Stewart-MacDonald String Action Gauge

[Solarmist]

Hey Everyone - I'm one of those guys that absolutely must have a precision setup or it just bugs me so I broke down, and purchased one of these:

I can't believe I spent $19 + $5.50 S&H [$24.50] for this credit card size piece of sheet-metal, but it sure works good for string action height. You lay it behind the string at the 17th or wherever is best for your particular application, and set the action accordingly to your preference lining up the marks to the bottom of the string. It starts at .010 - .140 in .010 increments.

 

[rabidrabbit2727]

yeah, its unfortunate that luthier tools cost so much, but with such a limited demand and so few manufacturers... its expected.

 

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

I bought one and it seems that my package was lost in transit. I've informed this to the guys at Stewmac and they offered me a reshipping.

 

[markblasco]

That is a cool little tool. I got one, and use it for all of my guitars and basses to set things up. I write down the measurements so that I can always go back to the exact feel that I am looking for when I start to change things.

 

[Blues Cat]

I have one too and it's great. I usually set my basses up w/out it 1st, then measure and note the setup.

 

[Joeykun]

I have one too and it's great.

+1 A nice tool for sure if you do your own setups!

 

[Stumbo]

Are there any alternatives that you looked before buying this one?
I've been looking for one and this looks like it will fit the bill.

 

[FL Knifemaker]

That looks handy but I just use a machinst rule. I'd like to have a set of neck radius gages.

 

[vcs700s]

I just bought one of these. Very handy. It is that last thing I needed so I can set up my basses the way I want to.

 

[Solarmist]

I just bought one of these. Very handy. It is that last thing I needed so I can set up my basses the way I want to.

+1 Exactly

 

[JimmyM]

Looks cool, but I opted for a set of feeler gauges and a 6 inch ruler that measures 64th's of an inch. Maybe a little more kludgy, but it works and total cost was $8.

 

[Pilgrim]

Nice tool, and it does a number of things.

I settled for a stop at Harbor Freight and a $4 machinist's pocket rule with a scale that goes all the way to the end. But i must admit that those 1/64" markings are REALLY hard to see with 57-year-old eyes. A pocket Mag-Lite focused on the rule helps to bring out the markings.

 

[Tony G]

I've never actually measured my setups before. I simply play the bass, and decide what needs to be adjusted. I then play it again and adjust until it feels right. I visually check the neck for relief, and can just as easily set my string height visually. I wonder what the actual measurements are for my prefered setup?

 

[Widdershins]

Just a quick tip for handling your tools.

Apply a single drop of 3-in-1 oil to a tissue and wipe down the tools every so often. Also, try to limit touching the 'business end' of the tools as much as you can... especially the fan type feeler gauges. Grabbing it by the thin part is fine. Fingers on the flat is bad. The oils on your skin (if left on the tool) will rust it rendering it pretty much useless for any precision measuring.
Same goes for the thin edge of the stew-mac tool & metal rulers if you plan on using them as a straight edge.

I generally don't have corrosive/reactive perspiration, but ruined my first set of gauges after their first use.

Sorry to spoil everyones fun... carry on.

 

[Stumbo]

...wipe down the tools every so often.

Good tip.
Wiping down/cleaning/polishing (whatever's appropriate) all your equipment on a regular bassis is a good idea, as well.

 

[selowitch]

Does anyone else have a hard time reading the Stew-Mac String Action Gauge at the 12th fret with a capo on the first fret and while depressing the string before the final fret at the same time? I'm supposed to do so on the "E" (or first) string, right?

I feel silly, but I don't know how the heck to read it. I watched the video online, but that's using a guitar, which is easy.