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Fast, accurate multi-rule for setups

String Action Gauge

Our new String Action Gauge is a "Swiss Army Ruler" for setup adjustments on every stringed instrument. This pocket-size stainless steel rule is the best way yet to get these measurements on acoustic and electric instruments:
  • String height
  • Bridge saddle height
  • Saddle slot depth
  • Fret slot depth (unbound fretboards)
  • Nut height
  • Polepiece height


  • See details below
    Tools : Straightedges : String Action Gauge : Fast, accurate setup gauge for every stringed instrument.
     Item#  Description   In stock   Price   Quantity   
     0670  String Action Gauge  Yes   $18.95 

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    String Action Gauge




    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 Bass E Treble E
    Action at the 1st fret   .023"   .013"  
    Action at the 12th fret   .090"   .070"  
    Relief: .002" at the 8th fret          
    Nylon-string acoustic guitar Bass E Treble E
    Action at the 1st fret   .030"   .024"  
    Action at the 12th fret   .156"   .125"  
    Relief: .002" at the 8th fret          
    Electric guitar Bass E Treble E
    Action at the 1st fret   .024"   .010"  
    Action at the 12th fret   .078"   .063"  
    Relief: .001" at the 8th fret          
    Bass Bass E Treble G
    Action at the 1st fret   .022"   .020"  
    Action at the 17th fret   .105"   .094"  
    Relief: .014" at the 7th fret          
    Mandolin Bass G Treble E
    Action at the 1st fret   .030"   .020"  
    Action at the 17th fret   .075"   .065"  
    Relief: .005" at the 6th fret          
    Banjo Bass D Treble D
    Action at the 1st fret   .037"   .035"  
    Action at the 12th fret   .090"   .090"  
    Relief: .008" at the 8th fret          

    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!”








    Shown on page 11 of our latest catalog.

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