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What's a low action for my fretless

A

AlanT

May 17, 2009
4
0
#1
Hi guys.I am new to Bass playing and I have built my 1st. bass, a fretless.Does anyone know what is considered a low action ? Do the strings at the nut need to be touching the top of the fingerboard? And, how low at the twelth fret is 'good'.I have built a fretless -neck thru so the neck to body angle is set.At the moment the top 'G' at 12th fret is 4mm .The bridge saddles are as low as can go.As I am used to playing guitar, I don't know if this is OK for a fretless.( or is it that I am just used to lower guitar action?)
Also while I am here, is it essential to use flatwound strings?
cheers
AlanT
 
#2
Congrats for your new build!

I think there are no rules about action. What i'm about to say is just my humble opinion.

I've just finished a fretless and at nut, I set the strings 0.025" higher than the fingerboard. at bridge, the strings are 3/32" higher than where the fingerboard would be (using a ruler up to the bridge...). For this bass, this is what I consider low-action. For some other, it could be too high. I did quite the same action on an other bass and the customer made me build a new bridge 1mm lower than what I did the first time... As long there are no rattle on the fingerboard it's a good start. So, 4mm at 12th fret, is a bit high for me.

I use roundwound on ebony fingerboard, don't know for rosewood or other wood.
 
#3
You generally aim to go as low as you can without killing the sustain. With a well dressed fingerboard, minimal relief and the action at the nut about a business card's worth there's no reason why you shouldn't be looking at 2mm or so at the 12th.
 
#4
Hi guys, and thanks for the replies.I now have something to go by.I forgot to check the neck relief as it's been hanging on the wall for some months since I built it .( and disappointed with the action ) I am pleasantly surprised to find it was really bowed!-I have just given it a 1/4 turn on the truss rod as I remembered that it was strung up without any turns at all.(slack)-I'll give it a day or three to check it again, then do the nut.Thanks again to bimmer and BassBilodeau.
ps are flatwound strings the norm or is that a preference?-AlanT
 
#5
I think it is the norm, and a preference.

Did I just blow your mind?

Edit: Rosewood, maple or the other "softer" fingerboard woods will most likey develop grooves if you use round wounds. Other then that it is pretty much a choice of tone. (I think)
 
#6
After you truss out the relief (but not ALL the relief....), go as low as you can without buzzing, then increase the saddles slightly from that point.

If you've lowered your saddles all the way and you still don't get buzzing, you'll need to recess the bridge.

FWIW action also depends on how heavy you are with your right hand (or left hand for lefties....).
 
#7
Wow, it's such a joy to be understood by those who have experience and even better that they share this knowledge.
I've tweaked the truss rod and its almost straight with the strings slackened off.I'm going to deepen the nut slots next, then see what we got.Many thanks to erikbojerik, Cy miles, & others for your contributions.Now....where's that nut file?
Alant
 

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