Measured for the outermost bass and treble strings. In my opinion, the easier way to set the string height at the nut is to measure the height of the first fret and then cut the nut slots until they are that distance above the reference surface - the fingerboard. Measure the distance from top of fret to bottom of string while depressing the string at the 1st and last fret: Relief should measure .005 - .010" at the 8th fret. Once the relief has been set, measurements for string height should be as follows: (measures top of fret to bottom of string): Bass side string height 1st fret: 1… In order to measure the height of your guitar’s strings, you should have either a ruler, a feeler gauge, or a specialized string action gauge. Use a graduated ruler that can indicate 32nds in order to set this dimension accurately, but measure your height from the bottom of the string. Does anyone have an action height for the first fret that they know by experience works well? – Kanarat, Thailand Spoon Writes: Thank you Kanarat for this very good question. String action specs. Posts: 737 String Height at the 1ST and 12TH Frets. The ideal height would be just about the same as a fret's height in the same position as the nut. Here's how. This is the standard height set by many manufacturers for acoustic guitars. . The suggested measurements listed here refer to the string height at the 1st fret and also at a higher fret. Check The String Height At The 12th Fret. The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Build and Repair: String Height at the 1ST and 12TH Frets User Name: Remember Me? This distance plays a key role in your setup because it determines the ease in which your guitar can be played. Password: Register : FAQ: Calendar: Mark Forums Read Thread Tools #1 04-16-2012, 01:03 PM Gostwriter. The term is also used to describe the overall playability and feel of a guitar. This is the standard height set by many manufacturers for acoustic guitars. Use a graduated ruler that can indicate 32nds in order to set this dimension accurately, but measure your height from the bottom of the string. Followers 0. String height or action describes the distance between the top of your frets to the bottom of your strings. I would like an actual value if someone has one that he or she knows by experience works well for my playing style.). Ferd13 0 Ferd13 0 Member; All Access; 0 12 posts; Report post; Posted March 15, 2016. Place the strings of an acoustic guitar 3/32 of an inch above the fretboard. Remove the capo from the 1st fret and whilst looking at the side of the fingerboard on the bass side, place your small ruler behind the 6th string directly on the 12th fret. Theoretically, that will put the depth of the slots at exactly the height of the first fret. In practice, I've found that there are some musicians whose playing attack is so vigorous that they require the nut to be higher to avoid the open string buzz. Practically, I find that adding .006 to .008, usually graduated from bass to treble strings, avoids buzzing at the first fret. The D-28 Authentic 1941 is by all accounts very comfortable to play. Gibson Acoustic ; String Height at the Nut/1st Fret J45 Sign in to follow this . Measure the distance from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the 6th string. And that includes my own opinion. Guitar string height can vary within Martin factory specs. Place the strings of an acoustic guitar 3/32 of an inch above the fretboard. Write it down. I'll tell you why. A guitar’s string height is usually measured at the twelfth fret. For electric guitars, in our opinion, a good default string height at the 12th fret is typically about 6/64th of an inch (2.38mm) on the bass side and 4/64th of an inch (1.59mm) on the treble side. Action determines how much pressure and distance is required for the string to make full contact with each fret. Theoretically, that will put the depth of the slots at exactly the height of the first fret. Reply to this topic ; Start new topic; Recommended Posts. If you need an actual measurement, you should get one in the right ballpark. By Ferd13, March 15, 2016 in Gibson Acoustic. I do it this same way, but add .01 to my height. String Height at the Nut/1st Fret J45. Somebody PLEASE, tell me what the string height is/recommended? In my opinion and experience, measuring the clearance above the first fret is the hard way to do this. I finished doing a basic set … So, without any real effort at all, you can bend over and peer at the gap between the string and the first fret when the string is depressed between the second and third. Why didn't I think of that -- makes perfect sense. . Lay a straightedge across the frets and measure the clearance at the 8th. Thank you. The action of an acoustic guitar refers to the height of its strings above the fretboard, which is the area the fingers are placed to alter the pitch that the strings produce. In theory, yes. How about the action at fret 12th of the sixth and first strings? Easy! Relief . Registered User : Join Date: Mar 2011. General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion, http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online...ge_I-0670.html, http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musi...nutaction.html. No measuring or tools needed for checking action at the nut: (Fretting at the 3rd fret and having the string just clear the first fret is not precise enough for me. It is very EASY to see a gap of .001 between two closely spaced things, if there's strong light coming from behind. When I got down to what I would call "very comfortable" action at the at the first fret, the measurement I got at the first fret when holding down at the 3rd fret was about .004"-.005" . Can I check my own nut action? Anchor the string on the first fret, then measure the clearance betweent he string and the second fret.