holds about 6 gallons of water. It works great! The mist humidifiers coat everything with a very fine white dust that you don’t want in your electronics! I actually have to go home and tap in two fret ends that have popped a bit and are giving me sitar sounds! Of course a whole new set up after that! Love the tone of the mahogany and the OOO size!!
Looked at several videos and while they contribute some, often leave out quite abit, or deep dive so much it’s Stew-Mac time. Nice presentation and delivery, thx for a great job!
Sorry if I missed it in the video, but what exactly was the problem with the way the strings were before your adjustment? Did they not sound as good? Cool video!
Triple 0 fanclub, I want one aswell. Love the Mayer,Clapton & Streetmaster model, but yours is very classy aswell with the dark mahagony sounds pretty bright though. Nice ! However I'm not brave enough to file down anything on my guitars, always go to the music shop I used to work at, even though it ain't no rocket sience. Still happy with the results ? I prefer a medium String height so I can still use a slide or use alternate tunings.
Good video, I love this guitar. I've had mine for about 6 months waiting for it to settle. I'm probably just going to take it to my luthier because I don't trust myself but really enjoyed watching you do it. And yes, the setup is great but it's just a tough high. I can play it fine but I notice it when I switch to another guitar of mine I've had setup. Doesn't play as buttery as the others yet. I'm pretty sure Martin does leave it a tough high, as you said, because the kind of players that Martins are probably best known for like a little higher action. They would have to add a shim to a brand new guitar vs. us just taking it down a bit.
I’m curious as to how you checked the string height from the saddle, I thought that a capo is needed on the first fret in order to take the nut height out of the equation. Is it different for Martin guitars?
I use a capo for checking neck relief, but with string height, the nut is part of that equation too, so you're just checking the height over the fret where the neck meets the body.
You remind me much of myself. The phrasings and shite on guitar is different, and we don't always talk the same language. We speak, though, to a camera. In a room. You have a Vox something. I don't. (THAT IS UNFAIR. #donatevoxelstoOutcast) I have no hat. The ambient energy regarding this makes it a pleasure to say this: You have been seen. For what that is worth. I even commented, because I wanted to let you know you have a cool guitar. Oh.. and those first strummed chords were magnificent. The middle-distance eyes into far-away soul right before you end on the "oh well, time to... where was I? Right.. talk! So.. E ... talk. Great, man. Great!
This is too funny. I literally bought this very guitar yesterday and am awaiting arrival. I was looking for videos on strings and there you are playing the very same Martin I just bought. Hahahahahahaha. Too cool. Birds of a feather. I got the Dreadnought version- cannot tell if that is the exact same.
No no do not shave down the saddle you can adjust the action on Martin enough with the truss rode. When you shave the saddle you alter the angel of the strings into the pegs.
NO! NO! NO! The truss rod is to set the neck relief, sanding the saddle and cutting the nut slots is the only way to lower the action across an acoustic. If there is too much relief, it will lower the action when you straighten the neck near the 5th and 7th frets, but the rods intended purpose is to set neck relief only. Yes you want some break angle at the pegs to saddle and if there is not enough, the neck angle is probably off and needs a neck reset. I've been working on Gibson and Martin Guitars for 30 years.
I have the same guitar with the same problem. I waited until I changed strings before pulling the saddle. These are light guitars and respond to changes in weather conditions more so than other guitars, even other Martins. Thanks a lot for this video.
Next time use your capo to keep strings from tangling once loosened and then pull bridge pins. Sand saddle on a flat file to keep everything square then finish with sandpaper. Also remember the lower you go the less volume the guitar will have.
Good job. Ive owned my 00015m for a week and love it. Action is slightly on the high side, I feel more confident about trying to reduce it after watching. 👍
Do you have to fix up the saddle and nut, is it enough just to use the trust rod?
Great video. I have a couple of questions. I thought when measuring action you had to fret the 1st then measure? Also when checking neck relief, I thought you had to fret both the 1st and 12th and check if you could fit the feeler under the 8th. Also, I'd be intresed to know the saddle height in the center/middle.
Great video man! You are a braver man than I. I’ve had my Fender acoustic since 92 and I’ve never adjusted the action. Maybe this video will inspire me to do so, the action is a bit higher than I like but it also strengthens my muscles so when I do play a guitar with lower action it’s gravy baby.
I love these type of guitar videos! Keep up the good work!
You can do it!
I just bought a new Cordoba guitar and now I’m aiming to do this myself. It may have been mentioned in the comments but can you please tell me where you got the measuring tools? They have some on Amazon but I want to find a similar straight ruler that I can lay along the neck to accurately measure the bow in the neck, one similar to the on you use in this video. Thanks!
I have the same guitar. I bought it new and I’ve had it for about three years and the action has continued to slowly creep up. I like my action a little lower, closer to 5/64” on the bass side. It’s now over 6/64. I’ve sanded the saddle pretty good already and it’s looking like I need to take it down a little more, but there is not much left. It was a relatively low saddle to begin with. I’m worried I’m going need to have the neck reset if this trend continues, which would really suck on a guitar less than five years old.
On a side note, be careful of any pressure on the underside of the guitar. The sides on my are paper thin. I had to have a crack repaired.
I love playing it. Sounds amazing.
I agree your action is getting high. Sadly, a lot of acoustics leave the factory with fairly high actions, even more expensive ones. Of course the manufacturers state 7/64" (B) and 5/64" (T) so they are 'covered". Was the crack warrantied? Was it humidified?
Hey Bradley thanks for all the content. Just a quick question, what is the pipe you’ve got in that profile pic?? Thanks again
Hmm. I think it’s a Briar Works Pipe.
Cool thanks. Yeah I dig it. Nice nose warmer
Congrats on your 000-15, they are awesome guitars and very near and dear to my heart. Kudos to the courage in making the adjustments to yours.
Consider a “dampit” humidifier to keep in your sound hole, and highly advise keep it in your hard case. A cannot recommend this and to other folks adjusting your guitars. Most players see a setup or humiliation and storage a pesky thing. I have witnessed unbelievable horrors of improper maintenance. A setup and neck relief should be done regularly, it takes so little time but every or every other string change as a nice check.
Look at it as regular and very routine maintenance because really a truss adjustment and string action setup is truly strengthening the neck. This helps from prematurely having a neck lift or top lift issue and thus needing a neck reset and other expensive repairs many years down the line.
I understand people are apprehensive about doing these things themselves. But it is worth learning how to do it to preserve your guitar and as an added bonus it makes even more enjoyable to play.
Thanks for the advice! I do have a humidifier in my office with my guitars. I try to keep it right around 45%. It makes a big difference!
I have a OOO-15M as well and work on/set up all my guitars. The mahogany seems to be much more sensitive to temp/humidity changes. I always humidify my studio/work shop to 40-45%. Being in southern Arizona that’s constant work. Bought a whole room EVAPORATIVE humidifier that holds about 6 gallons of water. It works great!
The mist humidifiers coat everything with a very fine white dust that you don’t want in your electronics!
I actually have to go home and tap in two fret ends that have popped a bit and are giving me sitar sounds! Of course a whole new set up after that!
Love the tone of the mahogany and the OOO size!!
It’s not quite as tough here in the PNW, but I try to keep a pretty constant humidity of 50% as well.
Great video like always.
How much research did you have to do before you felt comfortable about doing it yourself?
Just watched a few videos. I wouldn't try the nut myself, but I thought the saddle was doable.
Looked at several videos and while they contribute some, often leave out quite abit, or deep dive so much it’s Stew-Mac time. Nice presentation and delivery, thx for a great job!
Great vid! Very helpful, will check my 00018 as well! Thanks!
What if you move to another new climate or back to old climate. Need a new bridge string white if you go back to past climates ? Or will be fine ?
That is some pro work, Bradley! Nice job and a nice guitar. Cheers!
Thanks a lot!
Just curious, how much saddle do you have protruding above the bridge after your adjustment?
Great video....ready to start your third job as an apprentice luthier.
Sorry if I missed it in the video, but what exactly was the problem with the way the strings were before your adjustment? Did they not sound as good? Cool video!
They were just a touch too high for my liking.
Good job!! I love mahogany. I have one, but it is an Orangewood...I'd love to have a Martin or two, or ten!
I thought you were supposed to capo at the 1st fret when checking the string action?
en 1 iere et en 11iem pour mesurer le relief pas l'action ;-)
I have the same Rick, Martin & Vox. My Martin keeps going out of tune, not sure why?
Triple 0 fanclub, I want one aswell. Love the Mayer,Clapton & Streetmaster model, but yours is very classy aswell with the dark mahagony sounds pretty bright though. Nice !
However I'm not brave enough to file down anything on my guitars, always go to the music shop I used to work at, even though it ain't no rocket sience.
Still happy with the results ?
I prefer a medium String height so I can still use a slide or use alternate tunings.
Yeah! It's playing great!
Bradley any chance you will be show casing your P Bass?
Maybe! I hardly ever play, but we shall see,.
I have this guitar. I could never adjust the trussrod, too scary for me...thanks for sharing 🎶🎶🎶
Good video, I love this guitar. I've had mine for about 6 months waiting for it to settle. I'm probably just going to take it to my luthier because I don't trust myself but really enjoyed watching you do it. And yes, the setup is great but it's just a tough high. I can play it fine but I notice it when I switch to another guitar of mine I've had setup. Doesn't play as buttery as the others yet. I'm pretty sure Martin does leave it a tough high, as you said, because the kind of players that Martins are probably best known for like a little higher action. They would have to add a shim to a brand new guitar vs. us just taking it down a bit.
instablaster...
Roger That , what's a "tough high" ? Getting a batch of bad weed?
I’m curious as to how you checked the string height from the saddle, I thought that a capo is needed on the first fret in order to take the nut height out of the equation. Is it different for Martin guitars?
I use a capo for checking neck relief, but with string height, the nut is part of that equation too, so you're just checking the height over the fret where the neck meets the body.
What pickup do you have for this guitar?
Is this model still made in PA in the USA?
Mine was made in Nazareth, PA. As far as I know, this model still is!
You remind me much of myself. The phrasings and shite on guitar is different, and we don't always talk the same language. We speak, though, to a camera. In a room. You have a Vox something. I don't. (THAT IS UNFAIR. #donatevoxelstoOutcast) I have no hat. The ambient energy regarding this makes it a pleasure to say this: You have been seen. For what that is worth. I even commented, because I wanted to let you know you have a cool guitar. Oh.. and those first strummed chords were magnificent. The middle-distance eyes into far-away soul right before you end on the "oh well, time to... where was I? Right.. talk! So.. E ... talk.
Great, man. Great!
Comment of the week!
Did you check intonation?
I have same Martin also.
Yes, the intonation on my Martin is spot on. Cheers!
Where you from that it changed so much is it hot or cold what's worse?
Pacific Northwest. Lot's of variability with humidity, which seems to have the most effect.
"Knock, knock, knock! Knock, knock, knock!" ;)
Well done ! Kept expecting your neighbor to bang on his ceiling, Ha !
Where did you get that hat? :)
I can’t remember! It was 20 years ago!
Well done
I'll be honest, this video scared me. My guitar is nowhere near as expensive as yours, yet I could never do this.
It was a little nerve-wracking, but it went okay!
do you take requests? 61 highway!
IMO the 000-M is the best acoustic on the market.
What gauge of strings do you have on it?
Martin .12, their light strings.
@@stuffandthingsyoutube Thanks! I think 11 52 strings sound better and feel better on it. I have the same guitar...
Hello good sir bradly new sub love yur chanel keep up the great job
You can’t show us the action?
My 000-15m
12 fret 1.8mm
That was cool! More guitar videos please.
Thanks! Will do!
Unfortunately, I broke the truss rod on my Martin D-16….
Sorry to hear that!
I have alway found that Martin set there guitar slightly high but the are very easy to lower just with the truss rode
I forgot that you can play guitar. So nice to see you with one. I love the electric guitar on the wall! Is it a les paul?
It’s a Rickenbacker 330!
Really cool
What a strange system imperial is.
7 64ths? ent nobody got time for that
freedom baby
This is too funny. I literally bought this very guitar yesterday and am awaiting arrival. I was looking for videos on strings and there you are playing the very same Martin I just bought. Hahahahahahaha. Too cool. Birds of a feather. I got the Dreadnought version- cannot tell if that is the exact same.
No way! Mine is the smaller bodied 000 size, but I think the entire 15 series is a great.
Oh the fine amount is good I was worried you were going to take a lot off sorry
Sweet. Spend $1500 on a guitar. Then have to pay to get the guitar lined out! Thanks Martin!
No way I dare to try this in my 000-15m
My D-15 plays wonderfully with pretty much zero relief. I always think Martin guitars are set way too high. No need for it.
No no do not shave down the saddle you can adjust the action on Martin enough with the truss rode. When you shave the saddle you alter the angel of the strings into the pegs.
Doesn't look like English is your first language? Anyway, a 7/64" action is high, and a truss adjustment will not correct that. Not completely.
NO! NO! NO! The truss rod is to set the neck relief, sanding the saddle and cutting the nut slots is the only way to lower the action across an acoustic. If there is too much relief, it will lower the action when you straighten the neck near the 5th and 7th frets, but the rods intended purpose is to set neck relief only. Yes you want some break angle at the pegs to saddle and if there is not enough, the neck angle is probably off and needs a neck reset. I've been working on Gibson and Martin Guitars for 30 years.
Some people play the guitar. Some people do not.
Lmao
Hey may iborrow your guitar
Why do I feel like smashing my ceiling???
You’re braver than I. And oh....you’re too loud! 😜 Have figured out a way to levitate across your floor so you don’t disturb your neighbor?
If it’s too low there is something you can do about it. It’s called a shim. Or get a new nut. Maybe should you look into that. Growing some nuts.