Official Luthiers Forum!

Again, just a survey question. Where do you like to set the string height on Fender style guitars?

I'm currently using the Fender setup guide suggested height of 1.6mm above the 17th fret on all strings. It isn't as comfortable as I'd like it to be.

James...one of the best parts about working on electrics is the ability to mechanically adjust saddle height. Just keep experimenting until you find your sweet spot.

I've never even measured string height on the ones I made for my sons...I just keep adjusting until I see the smile on their faces.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Hi James and everyone,
As I remember the 17th fret is for genuine Fenders, but most Fenders do not have fallaway above the 12th fret.This can be misleading in a guitar with fallaway built in ,leading to action that is set too low for most of the neck.I set mine for a starting place of 3/64" on treble side 4/64" for the bass side @ the 12th fret.I adjust down from there depending on player preference.I insist that the high E string be able to bend cleanly 1.5 steps or more. A 7.25" radius makes things a little tricky to go much lower with 10s,but it can be done.

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How long is that in luthyears?

I use a 7-string set starting at 10s but with the wound-D removed, so my E-A-D are all about 0.010" thicker than normal for higher tension and ease of drop-tuning. AND I'm a mad down-stroker, so my action is 3-sigma higher than almost everyone else I run into.

Long story short - action depends a LOT on the player's playing style.

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The member formerly known as erikbojerik....

Very cool. Thanks guys!

Brett, I wonder how much work you did on my current strat?

It feels like a new, better guitar [:)]

It looked like I had it .02" higher, so .08" total. What a difference 20 thousandths of an inch can make. Thank you!

Your welcome James, I hope it plays clean .It sounds like you have found the sweet spot for this guitar.
I probably did most of the final work on your neck but it really is a team effort.I have some very talented guitarheads working with me.

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How long is that in luthyears?