Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent Hutto
Tony Rice for instance uses 0.072" on the high-E and 0.091" on the low-E on his famous "Clarence White" D-28.
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Quite some time ago, I found this on Tony Rice's web site, posted by his wife. It is dated 2002, and is a reply to a question about the specific measurements of the action on the D-28.
".........Tony`s answer regarding the specs of his D-28 are as follows: D-28 specifications @ 70 degrees F. elevation 1,382 feet above sea level........*String spacing @ peghead nut 1",.360___*String spacing @ Bridge saddle 2 1/8th. inch.______*Action height @ 12th. fret (from fingerboard}: Low E string .124 High E string .106_____*Acton height @ 1st. fret: low E string .019 (from fret} High E string .009 (from fret)..... *Bridge height .320 *Saddle height .062 *Fret height .034<><><><<<>><><><> Fingerboard has slight exponential curve, spanning usable playing area (15th.fret)............
Most spec sheets measure from the bottom of the string to the top of the fret. Using his numbers which measure from the fingerboard, his Low E action from the top of the fret would be .124 - .034 = .0900. To compare, 3/32" = .09375, so he is just a shade below what is a typical bottom range for action on the Low E string. The high E would be .106 - .034 = .072. The low end of most specs seems to be 1/16", which is .06250 ... overall, his action is indeed considered on the low end for bluegrass action, but would probably not be considered unusual for most finger players.
Another consideration is WHERE he plays ... he stays much closer to the bridge than most. Very seldom does his pick venture beyond the inside edge of the soundhole, even when playing rhythm. This video shows an interesting comparison in position between Tony and Wyatt ... keep in mind, his sound hole is also a little larger.
Home From The Forest
And this one gives a clear and close look at where he plays in relation to the bridge ...
Church Street Blues