I have always liked low action. It seems to make playing relaxed easier. However, lately I have been doing a lot more bends. I find action set slightly higher (perhaps 1/16 @ 17) makes it much cleaner. When it is lower, I find myself running into the string above the one I'm bending rather than my bending finger being able to push the non-sounding string out of the way. Does this make sense? Do you all find the same?

I've noticed exactly the same problem for years now. Flatter radius boards just make it worse too.

I set my action pretty high. 1/8th at 12th - 3/16 at 12th, high to low E.
Better cleaner playing and sound. You can hit the strings a bit harder too, don't have to worry about being light on every note. So in effect you get more room for expression.

Low action is very very overrated in my opinion. It's enjoyed by people who only focus on one aspect of their guitar.

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No no and no

You get this extra sustain from a straight neck though.

I don't understand??

Bit of a joke I suspect mate. Dan has obviously read my less than favourable opinion of Dan Erlewines sales pitch's.

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No no and no

OK then. I was afraid I was missing out on a secret of the pro's. I appreciate what you said, I've found low action more problematic than its worth. My action is on its way up. Substance over shred forever!

I am getting the same on my recent setup on one of my strats. My strat has micro tilt and I was experimenting with it to see how low can the action go without the buzz and with the micro tilt it can go loooooowwwwwww. It feels nice and light, with my .11 strings, if you are into jazzy style and almost never bend. I am changing the neck pitch, back the way it was before.