Getting to know the EGS Arc hardware on the Boden Essential

In this article you will find useful information about the EGS Arc hardware, found on the Boden Essential series of guitars.

General

The EGS Arc hardware has been designed to be as robust and easy to use as possible. When your guitar ships from us, it is fitted with 10-46 gauge strings. The tuner housing positions should be roughly equally positioned in relation to the tuner knobs – you will have a visual indication if something is not set up correctly. Note that if using other string gauges, the positions will be positioned differently, but proportionally so, which is something that you will learn with experience.

Just like the tuner housing positions being placed optimally for standard string sets, the EGS Arc bridge is designed with a radius that matches your guitar, and that provides an optimal relative string height between the thinner and heavier strings. Again, if you use other gauge strings than the standard, experience will give you a visual indication of a correct setup.

The string lock is fastened with screws in the four outer holes. All six holes should hold protective washers, which should be placed under the strings. They reduce the risk of cutting the strings when locking them in place, as well as protecting the surfaces of the string lock holes and screw heads. The washers should last the lifetime of the instrument, but are easily replaceable in case they are damaged or lost.

String changes

Unscrew the tuner all the way
Unlock the string lock using the 3 mm Allen key
Insert the string through the rear of the tuner. TIP: create a slight curve/bend at the tip of the string by pinching it, and pulling it against your thumb nail. This will make it easier to insert through the tuner as well as string lock.
Thread the string through the string lock.
Remove the slack from the string, no need to pull it tight.
Maintain tension on the string, and with the string centered, lock the string lock. NOTE: only use the Allen key standing up, to prevent over tightening and cutting the string.
Turn the knob to tune the string up to pitch.
Cut the string at the string lock, as close to the string lock housing as possible, allowing the cut end of the string to fall down between the “fingers” in the housing.

Part numbers and technology

If you ever run into any problems with the hardware on your .strandberg* please refer to the below guide to let us know what parts are giving you problems.

Changing the action

Loosen the saddle locking screw with the 1.5 mm Allen key.
Detune the string slightly, move it to the side, and Insert the 3 mm Allen key in the saddle. Raise the saddle by turning the key clockwise.
Lower the saddle by turning the key counter-clockwise.
When you have reached the desired height, remove the 3 mm Allen key from the saddle, and tune the string up to tension again.
Tighten the saddle locking screw again. NOTE: do not overtighten this screw, since it may damage the saddle.

Adjusting the intonation

Compare the fretted note on the 12th fret to either the open string or the harmonic on the 12th fret.
Loosen the tuner locking screw slightly, using the 1.5 mm Allen key – a 1⁄2 turn should be enough.
Adjust the tuner position:
a. Insert the 1.5 mm Allen key through therear of the bridge, for the string that is being adjusted;
b. If the fretted note was sharp: move the tuner backwards by turning the key clockwise. You can do this under full string tension, thereby making it easy to check progress frequently.
c. If the fretted note was flat: move the tuner forward by turning the key counter clockwise. You can do this under full string tension, thereby making it easy to check progress frequently.
When you have reached the correct position, lock the tuner again. NOTE: only use a small amount of force, to prevent over tightening and thereby damaging the tuner. This locking screw simply secures the tuner housing in place, reducing the risk of rattle. The string tension is not affecting this screw.