#1
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Action Height
I often see guitars with action heights of 4/32" to 6/32" (12th fret top of fret to bottom on low E) being sold/described as "with low action height". To me this is too high to way too high. Am I uninformed or missing something?
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#2
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You sure those measurements you are seeing are in 32" and not 64"?? Link to Brian Kimsey's site, and his discussion on guitar actions. Brain is a highly respected tech/set up "pro".; http://www.bryankimsey.com/setup/actions.htm The highest action he discusses is for a rhythm player.... 0.115" at the low E string. (7.36/64"= 3.68/32")
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#3
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I suspect the person or persons describing the action have their fractions messed up. 4/64 to 6/64 would be more realistic, instead of 4 to 6 32nds. I prefer decimal measurements, but that's just me. ie, .062" to .093".
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#4
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Yep, I consider anything 1/8" or more on the low E high, and 7/64ths high on the high e.
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#5
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I am getting used to 4/64 now and I will never go back.
Steve
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Steve 2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top 2005 McKnight SS Dred 2001 Michael Keller Koa Baby 2014 Godin Inuk 2012 Deering B6 Openback Banjo 2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck 2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice 2009 Wechter Pathmaker 9600 LTD 1982 Yairi D-87 Doubleneck 1987 Ovation Collectors 1993 Ovation Collectors 1967 J-45 Gibson 1974 20th Annivers. Les Paul Custom |
#6
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I expected some replys to question the units, which is the first thing I do. I also wondered if slide and bluegrass players prefer action heights between 4 and 6 32th's of an inch.
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#7
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Edit: If they're advertising those numbers and describing it as low action, I assume they didn't pay enough attention in school they day they learned about fractions. |
#8
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I think it depends on the guitar at 4/64, I am strumming pretty hard in the praise band with no buzzing. In fact I am trying to see if I can induce some buzzing but to no avail. It makes it a breeze to play up the neck. I got a new guitar for a week on trial that was at 6/64, it seemed like a chore to play. I find the lower action opens up more possibilities than it closes down.
Steve
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Steve 2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top 2005 McKnight SS Dred 2001 Michael Keller Koa Baby 2014 Godin Inuk 2012 Deering B6 Openback Banjo 2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck 2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice 2009 Wechter Pathmaker 9600 LTD 1982 Yairi D-87 Doubleneck 1987 Ovation Collectors 1993 Ovation Collectors 1967 J-45 Gibson 1974 20th Annivers. Les Paul Custom |
#9
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Would that we could ditch all the 32nds and 64ths and 128ths and 256ths and express everything as decimal fractions of an inch, like proper machinists do. |
#10
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I always ask for a "three-two": 3/32 and 2/32, low and high E respectively, at the 12th fret. Throw a bit of relief in the neck and it's off to the races. FWIW, this is Gryphon Strings' standard setup.
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#11
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I see both confusion between 64ths and 32nds (etc.) on the one hand and people who have a very loose conception of "low action" on the other hand.
As for the latter, I recall asking an eBay seller about the action on an acoustic and referencing the 2/32" first string and 3/32" sixth string action that is often used as a standard for low action (on acoustic guitars) and is the Taylor action spec. This guy was astounded at the idea and reacted the way I would if someone told me that normal low action was 1/64" on the low E. Some people (including very intelligent and educated people who have played guitar as a hobby for years) have no idea you can change the action in the first place and thus may get used to the high factory-set action on some guitars as being normal. And what seems like annoyingly high action to someone who spends a lot of time in the upper regions of the neck may not be perceptible to someone who stays in the first position (especially if the nut action is set correctly). |
#12
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hey grybrd,
don't get caught up in that stuff, different guitar necks / playing styles / string gauge require that your guitar is setup for your needs. Some "Pro" players like a slick (low) action - some players like a bit higher action - so the can play with more dynamics and not have the strings flapping an' slapping of the fretboard (I do). It's what "feels right" and works" for you. Geordie
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