ADJUSTING ACTION
AT THE BRIDGE
Setting the string height at the bridge is
very simple for most guitars. For Gibsonstyle Tune-O-Matic bridges, the only
adjustments to make are at each end
of the bridge, where you will find a little
thumbwheel that screws the bridge studs
down further, to lower the action, or pushes
it up, to raise the action. For most standard
Fender-style guitars, each saddle can be
adjusted individually, usually with a tiny Allen
wrench. Simply turn the pair of adjustment
screws on each saddle clockwise to raise
that saddle, or counterclockwise to lower
it. Visually check the saddle to make sure
that it's level, and that each screw has been
adjusted a roughly equal amount.
As far as string height goes, both Fender
and Gibson have specific recommendations.
Gibson recommends a minimum 3/64” (1.16
mm) between the high E and the 15th fret,
and 5/64” (1.98 mm) between the low E and
the 15th fret, while Fender recommends a
minimum height of 4/64” (1.6 mm) above
the 17th fret. Personally, I have never taken
actual measurements of the action when
setting up my guitars. As with the truss rod,
I find that making small adjustments to the
bridge or saddle height, and then tuning
up and checking my work, is my preferred
method. Everyone's action preferences will
be different; delicate-fingered virtuosos will
probably prefer lower action, while hamfisted bashers like myself often like slightly
higher action.
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TONE TALK //
Close Enough For Rock n' Roll: DIY Basic Guitar Setup