What is low action?

[Aras]

A photo? All I said was my action is low. I'll try to get a picture for you when I can. Not able to at the moment as my main bass isn't with me. Every repair person who has set up any of my basses says I set my action "illegally low". Mine is much lower than yours. Also, are you playing a 5 string, or a 4? I play a 5 most of the time.

both 5 and 4 strings in use

 

[Lownote38]

both 5 and 4 strings in use

Okay. If I can get a picture, it will be of one of my 5 strings. My 4 string (Precision Bass) has really low action as well.

 

[1stnamebassist]

About 3/32 or a hair less on my Rick with the neck straight at the E string 12th fret maybe a bit less on the G string. My Pbass and Jack Casady are higher maybe approaching 1/8" on the E string.

 

[bobdabilder]

When the strings have to be pulled up to be fretted.

 

[FRANK TANKCOCK]

My E & A are @ 4/64" while my D & G are @ 3/64" on all of my basses.

yup! this is where i run my bass...even 3/64on E to 2.5/64 on G string on some basses.

 

[ThomasTronics]

THE ULTIMATE THREAD REVIVAL!

I've found over the years i've gone from: HOW LOW CAN I GET MY ACTION
to
This is a bit higher but the playing dynamics are so much better.

Throw away the ruler.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

You don't state make or model of bass, so I'm sending you a link to Fender's setup guide.
It should work for most basses as most are actually knockoffs of Fenders.
[This invalid link has been removed]

Some like their setups a bit higher and some prefer a bit lower. How you set it up depends on what you want.
I like to set mine up so that when I dig in, I get a little bit of string buzz. It adds some grind to the tone.

 

[FRANK TANKCOCK]

way to high for me...they don't level their frets to get the low action i like ...but everybody is different.
i gotta have 4/64 on my low E or lower , but those damn frets gotta be in the same plane . that's why i do my own fret work .manufactures do not put the time in to it.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Cool thanks! Do you have a specific tool that you use to take these measurements accurately?

I use 5/64 brass rod stock (don’t have to look at tiny numbers on a scale/ruler) to measure at the 17th fret. I also like .010” relief measured at 6th/7th frets, while capo-ing the first fret and holding down the string where the neck meets the body. “Low” action is subjective and the definition of “low” will change depending on whom you ask.

 

[FRANK TANKCOCK]

yupper ! i like .005''at most relief at 6th fret while holding down the first and 12 th fret . to me and late great john enwhistle that's low action . working with clients , you gotta have numbers to show 'em .