Action issue

[mexstrat]

I'm rather novice when it comes to dealing with the setup of my guitar. I fear that if I do something wrong, I could do permanent damage to it. Anyways, I have a slight issue where the action is slightly lower at the headstock than the bridge. Classic truss rod adjustment needed right? Well, the neck appears straight to me. I've recently learned about a process called "shimming" which seems like a major thing to do but when looking at the neck, it appears that rotating the neck in that fashion makes sense for fixing it just based on the way it looks, but I really am not an expert. For now, my guitar seems to play ok. Feels pretty good, sounds very good etc. The action at higher frets is ever so slightly uncomfortable. Is there an easy fix I should try?

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Action issue

How's the nut height?

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Action issue

Loosening the truss rod and lowering the saddles will raise the action in the nut and middle area while lowering it in the upper frets.

 

[mexstrat]

Re: Action issue

Loosening the truss rod and lowering the saddles will raise the action in the nut and middle area while lowering it in the upper frets.

Lefty loosy for the truss rod correct? It doesn't seem to want to budge, which makes me worry that if I push too hard I'll break the neck.

 

[mexstrat]

Re: Action issue

Never mind. got it

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Action issue

The neck should be near straight with some relief; if it is, good, don't touch it. If it isn't, then take it to a shop if you're worried about stripping the truss not or something.

Your action *should* be somewhat lower at the nut than the end of the neck. Do you get buzzing anywhere? Again, what height is the nut?

 

[mexstrat]

Re: Action issue

Does loosening the truss rod raise the action at the nut and lower the action at the upper frets? Also, how do I lower the saddles?

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Action issue

If you need to raise/lower the action, use the saddles. Don't adjust action by messing with neck relief/truss. Neck relief is either correct to your preference or it isn't.

Saddles are adjusted with a small allen wrench (on a Strat.)

 

[VinceT]

Re: Action issue

What guitar make/model?


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[mexstrat]

Re: Action issue

What guitar make/model?


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2005 Fender Mexican standard strat

 

[mexstrat]

Re: Action issue

I actually just tightened the truss rod after I loosened it a few minutes ago. Idk what it is I did, but it feels about right now. I'll try just keeping it like this for a while. If anything starts bugging me again, I'll be on this thread again asking questions.

 

[VinceT]

Re: Action issue

For future reference, bookmark this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CkrKdQR6_g&list=RD9CkrKdQR6_g

It's got everything you'll ever need about setting up a Strat.


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[darthphineas]

Re: Action issue

How's the nut height?

This.

Pick up some basic measuring tools. A string action gauge is a good place to start. A site called "neck check" has an affordable notched straight edge that excellent for checking relief. The StewMac but slotting gauge is perfect for checking action at the first fret ( as well as elsewhere). Those 3 tools can be real game changers to staying on top of your setups.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Action issue

I would also recommend this book, as it goes into a lot of detail about exactly what is being discussed here.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: Action issue

Have you read Fender's Strat setup guide? It is a very good starting point: https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us...-do-I-set-up-my-Stratocaster-guitar-properly-

You mentioned, however, that your guitar plays good and sounds good. If that is the case, dont mess with it

 

[RorySquier]

Re: Action issue

Here's a handy little video that might help you out with truss rod adjustment and action.

;>)/