High action

Mark_H

What is the average height for regular action? I've read that the correct action is supposed to be 3mm from the 12th fretboard. Mine is currently on 4.5mm and am battling to strum as I get a clunking sound when playing certain notes.

I'm still a beginner. :bopping:

V8

Hiya - this post is really for the "Repair and Setup" section here : http://www.guitarforum.co.za/setup-mods-and-repair/

Depends on the type of guitar - electric or acoustic?

Place a ruler on top of the 12th fret and measure the distance between the top of the fret and the bottom of the outer E strings.

My strat is about 1.5mm, strats usually are in ther 1.5-2mm range : http://www2.fender.com/support/articles/stratocaster-setup-guide/

Acoustics usually a bit higher than that - but not 4.5mm.

Perhaps setup as a a slide guitar? Many factors can affect action - what guitar, any pics?

Mark_H

Hiya Meron

Thanks. Just joined the forum on friday afternoon,so I'm still trying to find my way round the forum. ?

I have an acoustic guitar called Pear River. Now from what I have googled on this guitar is it isn't known at all.

Foottapiologist

A glance at google indicates you've probably got a classical guitar, ie with nylon strings, in which case your action is not way out of spec. High action on a classical is disconcerting in the beginning but you get used to it.

nazarene

Foottapiologist wrote: A glance at google indicates you've probably got a classical guitar, ie with nylon strings, in which case your action is not way out of spec. High action on a classical is disconcerting in the beginning but you get used to it.

Is it not a pearl river? from google it seems to be a oem guitar company.
Can you post a image of the guitar?
use this for easy image sharing if you struggle:
https://postimage.org/

V8

nazarene wrote:
Foottapiologist wrote: A glance at google indicates you've probably got a classical guitar, ie with nylon strings, in which case your action is not way out of spec. High action on a classical is disconcerting in the beginning but you get used to it.
Is it not a pearl river? from google it seems to be a oem guitar company.
Can you post a image of the guitar?
use this for easy image sharing if you struggle:
https://postimage.org/

Hmm, could be a nylon stringer - my nylon is just under 3mm at 12th fret (after I shaved the saddle), it was probably around 4mm before. I've still got a little bit of leeway on the nut, reckon I can get it under 2.5mm with a touch of patience.

Were I betting man - I'd wager it's a steel string acoustic with a ridiculously high saddle/nut or a bellying bridge.

P.s. There's a even easier way of sharing pics om GFSA : http://www.guitarforum.co.za/how-to/how-to-post-pictures-t4055/msg270155/#new. No external image hosting required!

Mark_H

Meron you are quite right,it is steel strings,the saddle is to high to my liking.

Nut still looks ok but what I have noticed was that the saddle has groove marks from the strings cutting into it.And what I can pick up on the conversation,it's not supposed to do that?

My sister's fiance is in plastic engineering,so replacing the saddle won't be an issue but would love to resize it abit to see if it'll sort out the issue of high action.

Was also slightly dissapointed now when I googled Pearl river to find that my guitar is a cheap china town brand( I still bought it for R900 in 2009) but must admit,after all these years,it's still looks better than the cheapies sold at cash crusaders

Will post a pic tonight at home as I don't have a pic on my work's pc

Gearhead

Most action issues on acoustics come from bulging tops or bendy necks - you get lots of them where you can lower the bridge all you want without solving anything. A neck reset costs more than the instrument is worth and the bulb behind the bridge is not always solved by re-glueing the braces.

Mark_H

Thanks Gearhead

The guitar hasn't been used properly since I bought it in 2009 and was more like an ornament. Probably due to the fact that I was told at that time by a lady who also played guitar that at the age of 27,I'm too old to learn to play ? ? ? so when I finally decided bugger it, I'm just going to teach myself, I learned a whole lot about my guitar I never new.

Last night I decided to pull out the saddle and discovered that someone had put in a piece of plastic to raise the action.

So I removed it and voila, action dropped. Even though it's out by .4mm,it's still better than it was.

All I need to do now is practice the caterpillar/scales and then do some serious practicing

nazarene

Mark_H wrote: Thanks Gearhead

The guitar hasn't been used properly since I bought it in 2009 and was more like an ornament. Probably due to the fact that I was told at that time by a lady who also played guitar that at the age of 27,I'm too old to learn to play ? ? ? so when I finally decided bugger it, I'm just going to teach myself, I learned a whole lot about my guitar I never new.

Last night I decided to pull out the saddle and discovered that someone had put in a piece of plastic to raise the action.

So I removed it and voila, action dropped. Even though it's out by .4mm,it's still better than it was.

All I need to do now is practice the caterpillar/scales and then do some serious practicing

Its neva too late to learn man! 27 is still young XD there is years ahead of you still!
With youtube and forums its so easy to learn guitar today, when I started I only had chord books and guitar magz, and that was in 2004. But hey I loved it! getting to play my first chords and my first scale, it felt awesome! Even with my cheapo guitar with its mile high action!
Enjoy the ride man!

Mark_H

I must admit, there's nothing quite like practicing. Helps me relax