Optimizing Guitar Playability : Action

Optimizing Guitar Playability : Action

This is going to be a general recommendation, which may not apply to everyone's playing style. First, check the relief, or amount of bow in the neck. Put a capo at the first fret then hold down the 6th string at the last fret. Using a feeler gauge, measure the gap between the string and the 8th fret. Factory spec for Strats and clones should be around .010". Next, check the bridge saddle height.

Factory spec at the 17th fret should be 5/65" for strings 1-4, 3/32" for strings 5-6. Another really cool trick is to adjust the saddles to follow the radius of the fingerboard, meaning the middle string saddlesare higher than the outside saddles. This allows the strings to follow the natural curve of the fingerboard and makes for a smoother playing neck.

These are just a few recommendations for getting the most out of your guitar. Again, if you don't feel comfortable with doing this yourself, take it to your favorite luthier. Watch and learn, and pretty soon you'll be doing it yourself.

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