Greetings!
I had my National Tricone built back in 2004 when my hands were healthy. Here we are 20 years later and we have a nuclear war against arthritis and failing strength in my left wrist. Guitar was set up by Don and friends back then - and set up superbly. This setup has lasted almost 20 years now.
The problem is the diminishing hand strength in fretting and chording above the 3rd fret.
I have straightened the neck to be as straight as possible ... still, the action is too high for me after the 3rd fret. What worries me is there is almost ZERO string break angle. So far, there are no audible bad things happening. Do you think a neck reset could help?
I could cut a mil or so off the saddle but then I'd have NO angle whatsoever.
yes - it would be once again back to being ideal - i had my tricone get a neck reset about 3-4 years ago, after about 20 years of playing the guitar. it sound very similiar to your being unplayable after the 3rd fret - I sent it to national and Jason had in back in a few weeks and it played perfectly. I know the price of shipping is $, but its worthwhile to send it to national, so it's done correctly and they stand by their work - call national and ask to speak to Jason and he will set you up with all the info
Thanks Mike,
I just did your suggestion! Jason and Shanon are terrific members of an outstanding company. Funny thing is ... I thought I was shipping a national Style One tricone - not a tank . Here's a pic of my break angle and her gettin' ready to complete some recording when she comes back to me.
great Jason is top notch - you won't regret it!
You might want to try a Randy Allen tailpiece allenguitar.com/tpcs.htm. They are shorter and will increase the break angle. They are pricey around $135. I use them on my 3 resonators... spider, bisquit and tricone and really like them.
