3. Use the setup suggestions included with the String Action Gauge as your starting point. The point here is to raise the action too high on purpose, to begin with, then gradually lower it down to where we need it. I had a Taylor LKSM-6 that was adjusted so that the string height was lower than what has been recommended to you because that is what I preferred. Conclusion - How High Should The Action Be On An Acoustic Guitar. However, a very high action can make the guitar harder to play, and create . The action height should be 2 inches (as shown in the photo) at the 12th fret. Acoustic Guitar Action, Lower It the Right WayLowering your action the right way on your acoustic guitar is a combination of planning and doing. As mentioned, you run the risk of sound distortion and buzzing with too short of action. You put your finger down on the 12th fret and the guitar string should be in-tune there as well. It is not hard to adjust the action on a nylon strung guitar. Trade Secrets. The first thing you want to do is take your feeler gauge and check the distance between the string of the first fret and the fret itself. Players with a light touch can usually get away with lower action, while heavy players may need more height to prevent rattles. Use a radius gauge ( radius gauge PDF) to identify the radius of your fretboard. However, even with light strings on it, the guitar seems a little punishing to my fingers. The truss rod is a slim, steel rod inside the neck of your guitar. This is on the high side. The winding on a guitar string can act like a file and slowly lower the strings at the nut over the course of time. 12th Fret Bass: .090" maximum 12th Fret Treble: .065" maximum 12th Fret SC-13E SET-UP & ADJUSTMENT Example showing string action height of .090" at the 12th fret. The string angle is determined by the string action height at the bridge. This is a steel bar running through the center of the neck that stabilizes the relief. December 3, 2021 Peter Straight edges should be held at the first fret and the last fret simultaneously. Higher string height makes the strings harder to press down, which in turn can cause discomfort over prolonged periods of guitar playing. http://www.audibletrial.com/GearZombieZoom H6 https://amzn.to/32uhRqjSony A7III https://amzn.to. If not check out the website or google truss rod adjustment. This distance plays a key role in your setup because it determines the ease in which your guitar can be played. You can get some idea of what is considered normal in the . 2.1 Method 1: 2.2 Method 2: 2.3 What Tools You Will Need. Parts of the guitar: body, bridge, bridge pins, strings, fretboard, headstock, tuners. The action height should be 2 inches (as shown in the photo) at the 12th fret. There is a considerable amount of leeway in choosing the right action height, depending on your instrument and playing style. Increased String Height Above Frets. TOOLS A machinist rule, a screwdriver or hex-key (electric guitar), calipers, a shim stock or stationary belt sander . TRUSS ROD LOOSE: When the truss rod is too loose, the neck bows forward. Video. Tip: A magnetic tip screwdriver with no tip inserted often fits. The factors involved are, guitarist technique, personal preference and string gauge. December 2, 2021 Peter An acoustic guitar typically has a typical action of about 5/64″ (24′′). (top of fret to bottom of string) 2) Push on the strings to the desired height of the action, and note the difference. Loosen all the strings 2. I would recommend finding a good repair person to see your guitar and possibly adjust the action for you. E low ~ 2.0mm 3/32". The steel string acoustic guitar measures 6 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick. Strings should be tuned to how you play the guitar (standard or alternate tuning) while adjusting the truss rod. 3. Write down the measurements. Now do the same for the #1 string. Take out the saddle from under the strings and mark the reduction you need to make with a pencil. If you don't want to remove your strings, cut notches out of the radius . Check each string individually by pressing the string down at the third fret, and sliding the paper between the bottom of the string and the crown of the first fret. Grand, they're set so lets take a look at the output string height at 12th fret. However, on the acoustic guitar, adjusting intonation usually requires fine adjustments to be made to a standard saddle with a file, or the use of a compensated saddle. I like to measure from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string in 1/64-inch increments. 6th String: 2.6mm / .10236 inches (6/64th) 2) Check string height at the nut by using a feeler gauge between the bottom of the string and the top of the first fret, it should be .022 +/- .002 for acoustic guitars as a starting point. 2.3.2 Removing the nut from the Guitar. MusicNomad and Master Guitar Tech, Geoff Luttrell team up in this easy to follow how-to video that leads you through the process of using a string action gau. You want the string height to be the exact right height for your playing style. Customers call us every single day asking how to adjust (usually lower) the action on their acoustic guitar. If you have a bridge style that requires a slot-head screw on the bridge post, you can adjust the bridge height by turning the slot-head screw. The most consistent way is to measure the string height using a steel ruler. It should match the fretboard radius. Using a free finger, feel for a gap under the string after you have completed the task. Rising action can make an instrument difficult, even painful to fret. Acoustic guitars may require a neck angle reset once the action (string height) has risen and methods to lower it have been exhausted. E high ~ 1.5mm 2/32". The higher the string height, the better the sustain will be, and the more resonant and open your guitar will sound. String height (action) affects the tone of acoustic and electric guitars. Action determines how much pressure and distance is required for the string to make full contact with each fret. For me, this height on my guitar will have to be lowered in the long run as it is too high for me. For me, this height on my guitar will have to be lowered in the long run as it is too high for me. 2.3.1 Take Accurate measurements. For acoustic guitars, our recommendation bumps up to 7/64th of an inch (2.78mm) on the bass side and 5/64th of an inch (1.98mm) on the treble side. • Measure distance between the top of fret and bottom of string. You'll need a 1/4" thin walled nut driver to make the adjustment. Trade Secrets. There are multiple methods to adjust the string height, depending on guitar type and your objectives. Make an acoustic guitar action adjustment when the strings are too close to the fretboard. The action of your acoustic guitar (the height of the string) is always going to be something tricky to nail. Lowering the action at the nut means deepening the individual fret slots which will bring the string closer to the top of the fret. The three wound string were fine, but as you can see from the pic below, the nut height increased dramatically for the top three strings. If your string height is OK, but your action still feels a bit stiff, you can check the adjustment of the nut as follows. The individual slot depths are cut so each string can clear the first fret. In standard 12-string tuning, the second string in each pair is tuned to standard pitch (E A D G B E) just like a six-string guitar and using the same methods described previously. Bob, One thing you'll find is that there's a trade-off on an acoustic bass (or acoustic guitar) between string height and acoustic volume. #LuthierForNoobs #GuitarSetup101 #Episode3Previous Episodes:LFN Episode 2:DIY Bone Nut for Acoustic Guitar Link: htt. Most agree that low action occurs when the string height is at, or less than 3/32 inches, on the bass side and 1/16 on the treble. Since different string gauges have different thicknesses, this changes that distance. High action on an acoustic guitar not only affects the intonation, it can make the instrument difficult, if not painful, to play. Notice where the string is sitting (just on the 2mm line) 3. 2 Two Methods for Adjusting the Nut. Adjusting the bridge height. At the very least I think I'll be shaving the saddle to get the height to 3/32" or just a smidge under if I can. How To Adjust Guitar String Height On Acoustic? Method 1: Steel Ruler. Place a ruler on top of the 12th fret and measure the distance between the top of the fret and the bottom of the outer E strings. The following method is good for getting the action as low as possible without any fret buzz! String action is determined by several factors - the angle at which the neck joins the body; the height of the nut - or, more specifically - the height of the cuts in the nut above the fretboard (Heavier strings can be set lower before the onset of string buzz than light gauge strings.) 1. The measurement will likely have changed after the saddle adjustments. Adjust the height (action) of your guitar. Trade Secrets. Adjust the truss rod to add relief to the neck, if that's what the player prefers. If the gaps are larger, drop the saddle height; if they're too low you will need to shim your saddle or get a replacement saddle made. SPECS • Action: Here's mine again and these are measured from the 'bottom of the string to the top of the fret wire at the 12th fret'. This set-up guide will give some basic, measurable parameters needed to keep your acoustic guitar in optimum playing condition. An adjustable truss rod is either one-way or two-way - also known as single-action or double-action. When to adjust the nut slots. The string height markings are at increments of .010" (ten thousandths of an inch). A basic guitar setup involves adjusting the truss rod and saddle height so your strings have proper relief, action, and intonation, all related to the distance between the strings and the frets. Not only does it set the placement for the […] REVEALED: Most Popular Electric Guitar Bridge Types. Adjusting your guitar action and bridge height is one of the most common guitar setup tips that you will learn with this easy and simple guitar setup guide for Gibson, Fender, and Floyd Rose style guitar bridges. In reality, you can set the strings to a radius that's slightly flatter than the board's. After all, the strings are at least 0.25 inches above the board at the bridge, so you could set the strings to a 7.5-inch radius to match a 7.25-inch board or 9.75 inches to match a 9.5-inch board. Lindy Fralin on how to set pickup height. I like to measure from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string in 1/64-inch increments. After the truss rod is set correctly and your nut slots are filed properly, saddle height can be adjusted, if needed. Acoustic Guitar Neck Angle. Fix a broken nut with baking soda? 2. Raise the action of all the strings. By adjusting the truss rod (usually done with an Allen wrench), you can basically adjust the angle of the neck, which affects string height. If it is not, it needs to be adjusted. To adjust the string intonation correctly, you want to make sure that each string is in-tune in the open position (regularly tuning it) and also at the 12th fret. Does My Guitar Need A Neck Reset? Since every guitar neck, saddle height, nut height, neck angle, fret, and top condition may be slightly different, using some average measurements can give any guitar a basic, comfortable "feel". It can be in one of two positions if not in-tune. Give Audible a try! The guitar has relief here because there is a gap. Simple intonation problems often can be corrected with basic adjustments. It also plays havoc with intonation. Best remove your strings beforehand as well.) E low ~ 2,6 mm or .102 inches". Locate your guitar's truss rod. Check the open string and all the frets up and down the neck for buzz. The low E string has an 8mm diameter. Measure the sixth and first string's height at the 12th fret from the top of the frets to the bottom of the strings. It supports the string, which is the main part of the guitar, […] Classical bass has a diameter of 3mm and a bass has a diameter of 0mm. You should have a clearance of 2.2mm between the Low E and the bottom of the string and 1.6mm clearance on the high E. Step 5 A low action is when the strings are very close to the frets (compared to the normal) and a high action means that the strings are sitting high above the frets, compared to normal. How High Should Strings Be On Guitar? So action will change over time. How to Adjust String Height (Acoustic or Classical Guitar) Changing the string height can have a drastic affect on the feel and functionality of the guitar. According to our opinion, a good default string height at the 12th fret is typically about 6/64th of an inch (2 inches). Here's mine again and these are measured from the 'bottom of the string to the top of the fret wire at the 12th fret'. The recommended gap should be sixth string = 2.2mm and first string = 1.6mm for most players. Most I've seen lately are are about 7/64". The important thing is to know what the pros and cons are before you start. 3) Check curvature of neck to determine if truss rod needs adjustment. I checked the action and it is just a hair under 4/32" @ the 12th fret bottom of the low E string (and I know the treble strings feel high). Table of contents But if your action (string height) is too high, don't automatically resort to shaving the bridge down, as this could actually be more harmful in the long run. Trade Secrets. E high ~ 1.5mm 2/32". Adjust the truss rod. Check the string radius. Regardless of your desired action height, the truss rod should typically be set the same way on most guitars for optimum playability. Classical bass has a diameter of 3mm and a bass has a diameter of 0mm. What Should The String Height Be On An Acoustic Guitar? It can also cause nerve related problems such as carpal tunnel, as the tension of a string that is too high tends to be far greater than the tension of a string that is too low. That is often simple to do, either through adjusting the rod in the neck, or adjusting the height of the saddle, or both. One of the main causes of guitar playability issues is the guitar nut height. With the capo still on the 1 st fret, place the ruler at the 12 th fret. The guitar nut height on my Yamaha Pacifica 112J needed serious attention. In our case, the wound strings are still about five thousandths, or so, high. So if you're experiencing an open-string buzz, your strings might be too low at the nut. These are just rules of thumb, of course. In this video I show you how to Setup and adjust Guitar Action String Height Fender StratocasterSubscribe to The Guitar Manifestohttps://www.youtube.com/c/Th. E low ~ 2.0mm 3/32". This video has been on our "to do" list forever . Adjust the saddle or bridge so that the bottom of the string measures . 2.3.5 Replace the nut. Hit Like and Subscribe for more videos ! Today we will cover all the right steps before and after the actual action adjustment, with no surprises. First, take some action measurements at the 12th fret on the two outermost strings while your guitar is strung up to pitch. However, a nut made from a dense material will transfer vibrations effectively to the top wood of the guitar producing better sustain and resonance. Acoustic guitars frequently sound a bit sharp. When adjusting the neck pickup height to match the bridge pickup's volume, it's important not to raise it too high; if the magnet gets too close to the string, the magnetic field can pull the string out of its rotational arc and cause the string to play out of tune. My string is hovering just below the line in the image above, which puts the action at about 1.9mm. This is on the high side. If the strings are too high, the instrument is a chore to play. On an electric guitar, this is a matter of twisting the appropriate screws; on an acoustic guitar, you may have to shim or sand the bridge saddle. The cost of electricity is $8, and the cost of gas is $2. E low ~ 2,6 mm or .102 inches". The gauge will give you a very good starting point. According to my Taylor rep, factory specs is 5/64"-3/32" from the bottom of the big E string to the top of the 12th fret. Since I do this every day, I set the nut action by feel, but it can be measured. Since an acoustic guitar is made of wood, variances in temperature and humidity and years of string tension can affect the setup as can changing to lighter or heavier string gauges. • When the mark aligns with the bottom of the string, that measurement is the string height. I've rarely seen a factory set-up this low on a new instrument. This height is adjusted lower by filing the string slots deeper with a special file. You typically make adjustments to the nut after setting the bridge, as the heights of the nut slots are a function of the overall string angle. There are a number of functions that are served by the bridge of the acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are under a lot of stress from the tight strings. Video. If your string reaches the feeler gauge (.018 inches is the best gauge to use for optimal nut action height) you are all set. However, truss rod adjustment can also help, as changing the amount of relief the neck has also affects the length of the guitar string able to vibrate. Measure string action (the height of the string above the fret) at any point by placing the gauge behind the string. Most guitars come with truss rods. If you want more volume, the action has to be higher, both to give the strings more room to vibrate when you hit them hard, and to increase the leverage of the strings on the top (with a conventional acoustic bridge, anyway). Adjust the Bridge Height. 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