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Post subject: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:10 am
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Ive just bought a 2002 American Stratocaster Deluxe. Cherry Burst. DZ2185575. Its previous owner is likely to have been light touched and proficient. I, on the other hand have been learning for 1 yr so far. I am enjoying the monotony of practicing scales and wondering why my fingers seem semi autonomous at times. Anyway, the action on the guitar is very low. Should I leave it as is or should i for the benefit of my labours get it reset to defaults?

My old guitar was a Squier Strat of dubious condition and origin. But it had been set up okay and had a much higher action.

The new Strats action seems fine to me, this one even with my callous and artless technique plays beautifully by comparison. But is this just the difference between a half decent guitar and my old Squier? Or is it the action?

Please go easy on this noob. January starts the beginning of my 2nd yr. :D


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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:44 am
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If you have a really low action and no string buzz, that to me is perfect . Leave it alone

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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 7:16 am
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ted j wrote:
If you have a really low action and no string buzz, that to me is perfect . Leave it alone

Agreed. Some folks want more action, particularly slide players, but for most of us we like the action as low as possible, but no lower. :P

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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 7:21 am
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ted j wrote:
If you have a really low action and no string buzz, that to me is perfect . Leave it alone


+1

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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 7:54 am
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What is the measurement at the 17th fret. Factory setting is 4/64th or 2/32nd roughly 2mm for all strings. Is yours more or less? Some players use a higher action for bending strings.


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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 8:49 am
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action is personal. I am a Strat player and dont like low action. I play .011s and like the action a bit high. I like to dig into a Strat. For my style and ears thats what I like. If I want low action I will play a Les Paul.....


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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:47 am
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I personally don't like a guitar's action as low as possible nor do I like it 'high' either. I don't have a clue about nor do I care to adhere to the generic recommendations for any given guitar's action; I never did. Regardless of my playing ability (or lack thereof), I've always operated under the premise that it is MY guitar where and therefore, MY personal playing comfort is all that I should be concerned with, period. So, if you were/are happy with the action of your Squier, adjust your Fender identically. You can always modify either or both later when and if your preferences change. And no, tweaking the action without conforming to some preordained parameters will not 'hurt' either guitar.

As always, this is merely IMO where YMMV.

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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 2:23 pm
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Martian wrote:
... if you were/are happy with the action of your Squier, adjust your Fender identically. You can always modify either or both later when and if your preferences change. And no, tweaking the action without conforming to some preordained parameters will not 'hurt' either guitar. As always, this is merely IMO where YMMV.
When it comes to action, I get the same mpg as Martian both in city and highway playing. :wink:

Of course there are always physical limitiations and extremes, but one of the wonderful things about a Strat is that it can be customized to every player's touch. There is no right or wrong. It's all about personal preference, playability, and feel.

HTH

Cheers!
BM

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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:47 pm
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I think the factory settings are a great base height to start with. Experiment from there by trying lower then higher and see what you like. Your hand will know when it is right. I tend to use about a 2mm setting on Strats for all strings it just feels more natural for me. YMMV


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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 3:52 am
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Well, Ive been playing it with its low action for a while now and I much much much prefer it. Whoever set it up did a great job. It 'feels' better and suits me. I wont change the action on the squier as its unlikely i will ever look at it again now I have a 'real' strat and frankly it will be on ebay as soon as.

Now Ive spent some time with the deluxe, i can say that although the squier did a great job introducing me to guitar, by comparison it feels and sounds like a guitar made to a price. Its easier to play the deluxe and get a better tune from it. I dont usually play with any effects at the moment, except a DF-2 BOSS which i use now and again for fun.

I look forward to my 2nd year progress and my callouses are coming along nicely. Why oh why didnt I do this years ago? Its absolutely great fun and a superb way to relax. I spend most evenings unplugged cycling through scales while watching telly, to exercise my fingers and try to learn the fret by ear. The rest of my time is spent learning songs and chords my tutor gives me. Another 2 or 3 years and i might stop being rubbish and be merely mediocre instead. :)


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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 6:53 am
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glad you have everything the way you like it. Enjoy your new guitar and keep on playing!!!!


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Post subject: Re: Action for dummies
Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:04 am
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You can become mediocre much faster if you turn off the TV while playing/practicing. :idea: Worked for me. :)

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