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i-0670 Updated 02/08
Measure string action (the height of the string above the fret) at any point by
placing the gauge behind the string. The string height markings are at increments
of .010" (ten thousandths of an inch). When the bottom of a mark aligns with
the bottom of the string, that measurement is the string height at that point.
The markings themselves are .005" thick, so referring to the top of a mark
instead of the bottom adds .005" to the measurement. In this way the progressive
string height scale measures in .005" increments.
String action specs
The suggested measurements listed here refer to the string height at the 1st fret
and also at a higher fret. Measured for the outermost bass and treble strings.
Relief
Lay a straightedge across the frets and measure the clearance at the 8th. (Or
put a capo at the 1st fret and press a string down at the highest fret —
the string becomes the straightedge.)
Suggested action settings
| Steel-string acoustic guitar |
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Bass E |
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Treble E |
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| Action at the 1st fret |
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.023" |
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.013" |
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| Action at the 12th fret |
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.090" |
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.070" |
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| Relief: .002" at the 8th fret |
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| Nylon-string acoustic guitar |
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Bass E |
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Treble E |
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| Action at the 1st fret |
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.030" |
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.024" |
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| Action at the 12th fret |
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.156" |
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.125" |
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| Relief: .002" at the 8th fret |
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| Electric guitar |
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Bass E |
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Treble E |
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| Action at the 1st fret |
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.024" |
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.010" |
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| Action at the 12th fret |
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.078" |
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.063" |
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| Relief: .001" at the 8th fret |
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| Bass |
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Bass E |
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Treble G |
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| Action at the 1st fret |
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.022" |
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.020" |
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| Action at the
17th fret |
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.105" |
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.094" |
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| Relief: .014" at the 7th fret |
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| Mandolin |
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Bass G |
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Treble E |
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| Action at the 1st fret |
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.030" |
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.020" |
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| Action at the 17th fret |
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.075" |
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.065" |
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| Relief: .005" at the 6th fret |
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| Banjo |
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Bass D |
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Treble D |
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| Action at the 1st fret |
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.037" |
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.035" |
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| Action at the 12th fret |
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.090" |
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.090" |
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| Relief: .008" at the 8th fret |
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For
more information on setups, including setup preferences of
famous
players, see Dan Erlewine’s “Guitar
Player Repair Guide”
and “How To
Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great!”
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String Action Gauge
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