What is a typical string height ?

These are a few benchmark heights for you to get started with. A fairly low action is 1/16" at the 12th fret on the G to 3/32" of an inch on the E at the 12th. Some players go lower, but this just to get you going.

Higher action runs around 3/32" on the G at the 12th fret and 1/8" at the i2th fret for the E.

In both cases, the measurements increase in small increments from the G string to the E string. I'm just talking four string bass to keep it simple, but the same applies for any bass.

These measurements are made from the bottom of the string to the top of the fret with a properly adjusted truss rod.

A few players adjust totally by feel and disregard the concern for measurements, which is completely valid as well. The measurements I list are simply objective "lab rat" numbers to answer your question.

There's a good article at www.sadowsky.com in the "library" section called "Bass Setups of the Rich and Famous" that explains this a bit further.

 

There is no tried-and-true 'typical string height' - it depends on the bass you're using, and how much effort you want to put into fretting.

Personally, I ride my strings as low as I can without getting string buzz. My Thumb BO loves it.

Just dick around with different heights and see what works for you.

 

Welcome to the world of bass my friend It is truly the best instrument around ~ Tyler