Where do you check string height?

[funkybass]

I've seen a few suggestions on where to measure string height, at the 12th and 17th fret. Where do you check it and what wound be a good string height for a 5 string bass with a low b?

[fourstringdrums]

I just eyeball it usually by how it looks at the end of the neck, but I do pay attention to the overall string height...and of course if it feels comfortable that's a good height. Not sure if that helps but I never "measure" anything.

[XylemBassGuitar]

I check my string heights at the 12th fret with feeler gauges when the bass is in playing position; checking it while it's supported on a neck rest can alter your results (the neck will bend a little on a neck rest).

Originally Posted by funkybass

what wound be a good string height for a 5 string bass with a low b?

What I generally consider to be standard "low" action for a B string is about 3/32" (or .09375") but that can be hard to attain on some mass-manufactured instruments because of slightly uneven frets. Really, the best height for a low B is whatever is comfortable for the player.

[Zooberwerx]

In this order:

1) Relief: .012-.014" @ 8th or 9th fret

2) 1st fret gap / fretted @ 3rd: .003-.005"

3) String height: G ~1/16" B ~7/64"

Setting string height without proper adjustment of #1 and #2 is wasted motion IMO.

Riis

[Ewo]

Prolly worth a search of the builder's site, to see if there's a standard setup.

I've gotten those specs for MTD, Lakland, and Fbass. Found it to be a good starting point, and then tweaked the setup slightly, to my preference.


And +1 to Zoober's post, above. There's a sequence to doing the setup, and it's crucial to set the neck relief first, the string height next, and finish with the pickup height.

[JB696]

Fender? 17th fret. fender.com

[darkstorm]

Measuring out of curiosity is fine, but best low action is simply done without measurements. Lower each string saddle after truss rod adjustments finished. Lower each string individually for best low action without excessive fret buzz and no fretting out of notes down the fretboard. If you get excessive fretbuzz or note fretting out at just one or two frets, then little bit of fret leveleing is needed for those. Once you have each string adjusted individually you can do little tweak if desired for string to string comfort to you. Since fret buzz is adressed for each string individually, you will naturally be adjusting each string to work with the fretboard radius even if its not exact micromillimeter following. And since you'll be then tweaking the string to string height for playing ease, no measurements mean anything other then answering curiosity question of whats string height here or there. Factory default measurements for string heights has nothing to do with low action. Mfg norm is medium to medium low action. It doesnt take into account maximizing string action for the individual player in anyway. And only exists to show a default average not bad string (not sky high) string action.

[fourstringdrums]

Originally Posted by darkstorm

Measuring out of curiosity is fine, but best low action is simply done without measurements. Lower each string saddle after truss rod adjustments finished. Lower each string individually for best low action without excessive fret buzz and no fretting out of notes down the fretboard. If you get excessive fretbuzz or note fretting out at just one or two frets, then little bit of fret leveleing is needed for those. Once you have each string adjusted individually you can do little tweak if desired for string to string comfort to you. Since fret buzz is adressed for each string individually, you will naturally be adjusting each string to work with the fretboard radius even if its not exact micromillimeter following. And since you'll be then tweaking the string to string height for playing ease, no measurements mean anything other then answering curiosity question of whats string height here or there. Factory default measurements for string heights has nothing to do with low action. Mfg norm is medium to medium low action. It doesnt take into account maximizing string action for the individual player in anyway. And only exists to show a default average not bad string (not sky high) string action.

+1 I think if you check relief as a measurement only rather than as a factor of feel and playability, it becomes almost an obsession of "it's not a low as it could be", at least it was with me.

[Growly Lytes]

Originally Posted by darkstorm

Measuring out of curiosity is fine, but best low action is simply done without measurements. Lower each string saddle after truss rod adjustments finished. Lower each string individually for best low action without excessive fret buzz and no fretting out of notes down the fretboard. If you get excessive fretbuzz or note fretting out at just one or two frets, then little bit of fret leveleing is needed for those. Once you have each string adjusted individually you can do little tweak if desired for string to string comfort to you. Since fret buzz is adressed for each string individually, you will naturally be adjusting each string to work with the fretboard radius even if its not exact micromillimeter following. And since you'll be then tweaking the string to string height for playing ease, no measurements mean anything other then answering curiosity question of whats string height here or there. Factory default measurements for string heights has nothing to do with low action. Mfg norm is medium to medium low action. It doesnt take into account maximizing string action for the individual player in anyway. And only exists to show a default average not bad string (not sky high) string action.

Cool i was pretty worried about not having the right gap or action but after reading this it makes me feel more relaxed about it.I quess its up to the player & how they play the bass.
Make your own decision about the correct action.If you like how it plays theres no problem.

[vivifiction]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

In this order:

1) Relief: .012-.014" @ 8th or 9th fret

2) 1st fret gap / fretted @ 3rd: .003-.005"

3) String height: G ~1/16" B ~7/64"

Setting string height without proper adjustment of #1 and #2 is wasted motion IMO.

Riis

+1