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Old 02-06-2020, 06:23 AM
Tuch Tuch is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 134
Default set up

Quote:
Originally Posted by FLRon View Post
Hopefully I can explain myself so that the more knowledgeable here can offer some advice.

I am trying to dial in the setup on a Washburn WG-26S guitar. This is basically an OM-ish or perhaps GA size, solid cedar top guitar. It is currently strung with Medium gage strings as that is all I had on hand.

Putting a capo on the 1st fret and pressing down the 6th string where the neck meets the body, I can slip a std business card under the 6th string with the string rising just a hair. That’s the best I can do as I don’t have a set of feeler gages any longer.

Removing the capo, I measure the 6th string height at the 12th fret to be approximately 2.5mm. Measuring the string height at the bridge I get 10mm. The best I can tell the truss rod is adjusted very tightly.

Finally, laying a straight edge on the frets the end of the straight edge falls a strong 1/32” below the top of the bridge. I know that is not ideal.

The issue I’m having is that the action on this guitar just seems to be a bit high for my tastes. I’m curious if using light or extra light gage strings would make any difference in the action, or should I be looking at other things on this guitar?
Changing the Strings to a Lighter gauge will/does not change the string height!Only the strings 'Tension' changes.NOT the Action!
The Action is governed by
1] The string slot depths-Lower them,lowers the string height at the nut area!only.
2]Reducing the Saddle height-Lowers the string height OVERALL=every fret now affected.lower 1+2=Lowers the Action.
Changing the Relief...Inc/Decreasing it...only changes the necks 'Curvature' specifically.It can be felt! as if the Action changes but that is indirectly the result of.One does NOT change the Relief to change the Action.,only its curvature.
The Rod when adjusted by deliberation,will be 'Firm',does not need to be over tight!Nor left Loose!!just enough to grip really.
One adjusts the rod by small increments...Usually if/when done the effect of should be 'felt' instantly...by the fret fingers.
There are 'NO MUST BE rules'.Measurements if any 'given' are advisory!A reference guide.
Since every 'player' is Unique=So will be his 'musical preferences be also=Why the set up thatthus suits is a 'to personal tastes[s].
One set up complete may suit player X,but Player Y not so.
Be aware;
lowering the Action,brings the underside of the strings closer to..the fret tops.UNEVEN fret height inaudible before can now magnify!=Uneven fret height traced!
All frets MUST be left equal in their height otherwise FRET BUZZ results regardless of string height preference.Only way to ERADICATE fret buzz,if traced to the frets being the cause is by Levelling the frets....to perfection!Followed by Crowning them..Flats eradicated/Fret now typical rounded form.This too must be completed without error.if error IS made whilst crowning=Re Level again.& Crown again..without Error!
Numerous other reasons for cause of fret buzz,if the frets are traced to be level.String slot depths too low.Saddle height to low etc.Insufficient Relief.
Some gtrs though require a Neck reset to resolve/find the Action desired.Frets DO wear down=Levelling resolves.But one can only level until too little fret height remains=Re fret time.& all newly installed frets require-L & C'ng...otherwise it may buzz!
The Lower the string height,the more accurate the intonation=Less string travel!.Some dial in the saddle peaks to specifically attain it.
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