Guitar String Action Gauge Ruler Measuring Tool

[Myvalk]

Does anyone, and I'm sure there is, but does anyone know how to use a Guitar String Action Gauge Ruler Measuring Tool?
One came with my nut file set but no instructions. Thank you.

[charles Tauber]

A photo of the device would help immensely.

[Sperry]

I use a steel PEC ruler in inches with 64ths graduations. Although I confess my eyes are not what they once were. Maybe it is time for reading glasses?



http://www.productsengineering.com/r...igidrules.html

The factory blems on eBay are pretty cheap.

[Myvalk]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

A photo of the device would help immensely.

Photo is here.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitar-Stri.../dp/B00HR9RY8I

[fazool]

I use those machinist rulers also. The biggest problem you will have with any ruler is paralax error and making sure you are really looking horizontally under the string.

[charles Tauber]

The photos here show some of its uses.

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools...ion_Gauge.html

The manufacturer 's website of the one you have doesn't show the product or give any instructions.

[redir]

I just use a ruler as well. After so much time doing it you get pretty consistent.

[tahoeguitar]

Looks just like Stewmac's tool. Here are their instructions.

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online...ge_I-0670.html

[charles Tauber]

The rectangle of material is also just the right size for use as a fret rocker, though they don't mention that in their instructions.

Like others, I use a regular ruler though I prefer one that is graduated on its ends, as well as a long its length. With graduations on its ends, the length of the ruler can be laid on a reference surface and the perpendicular distance from that surface can be measured.

[N+1]

Originally Posted by fazool

I use those machinist rulers also. The biggest problem you will have with any ruler is paralax error and making sure you are really looking horizontally under the string.

Yes - the lighting has an important part to play in this. If strong light isn't falling at 90 degrees to the surface of the action ruler, it's easy to misread the scale where the shadow of the string falls on it.

[Sperry]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

With graduations on its ends, the length of the ruler can be laid on a reference surface and the perpendicular distance from that surface can be measured.

Very handy for measuring the projected height of a violin bridge.

Since the violin world uses millimeters, I have the Starrett C635E-150

[Hot Vibrato]

Another vote for the steel six inch ruler with 1/32" graduations. No need for improvement - it's the perfect tool for the job.

It's funny - I've been in the guitar repair business for over 21 years, and I've never used any of the tools in Stew Mac's Basic Setup Kit: 18 inch straight edge - I only need one occasionally when leveling a fingerboard (never even thought of using one for setup). String action gauge - a standard six inch ruler IMO cannot be improved upon. Under saddle radius gauges - clever, I guess, but I've never had them and I've never had trouble doing accurate setups without them.

IMO none of the above products are necessary for a good setup, so it's kind of disingenuous to market them in a set as a "basic" setup kit.

[Sperry]

There is a guy on eBay selling PEC - Products Engineering Corporation (PEC Tools) - rulers for $5.75 delivered. They are USA-made, the blemished product. I have several, in both flexible and rigid.

Blem Cosmetic Second PEC 6" Flexible Satin 5R 10/100/32/64ths machinist ruler

Blem Cosmetic Second PEC 6" Rigid Satin 16R 1/50,1/100,1/32,1/64 machinist ruler

[bnjp]

I use the Stewmac one and really like it. The one you linked to is the same except it's cool that it's two sided. Mine has a conversion chart on the back.