About to make first tweek to DXMG

[MartinBarre]

I only put one small strip of 60 grit sand paper at the back of the neck pocket.

10's huh? How does that affect the sound and playablilty?

By putting in one strip of paper, the neck is now angled, so that's probably why you needed to raise the bridge. Put another piece of paper at the other end of the neck pocket and try it then.

10's are a little thicker, so they don't flop so much which is probably what you're hearing to make it sound like "slap bass".
It's easier to play on 9s because they are so easy to bend, but 10's give a good balance between ease of playing and tone.
You just put the 9s on, so I'd use them for a while, until they need changed, before trying 10s.

However, you might find, if you put another strip of paper under that neck, the 9s will sound a lot better and the action will be nicer.

[MartinBarre]

BTW, before you did all this, you tried tightening the two posts holding the trem onto the guitar? I know you say you looked at it, but if you only ever had a Fender type guitar before this the trem can be a bit confusing.

[RickBlacker]

By putting in one strip of paper, the neck is now angled,

Exactly, however I did this on purpose. The strings were further away from the frets further down the nect you went. They weren't even all the way down. Down towards the nut, there was very little play, down at the bridge there was a lot. So, i was adviced that I needed to tilt my neck back.

However, you might find, if you put another strip of paper under that neck, the 9s will sound a lot better and the action will be nicer.

Based on what I just mentioned, what are your thoughs? Still the same?

[RickBlacker]

BTW, before you did all this, you tried tightening the two posts holding the trem onto the guitar? I know you say you looked at it, but if you only ever had a Fender type guitar before this the trem can be a bit confusing.

I tried screwing them down further with an alan wrench, but they were already tight. I could loosen the bridge posts, but not tighten them.

[MartinBarre]

Sorry Rick, that's the extent of my knowledge. Hopefully someone else will help with a soloution, but if I were you I'd be thinking of getting it sorted by a pro. It could be some of the frets are lifting or something like that - take it to a shop and ask them how much it might be to have it fixed.

[RickBlacker]

Thanks for all your help. I'm gonna let it be the way it is for now. It's playablility is much better than it was. I can actually play a F Major chord now. My next step on this is most likely going to be adjusting the trus. The friend who helped me shim up the back of the neck thinks it may have a slight bow in it.

Little by little I'm going to maximze this DXMG to it's full potential. I've already let it be VERY WELL known to my wife I want some new pickups for it for Christmas.

[MartinBarre]

If you're going to be doing your own setups and stuff, I'd suggest getting one of Dan Erlewine's books. They're great.