How do you guys measure string and pickup height?

[flukather]

I have been thinking lately, that there must be a better way to measure string and pickup height than the way I do it.

I measure both by using the distance that the factory recommends, then adding the thickness of the string and measuring the distance from the TOP of the string down to the fret or pickup using a vernier callipers. I really can't figure out a better way to get the most exact measurment.

That's why I'm asking you guys, how do you do it? How the heck do they do it at the factory?

 

[beej]

Hah, that's funny! Just reponded to your thread on the HRI forum

I use a small ruler w/ 64ths and just read off the height at the underside of the string, by looking at the side of the guitar. Works pretty well, and once that's done I tweek it according to what feels right.

 

[flukather]

Haha I saw that

The ruler sounds like a good idea, Paul Guy who is like Swedens most famous guitar repair guy uses a ruler, so it's gotta be good for something. I wonder the Music Man uses?

Anyone from the factory?

 

[jongitarz]

6 inch steel rule

 

[phatduckk]

ya i got a little steel ruler from the hardware store that has 32nds marked on it. the one I got also has this little slidy thing. I just move the slider to where the bottom of the string is, lift up the lil ruler and get my measurement.

the thing cost me about $2 and has been one of the most useful tools i purchased for doing my own guitar setups.

I usually tweak stuff to factory spec then, like beej said, i tweak further to feel

 

[Norrin Radd]

I've never used a measuring device other than by feel.