String height capo or not?

[ics1974]

when setting string height are you supposed to capo first fret and measure at 12th or just measure at 12th without a capo?
Fender recommends measuring at 17th fret but not sure if a capo is used or not.
I ask because if your shooting for say 5/64 it makes a big difference if capo’d or not

 

[bholder]

I suspect that it shouldn't make much difference if nut slot height relative to first fret slot height is set properly. Maybe the capo'ed first fret way is better if not, though? Subbed for an expert to respond.

 

[saabfender]

Non-expert response here.

When setting string height, do not use any measuring tools. Get neck as flat on the high side as you can. Fret the first and last fret then tap in the middle with a third finger. It’s like playing Finger Twister on your bass! You are using the string as a straightedge. It’s very accurate and right there.

Check the nut height using the same principle by fretting the second and checking clearance about the first. If it’s fairly close, I’ll leave it.

Adjust intonation.

Adjust saddle height to taste.

That’s it. No corny gauges required. A long time ago, I dropped off a guitar to GC for them to set it up. The action came back higher than when I left it. I asked the guy why it was and he was like “well I adjusted it to specs” and proceeded to quote them. I’m playing a musical instrument not a spec sheet.

 

[JRA]

Non-expert response here.

When setting string height, do not use any measuring tools. Get neck as flat on the high side as you can. Fret the first and last fret then tap in the middle with a third finger. It’s like playing Finger Twister on your bass! You are using the string as a straightedge. It’s very accurate and right there.

Check the nut height using the same principle by fretting the second and checking clearance about the first. If it’s fairly close, I’ll leave it.

Adjust intonation.

Adjust saddle height to taste.

That’s it. No corny gauges required. A long time ago, I dropped off a guitar to GC for them to set it up. The action came back higher than when I left it. I asked the guy why it was and he was like “well I adjusted it to specs” and proceeded to quote them. I’m playing a musical instrument not a spec sheet.

i use the same/similar method with my fretlesses. so: it sounds like an "expert response" to me!

 

[c10]

Capo at 1st fret for measuring neck relief (fretting at the highest fret and measuring around 8th fret).
No capo for measuring string height (typically between 12th fret and bottom of the open strings).