First trip ever to Luthier

Re: First trip ever to Luthier

Usually (for me) in the .005-.006 range. However, it varies based on string gauge of course.

If I use my feeler gauges to start out, let's say the fret is .055". I add .006 to the high E and say .011 to the low E. That gets me close, and then I do the final by feel.
 
Last edited:
Re: First trip ever to Luthier

Thanks for the info. As a rookie, I tend to push too hard because I spend so much time learning and not just jammin in my comfort zone. Always trying to play too fast, causing tension. I take a few minutes everyday just fretting a few notes to remind myself just how little press is needed if the notes are fretted just behind the fret. Funny thing, I cant stand pure shred. I would rather be the guy that knows how to mix that major and minor 3rd in a bluesier style. To me, thats the sounds I like, not scales played at warp speed. I bought so many shred cds and they were played once, then put away. That being said, a tasteful flurry can sound killer. I like old UFO, Gary Moore and my fave metal player was Chris Oliva. He sounded like a blues guy to me, playing metal tho. I guess my life just passed me by, I will croak before I get the way I wanna sound. But I will Ride On LOL
 
Re: First trip ever to Luthier

No, they're not only a good starting point. They'll work for any set up. I don't know why you're bringing up all these semantics. Are you really going to tell Ben, who needs help with his nut action, to eyeball it?!

Semantics? What semantics? You know what that word means, right?

No I'm not going to tell Ben or anyone to eyeball it (maybe his tech) as a final adjustment (eyeballing IS a good place to start, however). And I'm not going to tell anyone to use a specific measurement that "works for any set up" regardless of the string gauge, playing technique, setup preferences, or other specific requests. ("Oh, George, you want very high action? No I'm sorry, it has to be .016" because that works for everyone." Or, "Stan, you have very low frets and want a very low, fast action, so low you can barely tell that you're pushing down on the strings? No I'm sorry it has to be .016" because that works for everyone.")
 
Re: First trip ever to Luthier

I'm not saying it has to be .020-.016 or .022-.018. As someone with lots of experience doing his own set ups, I was merely suggesting some conservative measurements to someone inexperienced with nut action that will feel medium low or medium high. I'm aware that there are plenty of other measurements that work for various playing styles and tastes.
 
Last edited:
Re: First trip ever to Luthier

I have to go to a luthier for my 1st time too, so this is a great post. I do the work on my guitars myself but I don't trust doing a refret on my 76 LP myself. I put this off for years cause I have a lot of guitars.
 
Re: First trip ever to Luthier

Don't underestimate the power of a 1-2 star rating and bad review on Google. If he earned it, so be it . . . you may be surprised at receiving a quick call to you to make that review disappear . . . YOU then have leverage.
 
Back
Top