Action
Action or string height on a guitar, is the distance from the frets to the underside of the strings, or the height that a string must be depressed before it meets the fret. It’s an important adjustment for optimal playability.
The adjustment of string height at the first fret is done by filling in or deepening the nut slots. The height at the 12th fret is adjusted by raising or lowering the saddle. Because the different diameters that the strings vibrate the action need to increases from the nut to the last frets, and from the treble to the bass strings.
Action Adjustment - recommended string height
Note! The truss rod should be properly adjusted before setting the action.
Gibson and Epiphone
| Gibson and Epiphone1) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Guitars | Acoustic Guitars | |||||
| String | Height | String | height | |||
| 1st fret- treble side | 1/64” | 0.4 mm | 1st fret- treble side | 1/64” | 0.4 mm | |
| 1st fret- bass side | 2/64” | 0.8 mm | 1st fret- bass side | 2/64” | 0.8 mm | |
| 12th fret- treble side | 3/64” | 1.2 mm | 12th fret - treble side | 5/64” | 2 mm | |
| 12th fret - bass side | 5/64” | 2 mm | 12th fret- bass side | 7/64” | 2.8 mm | |
Fender and Squier
| Fender and Squier guitars2) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Instrument | String Height Bass Side | String Height Treble Side |
| Electric Guitars | 4/64” (1.6 mm) | 4/64” |
| Basses | 6/64” (2.4 mm) | 5/64” (2 mm) |
See also
External links
- String Height and Bridge Adjustment by Brian Calvert
- Action - Ultimate Guitar column by sillybuuger12.
