Earvana....?

[barfly]

Hey Ladies and Lads...

I have a question. I was "netting" and ran across the Earvana. I wouldn't dream of trying it on most of my guitars (no way for my jackson customs or my TAG) but I do have 1 or 2 guitars where I would try it. Does anyone know if it's worthwhile or even works? The price before installation is negligible. Thanks..

Johnny.

[Pietro]

I know John Suhr has said he likes them a lot.

Tom is pretty committed to BFTS, though, which is cool. I like it myself.

[ConnemaraGuitar]

I installed an Earvana nut on a fellow's Martin six or seven months ago and it was a relatively easy process. I've done several BFTS retrofits for electrics but cannot justify the cost of getting trained to perform acoustic retrofits with BFTS.

Was it as good as a BFTS upgrade? I don't know, although my client was pleased. As has been noted repeatedly, perfect intonation is an unatainable destination, but the journey is worthwhile.

My challenge on the Earvana retrofit in this particular case was that it was a lefty guitar. The Earvana nut is designed for right handers. Namely, the standard offsets were reversed. Took some tweaking but I think it turned out OK.

I wound up making a new bridge saddle since the guitar's previous owner had installed shims under the saddle after having removed too much material from the original saddle to improve its action. When I got, it, the guitar had very little sustain on the low strings. Sustain was better without the shims.

Since the Earvana retrofit does not involve changes to the bridge, it probably qualifies as a somewhat less than ideal modification compared to the BFTS retrofit.

BTW, using the Earvana nut does not alter the nut slot on the guitar, so if you're not happy with the results, you can revert to the original nut.

[Pietro]

BTW, using the Earvana nut does not alter the nut slot on the guitar, so if you're not happy with the results, you can revert to the original nut.

This is true of an after-market BFTS installation, too. It's only when you build it into the guitar, as Tom does, that it isn't reversible (which is fine with me, btw...)

[barfly]

Thanks guys...

I have an old, killer, custom made no brand guitar by paul unkert (van halen kramer guitar dood?) that has a floyd installed. I was thinking about getting the floyd earvana thingy for it. I just finished playing my TAG and it really is an awesome guitar. Solid comes to mind. Really well built. Nice tones. I think with around 10 guitars (1 tag) and a bass by guitar buying days may just about be done. But then again.. LoL. I've said that b4. Thanks for the replies.. J