Applause AE128

[creekster52]

I have an Applause AE128 purchased new a few years ago. I haven't played it much because the action was considerably higher than I prefer. I removed the factory installed shim from under the saddle, but it's still a little too high.

I assume the next step is the underside of the saddle.  I have a Dremel tool, but I am slightly concerned about damaging the "pins" at each end. Has anyone here done this on their Applause? Were you able to use a Dremel tool, or did you have to file/sand by hand?

Also...when I had the saddle off to remove the shim, some of the magnets fell out of the carrier. I seem to have reinstalled some in reverse (polarity) as some strings have weaker output than others. Is there any way to tell the proper orientation visibly?

[DetroitBlues]

Hold off there with that dremmel.  Put it down and step back for a second.  How's the string height at the nut?  Have you checked the truss rod?  Lowering the bridge is an expert job.  Since the guitar is an Ovaition Applause, you're better of selling it as is and using the money to buy a used Ovation that is set up better.  Worst case scenerio, take it to a luthier before you hack on it!

[creekster52]

Nut & trussrod are OK. Just too high in the upper register. But, I think DB is right...I think I'd rather sell it than deal with it. I don't think it's beyond my ability to do the mod, but I have other guitars I prefer to spend my time on.

[DetroitBlues]

I have a 2002 Ibanez Performance Acoustic.  I've adjusted it as much as I can.  But after all these years of playing it, it needs fretwork, reglue the bridge, replacing the saddle... But this guitar isn't worth the money to have it fixed.  Yes I've thought about fixing it myself, but I don't have the time or tools to mess with it....

[creekster52]

Update: I thought I had this guitar traded for an older Epiphone FT-130. I got it out Friday night to check it over and found the E & B strings sounded muted, and were only being sounded microphonically. I removed the strings and the saddle, checked the transducer and reassembled it. I now have no sound at all. It is one of the weirdest transducer/bridge systems ever made.

I am only bumping this topic to tell others how much I hate this guitar, and Applause/Ovation in general. Their lack of support, replacement parts, user forums, etc. is terrible. I will never buy another Applause or Ovation guitar again. This guitar will most likely be donated to the Salvation Army! 

[DetroitBlues]

That's a real shame you're having so many problems.  I believe the Applause lineup is like the Squire of Ovation guitars.  Maybe Robert might want it.  He seems to enjoy the challenge of budget guitars on a professional level...

[creekster52]

I may give it one more shot. I sent a detailed email to Ovation and am waiting for their response. If they do not provide a solution, I may replace the proprietary saddle with a conventional compensated saddle, and replace the transducer with a button type. I think it could be used with the existing onboard preamp.

I will probably get rid of it one way or the other though. I never did like the neck very much...too narrow for me.