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What is low action?
- Thread starter JMJE909
- Start date
Low action is when two midgets are gettin' it on!!!!
Ok, but seriously, I figure low action to be about 6/64th's of an inch off the 17th fret.
Ok, but seriously, I figure low action to be about 6/64th's of an inch off the 17th fret.
I consider my Geddy Jazz to have low action. It's 4/64th on the E at the 12th fret and 3/64th on the G.
Are those measurements made from the top of the fret to the bottom part of the string?
A ruler. I've seen another tool used before, but have no idea what it is called. But a ruler does fine. In the end, you should adjust to where it feels good and doesn't buzz.
When I set up my action, I hold the 12th fret of each string (some say the 9th) and set the saddles so that they just stop buzzing, then set the strings to match the radius of the fretboard. I tend to set the string to fretboard radius relative to the G string. After that, I hold the E string at the 1st fret and set the relief so that the string just starts to buzz then put in a slight amount so that it stops. That is my theoretical lowest possible action for a given bass. That doesn't mean it's really playable in real life situations where you are not able to pluck each string as carefully as when you have it in your lap. It's just as low as you can make it mechanically.
I generally end up raising my action somewhat for gigging. Also, I've found basses are easier to play and sound better with a medium-low action especially at the G string.
In the past, I used to take measurements an such, but I found it not to be as effective as just making the bass play well without buzz. I suppose there are other ways to set an action, but this works for me and most bassist that try out my instruments tend to comment on how easy they are to play. Having said all that, your action is as personal as your string selection. What works for one may not work for everyone.
I generally end up raising my action somewhat for gigging. Also, I've found basses are easier to play and sound better with a medium-low action especially at the G string.
In the past, I used to take measurements an such, but I found it not to be as effective as just making the bass play well without buzz. I suppose there are other ways to set an action, but this works for me and most bassist that try out my instruments tend to comment on how easy they are to play. Having said all that, your action is as personal as your string selection. What works for one may not work for everyone.
Thanks everyone! I was curious because one of my basses has lower action than the other and I didn't know if one was high or the other was just really low. Turns out the one I thought was high is around 2.5-3mm at the 12th fret (estimate with a ruler) with no buzz. The other is just low low I guess haha. Its around 1.5mm with no buzz. I guess thats unusual. Although that bass has a zero fret and longer scale length so maybe thats why it can be set lower.
@Spin Doctor, thats an interesting method. I may use that to get a base action/starting point and then tweak it to were it feels right for me.
@Spin Doctor, thats an interesting method. I may use that to get a base action/starting point and then tweak it to were it feels right for me.
I'm not sure there is a way to have any one set of measurements be satisfying for everyone. That's why I use the method that I described above. It works for any bass and it's easy once you get used to the process. Then as you say, you can tweak it to suit your taste.
There is no substitute for being able to do your own setups. Anyone who plays an instrument should know enough about it to make some minor adjustments, which is all a setup is. Taking your bass to a luthier for that, is no guarantee of anything except that you are about to spend $80.
There is no substitute for being able to do your own setups. Anyone who plays an instrument should know enough about it to make some minor adjustments, which is all a setup is. Taking your bass to a luthier for that, is no guarantee of anything except that you are about to spend $80.
I use an allen key under the string at the 24th fret to level my string : 1/16 on the G string and 3/32 on the E string... around 5/64 for the 2 others...
check on the warwick site they explain well how to setup a bass, which can apply to other basses than warwicks...
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They also have some cool video explaining that :
Warwick Basses Amps & Rock'n Roll
have fun !!
check on the warwick site they explain well how to setup a bass, which can apply to other basses than warwicks...
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
They also have some cool video explaining that :
Warwick Basses Amps & Rock'n Roll
have fun !!
Agreed. This woudl be exceptional action in my book if you can pull it off with no buzzing. I have been told that anything less that 5/64" on a B string is too low simply because of teh strings excursion but my current Modulus Q5 and previous Warwick Streamer Stage II could both get 4/64" on the B. I personally don't mind 5/64 on the ower strings abd 4/64 on teh higher. If I get there with no buzz and good note clarity that is great action.
My Mexi-Jazz is about 1.5mm at the 12th fret. My American Standard P is about 3mm, which I'm not a huge fan of. I prefer my action to be 1.5-2.5mm at the 12th fret.
I think some of you guys are confusing 64ths and 32nds. 4/64 is like 1/16th and is not playable. 4/32 is 1/8 and is far more probable.
OP.... a very low string height requires a very light touch. Action is not just string height, it also involves the relief of the fingerboard and the setup of the nut, and the assumption that the frets have had a great levelling job. The average bass hanging on the wall at the average guitar shop has none of these attributes. Even many brand new basses can benefit from a good fret levelling.
OP.... a very low string height requires a very light touch. Action is not just string height, it also involves the relief of the fingerboard and the setup of the nut, and the assumption that the frets have had a great levelling job. The average bass hanging on the wall at the average guitar shop has none of these attributes. Even many brand new basses can benefit from a good fret levelling.
Nope. The G strings on all of my basses measure 4 to 5 64ths at the 12th fret. Furthermore, most manufacturers recommend a string height somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 to 7 64ths as as AVERAGE setup.
Hell, even Fender says 5-7 64ths:
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You might need an experienced tech to take a look at your bass. With 1/8th inch action, I'd be looking for the trash can.....
Check out this video:
Camille, Mexican Jazz Bass and Mexican Lasagna - YouTube
About 4 minutes into the video he starts setting it up.
Camille, Mexican Jazz Bass and Mexican Lasagna - YouTube
About 4 minutes into the video he starts setting it up.
i have a classic 70s jazz bass with 1mm to 1,5 mm at 12 fret i think lower than that you loose some tones...
