Subjective Preference in Action

[john grey]

Simple poll about type of action preferred. You're welcome to comment of course as to why, what advantages, etc. Additionally if you want to add an addendum to the choices: feel free. It's not science, but I'm very curious as to what might be the most referred "action / setup design". An example might be that you prefer a very low action and buzz simply isn't an issue to you for reasons of playing style or that you have to have room because you have a very aggressive playing style and enjoy "digging in", etc.

1.) Prefer a stone flat neck, lowest action possible, will tolerate buzz.
2.) Prefer a super low action; tiny bit of relief - simply can't buzz
3.) Prefer a moderate action with relief, have to have SOME room
4.) Prefer a higher action with moderate relief ABSOLUTELY NO buzz ever.
5.) Prefer a truly high action; from nut to bridge.
6.) Depends on the instrument entirely; will play different action levels.

 

[Duckwater]

I prefer a medium-low action for my basses, I can play normally without any buzz and dig in when I want some.

 

[Ric5]

A little bit of buzz adds character to the sound.

 

[BassBob1]

i don't really see my preference in the poll. I prefer a low action with slight relief in the neck and some buzz. The action on my jazz bass is lower than on my p bass copy and the jazz has more buzz on. Personally I like some buzz as long as the bass doesn't fret out.

 

[pudgychef]

generally prefer tiny bit of relief and pretty low action with no buzz - but some basses just like different set ups it seems....

 

[giacomini]

option 3 is my way to go.

 

[johndough247]

Been playing with a lighter touch in recent years so I prefer #2 (and I agree that if you have it set to buzz only when you really dig in, it adds lots of character)

 

[Trabeen]

Flat and buzzy, just like my women.

 

[darkstorm]

Near dead straight neck with very low action, some amount of buzz is musically good.

 

[soulman969]

As low as possible without buzz is what I like but I can put up with minor fret buzz more than I can high action. I just don't get the feel of the bass if the action is too high. I tend to set my Telecasters up the same way.

 

[CALopes]

Option 4. I tend do dig a lot with my right hand. Specially when playing rock and music that is on top of the beat. So I need room to have that dynamic freedom.
I like low action, don't get me wrong. But lately, low action basses don't work that well with me.

 

[naufal6161]

not really my setting..
I already trying fender's fretboard that raised at 2nd and 3rd strings, and not impressed so much

I prefer super low action as possible with little buzz, slim neck, and a little bit raised fretboard (not so flat)

 

[john grey]

i don't really see my preference in the poll. I prefer a low action with slight relief in the neck and some buzz. The action on my jazz bass is lower than on my p bass copy and the jazz has more buzz on. Personally I like some buzz as long as the bass doesn't fret out.

I apologize if you don't your preference in the Poll - please feel free to tweak and comment on how you like your setup. The numbers are getting very interesting, if you examine the chart.
I did occur to me to add some after I had written it out; however I am interested in your commentary & likely couldn't have done justice to the variations.