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Posts: 56
Joined: Aug. 24 2009
From: Conroe, Texas
String height at first fret?
I read numerous quotes of proper string height at 12th fret, but not much about nut height. Is there a general procedure for setting the height of the string at the nut? I know to compare the string height at the 1st fret to the clearance at the 2nd fret when barring at the first. It would be nice to have some general measurements of flamencos at the first fret. Edit: OK I just checked my guitar & I don't think I need to lower the nut. I remembered reading that if you fret the strings at the bridge side of the 2nd fret there should be just a tiny clearance at the 1st fret. You should be able to just make out the string moving when pressing above the 1st fret. Anyway, it would still be nice to have some numbers.
Cheers, kev
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Posts: 120
Joined: May 11 2011
From: Scotland Fife UK
RE: String height at first fret? (in reply to bugeyed)
This will be an interesting thread. Basically, my understanding is that it can be as low as the frets and no lower. In fact, I'm inclined that the sound is clearer when coming off a fret as opposed to the nut and would prefer a "Zero fret" in place and this does away with any height issues. You need a gauge or metal plate to help you not to file each slot too low.
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Posts: 298
Joined: Jan. 19 2011
From: The Netherlands
RE: String height at first fret? (in reply to bugeyed)
I don't believe there is a certain measurement for flamenco, pressing the 3rd fret and leaving some clearance on the 1st fret is a general rule, allthough i dont realy follow that (never have).
I actually file almost every nut in the same fashion, though depeding on playing style and string type i will adjust the height to compensate for the stringtype (high tension vs low tension) and playing style.
High tension strings tend to have a smaller vibration, therefore can handle a lower action and lower height at the nut without buzzing. Playing style is also important, a player that hits the strings very hard makes the string vibrate more, wich can cause fretbuzz when the action of nut height are to low.
I personally eyeball the height by pressing down each string and eyeballing the clearance betweet the string and the fret. This works for me since I've been working with guitars well over 6 years now, I've messed quite a bunch of nuts in the past, wich helped me gather experience on this subject.
If you start filing yourself make sure you use proper files, take it very slow, and measure often with a string that is tuned to pitch. Though I recommend taking it to a luthier, its not a very difficult job for someone with the right tools and some experience.
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: String height at first fret? (in reply to bugeyed)
often times when guitarist lower the action, the also lower the nut. The nut action ONLY affects the first fret. So if you put a capo you did nothing special. Problem is, if you like an easy feel at the first fret fine, but your open strings might buzz....and worse, you can get a strange sympathetic buzz when you capo up higher (low E buzzing on frets behind the capo). this can be a cool sound if you intend it....or annoying if you don't know why it is happening.
To fix the problem you simply shim up the nut on the bass side.....yeah so you should not need to mess with lowering the nut for almost any reason.
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