Is a bow at acoustic guitar bridge normal wear?

GeoNjules · #1 August 13th, 2007

I bought this cheapo Yamaha acoustic (Buy Yamaha F335 Acoustic Guitar online at Musician's Friend) about 5 months ago. It seems like the action was getting higher, so I took a straight edge to it this morning, and there is a noticeable bow in the top. The closer I went to the bridge saddle, the worse it got. Is this normal wear, and I should take it in to have the saddle shaved? Or do you think its not worth it.
Also, what strings would you recommend? I have Martin lights on it now, but I've been getting a high "twang" out of the first string (the strings are new).....Thanks for looking.

starsailor · #2 August 13th, 2007

Hi GeoNjules, Yamahas are usually pretty good but this has had some bad reviews regarding high action, I personally would be concerned about a bow if you could post a pic it would be helpful, the bottom line with a guitar of this price is how much money would you be willing to spend to put it right, if you haven't adjusted the Truss Rod at all you might have a claim under the Yamaha warranty, it might be worth getting your local guitar tech to look at it just to get an idea of the problem, this is just my opinion, the Techs here will be able to shed more light on it, sorry you're having problems it's annoying when guitars go wrong.

clefless · #3 August 13th, 2007

If it bowing on the top of the guitar (ignoring the neck completely), it isn't a good sign. Is it particularly humid or dry where you keep your acoustic?

Here is a photo of damage from humidity where the guitar top is messed up.

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/i...ConcaveTop.jpg

allthumbs · #4 August 14th, 2007

Not a good sign. The number one reason for that is leaving the strings on under tension for long periods of time with the guitar unplayed. If that was the case, then it might be stable enough to have the bridge shaved down. On the other hand, if the bridge has been lifting ,even though you have been playing it on a regular basis, then there is a inherent flaw in that guitar that will kill it eventually.

GeoNjules · #5 August 19th, 2007

I checked the guitar back, and its bowed about the same as the front. I think I have a high humidity problem. I read somewhere else the swelling should go down when winter comes. Any truth to this?
I was going to toss a few of those silica packs (like you find in medicine bottles/shoe boxes) in the sound hole. Think that might help?.........Thanks for all your responses earlier.