adjusting string height..

[crg]

have a quick questions WRT string height- what is the best way to adjust string height if you do not have a MM ruler? I'm in Afghanistan and there is a serious shortage of good guitar techs in town.. :0)
So what field expedient method can I use to ensure my string height isnt all over the map?
I believe they should be 3/64, is that right? Whats a good way to WAG it?
thanks

 

[tafkam]

You can buy the "String Action Gauge" at Stewart Mac Donald (STEWMAC.COM : Guitar Parts, Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, Hardware, Tools, Supplies, Free Information) The height itself is a personal choice. I set up mine from 0.05 to 0.08 from the High to the low e.

 

[DrKev]

Without measuring tools, resist the temptation to judge it by eye, most people don't realise how much they suck at doing that! Use your fingers and your ears, not your eyes. If the guitar is comfortable to play and the string buzz is not obtrusive, then there is no reason to fix anything.

If you don't have access to tools, focus first on the higher frets - if you get string buzz higher than 15th fret, you must raise the saddles or bridge (because the truss rod has no effect higher than that). That gives us a lower limit at the bridge side of things and now we can look at the rest of the neck. If you get string buzz on the lower frets, add neck relief by loosening the truss rod and/or raise the action at the bridge a little more.

Whatever you do, take note of every adjustment you make (1/8 turn left, 1/4 turn right etc.) so that if all else fails, you can work backwards and get back to where you started from.

Remember, some string buzz is unavoidable with low action (and even with high action when we play really hard). Don't spend hours getting frustrated trying to chasing perfection that cannot exist.

Without actually being John Petrucci, the lowest useable action for most people will be arund 4/64" (0.06", 1.6 mm) on the high E string. The wound strings will probably need a little extra, 5/64" (0.08", 2.0 mm) is perfectly good, and even higher if you like. There is no right or wrong, your picking style and technique determines how the string vibrates and therefore what set up will work best for you.


And welcome to the forum, Tafkam and crg!