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String height above fret board?

Posted by Bill Powell on April 16, 2013 at 2:29pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

I want to get this right on my CBG No. 2, as on my first one -- still unfretted -- the strings are about 3/8 inch off the fret board. Of course, I can alter the bridge and nut to get the strings lower, but just wanted a rule of thumb to shoot for in adjusting bridge and nut next time around.

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Replies

  • Tom Drommond April 20, 2013 at 12:42pm

    If slide is your thing, string height is not a concern.  Seasick Steve plays a pair of Morris Minor Hubcaps fastened to a broom stick.

    You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

    If you are fretting one, it needs to be low enough not to bend every note sharp when fretted and high enough to still use a slide without running into the frets and or being flat realtive to your fretted notes.  That will depend on your technique and touch.  I also adjust up as high as I can get away with to get more room for a pickup, without cutting holes in the lid.

    018-1.jpg

  • Brian Dechant April 19, 2013 at 11:55am
    I do a fret dress, then use a half pencil (sanded flat lengthwise) set on the frets to scribe a line on the nut. Then I sand the nut to the line and cut the string slots. Then I adjust the bridge height, and make sure the neck has some relief. If needed, the fret slot width can be adjusted to let string tension put relief into the neck.
  • Josh Thompson April 17, 2013 at 8:51am

    Here is that video Chickenbone John did, super great.

    • Bill Powell > Josh Thompson April 17, 2013 at 7:53pm

      Wonderful clip. Thanks Josh, and thanks Doughboy.

  • Josh Thompson April 16, 2013 at 3:39pm

    I'm trying to find the video but Chickenbone John here on the forums has a great video about this subject.

    • Bill Powell > Josh Thompson April 16, 2013 at 3:46pm

      Thanks Josh. I'll have a look as well ...

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