this maintenance guide as pdf

OWNER’S MANUAL
1. GETTING STARTED
1
1.1. GOTOH STRAPLOCKS
1
1.2. SCHALLER STRAPLOCKS
1
2. KEEPING YOUR GUITAR CLEAN
2
2.1. CLEANING THE FINISH
2
2.2. CLEANING THE FRETBOARD
2
2.3. CLEANING THE STRINGS
2
2.4. CLEANING THE ELECTRONICS
2
3. SET-UP GUIDE
3
3.1. CHANGING STRINGS
3
3.2. TRUSS ROD
4
3.3. TREMOLO ACTION
5
3.4. STRING HEIGHT
6
3.5. PICKUP HEIGHT
7
3.6. INTONATION
7
4. F A Q
9
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual includes useful information for keeping your Ruokangas guitar clean and well adjusted. We
have included instructions for the most common adjustments, but left out repairs - fret dressing, nut filing,
refretting etc – that require special tools and skills. We advice you to leave such work for a professional
repairshop to do.
Notice that this manual includes info of our most common guitar models. Whenever you notice optional
procedures (f.ex. stringing up, various types of tuners), see the warranty card specifications sheet for detailed
info of your guitar, in case you're uncertain which instructions to follow.
For more information of the features of your guitar, visit our website at www.ruokangas.com. You may also
contact us directly for additional info either via mail, telephone or email at:
Ruokangas Guitars
Kankurinkatu 4-6
05800 Hyvinkää
Finland
Tel: +358 19 452 864
E-mail: mail@ruokangas.com
1. GETTING STARTED
Your Ruokangas guitar has been fully adjusted at our workshop in Finland prior shipping to our dealer or
directly to you, so usually all you need to do to get started, is to pick up the guitar and play! However, our
guitars are made of wood, an alive material that may react to changes in humidity and temperature of your
environment. In case your guitar needs adjusting, see the 'Set-up Guide' section of this booklet.
1.1. GOTOH STRAPLOCKS
Straplocks are a standard feature in all Ruokangas guitars.
It is strongly advisable to use them! See the drawing - as
installing the lock unit to your strap, remember to tighten
the nut well.
When attaching the strap to the guitar, simply turn the
thumbscrew of the lock unit clockwise, slip the lock in and
release the thumbscrew. Repeat the procedure to unlock
the strap.
1.2. SCHALLER STRAPLOCKS
Some of our guitars have Schaller straplocks. The locking
part should be aligned so, that the guitar rests in the "cup"
as strapped on. Remember to tighten the nut of the lock
unit well. See the drawing for correct assembly.
When attaching the strap to the guitar, simply slip the cup
to the strap button. To unlock, pull the knob of the lock
unit and slip off the cup from the strap button.
2
2. KEEPING YOUR GUITAR CLEAN
2.1. CLEANING THE FINISH
Your Ruokangas guitar is finished with polyurethane or
nitrocellulose lacquer. For light cleaning you can simply
wipe the guitar with your Ruokangas microcloth provided
with the guitar, or a soft cotton cloth.
If the guitar needs more thorough cleaning, the finish can
be safely cleaned with commercial guitar polishes
available from guitar shops. Look for polish that does not
include silicone. Spray polish to your Ruokangas
microcloth, wipe on the surface with circular moves and
buff to a luster with dry part of the cloth. Guitar polish can
be used to clean the pickguard, lacquered maple or birch
fretboard and metal parts of your guitar as well. Notice that guitar polish is meant for cleaning the guitar – it
does not remove scratches from the finish. Do not use guitar polish for ebony or rosewood fretboard!
2.2. CLEANING THE FRETBOARD
Rosewood and ebony need to be oiled once or twice a year.
Lemon oil works great for this - it can be found at most
guitar shops and some regular hardware stores. Look for
oil that does not include silicone. Apply oil to a soft paper
or piece of cotton cloth and wipe on a generous amount.
Wait for awhile (about 1 minute is enough) and wipe off
the excess oil with a clean, soft paper or cloth.
If your fretboard is very dirty, f.ex. 'Dunlop Fingerboard
Cleaner and Prep No. 01' works great for melting the dirt
off the wood before oiling it.
2.3. CLEANING THE STRINGS
To prolong the life of your guitar strings, there are a
couple of useful things to learn and get used to. Wash your
hands before playing and wipe the strings clean after
playing - a clean cotton cloth will do in most cases,
especially with Elixir strings. Don't forget to clean from
under the strings also by slipping the cloth between strings
and fretboard.
Many players prefer to use commercially available string
cleaner compounds as well, such as 'GHS Fast Fret' or
'Dunlop Ultraglide String Conditioner'.
2.4. CLEANING THE ELECTRONICS
We use high quality pots and switches, but they will get
dirty and wear down eventually. If there are crackling
noises as turning the pot or switch, you can clean the part
from inside the control cavity with appropriate contact
spray available from electronics stores. Look for spray that
is specifically made for cleaning pots. Using wrong type of
chemical (f.ex. dry electronics spray) will damage the pots!
Apply the chemical slightly, then turn the pot back and
forth for a few times. If cleaning doesn't fix the problem,
take the guitar to your local pro repair shop.
2
3. SET-UP GUIDE
First of all, we recommend you to change strings to your Ruokangas guitar regularly to maintain the tone,
tuning and playability. It's natural that your guitar needs also adjusting from time to time. When you do a full
set-up, follow the precise order described here to achieve the desired result.
3.1. CHANGING STRINGS
If there’s no need to clean or oil the fretboard, you can change the strings one by one. This is especially
recommended for guitars equipped with trem to make the tuning up easier. In case you will clean/oil the
fretboard, take off all the old strings. If your guitar has a trem, use a piece of folded cardboard to protect the
finish behind the bridge before loosening the strings. If your guitar has a locking trem, you need the 3mm
hex key provided with the guitar to unlock the nut and to remove the strings from bridge. Loosen the strings
from tuners, clip the old strings in half and remove from tuners and bridge.
String Brands
Ruokangas guitars are stock fitted with high quality Elixir strings, that
maintain their tone way longer than regular strings. Elixirs have a special
coating on wound strings, that prevents dirt and sweat to penetrate to the
string. The plain strings have an anti-rust coating as well. If you decide,
however, to change string brand, any good quality strings should work fine in
your Ruokangas guitar.
String Gauges
Ruokangas guitars are stock fitted with 010-046 strings, unless you ordered your guitar with a specified set.
If you change to heavier gauge, the truss rod may need tightening - and the nut will most likely have to be
modified to work smoothly. If you change to lighter gauge, the truss rod may need loosening - and if buzzing
noise occurs with open strings, the nut may have to be modified or replaced by a pro repair shop.
Type of tuning gears
Non-locking Gotoh SD91 Kluson Style
These are the Gotoh ”vintage” style 6-in-line
1.
2.
tuners with split string posts. This type of tuner
is easy to restring, when you remember a couple
of things. Cut the new string to appropriate
length to avoid overwinding - but don't cut it too
short - a good rule is, that you measure about 2
times the distance from tuner to another and cut
from there. Push the new string to the hole on
top of the post (Pic 1) and start winding. You've
done a good job, as the string rolls nicely around
the tuner post 2-3 times (Pic 2). Tune up to pitch. Hold the string down at first fret and stretch with the other
hand. Tune up again.
Non-locking Gotoh SD90 / SD510 / SE700 / SG381
These instructions work for all non-locking
Gotoh tuners with hole in the posts. Insert the
string into the tuner post hole (Pic 1). Leave
enough slack to wind a few turns of string
around the posts. Start winding the tuner
counter-clockwise. Tune up the string and cut
off the excess length (Pic 2). Hold the string
down at first fret and stretch with the other
hand. Tune up again.
1.
2.
2
Locking Gotoh SD91/SD510/SGS510/SGL510
To remove the old strings – pull string back from
tuning gear and wind tuner clockwise until
string automatically releases. If the string
breaks, use a small screwdriver or coin to unlock.
Pull the new string tight through tuner hole,
leave no slack (Pic 1). Start winding the tuner
counter-clockwise and the tuner will automatically pinch and tighten the string. Tune up,
cut the excess length off (Pic 2). Hold the string
down at first fret and stretch with the other
hand. Tune up again.
1.
2.
1.
2.
Locking Schaller M6 Mini
To remove the old string, turn the thumbscrew
on the back of the tuner counter-clockwise to
unlock the string. Aim a new string through the
hole in the tuner post - don't leave any slack, just
pull it straight - and lock the thumbscrew tightly
by turning it clockwise (Pic 1). Tune up the
string, cut the excess length off (Pic 2). Hold the
string down at first fret and stretch with the
other hand. Tune up again.
Tuner tension
Some of the tuning gears we use have adjustable tension (Gotoh
Kluson style 6-in-line and 3+3 tuners can not be adjusted). To tighten
the tension, turn the adjustment screw clockwise. Too loose tension
may cause the strings to slip out of tune. Set the tension firm. Be
careful though - too much tension may cause the tuning gear jam or
the tuning knob to break.
3.2. TRUSS ROD
Now you have new strings fitted in and tuned
up. Next, let's check the neck relief. Hold the
guitar in playing position. Simultaneously fret
the low-E string on the 1st and last fret (right
hand little finger). Check the clearance between
the bottom of the string and the top of the 9th
fret. While still using the right hand little finger
to hold the string at the last fret, you can use the thumb to lightly tap at the 9th fret to more clearly see the
gap - which should measure around 0.2 - 0.3mm. If the gap is bigger than that, the truss rod needs to be
tightened (clockwise). If there is no gap at all, the truss rod needs to be loosened (counter-clockwise). This
gap is called 'relief'. It's necessary that the neck has slight relief to allow low action without fret buzz. Adjust
the truss rod accordingly with the key provided with your guitar.
Ruokangas double-way truss rod
Every Ruokangas guitar is fitted with a double-way truss
rod, which corrects both up- and backbowed necks. The
2-way function ensures, that the neck remains fully
adjustable, no matter what kind of climate the guitar is
taken to. The truss rod has a zero point, in which the
adjusting nut feels loose. Turning the nut clockwise from
zero point will tighten the rod - bowing the neck back.
Turning the nut counter-clockwise from zero point will
loosen the rod more - bowing the neck up.
4
Adjusting the truss rod
The truss rod nut is located at the headstock end of the neck.
If your guitar has a truss rod coverplate, open it with
appropriate Phillips screwdriver. Use the provided 4mm hex
key (or 5mm key in some models) to adjust - quarter turn,
tune up, check the relief, repeat if needed. It's not necessary to
loosen the strings to adjust this type of truss rod. Never try to
adjust the truss rod with wrong size key, since this may
damage the guitar severely.
Adjusting the vintage type truss rod
In some of our bolt-on guitars the adjusting nut is located at
the body end of the neck. To access the nut, loosen the strings
(don't need to remove them), open the 4 neck bolts and lift the
neck up in its pocket about 10mm. Then adjust the rod with
the provided 5mm hex key. Usually a quarter turn will do the
job. If you have to turn the rod more than that, do it step by
step - quarter turn at a time, tune up and check again. Never
try to adjust the truss rod with wrong size key, as this may
damage the guitar severely.
3.3. TREMOLO ACTION
If your guitar is fitted with fixed bridge, skip to chapter 3.4.
Trem spring tension
You can easily adjust the tension of the tremolo springs with a
Phillips screwdriver without removing the backplate. Turn the
two adjusting screws evenly - clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen.
Floating
If you prefer your non-locking trem floating for smooth
vibrato effect, adjust the springs so that there is a little gap
(1.5 - 2.0mm) at the back edge of the tremolo base plate (Pic).
To achieve the desired position you may need to adjust back
and forth for a few times, as the tuning of the guitar changes
every time you adjust the springs. You have succeeded, as the
trem is floating as wanted and the guitar is in tune. If your
guitar is equipped with locking trem (Gotoh GE1996 etc.), it's
usually set floating and the springs are adjusted correctly,
when your guitar is in tune, and the trem baseplate remains in parallel position with the top of the guitar.
Non-floating
If you prefer using the non-locking tremolo only for downbends, tighten the screws so that the baseplate stays flat on
the top as the guitar is tuned up. It’s common to adjust the
spring tension so, that you can bend the plain strings up a full
step without the tremolo baseplate lifting up from top. If you
use heavy gauge strings, the trem may need 4-5 springs to
work correctly.
5
Trem arm tension
To adjust the Wilkinson (by Gotoh) VSVG trem arm tension, press
the arm so that the bottom plate raises from the body about 1 cm.
You can then see a small hex screw behind the sustain block.
Tighten the slack off the arm by turning the tension screw clockwise
with the 1.5mm hex key provided with your guitar.
You can finetune the tension to your liking - some prefer the arm to
drop down when not using it, while others may want it to remain in
the playing position.
The Gotoh GE1996 Floyd trem arm has an internal threading to
adjust the height of the arm. Push the arm in place and start turning
clockwise. You can continue turning the arm as long as the depth
feels comfortable for you. Don't force the arm deeper than it goes
easily - when it starts to feel snug, it's time to stop. To adjust the
trem arm tension, use the provided 1,5mm hex key.
3.4. STRING HEIGHT
The string height of your Ruokangas guitar is adjusted at our workshop for comfy, relatively low action measuring at 12th fret: low-e 1.8 - 2.0mm and high-e 1.5 - 1.7mm. These adjustments seem to work for most
players - but then again, string height is always a matter of taste!
Non-locking Wilkinson (by Gotoh) VSVG trem
Adjust the low-E string to comfortable height with the provided
1,59mm (1/16”) hex key - and follow with setting the high-E string
next. Follow by aligning the rest of the bridge saddles to match the
fretboard radius.
Locking Gotoh GE1996 trem
Unlock the posts (Pic 1) with the provided
1.5mm hex key. Adjust the posts (Pic 2) to
comfortable height with the provided 3mm hex
key. Locking trems do not have individual
height adjustments for each string, and we have
built the fretboard radius to match the radius of
the trem. After adjustments lock the posts again
with the 1.5mm key.
1.
Wilkinson (by Gotoh) WT3
The string height of the WT3 bridge is adjusted in pairs, two strings
at a time. Start from low-E and A. Set the strings to comfortable
height so that they follow the fretboard radius, using the provided
1.5mm hex key. Repeat procedure for the rest of the strings.
2.
Tune-o-matic
The string radius of the tune-o-matic bridge matches the Ruokangas
fretboard 12” radius. Your guitar has TonePros or Schaller bridge
and tailpiece. If you have TonePros, first unlock the bridge (Pic)
with the provided 1.5mm hex key. Then set the two thumbscrews to
the desired height and tune up the guitar. In case of TonePros, lock
the bridge after adjustments.
3.5. PICKUP HEIGHT
Some manufacturers give standard heights for their pickups. This is, however, also a matter of taste. You can
affect the tone of your guitar by moving the pickups closer or further away the strings. The closer the pickups
are, the more aggressive and "in-your-face" the tone gets. You can also finetune the balance of the bass and
treble strings by adjusting the pickup height.
Too close
If the pickups are too close, there are basically two problems
that occur. The sustain suffers, as the strings can not vibrate
freely in the strong magnetic field. There can also appear a
funny effect - like the guitar would be badly out of tune when
it's not. This effect gets stronger the further up you go on the
fretboard as the strings go closer to the pickups when fretted.
You can hear the effect even when playing on a single string.
Remember to check that there is always a gap (at least 2mm
with humbuckers, 4mm with single coils) between the bottom
of the string and top of the pickup as you play at the last fret
on any string (Pic).
Feel free to experiment with this - if you feel the tone should be just a bit brighter, try raising the pickups a
bit higher. If you want it smoother, take them a little back. If the balance between the pickups doesn't seem
perfect for your playing style, sound and amplifier dynamics, slight adjustment may be all it takes.
3.6. INTONATION
Last but not least – let's check the intonation of the guitar. A high quality
electronic tuner should be used to do this. The idea is to match the octave
(fretted) note of the strings - one by one - with their corresponding 12th
fret open harmonics by shortening or lengthening the strings with
adjusting screws. As you have succeeded doing this, your guitar will be in
tune no matter where you play on the fretboard. All Ruokangas guitars
have proven to be extremely well "in-tune" when adjusted correctly. Notice
that setting the intonation must always be done with a fresh set of strings!
Buzz Feiten Tuning System
If your guitar is equipped with BFTS, use a tuner with BFTS presets
(Peterson has several such models), or get more tuning tips from the BFTS
website: www.buzzfeiten.com
True Temperament
If your guitar is equipped with True Temperament curved frets, see tips for
adjusting the intonation from the TT website: www.truetemperament.com
7
Wilkinson (by Gotoh) VSVG tremolo
Check the intonation. If adjusting is needed, turn the
thumbscrew (see the pic, tool for adjusting is provided with
the guitar) into the threads at the back of the saddle. Open
the saddle locking hex screw with the provided 2mm hex key
and adjust the intonation with the thumbscrew. As the octave
matches, lock the hex screw, remove the thumbscrew and
move to next string. As all strings are adjusted, check again
the tightness of all locking screws. Remember not to use
excess force, as this will damage the locking hex screws.
Locking Gotoh GE1996 Floyd trem
Check the intonation. If adjustment is needed, loosen the
string slightly. Open the saddle locking hex screw with the
provided 2.5mm hex key slightly and tap the saddle to the
appropriate direction. Lock the saddle. Retune, check the
intonation. Repeat the procedure until the octave matches.
Remember not to use excess force, as this will damage the
locking hex screws.
Wilkinson (by Gotoh) WT3
Check the intonation in pairs, two strings at a time (EA, DG,
BE). With a pair of strings, estimate the need of adjustment.
You need to work both with the adjusting screw (with Phillips
screwdriver) moving the whole saddle back and forth, and the
rotating brass barrel. Use the provided 2mm hex key to loosen
the barrel if needed. Tap the barrel to change it's angle
towards strings. When you get both strings on a single barrel
to intonate correctly, lock the barrel and move on to the next
pair of strings.
Tune-o-matic
The intonation is adjusted by using an appropriate flathead
screwdriver. There are no locking screws, but if the adjusting
screw feels very stiff, it is advisable to loosen the string
slightly prior adjusting.
In case further adjusting/repair should be needed, doublecheck the set-up instructions and go through the
FAQ. If you still feel unsatisfied with the results, contact your local pro repairshop or Ruokangas Guitars for
further information.
8
4. F A Q
I have scratches on the back of the guitar and they don't come off. What should I do?
Guitar polish compounds are meant to clean the guitar finishes, not to remove scratches. Scratches in the
finish are inevitable in the long run, but if you want annoying scratches away, take the guitar to a pro
repairshop. (See page 2)
The maple fretboard of my guitar is dirty, how should I clean it?
Your fretboard is most likely lacquered, so you can clean it with guitar polish compound, just like the rest of
the finish of the guitar. (See page 2)
I cleaned the pots of my guitar with electronics spray and now the pots don't turn at all...?
You've used wrong type of spray. Always use contact spray meant specifically for pots. Wrong type of spray
may freeze the pot. Take your guitar to a pro repairshop and have the pots changed. (See page 2)
I've had my guitar for a year now, and the fret ends feel sharp. What should I do?
This happens sometimes during a dry season (usually cold winter). The fretboard wood has shrunken
slightly . This is normal, regardless how well the wood is dried before building the guitar. Our warranty
covers this issue, so please send or bring the guitar to us. If you're located far away, it may be practical to take
the guitar to your local pro repairshop to fix this minor problem, that won't most likely happen again as
repaired once.
I have problems keeping in tune with 011 strings - how come?
Your guitar was most likely initially fitted with 010 strings. This means the nut slots are too tight for heavier
gauge strings, which causes sticking - resulting as tuning problems. The nut should be adjusted for 011
strings by a professional repairshop.
There is buzzing at the first 5 frets although the action is not very low - what can I do?
The most common reason for this is, that the truss rod is too tight. Check the relief, and if there is none,
loosen the rod a little and then adjust the string height from the bridge saddles. (See pages 3-4)
The action of my guitar is higher than it used to be - what should I do?
This is a normal phenomenon caused by changes in relative air humidity. The truss rod should be most likely
tightened, if you haven't touched the other adjustments to alter the original set-up. See through the set-up
instructions, and if you feel uncertain adjusting the truss rod by yourself, take the guitar to a professional
repairshop. (See pages 3-4)
The last 7 frets buzz, although the action seems to be ok - what's wrong?
The most common reason is, that the truss rod is loose. Tighten the rod for appropriate relief and then adjust
the string height from the bridge saddles. (See pages 3-4)
I switched to 009 strings and now the open strings sound buzzy – why?
The nut may be loose, if it was initially set for 010 strings. It is possible that the nut has to be replaced at a
professional repairshop.
There is an annoying vibrato effect as I play on upper frets, even with single string - what is it?
The pickups may be set too close to the strings. Too strong magnetic field causes funny effect for string
vibration. Try to adjust the pickups further away from the strings. If this doesn't help, change to a fresh set of
strings - an old or defected string may cause this kind of problems also. (See page 7)
I can't get the intonation right - there is not enough room to adjust the saddles?
Your Ruokangas guitar bridge does have enough room to adjust the intonation correctly. The most common
mistake is, that you try to adjust the intonation with old strings. If the strings are worn and dirty, it is very
likely that the intonation is false no matter how you adjust it. Change to a fresh set of strings and try again!
Another possibility (not as usual) is that the pickups are adjusted too close to the strings. Try this if new
strings didn't do it. (See pages 7-8)
The trem arm of my Wilkinson VSVG trem keeps falling off and feels loose. How come?
You can easily adjust the tension of the arm. (See page 6)
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© 2009 Ruokangas Guitars
Printed in Finland