Just received EB JP model guitar.. have question about string height

[elvtnedge]

I've adjusted guitars in the past without any proper ruler or device to know what a string should be set at. Just wondering if this is setup before being shipped or do people usually alter the string height and bring down the action a bit. I know its personal preference.

Does anyone know an optimum height for the JP model or would anyone have JP's string heights? just curious..

thanks,.

I love this forum!!!

 

[peedo_deedo]

first of all, welcome to the forum.

if your JP is new, everything should be set, otherwise, you can find very useful information about setting your guitar at this site: http://ernieball.com/faq_content.php?subjectcode=mm_guitars

now the only thing that is missing is the picture(s) of your new ball!!! have fun at this forum.

 

[elvtnedge]

ok thanks I'll check out that link and post a pic as soon as I can...

 

[slukather]

Welcome elvtnedge,

It's like a number rule around here, posting a picture of your new EBMM axe.

I hope you enjoy your stay,

Scott.

 

[roburado]

I've adjusted guitars in the past without any proper ruler or device to know what a string should be set at. Just wondering if this is setup before being shipped or do people usually alter the string height and bring down the action a bit. I know its personal preference.

Does anyone know an optimum height for the JP model or would anyone have JP's string heights? just curious..

thanks,.

I love this forum!!!

They send it set up, i think, the way JP has his set up--at least the guitars he has in standard tuning.

 

[Warg Master]

pppppppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccccccccssssssssssssss!!!!!!

 

[elvtnedge]

ok here is a quick pic... its the fully loaded petrucci with D-sonic in mystic dream

 

[fbecir]

It's a beauty ! Very nice axe, you can be proud of it !

Welcome !

 

[robelinda2]

even though i'm not a fan of the JP, mystic dream looks simply amazing!!!!!!!!!! the whole guitar really looks fabulous.

 

[jongitarz]

I've adjusted guitars in the past without any proper ruler or device to know what a string should be set at. Just wondering if this is setup before being shipped or do people usually alter the string height and bring down the action a bit. I know its personal preference.

Does anyone know an optimum height for the JP model or would anyone have JP's string heights? just curious..

thanks,.

I love this forum!!!

They come from the factory with the string height at 2/32 at the 12th fret from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string. Optimum? That is whatever works best for you.

 

[peedo_deedo]

ok here is a quick pic... its the fully loaded petrucci with D-sonic in mystic dream

Very Nice Gear!!! Congratulations!!!

 

[jappy]

The more I look at that axe the more I can't wait to get mine!

 

[elvtnedge]

Ok, I've taken a picture of the ruler I used to test string height and then marked in red where the low E string is on the ruler and then where the high E string is in green. Can someone tell me if this looks about right or for what standard specs are for this guitar..

I know it goes by personal taste but just wondering about this is all.

have a look and tell me

 

[elvtnedge]

anyone have an idea if this is the proper height???

according to specs it should be

"Factory string setting for standard tuning starts at the bass side 2/32" (0.0254m) to 5/64" (0.127m) and the treble side is 3/64" (0.0762m) to 2/32" (.254m) measured from the 12th fret to the bottom of the strings"

 

[eliot323]

Yes - they're both just under 2/32 - the division is marked above the lines; the smaller divisions are 64ths; the bigger ones 16ths (a bit like semiquavers and quavers).

The important thing is to get the strings to a height you like and that they don't buzz when played through your amplifier (its OK if they buzz a bit unplugged) and that they don't "choke" when you do bends - check this high up the neck - you should be able to comfortably do a three fret bend (step and a half; tone and a half).

I find that the piezo pickup is quite a good guide to judging the buzz issue as you need enough space for the string to vibrate cleanly for generating that acoustic vibe.

I was watching the Dream Theater "Live at Budokan" DVD yesterday and there's a section where John Petrucci goes through his setup. His guitar tech has a manual which includes (amongst other things) all the different string heights for the 15 or so guitars he takes on tour.

I suspect he will vary them depending on whether they're downtuned with bigger string gauges (such as Eb, C or D) or if he is going use them for a lot of acoustic/piezo moments (say Solitary Shell for example).

Have fun!

 

[Spudmurphy]

Are you sure that you're reading the rule correctly?
The top division is 1/8
the next is 1/16
and the red/green markers look almost 3/32 to me.

 

[elvtnedge]

ok so is this to specs or is the action too high?

 

[beej]

Are you sure that you're reading the rule correctly?
The top division is 1/8
the next is 1/16
and the red/green markers look almost 3/32 to me.

Yup Spud, you're right. That's 3/32".

Is it too high? That's subjective. It's probably fine; you could probably lower it a bit. Does it feel ok to you?

 

[elvtnedge]

Ok so my guess that the action was set higher than what the standard specs are was correct then. I guess I have to adjust the truss rod so that the strings come to the 2nd line as opposed to the 3rd like it is now since specs were 2/32.

I know its all personal preference, however when I tried a JP in the store the action felt lower than what mine was. I just needed to know for myself if my guitar came setup to specs..

thanks everyone.

 

[beej]

Hey- glad you're happy. It's good to get used to tweeking your guitar, esp since as the weather changes you're going to have to do this regularly to keep the action low. I'm in Toronto as well and find I have to tweek a few of my guitars every few months to keep 'em playing their best.