Right, 'Standard' will vary from person-to-person. I flat pick and use a medium heavy pick. First, remove the tremolo back cover. Start by loading all the strings through the bridge and then loading them onto the keys as follows: Locking tuning keys. The bridge will now pivot on the outside screws, leaving the four inside screws in place for bridge stability. I'm unsure of the 2005's history, but the 2006 was dead stock when I got - maybe 20 hours of playing time and not even a strap button. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. My Les Paul is the leading online community and marketplace for Les Paul guitar fans. Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by shawshank72, May 7, 2013. Fender also uses a unique bi-flex truss rod system on some instruments. Set the pickup selector switch in the middle position, and turn the volume and tone controls to their maximum settings. The bullet end has been shaped and sized to match the design of the bridge block channel. I have my relief at. To check if your strings need changing, run a finger underneath the string and feel for dirt, rust or flat spots. The action was maybe 1/64th higher than my preference when I got them. As long as I can't hear it through my amp it's not a big deal to me. ncfiretiger. If your string reaches the feeler gauge (.018 inches is the best gauge to use for optimal nut action height) you are all set. Start by loosening the string, not taking it off. Disclaimer Section: IMHO, YMMV, IMHE, Don't Try This At Home, Take With Grain Of Salt, etc, etc. Thank you for your support! Allowing the bridge to float freely (no tension on the tremolo arm) using the claw screws in the tremolo cavity, adjust the bridge to your desired angle—Fender spec is a 1/8" (3.2 mm) gap at rear of bridge. Also, don't forget to accommodate your basses radius. For guitars with the Micro-Tilt adjustment, loosen the two neck screws on both sides of the adjustment access hole on the neckplate by at least four full turns. /Crocketo. This controls the tension of the gears inside the tuning keys. Metal expands when warm and contracts when cool. Supporting Members list unlimited gear with no listing fees in the Classifieds, get instant Keyword Alerts, and get Free Shipping at the TalkBass Store. If you plan to change string gauges, you may need to adjust the specs somewhat to compensate for the changes in string sizes. If the neck is too convex (strings too close to the fingerboard), turn the truss rod nut counter-clockwise to allow the string tension to pull more relief into the neck. These are all approximate. As you know, my height on my high E/17th fret is 4/64s. Each time you play your guitar, before you do your final tuning, play for a few minutes to allow the strings to warm up. here is an excert from a forum discussion Bryan and i had in August of 2008 that i saved to a word file... i guess i stand corrected...i always thought the action on my '51 D-28 was slightly high......just measured it at the 12th fret with 3 different gauges and all confirm it to be about, This website uses cookies for functionality, analytics and advertising purposes as described in our, http://www.onlineconversion.com/length_common.htm. .005. For electric guitars, in our opinion, a good default string height at the 12th fret is typically about 6/64th of an inch (2.38mm) on the bass side and 4/64th of an inch (1.59mm… The ideal string height according to most guitar makers and players is about 3mm for the high E string (plus or minus about .5mm) and about 4mm for the low E string … You'll need to leave a bit of slack for the first string so you have at least two or three winds around the post. If the neck is too concave (action too high), turn the truss rod nut clockwise to remove excess relief. First, check tuning. see the spec chart below for the proper gap. Me personally, I'll go as low as I can possibly get without serious buzzing. So many vintage guitars have so little saddle left I have always been hesitant to shave the saddle much at all. However, with locking tuners, go past the note and tune down to pitch. Then intonate. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Now adjust the distance of the second-string saddle back from the first saddle, using the gauge of the second string as a measurement. Because that is the proper place to measure from; not the last fret. Gold Supporters see zero ads! There are a few other things that you can do to optimize your tuning stability that have more to do with playing and tuning habits. For a two-pivot model such as the American Series bridge, use your tremolo arm to pull the bridge back flush with the body and adjust the two pivot screws to the point where the tremolo plate sits entirely flush at the body (not lifted at the front or back of the plate). You must log in or register to reply here. I like it a bit higher. Re-tune, play and make further adjustments as needed. This is very important, especially on locking tuners. Check your tuning. One of the best ways to reduce string breakage is to lubricate the string/saddle contact point with a light machine oil (we prefer 3-in-1 oil because it contains anti-rust and anti-corrosive properties) every time you change strings. Line the six tuning machines so that the first string keyhole is set at 1:00, the second at 2:00, the third and fourth at 3:00, the fifth at 4:00, and the sixth at 5:00. Make sure to stretch your strings properly. Action determines how much pressure and distance is required for the string to make full contact with each fret. To properly shim a neck, the neck must be removed from the neck pocket of the body. http://www.fender.com/support/articles/stratocaster-setup-guide, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. You'll need to retune periodically to get the right balance between the strings and the springs. Finally, you may wish to apply a small dab of Chapstick® or Vaseline® at the pivot contact points of the bridge for very smooth operation. Paul. Check your tuning, then re-check the gap with the feeler gauge and re-adjust as needed. My Authentics have relief in the 0.004"-0.006" range, exactly where I would set an adjustable truss rod. Here are a couple of bridge pictures. This is accomplished by eliminating the extra string wrap and the ball-end (the ball end doesn't fit properly into the string channel). On my LTD EC-1000vb, the string height at the 12th fret is about 1.5mm. As you progress to the sixth string, you'll reduce the amount of slack and the number of winds around the keys. This distance plays a key role in your setup because it determines the ease in which your guitar can be played. I think your neck relief is a little too much compared to the string height at 12th fret. Move the third saddle back from the second saddle using the gauge of the third string as a measurement. A shim is placed in the neck pocket, underneath the butt end of the neck. For Sale: Bass Guitar Strings and Accessories, The TB Bazaar: Gear For Sale from our Sponsors, For Sale: Double Bass Amps, Strings & Accessories, Wanted: Bass Guitars, Amps, and Accessories, Wanted: Double Basses, Amps & Accessories, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. Lubricating all of the contact points of a string's travel may be one of the most important elements in ensuring tuning stability during tremolo use and in reducing string breakage. Proceed with the fifth and sixth saddles with the same method used for strings two and three. Pull the second string about a 1/2" (13 mm) past the headcap and cut it. An Unofficial forum for those who love Martin instruments - Founded by Steve Stallings, I was just wondering what is considered a perfect string height at the 12th fret, or what is considered cautionary? Dont most people not like the way a guitar plays straight from the factory? Finally, wipe the strings, neck and bridge with a lint-free cloth after playing. I'm Europe where we don't use inches and fractions of inches. ). Double that measurement to find the scale length of your guitar. If you have a non-tremolo "hardtail" bridge, proceed to "Intonation (Roughing it out).". I want the notes to ring clean, even on my electrics, mandolins and banjos. Players with a light touch can get away with lower action; others need higher action to avoid rattles. If you prefer a bridge flush to the body, adjust spring tension to equal string tension, while the bridge rests on the body (you may want to put an extra 1/2 turn to each claw screw to ensure that the bridge remains flush to the body during string bends).