I might learn to play with the action this low if theres a good reason for it, like I say, am just wondering!
Action Height
I buy and sell a lot of Gibsons and what strikes me is how long the action is on the majority of them. I was just wondering if you guys no what the implications of a low action are insofar as tone or sustain or speed? I find that they are so low that when i bend notes its like the string almost slips under my finger!
I might learn to play with the action this low if theres a good reason for it, like I say, am just wondering!
I might learn to play with the action this low if theres a good reason for it, like I say, am just wondering!
# 1
Low action is better for speed and ease of playing. You don't have to press them as far to reach the frets, right?
If you use heavy picking, you may get some strings buzzing against the frets.
I don't understand your comment about the string almost slipping under your finger. Once a string is fretted, it doesn't matter how high it was before you fretted it.
If you use heavy picking, you may get some strings buzzing against the frets.
I don't understand your comment about the string almost slipping under your finger. Once a string is fretted, it doesn't matter how high it was before you fretted it.
# 2
Well think of the string assuming a V-shaped position when fretted.. the high the action the high and steeper the string will raise up to the bridge and nut at either side of your finger!
# 3
I personally like the low down and dirty action on all of my guitars. I remember when I was a kid I had a neighbor who used to work for Gibson and had an employee built model and the action was the lowest that I had ever experienced. It must have been 1/32 of an inch in height. Completely effortless. You just touched the string and it fretted. Very sweet. Man 2 Gibson posts in a row. I think I might have to go and buy one now...
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# 4
Yea I was thinking about this as I drove home tonight!
I tune down half a step so as I was playing sum REM song I had to play the chords one fret up... which is difficult with sum chords.. D is (XX1343) and G was (XX1144) in this case.
I then realised how much easier it would be if the action was lower as it would mean Id have to apply less pressure on my already over stretched fingers!
Well I lowered it and its unbelievably easy! I cant believe Ive only just realised this!
Like I said earlier tho.. its knocked my bending technique out of sink but I should be ok :)
I tune down half a step so as I was playing sum REM song I had to play the chords one fret up... which is difficult with sum chords.. D is (XX1343) and G was (XX1144) in this case.
I then realised how much easier it would be if the action was lower as it would mean Id have to apply less pressure on my already over stretched fingers!
Well I lowered it and its unbelievably easy! I cant believe Ive only just realised this!
Like I said earlier tho.. its knocked my bending technique out of sink but I should be ok :)
# 5
Originally posted by Axl_Rose:) If you ever stop learning, you're just not paying attention! :)
... I cant believe Ive only just realised this! ...
# 6
# 7
When i first got a guitar i had stupidly high action and i could hardly press the string down hard enough to make it sound properly. It use to really hurt my fingers cuz i had to press down so hard.
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# 8
Well Ive raised the action back up to what I normaily have it at! Its thrown my playing way off having it so so low!
# 9
im not really sure usually im used to high action on my acoustics, but its beating the xxit outta me to play barre chords, its not the strength, but i have to apply soo much pressure that its slows me down and the playing isnt soft..and sounds horrible, on an acoustic. [so were getting that sorted out later after work]
on my electric i can afford a bit more high action cus its smooth to play, i have .10 strings.
Now what exactly were u getting at havng it too low...i mean about the gibsons cus i really like them and would like to get one maybe someday..so they are high action..or does that vary with the style u play say metal would go better on high action
its prolly just according to how u feel best playing high or low action...but i havnt played other guitars cept my own.
on my electric i can afford a bit more high action cus its smooth to play, i have .10 strings.
Now what exactly were u getting at havng it too low...i mean about the gibsons cus i really like them and would like to get one maybe someday..so they are high action..or does that vary with the style u play say metal would go better on high action
its prolly just according to how u feel best playing high or low action...but i havnt played other guitars cept my own.
'i dont have low self esteem, it's a mistake. I have low esteem for everyone else' - Daria
# 10
Well because I play lead guitar I dont do a lot of difficult chords so Im not bothered about lowering my action!
# 11
Originally posted by Axl_RoseActually, lead players usually have lower action than rhythm players, because they're less concerned about string-buzz. Lower action allows you to play faster. And Gibsons usually have lower action than Fenders because the flatter fingerboard radius makes them less likely to 'fret out' on a bend.
Well because I play lead guitar I dont do a lot of difficult chords so Im not bothered about lowering my action!
# 12
I wanna know how the hell you measure 64th of an inch!!! Goin back the action height again.
Remember, the chickens that fly will always beat the rubber plants that bounce!
# 13
With feeler gauges, you can measure dimensions as small as .005". 1/64" = 0.0156"
# 14
Ahh, good ole feeler gauges *sighs*. Work for all kinds of things!
Sometimes I hit notes only dogs can hear.
# 15
# 16
I can't remember whether it's better to lower the bridge or adjust the truss rod because I haven't set up a guitar in a long time. I'm sure someone here knows.
"If one has realized a truth, that truth is valueless so long as there is lacking the indomitable will to turn this realization into action!"
-A.H.
-A.H.
# 17
You can try lowering the bridge, just to see what it's like, but a proper setup may involve adjusting the bridge, the truss rod, and the depth of the slots in the nut. Not recommended for beginners!
# 18
