String Height

[progmanjum]

I remember reading somewhere about using a credit card (?) to determine 'proper' string height from the frets. Does this ring a bell to anyone? I'm assuming that would be closer to the headstock, 'cause the action increases as you get closer to the pick-ups. Correct?

[countrybass007]

I can never remember, that's why my bass tech sets up all my basses.

[gidbass]

Originally Posted by progmanjum

I remember reading somewhere about using a credit card (?) to determine 'proper' string height from the frets. Does this ring a bell to anyone? I'm assuming that would be closer to the headstock, 'cause the action increases as you get closer to the pick-ups. Correct?

My method isn't scientific, but it works for me.

I adjust my string height (and truss rod) until i can play without having the strings rattle against the frets anywhere on the fretboard. I play with a light touch and very little relief in my neck.

I don't measure any string height, just go by what feels good for me. I did have to get my frets leveled and crowned first before I could adjust it to where i wanted it on my Squier VM, but it really plays great now.

Being able to set up your own bass is a skill that will serve you well.

Good Luck!

[Eminentbass]

The credit card is thing is to guage neck relief I think. I measure by fretting the A string on the first and last fret(22 frets on my bass) and the distance from the string to the fret is about credit card thickness in the middle of the neck. I'm not sure what textbook ideal relief is but that works for me.

[Randall]

quick way is to stack a dime and penny and place on the 12th fret under the string.

[gre107]

The credit card width is used to measure the relief of the neck not string height.

Hold down the E (or lowest string you have) on the first fret and the last fret. At the seventh fret measure the distance of the top of the fret to the bottom of the string. This is where the distance should be "about" the width of a credit card. Adjust your truss rod to increase / decrease the distance. This is just a rule of thumb though. Some basses need more or less relief than this in order to play well. This is also up to the player on how they like the instrument to feel. For example, my main bass has no relief in the neck. The combination of strings and neck construction allow me to do this with very little buzz. That's how I like it.
For some people this setup would not work. It really depends on your preference and style of playing. You should really know how to do this yourself since you're the one playing the instrument. This ability will go a long way. A "Tech" can set it up for you but it does not necessarily mean that the instrument will play the way you want it to.

String height is adjusted at the bridge and you make up your mind as to how high or low you want it.

Hope this helps.

[PSPookie]

Originally Posted by gre107

The credit card width is used to measure the relief of the neck not string height.

Hold down the E (or lowest string you have) on the first fret and the last fret. At the seventh fret measure the distance of the top of the fret to the bottom of the string. This is where the distance should be "about" the width of a credit card. Adjust your truss rod to increase / decrease the distance. This is just a rule of thumb though. Some basses need more or less relief than this in order to play well. This is also up to the player on how they like the instrument to feel. For example, my main bass has no relief in the neck. The combination of strings and neck construction allow me to do this with very little buzz. That's how I like it.
For some people this setup would not work. It really depends on your preference and style of playing. You should really know how to do this yourself since you're the one playing the instrument. This ability will go a long way. A "Tech" can set it up for you but it does not necessarily mean that the instrument will play the way you want it to.

String height is adjusted at the bridge and you make up your mind as to how high or low you want it.

Hope this helps.

What he said.

Plus a little bit of "whatever feels right to you".