Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on April 24, 2017 at 5:21pm

String height (base of the string diameter) should be about the thickness of a dime above the first fret, and about the thickness of a nickel or quarter above the 12th fret. Start with your nut and bridge higher than that, and sand your way down to it in fine increments. 9 times outta ten you won't get it right on the first try.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Grandpa on April 24, 2017 at 5:48pm

Gib, I'm not the best help for you, but I'll get the ball rollin' for you. Many past posts on the subject, but here's how I typically do it. I build my neck, glue the fretboard, prepare the box for the neck..really, I build the git, string it up, then start trial fitting bolt nuts and larger bolt bridges, or wooden bridges. I fit my bridges and nuts based on how the string-to-neck height initially appears (experience will hone your "eyeballing"), and play it. I can then use smaller or larger diameter bolts, or taller/shorter bridges to fine tune the action and sound.

I think you were asking "how high/low should I start?", and I'm sure there will be more precise starting points  offered to help you. What I described is where I start, as every git I've made has been different. Build it, adjust it, play it. Works pretty well for me. Best of luck on your "trials".

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Moritz Voegeli on April 24, 2017 at 7:00pm

String the box, tune it and start lowering bridge and nut, but wait a week or so before you lower the strings to dime and nickel as Oily described: maybe the angle of the neck changes a bit, maybe the soundboard sinks down a bit below the bridge.

About correct slotting check John Mackay's http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/nut-slots-with-principle....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gib on April 25, 2017 at 1:48am

Thanks everyone. this gives me a great starting point. Always good to listen to the voice of experience.
gib

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gib on April 25, 2017 at 1:51am

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JL on April 25, 2017 at 2:40am

Here's another useful link on setting the "Action Height" of the strings

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Neck_Building_and_Re...

• ▶ Reply