School me on "Shimming"

[spectorbass83]

I'm confused...
Is Shimming done when you need to lower string action or raise it?

[tZer]

Originally Posted by spectorbass83

I'm confused...
Is Shimming done when you need to lower string action or raise it?

I had it done to get the lowest action ever.

It seems that is permits you to "tilt" the headstock end lower in reference to the bridge with the shim acting as a sort of fulcrum - thus giving you the ability to have a flatter - lower action all the way down the neck. That is how shimming altered my MMSR5 and my Jazz V - by shimming, my action all the way down the neck was very, very low.

But I would imagine it could be used for more than just one purpose.

However, I am no expert and should have probably stayed out of this one altogether. But I am compulsive and cannot help myself.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by tZer

I had it done to get the lowest action ever.

It seems that is permits you to "tilt" the headstock end lower in reference to the bridge with the shim acting as a sort of fulcrum - thus giving you the ability to have a flatter - lower action all the way down the neck. That is how shimming altered my MMSR5 and my Jazz V - by shimming, my action all the way down the neck was very, very low.

But I would imagine it could be used for more than just one purpose.

However, I am no expert and should have probably stayed out of this one altogether. But I am compulsive and cannot help myself.

You're not the only one.

That's a decent enough answer. After doing lots of setups you get to know when you need to shim a neck. It doesn't always need to be done to get low action.

[Turnaround]

Depends where you place the shim. If you put it in the end of the pocket closest to the bridge, it will have the effect of lowering the string height over the fingerboard. If you put it in the other end of the pocket, it will have the opposite effect.

Most often it is placed in the bridge-end of the pocket though.

[spectorbass83]

That helps. Thanks!