BEDELL OWNER`S MANUAL
Contents
1. height and trussrod tension since one or both may be responsible IF YOU ARE INEXPERIENCED DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE ACTION YOURSELF ADJUSTING YOUR NECK TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENTS AND ACTION Adjustments to truss rod tension alter the relative straightness of the neck While these adjustments may impact your action or string height the height of the saddle is also a factor If you suspect your neck angle may be impacting your string height the wisest course of action is to take it to your guitar dealer or reputable repair specialist The trussrod in your Bedell guitar helps counteract the affect of string tension on the neck of your instrument String tension pulls the neck forward and up while the truss rod pulls the neck down and back A properly adjusted truss rod equalizes the tension on the neck Adjustment of truss rod tension changes the amount of bow in the plane of the fretboard A properly adjusted truss rod results in a neck with a slight forward relief If you look down the neck of your guitar and perceive a slight bow don t assume that it that it needs to be straightened Depending on your playing style a slight bow can work in your favor by preventing fret buzz Also the neck may move slightly with changes in humidity and temperature but may not need adjustment CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR ADJUSTING YOUR NECK CONT TRUSS ROD BASICS Turn your wrench clockwise to tighten the truss2. all contact points with soft 100 cotton cloth FINISH CHECKING AND AGING As a normal part of the aging process most nitro finishes will exhibit checking and may change color or develop the sheen or patina discussed earlier Guitar aficionados often believe these natural aesthetic changes add to the value of the instrument as they tell the story of the instrument and the player and their journey together over the years Finish checking a common expected occurrence in fine instruments with a nitro finish is a web or mosaic pattern of hairline cracks in the finish usually caused by sudden changes in temperature As the wood rapidly expands or contracts it stresses the finish and creates checking This is common as an instrument ages and some musicians actually seek out a checked finish in vintage instruments since it adds to the historical authenticity and well loved well played feel Finish checking can occur after your guitar has been in very cold conditions when it is suddenly introduced to a warm venue or room the wood expands faster than the lacquer and this may distress the finish The best way to guard against checking is to avoid exposing your Bedell to extreme temperatures If you cannot avoid exposing your guitar to an arctic chill or sweltering heat allow the instrument to slowly acclimate to new climate conditions before you open the case As always avoid any prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60 F and
3. steel string acoustic guitar is designed for use with light and medium gauge strings If you switch to lighter gauge strings Dreadnoughts and Jumbos you ll likely need to have a reputable dealer adjust the bridge saddle and neck Medium 013 056 to avoid fret buzz il e 013 2 B O17 Your guitar strings will wear out How quickly depends on how often and 3 076 how long you play and whether you wipe the strings with cloth after each session The oils from your fingers corrode the strings over time How will you 4 2035 know when it s time You ll notice your sound has lost its brilliance and has 5 A 045 become a bit muffled When this happens replace the entire set of strings Only 6 E 056 replacing one will result in an unbalanced sound Parlors and Orchestras Light 012 053 1 e 012 2 B 016 3 024 4 032 5 042 6 E 053 For step by step directions on how to string your guitar see page 17 CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR ADJUSTING YOUR ACTION Because the solid woods in your guitar will settle and change over time as your guitar matures the height of the strings will increase or decrease slightly If the action is higher your guitar will be a bit harder to play Likewise if the strings are too low they ll buzz against the frets If either scenario should occur and your action requires adjustment take your guitar to a repu table guitar repair specialist to assess bridge saddle
4. BEDELL OWNER S MANUAL 2014 2015 BEDELL GUITARS 61573 American Loop Bend Oregon 97702 888 234 2210 Welcome to the Bedell family You are now the steward of an extraordinary acoustic guitar handcrafted from precious tonewoods that were harvested with the intent of sustaining our forests and honoring the surrounding communities and economies You could ve chosen any brand but you chose a Bedell which means you have a deep respect for the organic materials nature has supplied for your musical instrument Naturally you want to protect your investment and to honor the seed to song journey of the trees that live again in your guitar This manual was designed to equip you with the information and tools to provide the highest level of care for your instrument and to ensure that your Bedell guitar will be your musical companion for many years to come CONTENTS ANATOMY OF YOUR GUITAR 4 CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR 7 HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE 8 STORAGE AND TRAVEL 11 NITROCELLULOSE FINISH 11 Finish Checking And Aging 13 FRETBOARD 13 TUNING MACHINES 14 STRINGS 14 ADJUSTING YOUR ACTION 15 ADJUSTING YOUR NECK 15 SETUP SPECS 17 CHECKING YOUR NECK RELIEF 17 ELECTRONICS 18 HOW TO STRING YOUR GUITAR 19 TRAVEL PERMITS 22 WARRANTY 22 ANATOMY OF YOUR GUITAR ANATOMY OF YOUR GUITAR TOP ROSETTE PICKGUARD BRIDGE BRIDGE SADDLE BRIDGE PIN x 2 m x 2 E 2 a in RIM ASSEMB
5. LY BACK CENTER STRIP BACK BRACE KERFING TAIL BLOCK ANATOMY OF YOUR GUITAR HEADSTOCK O o O O PEGHEAD OVERLAY 9 0 O o Ow gt E NUT LE ES 5966 FRETBOARD FRETBOARD POSITION DOTS TUNING MACHINES NECK HEEL SIDE DOTS DOVETAIL FRETS ADJUSTABLE TRUSS ROD CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE THE IMPORTANCE OF TEMPERATURE Relative humidity RH is temperature dependent Air with 45 RH at 60 F does not have the same water content as air at 70 F with 45 RH Stable temperature plays a key role in ensuring your Bedell guitar is humidified properly The trees that live again in your guitar have made an incredible journey to be come a part of your world your music and your life Every tree that contributed tonewood to your guitar was selectively and individually harvested often at the end of its lifecycle while still standing or from the forest floor removed gently to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem or is from a collection of treasured wood harvested prior to 1991 the year the first tree species was listed in CITES or was reclaimed and repurposed into wood for your guitar Consider just one of the trees that provided the tonewoods in your guitar for example the tree that gifted you with your soundboard When it was living its leaves were continually pulling water up the trunk and through
6. above 80 F CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR FRETBOARD When cleaning your instrument after play pay special attention to your fretboard to remove the oil residue left by your fingertips When oil and dirt build up on If your fretboard appears your fretboard it will become a bit gummy and may require occasional cleaning dry or cracked before and oiling oiling take a humidity measurement to ensure TO REMOVE FRETBOARD RESIDUE proper humidification levels between 40 50 relative STEP ONE Rub your fretboard lightly with ultra fine 0000 steel wool humidity If you find the environment is too dry STEP TWO Remove any steel wool fragments establish proper humidity as needed and then follow STEP THREE Apply mineral oil to the fretboard the steps to the right STEP FOUR Wipe down the fretboard with a dry cotton cloth CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR TUNING MACHINES The tuning machines on your guitar your open tuning gears To do this catch dust that will wear out the tun will need little if any maintenance tiny bit of petroleum jelly on the ing machines beyond occasional lubrication Mark end of a toothpick and apply to the your calendar twice a year to lubricate gears Don t apply too much or it will STRINGS The luthiers at Bedell selected the perfect strings to compliment the body shape of your guitar Should you desire different strings to accommodate your STRING SPECS individual playing style your
7. e in a dry climate use a humidifier If you live in a humid climate invest in a de humidifier Imagine a piece of bread left on the counter in a dry climate Most bread has 40 moisture content and left exposed it will dry up and shrink Luckily the wood in your guitar was cured and dried before it was lovingly crafted but it is still sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity Much like acracker or a scone the wood will respond moisture both lack and excess and will expand or contract accordingly swelling in a warm and humid climate and shrinking in cold dry environs Rapid changes in humidity or temperature can potentially result in cracks compromised joints and damage to your guitar s finish If you re playing outside and get caught in the rain when you return indoors gently wipe down your guitar with a soft clean cotton cloth and let your guitar dry gradually Never place a damp guitar near a heat source like a fireplace The intense heat and dryness near the fire will cause some parts of the guitar to shrink very quickly potentially causing cracks and joint damage One of the best things you can do to protect the beautiful woods and the integrity of your Bedell guitar is to monitor the climate in which it lives Purchase a small mobile hygrometer gauge to monitor the temperatures and humidity levels to which your guitar is exposed We recommend an RH of between 40 and 50 anda stable temperat
8. itar adjusted for higher or lower action depending on your playing style CHECKING YOUR NECK RELIEF To check for proper neck relief push down on the low E string at the ist and 14th frets simultaneously There should be about 0 010 of space between the bottom of the string and the top of the Oth fret about the thickness of a business card You may want more or less relief depending on your playing style CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR ELECTRONICS NOTE If your model is not listed please refer visit bedellguitars com to review determine the electronics installed in your specific instrument then download the appropriate manual at kksound com support manuals php All workshop installed electronics packages are handcrafted and assembled in Coos Bay Oregon by K amp K Sound For more information on your electronics package please download the relevant owner s manual below kksound com pdf powermixpurext pdf kksound com pdf puremini pdf kksound com pdf puremini pdf kksound com products duotone php HOW TO STRING YOUR GUITAR HOW TO STRING YOUR GUITAR STEP ONE STEP TWO Insert the first string in its bridge pin hole Make sure Position the bridge pin so the notch is the heaviest part of the double winding is facing away facing the string from the sound hole Pull the ball end of the string tightly against the inside of the top STEP THREE STEP FOUR Insert the bridge pin by pushing it firmly Thread the
9. o extreme temperatures the trunk of your car is no place for your stunning and lovingly crafted Bedell guitar If you re flying check your guitar at the gate if possible so the baggage handler can hand carry your guitar to and from the airplane and you ll be able to keep an eye on it until you board If this isn t an option call the air line to see if the cabin has a storage compartment large enough for your guitar case If you absolutely must check your guitar loosen the strings slightly about a step and a half and place soft cotton packing material in your case around your guitar to protect it as much as possible during its journey When you arrive at your destination leave your guitar in the case until it has acclimated to the new temperature NITROCELLULOSE LAQUER FINISH Your Bedell guitar has a hand applied finish that maximizes the resonant qualities of nitrocellulose lacquer your tonewoods This thin hard finish is more susceptible to the elements than other finishes For instance it requires special care when exposed to moisture or perspiration Additionally one of the well known features of a nitrocellulose finish often referred to simply as nitro or lacquer is that it develops a patina over time a patina that is as uniquely you as your music a one of a kind visual identity you create by simply playing your guitar Any imperfections caused over time add
10. or solvents that will deteriorate your finish Some may even contain abrasives which will harm the finish and strip the hard earned patina from your guitar Your finish should not require waxing or oiling either with the exception of the fretboard see below Traditional oils like tung oil may leave a residue even when wiped clean and can seal in any grime or dirt on the surface this residue will also build up when used repeatedly While we do not recommend waxing if you must wax your guitar pure carnauba wax is the safest for your finish Scratches dings and checking that develop over time are all a part of your guitar s unique fingerprint If you feel compelled to repair the finish take it to a repair specialist who specializes in nitro finish repair Do not attempt to touch it up yourself Remember to remove your guitar strap when not in use Some strap materials even leather and particularly synthetics contain solvents that can mar the finish of your guitar Feel free to use the strap of your choice while you play just be sure to remove it when you re done And don t toss the strap into the case with your guitar store it separately The safest place for your guitar is in the case but if you temporarily leave your guitar on a stand or wall hanger make sure that these accessories are specifically designated as nitro safe If your accessories are not approved for contact with nitrocellulose finishes then cover
11. port and can be transported for performances throughout the world For assis tnce procuring a travel permit WARRANTY for your Bedell guitar please email permits bedellguitars com or call our concierge service at 888 234 2210 between 8 00 a m and 5 00 p m Pacific Time AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF YOUR BEDELL GUITAR YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY For more details please visit bedellguitars com warranty BEDELL GUITARS 61573 American Loop Bend Oregon 97702 888 234 2210 info bedellguitars com
12. rod counterclockwise to loosen it truss rod should only be adjusted in order to establish proper neck relief and to counteract balance the effect of string tension not use the truss rod adjustment feature to try to correct larger set up issues or other problems that are not related to neck relief If you are inexperienced with this type of adjustment consult a qualified repair technician before attempting an adjustment Prior to adjusting tension on your new Bedell guitar give your instrument a couple of weeks to adjust to its new environment USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN MAKING ADJUSTMENTS To adjust the single action truss rod on your Bedell guitar use a round tipped 5 32 Allen wrench that is at least 4 long The adjustment nut is located inside the sound hole toward the neck It is very close to the top of the guitar and directly underneath the fretboard To access the adjustment nut insert the wrench into the sound hole between the D and G strings holding them apart can be helpful and point it up toward the area described above to find the nut Turn clockwise to tighten the truss rod or counterclockwise to loosen it CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR SET UP SPECIFICATIONS To check your guitar for proper action measure at the 14th fret from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string Bedell specs are 3 32 on the bass side and 1 16 on the treble side You may want to have your gu
13. string through the string hole near with your thumb the top of the tuning machine post HOW TO STRING YOUR GUITAR STEP FIVE Wind the string half way around the tuning machine post NOTE For the three treble strings wind the string counterclockwise For the three bass strings wind the string clockwise STEP SEVEN Tune your guitar Then make sure each string winds around the tuning machine post at least one full rotation with each winding closer to the base of the shaft than previous windings Clip the strings flush with the top of the tuning machine post if desired STEP SIX Pass the short end of the string under the longer end and then bend back the short end to prevent the string from slipping Repeat steps 1 through 6 for all remaining strings NOTE For instruments equipped with an undersaddle pickup all instruments with K amp K PowerMix Pure XT we recommend that you restring your instrument starting with the two middle strings and work your way outward to ensure that the saddle will reseat firmly and squarely over the pickup TRAVEL PERMITS amp WARRANTY TRAVEL PERMITS amp WARRANTY TRAVEL PERMITS All Bedell tonewood is ethically and legally procured meeting all CITES regulations and Lacey Act require ments for chain of custody We guarantee that every USA made Bedell guitar crafted out of wood from restricted species qual ifies for the US Fish and Wildlife Service Guitar Pass
14. the pores and fibers of the wood much like blood moves through the veins in our bodies and it had a moisture content of up to 200 When it came to the end of its life and was processed into soundboard sets moisture still moved through it but that moisture began to evaporate and the soundboard began to air dry and cure At some point your soundboard reached equilibrium where no more moisture was moving out of the pores Generally this equilibrium happens around six to eight percent moisture content which can usually be maintained in a stable consistent environment of 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 45 humidity At equilibrium even though the wood from the tree is no longer drawing water from the earth the cells never forget and will draw in extra moisture if it is available or shed extra moisture if the environment is dry CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE CONT TEMPERATURE Rule of Thumb If you re comfortable then chances are the temperature is right for your guitar as well ideal temperature for your guitar is around 70 F Avoid exposing your guitar to temperatures below 50 F and above 90 F Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60 F and above 80 F HUMIDITY ideal relative humidity level for your guitar is between 40 and 50 Avoid exposing your guitar to excessively dry or humid climates for more than a few days If you liv
15. to the value of the instrument and contribute to the unique character of your instrument making this guitar your guitar CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR NITROCELLULOSE LAQUER FINISH CONT NITROCELLULOSE CARE 101 Do not expose your guitar to extreme climate changes Wipe down your guitar with a clean soft 100 cotton flannel cloth after every session e Avoid commercial guitar cleaners polishes and oils Don t touch up any scratches or dings this should be done only by experienced repair specialist If you use a guitar strap remove after use and store separately Only use stands and wall hangers that are specifically nitrocellulose safe or place a clean soft 100 cotton cloth between your instrument and all contact points The best way to care for your finish aside from avoiding drastic changes in temperature and or humidity is to lightly clean your guitar after each use Your sweat may oxidize fairly quickly and can dull or destroy the finish The same goes for the natural oils in your skin When cleaning you want to remove dirt oils and sweat but you don t want to remove the patina that develops over time Use a soft 100 cotton cloth to wipe down the entire instrument Wipe the strings too to remove the oil left behind by your fingers it will help the strings last longer We don t recommend commercial polishes or cleaners because they may contain petroleum products
16. u visit a sweltering tropical climate make sure your guitar stays cool and isn t trapped in the hot moist case When humidity is high wood expands and swells When humidity is combined with high temperatures your guitar s glue joints can weaken and even open slightly If you leave your guitar in a hot humid spot over a period of time even the glue under the bridge can be compromised potentially causing the bridge to pull off If you and your guitar live or spend an extended amount of time in a highly humid climate RH levels above 50 we suggest purchasing a variable control dehumidifier to achieve optimal RH A final word about humidity and temp erature levels Avoid hanging your guitar on an outside wall The temp erature difference between the interior of the room and the wall itself can potentially damage your guitar s wood CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR STORAGE AND TRAVEL When you re not playing your Bedell return it to its case The case gently and evenly supports the body neck and head of your guitar which helps keep everything in proper alignment Your instrument will be happy you ll be happy When it comes to car travel treat your guitar like you d treat a beloved pet Never leave your Bedell in a blazing hot car or in an unheated car during winter months Would you transport the family dog in the trunk Hopefully not Never ever leave your guitar in the trunk of your car where it can be exposed t
17. ure near 70 F to ensure the safest environment for your Bedell guitar TELLTALE SIGNS OF HUMIDIFICATION ISSUES OVER HUMIDIFIED UNDER HUMIDIFIED Raised action Lowered action Sluggish tone low volume Fret buzzing Bellying up of the top Fret ends protruding Lateral finish cracks Dips in the top When selecting an in case humidifier avoid designs that completely block the sound hole they can cause over humidification of the instrument body while doing little to maintain proper humidity for the neck CARING FOR YOUR GUITAR HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE CONT If you and your guitar spend more than a few days in an arid climate below 40 RH protect and stabilize your instrument with a high quality variable control room humidifier or an in case guitar humidifier such as the Oasis sound hole humidifier If choosing an in case humidifier select one containing a moisture reservoir that is suspended inside the body to release proper levels of moisture that also prevents water from actually touching your instrument Be careful when placing your guitar near a standard room humidifier as water may come into direct contact with your instrument which is a poten tially damaging We recommend storing your guitar in the case when not in use and investing in a humid ifier that vaporizes the moisture to lessen the chance that any water droplets might come in contact with your instrument Additionally if yo
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