Comment

Comment by Keni Lee Burgess on October 13, 2012 at 8:35am

Thank you Jay for your contribution. Interesting point about the string height across the soundboard. I plan to continue posting various subjects. My hope is that more members will consider opening up and sharing their insights. Enjoy your builds, Keni Lee 

Comment by Seaman Jay on October 13, 2012 at 7:28am

Great series - keep'em coming, Keni!

When speaking about "string height" almost everybody thinks about "action". That's only a part of the whole truth (valid more or less up to the highest fret on the fretboard ;-) ) 

What makes a good instrument (or at least one compatible to the player) is also the string height above the soundboard, influenced by the action, neck angle, fingerboard thickness and the height of the bridge.

Some like it flat, some prefer to rake the strings with the fingers.

All the factors change also the volume and sound of the instrument. Higher bridge makes the instrument a bit louder, but then, to keep the action low, one has to change the neck angle (and/or fretboard thickness).

Playing fretless one may want to use the soundboard for really high-pitch tones - a flat fingerboard (almost flush with the soundboard) make it easier....

Just my .02EUR