Questions about adjusting the action

[jstroop]

My new-ish guitar sounds wonderful but the action is higher than I am used to. I would like to get it lowered (professionally, not DIY) but I am wondering if lowering the action will have any impact on the guitar’s tone. And second, if it did degrade the tone quality, what would my options be?

Any thoughts, opinions or actual experience you can share?

[Mbroady]

I love a real low action but there is a such a thing as to low. Action that is to low will effect both tone and volume but a good tech will know how far they can push it before there are any major tonal changes. Both the saddle and the nut can be adjusted to make the guitar play without much effort

Perhaps if you can narrow down you location someone can recommend a good tech (if you do not have one)

[jstroop]

Originally Posted by Mbroady

I love a real low action but there is a such a thing as to low. Action that is to low will effect both tone and volume but a good tech will know how far they can push it before there are any major tonal changes. Both the saddle and the nut can be adjusted to make the guitar play without much effort

Perhaps if you can narrow down you location someone can recommend a good tech (if you do not have one)

Thanks, I’m in the Dallas area and have been told of a respected tech, he works with two guys I know fairly well.

[Brucebubs]

I see you have 3 guitars.
If one of those has a current set-up you really like then take it with you.
Show the guitar tech/luthier your 'good' guitar and ask him/her to match it.

I did that some years back with a 12-string guitar and they did a superb job.

[llew]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I see you have 3 guitars.
If one of those has a current set-up you really like then take it with you.
Show the guitar tech/luthier your 'good' guitar and ask him/her to match it.

I did that some years back with a 12-string guitar and they did a superb job.

This is a great idea! If you've got one you like and it works well for you take it and use it as a template for the one you want to have setup.

[ChalkLitIScream]

I recall having the strings too low off the bridge was a bad thing. This was a debate on wether break angle or overall height contributed to more force driving the top. From what I read, it was height above the top.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by jstroop

what would my options be?

You didn't state what make of guitar you have. If the guitar is a Taylor, or similar neck design, the neck angle is changed rather than lowering the saddle. Other designs require lowering the saddle height. If lowered too much, on some instruments, it can alter the sound, either due to a reduction in torque on the bridge, or due to the break angle over the saddle being insufficient.

It depends on what you have and how much change it requires what options you have. With traditional neck joints, no real options but to lower the saddle/reduce the vertical string height - from top to string - at the saddle.

Each guitar will have its own line in the sand where you start to lose tone and volume. You need enough distance above the frets for the guitar string to vibrate without being compromised by the frets. Many manufacturers ship with action set at 6/64th - 4/64ths from E to e. I've seen people play action higher and like it that way, who say that even 6/64th and 4/64th is too low for them and impacts their volume. These are Bluegrass and heavy players. Fingerstyle and softer players don't need to worry about this. When you get a bit too low you usually notice it first on the G string and/or D string. Since I often hit the mid-range a bit harder than other strings I find that what the manufacturer recommends is actually pretty much perfect. I used to play with lower action but lately I've gotten away from that.

[jstroop]

You’ve been generous with your thoughts and your time, and I appreciate. I feel better armed now.