[methc]

I have a G5120.

I'd like to know the typical height of the low E string measured at the 17th fret without pressing the strings.

Also, to raise the height at the bridge how do I turn the screw (the guitar is flat on it's back on my lap).

Thanks guys.

[johsonrod]

Not sure about the measurement at the 17th fret, just make it as low as it will go with no buzzing. Loosen the strings and turn the thumbwheel that the bridge sits on.

[Fredo]

Usually people measure at the 12th fret. I think ~2mm is reasonable. I may be wrong about this but...if you lower the bridge so that it buzzes and it buzzes no matter where you fret it, then raise it at tad and you're done. If it only buzzes at the lower frets, the truss rod should be loosened a little. If it only buzzes at the higher ones, the truss rod could be tightened a tad and the bridge raised a bit. If it looks like the truss rod might need adjustment you should probably have it done by a pro. I once tightened my Tele's truss rod a full 3/4 of a turn, but I have very large huevos. Honestly I did it over three days.

[Synchro]

I'd start by making sure the neck relief is OK, not too bowed, not too flat. Start by watching the video here to set the truss rod. I personally do not use a height for action, I just lower it a little at a time and check every fret on every string until there's a buzz. At that point I raise it just far enough to stop the buzz. You can usually set the treble strings lower than the bass strings.

[stevo]

Originally Posted by Synchro

I'd start by making sure the neck relief is OK, not too bowed, not too flat. Start by watching the video here to set the truss rod. I personally do not use a height for action, I just lower it a little at a time and check every fret on every string until there's a buzz. At that point I raise it just far enough to stop the buzz. You can usually set the treble strings lower than the bass strings.

Good advice.

OK - how do I delete a post?

[stevo]

Originally Posted by Synchro

I'd start by making sure the neck relief is OK, not too bowed, not too flat. Start by watching the video here to set the truss rod. I personally do not use a height for action, I just lower it a little at a time and check every fret on every string until there's a buzz. At that point I raise it just far enough to stop the buzz. You can usually set the treble strings lower than the bass strings.

This is good advice. I once took my guitar to a shop for some work and I said, "would you also adjust the action? I think it could go a little lower, but needs one or two frets adjusted to get there." When I got it back, it was higher than I had left it at. He told me that he would only adjust it to the published spec. I found that interesting since Guilds were no longer being made.

[workknot]

methc: To raise the bridge while looking down at the thumbwheel in your lap, turn the wheel left to raise or right to lower. I find that 3/32 inch at the 12 fret is a low action and works well if you are not a hard strummer. 5/32 inch works for heavy strumming as a rule. As mentioned above, I would first set the truss rod relief and then do the bridge adjustment. A good rule of thumb for low action neck relief is to fret the low E string at the first and 12th fret, then look at the distance between the bottom of the string to the top of the 7th fret and allow about ten thousands inch clearance there. I use this method on acoustic or electric guitars with very good results.
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