String action issues

[spleenharvester]

I've tried setting up my strat by myself for the first time (and the first time on this instrument since bought). Now I have really great (lower) string action on the lower frets, but there's a bit of buzz on fret 12 and above now. It seems my options are either too high at the lower frets or too low at the top end - pick one. Is there any way round this or what could be the issue here?

EDIT: Guitar is a 2011 Blacktop MIM stratocaster, with numerous specs here: http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/fender-introduces-blacktop-series-electric-guitars-275912

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: String action issues

The neck should be straight when the strings are at the pitch you want the guitar tuned to. As well, the curvature of the saddles and nut should match the radius of the frets (not the fretboard, but the frets themselves). As well, the height of the nut slots should be such that fretting on the first fret is effortless, yet produces no buzz, rattle, or grinding at any fret.

This will allow you to get the lowest action at every fret.


However, the force at which you pick the strings will influence their oscillation, so if you bash the strings as opposed to gently pick them, your strings will have a wide oscillation path, and crash against the frets. If you use a heavy pick like a red Jazz III and pick only as much is needed to sound the note, the string will have a smaller oscillation, and you can get lower action. However, you may sacrifice picking dynamics, and your notes and chords may not have as much "character" as you'd like.

 

[RorySquier]

Re: String action issues

There should be a slight bow in the neck and then you won't get as much string buzz. Here's a video explaining how to set up your neck relief. You'll acheive low action without string buzz.

;>)/

 

[Clint 55]

Re: String action issues

It helps to have one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/String-Acti...693134?hash=item48954fff0e:g:wVwAAOSwo4pYLXAA

That way you can learn the ballpark of how you like your set ups.

Some guys like a flatter neck, some guys like more bow to the neck, but what you don't want is what you're describing where the strings at the mid frets are actually higher than the strings at the upper frets. To correct that you have to tighten your truss rod until the mid of the neck is shallower than the upper part so the strings don't have a hill that they need to clear.

As an example: I set my low E to 0.090" at the 22nd fret by adjusting the saddle, then adjust the truss rod so the bow creates a height at the 12th fret around 0.070"

You'll probably have to fiddle with each step a few times to get it to where you like it.