It is an interesting way to use coins as to measure. As you file in the slots in your nut, you can very fine tune the height of the strings above the frets, so don't stress too much as you set up the guitar, and take your time. I just measured a US 10 cent piece. It is about 1mm in height. A nickle is about 2mm (measured with a ruler, not a more precision tool). My last license plate guitar measures a little under 3mm at the 12th fret, and just a shade under 1mm at the first fret. It is a low action, and works great for that particular guitar.
Keep in mind the diameter of your strings - the bass strings will be bigger in diameter than the top strings.
Thanks Uncle- I'm a little OCD I think! I really like the philosophy that there isn't any wrong way of doing things- I'm really big on creativity!
When I made my Dulcimer, I set up my string action on the advice of Ken Hulme from the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer site. He's made hundreds of Mountain Dulcimers for over 40 years. He says:
"A general rule of thumb for the action height or distance between the strings and the frets (rather than the fretboard) is this: place a dime next to the 1st fret and the strings should just touch the dime. Place a nickel on top of the 7th fret,and again, the strings should just touch that coin. Too great of distance and the sound is muted. Too little distance and wildly plucked strings will hit when they shouldn't."
The 7th.diatonic fret is the 12th.fret on the guitar. I know it works on the Dulcimer, so I thought I'd try it on the guitar...
LOL, I don't know if two nickels will work. What is the story on the dime and how do you use it for string action?
This looks great, man. You have gone at this about 35% like a CBG guy and 65% like a meticulous luthier. I hope it pays off by sounding and playing great.
Comments
Interesting and useable way to do finger fretter. One like that would play like butter.
Too low for me for sliding.
It is an interesting way to use coins as to measure. As you file in the slots in your nut, you can very fine tune the height of the strings above the frets, so don't stress too much as you set up the guitar, and take your time. I just measured a US 10 cent piece. It is about 1mm in height. A nickle is about 2mm (measured with a ruler, not a more precision tool). My last license plate guitar measures a little under 3mm at the 12th fret, and just a shade under 1mm at the first fret. It is a low action, and works great for that particular guitar.
Keep in mind the diameter of your strings - the bass strings will be bigger in diameter than the top strings.
You did a beautiful job on this guitar.
When I made my Dulcimer, I set up my string action on the advice of Ken Hulme from the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer site. He's made hundreds of Mountain Dulcimers for over 40 years. He says:
"A general rule of thumb for the action height or distance between the strings and the frets (rather than the fretboard) is this: place a dime next to the 1st fret and the strings should just touch the dime. Place a nickel on top of the 7th fret,and again, the strings should just touch that coin. Too great of distance and the sound is muted. Too little distance and wildly plucked strings will hit when they shouldn't."
The 7th.diatonic fret is the 12th.fret on the guitar. I know it works on the Dulcimer, so I thought I'd try it on the guitar...
LOL, I don't know if two nickels will work. What is the story on the dime and how do you use it for string action?
This looks great, man. You have gone at this about 35% like a CBG guy and 65% like a meticulous luthier. I hope it pays off by sounding and playing great.