Capo: With or Without?

[dharmashawn]

Hello all. I must admit I have not utilized TB too its full potential, but am looking to change that. So let's start with this:

When measuring Action, wether it be at the 12th fret or the last, do you leave the capo on or off?

Yes, I have read the article by Roger and his mentioning of taking the nut out of the equation makes sense, but almost every other article on set-ups doesn't really say "With Capo or Without".
So what are yr thoughts?

In closing thanks TB for the following, as I never would have found you:

3Leaf Audio GR2
Clement 4-String (32")
Tronographic Rusty Box

Be Well
Shawn

[rhino333]

When I do set ups on any instrument, I go by manufacturers' specs and measure from the crown of the fret to the bottom of the string without a capo.

In my classes on set-up/repair (Galloup School of Luthiery), we never used a capo to measure height at the 12th fret.

I have not read Roger's article (guess I'll do a search on it now) so I can't comment on what was in it.

[loinmute]

No capo for action. I use 'node' points. The exact space on the fret where the particular string comes to rest. (The crown). I only use my keys3r for neck relief purposes.

[Turnaround]

I used to measure string height at the 12th fret without a capo at the first. Then I read Roger's article and I had to agree with him. But I must say that in many cases it doesn't make any difference.

For instance, if the nut is set accurately, you don't need to take it out of the equation. So, in a sense it depends on the order of your work on a setup. If you do relief first, then string height, then nut slot height, it's best to take the nut out of the equation when setting the string height. So use a capo in that situation. But if you adjust the nut properly before setting the string height, you don't need to use a capo. The nut is in the equation but it has zero effect. Mind you, your string height measurements will be different using the two different methods.

[darkstorm]

Never much found a reason to do action adjustments with measuring. Simply adjust action for each string individually for lowest action after truss rod tweak. I go for lowest action with no fretting out down fretboard and acceptable amount of fret rattle for me. Then any wanted little tweak for string to string action if desired after that. Only time I can think of that Ive measured action is in responce to posts requesting "whats your height at ___?" My attitude about action adjustment is geared to individual personal pref and likes rather then some arbitrary measurement like factory stock setting etc. Same for truss rod adjustment. Factory standard is ok starting place, then tweak from there wether one prefers less or more relief. I generally use a little bit less relief then a lot of factory std measurements as best I know.

I can diff see useing measurments for things like nut slot depth and width though.