Adjusting Guitar Action

THMRK · 7 Jan 2007 at 17:38

I really need to adjust the action on my guitar and since I know there are more than a few guitarists on here could anyone give me and tips on how to this correctly as well how to adjust the intonation etc?

One More Solo · 7 Jan 2007 at 17:56

What kind of bridge?

THMRK · 7 Jan 2007 at 17:57

The standard one that is on most Gibson Les Pauls.

I'm primarily using it for punk style stuff.

OzZie · 7 Jan 2007 at 18:05

Tighten the screws clockwise i think to lower the action, but you may have to file the frets down if you get any buzz.

THMRK · 7 Jan 2007 at 18:13

I know how to do it, but isn't there a specifc setting for it depending on what you're using it for, or do you just play it by ear? It was too low before and resulted in dead frets on the high E.

Andelusion · 7 Jan 2007 at 18:38

There are no specific settings, it's complete personal preference. You can measure the height of your strings in mm but then that depends on how much neck bow you have and also the gauge of your strings.

Just go on feel and what you like best.

Btw a dead fret is a fret which is stopping the string vibrating because of a problem with the actual fret. I think what you mean is the string's fretting out, and yep that's when the action's too low.

Cybermyk · 7 Jan 2007 at 19:47

I'd go in the order of change strings, tune, check/adjust intonation, check/adjust neck then check/adjust height.

Bit of a guide

THMRK · 7 Jan 2007 at 20:34

Thanks a lot guys.

Northwind · 9 Jan 2007 at 19:55

Andelusion said:
Just go on feel and what you like best.

Spot on... I look after a lovely Les Paul for a mate, and he likes the action so high I can barely play the thing. Always tempted to set it up "right" but he knows what he wants. I keep my Tele fairly high and my Strat as low as I can, that's just what seems to suit each guitar.