Dreadnought action 0.120 inch 3 mm...too high?

[Scatcat]

I have an old Sigma by Martin ‘89/‘91 with an amazing sound. The best action that I can setup is 0.120 inch (3 mm) because if I put the neck straight it becomes like a snake in the high fret! The sound with this action is amazing, for a dreadnought is a good action? A good compromise between sound and playability for a dread?
I hope you understand my english

[HHP]

That would be too high for me. I would want to see 2.3 to 2.5mm. That should be achievable on any guitar with a reasonably correct neck angle.

[DenverSteve]

If you can get a great sound, and you find it easily playable, then it’s fine. Many bluegrass players set their dreads up much higher than I would play them. However, if you’re getting buzzing on upper frets at that height, I would have a set up done by a good luthier.

[RodB]

How are you adjusting the action? Have you measured relief in the neck?

[martingitdave]

It’s a bit high. Martin spec is usually 0.105” max. That’s where I play mine. Maybe get a fret leveling job done? Have you lowered the saddle? Post some pictures.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

.120 inches = 7.7/64 of an inch.

Most manufacturers and players consider 6/64 of an inch "standard" action, while players who prefer their action "higher than standard" usually like their action no higher than 7/64 of an inch. Hence, 7.7/64 of an inch would be considered "quite high" by most players, and "higher than desired" by almost all players.

If it's comfortable for you though, that's all that matters.

Originally Posted by Scatcat

...The best action that I can setup is 0.120 inch (3 mm) because if I put the neck straight it becomes like a snake in the high fret!...

It might help if you could explain that a bit. It sounds like you have excessive relief because you perceive some sort of problem when you minimize relief.

[Bax Burgess]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

It’s a bit high. Martin spec is usually 0.105” max. That’s where I play mine. Maybe get a fret leveling job done? Have you lowered the saddle? Post some pictures.

Yes. (Does sound like a hump around the neck joint, and a little dive at the soundhole.)

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Bax Burgess

Yes. (Does sound like a hump around the neck joint, and a little dive at the soundhole.)

That’s usually a sign of a dry guitar.

[Scatcat]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

That’s usually a sign of a dry guitar.

The guitar was an old stock stored for 30 years in a warehouse!!! Can i try to rehidratate it??
I post some photo, the problem is in the upper side of the neck, from first to fifth fret. I can try to lower this fret because when i use the truss to straight the neck it become irregular.

[Scatcat]

https://imgur.com/a/m8imw

If i use the truss i have fret buzzing at the first 5 fret at low E and A strings

[jim1960]

Action height is entirely about personal preference. If you like the guitar that way, then the action is right for you.

[martingitdave]

Scat, show us a picture of the neck meeting the top down to the sound hole. Purchase a guitar humidifier and keep it filled for a few weeks.

[Scatcat]

I've done a good action at the neck, so i like to play it as a strumming machine, but when i go down down neck if it was 2.5 mm will be better.

[Scatcat]

Originally Posted by Scatcat

I've done a good action at the neck, so i like to play it as a strumming machine, but when i go down down neck if it was 2.5 mm will be better.

https://imgur.com/a/KpuiI

Are ok the photo??