adjusting the playing action on the guitar

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.

This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.

We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Discussions >>General >>

Page: [1]

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

mmenk

Posts: 23
Joined: Dec. 26 2015

adjusting the playing action on the ...

Is there a sweet spot, or should it be as low as you can go?
As a builder, I like to set up a guitar with a medium action, which means that you can play it hard and it will buzz a bit, but not get to dirty or over driven.
Then I also like it down and low and sleezy. Buzzing like a bird.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 22 2016 7:34:16

Ricardo

Posts: 14825
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: adjusting the playing action on ... (in reply to mmenk)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mmenk

Is there a sweet spot, or should it be as low as you can go?
As a builder, I like to set up a guitar with a medium action, which means that you can play it hard and it will buzz a bit, but not get to dirty or over driven.
Then I also like it down and low and sleezy. Buzzing like a bird.

It's player's personal preference. I am more concerned with bridge height than action over fingerboard. Bridge=8mm, 12th fret=3 is making most folks happy.

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 22 2016 16:47:51

SephardRick

Posts: 358
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

RE: adjusting the playing action on ... (in reply to mmenk)

I considered it more of a practical spot, than a sweet spot. Action is really a compromise. Personally, I don't like going below 3.0 mm (at 12th fret) for the bass E string and 2.7 mm for the treble E. Any lower, my technique doesn't seem to improve. Just more buzzing. Therefore, its not worth the extra buzz. Especially if you play other styles in addition to flamenco on the guitar. IMHO.

_____________________________

Rick

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 22 2016 19:35:25

etta

Posts: 342
Joined: Jan. 20 2010

RE: adjusting the playing action on ... (in reply to mmenk)

String tension can be a big factor in action settings. The use of high tension strings can allow for a lower action with more control over buzzing or rattle.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 23 2016 13:29:07