got mine today, this tool is worth every cent! now I know exactly how low 'low action' should be, no more ambiguity. I had first got a d'addario and watched their useless 3.5 video, then saw this one and bought the tool. Knowledge + tool= power. I am a musician, not a tech, so to me this is really worth it
I was hoping on you showing exactly how to use the string height section of the gauge. Like a closeup of the string and gauge. For example, does the string block out the line on the gauge, or is the string above or below the line?
String action guage: Excellent tool. But one way it could be improved upon, if the mm went down to .25 & inches to .010 so you could use it for accurate neck relief measurements @7th fret. Other than that, faultless. So glad I bought one. Regards from the UK.
This type of tool would be really inaccurate and just too big for checking neck relief. The average neck relief would be the thickness of one of those lines approximately. Feeler gauges are way better for measuring relief.
you can download the book here and enlarge it to a size that work for you, it can also be printed at a larger size that works best for you www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/
I appreciate your video. My fretboard radius is 13 3/4" and each string is adjusted individually. Your radius guage is 14". Do you offer my size? Thanks
Why do you fret the first to check the string height? I noticed that without fretting the first fret the ruler is about .010 off exactly on each 64th and decimal lines. Is that way you recommend the fretting part?
In the flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from.
In a tune-o-matic, I first setup the neck relief correctly, and the I try to set the string action as advised. But then I have fret buzzing around 12-15th fret (0-12 feels right). Then, my logic, I relief a little bit more the neck (even going for a not-correct) setup), but still got fret buzzing. The only way around is setring a higher string action. Am I missing something? It may be some frets that require some lowering? Thanks!
In our Keep It Simple Setup, the flow for a fixed radius bridge is: neck relief first, then radius. If you skipped checking the radius that could be causing some of the issue. We recommend following the full Keep It Simple Setup Flow before before evaluating your frets. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/ If you have any more questions, email us at tech@musicnomad.com and we're happy to help. Thanks!
Are the Acoustic Guitar measurements on the tool, the same ones that should be used for classical guitars as well? Also, is your gauge product available worldwide? (and also perhaps on amazon?) Thanks.
For Classical Guitars the string action height would be 1.20 at the bass side and 1.00 on the treble side (120 thousands bass and 100 thousands treble). Our Precision String Action Gauge is available worldwide. If you are located outside the US you can check our international dealers on our website to see where our products are sold: www.musicnomadcare.com/Where-to-Buy/Find-International-Dealer/ or feel free to reach out to us at info@musicnomad.com to inquire about your country.
Question on measuring the action at the 12th fret; some people put a capo on the 1st fret (as in this video) but others don’t. Does it matter? Which is the right way to take the measurement?
The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from.
Why do you need to fret the first fret when measuring string action height? All other videos showing how to measure doesn't show them fretting the first fret. Wouldnt this result in two seperate readings? If i ask my luthier to set up my guitar to 0.05-0.04" and they use the method without fretting the first string, it would be lower than if i do it with your method?
In the flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from. Feel free to reach out to our tech at tech@musicnomad.com if you'd like additional information on how we do our measurements.
@MusicNomadPolish ok..that makes sense...but if I am setting up someone else's guitar action, and the nut is already cut properly, and they specify that they want the action set to .05" on low E and 0.04" on high E, would I still measure fretting on the first fret?
Yes, you capo the first fret when measuring string action. In this video, Geoff has the pick capo at the first fret - Check out 3:43 of the video to see where he shows this step.
Our is a lower price with a convenient chart to help guide you, on top of all our inch measurements you get metric string action which I don't believe they give.
Your process will be slightly different depending on the bridge configuration. email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com your questions and specific guitar so we can help you further
I have already purchased one of the 3 setup products and am awaiting the seconone from Sweetwater. My question is that if i heard you correctly at 7:10 on a Tele raising/lowering ( right raise -left lower) the action is the opposite of when you have a tun-omatic bridge with thumb wheels. Thank you. From Shelton, Wa
Adjusting height on a fixed bridge is different than on a individual saddle, please email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com so we can help you further with your question
Why is this String Action Gauge not available in Canada? It looks like some of Music Nomad's tools and products are available here through the guitar/music stores (e.g.: L&M/Solo Music and Amazon) but there is a lot of tools and products that are simply not available - and, sadly, your direct site does not ship to the Great White North. I would really like to purchase one but haven't had much luck with US vendors shipping to Canada
Jesus, most of our products are available in Canada, but the new gauges we just started shipping so I would expect them to be available very soon in Canada within a few weeks. You will love them.
In our video we are using SAE which if converted from inches to millimeters the 0.06" would be 1.50 on the Low E and 0.05" would be 1.25 on the High E so you are correct with the measurement in millimeter.
For 10-47 gauge acoustic guitar strings, if the guitar is used as an accompaniment for singing, which action from your point of view is better to choose : Low , Low-med, Medium ,Med-Hi or Hi ?
@@MusicNomadCare Thank you ! I`m not a hard strummer , so If, for example, there is no hump in the area of the 14th fret , then the height is 2 mm or and a little more at the 6th over the 12th and about 1.8 mm or 1.7 mm at the 1st should suit me . It is "Low-Med" (.from your table) . However, you always want the strings to be lower, and lower, but you have to stop . We need to find a middle ground . Otherwise, it can happen as with Tommy Emmanuel: an unpleasant buzzing not just of one string , but of several during the game )), as I was told , and there is absolutely nothing good in this . In addition , the first part of the beat in the accompaniment to songs, romances, etc. has an accent .
@@MusicNomadCare Hello! I wanted to ask you "**Fingerstyle most common " from your table 0.07 inches for the 6th string and 0.06 inches for the first over the 12th fret is this for what caliber of strings 10-47 , 11-52 or 12-53 ? And in general, for each of the string calibers listed above, what is the best guitar action for a Fingerstyle performer to choose for someone who plays with an medium or average attack (for those who medium strummer ) ?
We would love to answer your question deeper but due to the many variables in your question please email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com so he can get deeper into your specific playing style and needs
Hello! I wanted to ask you "**Fingerstyle most common " from your table 0.07 inches for the 6th string and 0.06 inches for the first over the 12th fret is this for what caliber of strings 10-47 , 11-52 or 12-53 ? And in general, for each of the string calibers listed above, what is the best guitar action for a Fingerstyle performer to choose for someone who plays with an medium or average attack (for those who medium strummer ) ?
We would love to answer your question deeper but due to the many variables in your question please email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com so he can get deeper into your specific playing style and needs
In the flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is fixed height to adjust from.
The most common String Action Height for a Low-Medium action on the bass side (or low string) that will make your bass play great would be .090” or 2.25mm on the 5th or 6th string.
@@MusicNomadCareI bought your KISS Setup bundle last year from Sweetwater and it is a fantastic value for the $$! I also have extended range basses. Do you have a full chart available for the different setup options like featured on the string action gauge? I’m interested in the B and C strings for the low through high action. Thank you!
You will want to follow the flow for individual adjustable saddles and we give the recommended measurements. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/
@@MusicNomadCare thank you for the comment, I’m still having trouble the link showed me the flow but didn’t have any recommendations. I scrolled through the whole page as well.
here is the manual you can download it for free in your language. Make sure you follow the proper flow for your individual adjustable saddles. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/
@@MusicNomadCare awesome!! I bought the kit and now the guitar plays like a dream!!! Quick question, would this work on a 7 string guitar or even 8 string guitar? I have ones with a 20” radius and for example I have a 6 string bass that the radius tool is not wide enough to measure the 6 strings on my bass. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Here is our distributor you can reach out to them asking where they can buy: Distribuidora Gonher S.A. DE C.V. Calle Norte 35 #771 Colonia Industrial Vallejo Delegacion Azcapotzalco Ciudad De Mexico, C.P. 02300, Mexico Phone: +52 55 9152 4600 Email: gerencia.ventas@gonher.com www.gonher.com
3:53 I just have one question, why would we need to use our finger to fret at the first fret? And is it on the fret position itself or directly on top of the fret? Thanks for the video
We realize and respect there are many different opinions when it comes to setting up a guitar but in the KEEP IT SIMPLE SETUP flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo or finger at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from. You could fret on the fret itself or right before the fret, you want the string to be pressed down on the 1st fret.
I'm not seeing how to use the ruler at all. You talked a lot about how it was painstakingly researched etc and then don't show what measurement to use or where to use them. Over head shots lining up the actions would be nice.
The String Action Gauge, MN602, has instructions on the gauge for how to use the gauge along with suggested string heights for your playing style on electric, acoustic and bass guitars. The gauge also has a conversion chart on it.
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Your products are the best beginners need to start with tools like this not junk.
got mine today, this tool is worth every cent! now I know exactly how low 'low action' should be, no more ambiguity. I had first got a d'addario and watched their useless 3.5 video, then saw this one and bought the tool. Knowledge + tool= power. I am a musician, not a tech, so to me this is really worth it
I have the D'ADDARIo too..is this any better and why?
watch the video agAIn and compare the two
You should make a video showing the string height gauge also being used as a fret rocker.
I was hoping on you showing exactly how to use the string height section of the gauge. Like a closeup of the string and gauge. For example, does the string block out the line on the gauge, or is the string above or below the line?
The top of the line meets the bottom of the string. The Precision Sting Action Gauge has instructions and a chart for recommended action heights.
I own the string action gauge referenced in this video. Simon says get yourself one! They are handy!!
The handy pinhole convinced me to get one.
String action guage: Excellent tool. But one way it could be improved upon, if the mm went down to .25 & inches to .010 so you could use it for accurate neck relief measurements @7th fret. Other than that, faultless. So glad I bought one. Regards from the UK.
O.25 are inches and 0.10 are mm?
This type of tool would be really inaccurate and just too big for checking neck relief. The average neck relief would be the thickness of one of those lines approximately. Feeler gauges are way better for measuring relief.
every guitar player needs to see this video
We're glad you found it helpful! Thanks!
Got my kit with the Instruction Booklet. I wish the booklet was larger. It is very small and the print is small. Not all of us have Eagle eyes! lol
you can download the book here and enlarge it to a size that work for you, it can also be printed at a larger size that works best for you www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/
Thanks, just got mine.
The string action gauge is awesome
Metal with black lettered are hard to see
I’m likin this one
I appreciate your video. My fretboard radius is 13 3/4" and each string is adjusted individually.
Your radius guage is 14". Do you offer my size? Thanks
Why do you fret the first to check the string height? I noticed that without fretting the first fret the ruler is about .010 off exactly on each 64th and decimal lines. Is that way you recommend the fretting part?
By off, I mean .010 higher than what it reads on my old ruler
In the flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from.
In a tune-o-matic, I first setup the neck relief correctly, and the I try to set the string action as advised. But then I have fret buzzing around 12-15th fret (0-12 feels right). Then, my logic, I relief a little bit more the neck (even going for a not-correct) setup), but still got fret buzzing. The only way around is setring a higher string action. Am I missing something? It may be some frets that require some lowering? Thanks!
In our Keep It Simple Setup, the flow for a fixed radius bridge is: neck relief first, then radius. If you skipped checking the radius that could be causing some of the issue. We recommend following the full Keep It Simple Setup Flow before before evaluating your frets.
www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/
If you have any more questions, email us at tech@musicnomad.com and we're happy to help.
Thanks!
Are the Acoustic Guitar measurements on the tool, the same ones that should be used for classical guitars as well?
Also, is your gauge product available worldwide? (and also perhaps on amazon?)
Thanks.
For Classical Guitars the string action height would be 1.20 at the bass side and 1.00 on the treble side (120 thousands bass and 100 thousands treble). Our Precision String Action Gauge is available worldwide. If you are located outside the US you can check our international dealers on our website to see where our products are sold: www.musicnomadcare.com/Where-to-Buy/Find-International-Dealer/ or feel free to reach out to us at info@musicnomad.com to inquire about your country.
I like sweet low action. 0.5 mm. so much easier to play and go fast.
Question on measuring the action at the 12th fret; some people put a capo on the 1st fret (as in this video) but others don’t.
Does it matter? Which is the right way to take the measurement?
The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from.
Can you use a regular capo?@@MusicNomadCare
Why do you need to fret the first fret when measuring string action height?
All other videos showing how to measure doesn't show them fretting the first fret. Wouldnt this result in two seperate readings?
If i ask my luthier to set up my guitar to 0.05-0.04" and they use the method without fretting the first string, it would be lower than if i do it with your method?
In the flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from. Feel free to reach out to our tech at tech@musicnomad.com if you'd like additional information on how we do our measurements.
@MusicNomadPolish ok..that makes sense...but if I am setting up someone else's guitar action, and the nut is already cut properly, and they specify that they want the action set to .05" on low E and 0.04" on high E, would I still measure fretting on the first fret?
Do you capo the first fret when getting measurements?
Yes, you capo the first fret when measuring string action. In this video, Geoff has the pick capo at the first fret - Check out 3:43 of the video to see where he shows this step.
Whats the difference between this and the fret guru 2?
Our is a lower price with a convenient chart to help guide you, on top of all our inch measurements you get metric string action which I don't believe they give.
So when you say bass side you mean all 3 strings on the low E side and treble side all 3 strings on the high E side?
Your process will be slightly different depending on the bridge configuration. email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com your questions and specific guitar so we can help you further
I have already purchased one of the 3 setup products and am awaiting the seconone from Sweetwater. My question is that if i heard you correctly at 7:10 on a Tele raising/lowering ( right raise -left lower) the action is the opposite of when you have a tun-omatic bridge with thumb wheels. Thank you. From Shelton, Wa
Adjusting height on a fixed bridge is different than on a individual saddle, please email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com so we can help you further with your question
@@MusicNomadCare Thank you.
why would you put the capo on the first fret? this is not a truss rod adjustment.
aaaah you want to eliminate the nut factor...
Lol why would you put a capo on first fret while adjusting truss rod ?
how do you check the clearance for truss rod?@@Cognitoman
Thanks. Great and timely video. I think I'm going to get your string action gauge. I like the way it is laid out. It is very user friendly.
Why is this String Action Gauge not available in Canada? It looks like some of Music Nomad's tools and products are available here through the guitar/music stores (e.g.: L&M/Solo Music and Amazon) but there is a lot of tools and products that are simply not available - and, sadly, your direct site does not ship to the Great White North. I would really like to purchase one but haven't had much luck with US vendors shipping to Canada
Jesus, most of our products are available in Canada, but the new gauges we just started shipping so I would expect them to be available very soon in Canada within a few weeks. You will love them.
@@MusicNomadCare I am looking forward to it! Thank you.
4:16
Wouldn't the values here be 1.5 and 1.25 according to the gauge?
Thank you for the great products and videos!
In our video we are using SAE which if converted from inches to millimeters the 0.06" would be 1.50 on the Low E and 0.05" would be 1.25 on the High E so you are correct with the measurement in millimeter.
For 10-47 gauge acoustic guitar strings, if the guitar is used as an accompaniment for singing, which action from your point of view is better to choose : Low , Low-med, Medium ,Med-Hi or Hi ?
If you are a harder strummer I would suggest Medium. If you have a lighter touch when strumming then use Low-Medium.
@@MusicNomadCare Thank you ! I`m not a hard strummer , so If, for example, there is no hump in the area of the 14th fret , then the height is 2 mm or and a little more at the 6th over the 12th and about 1.8 mm or 1.7 mm at the 1st should suit me . It is "Low-Med" (.from your table) . However, you always want the strings to be lower, and lower, but you have to stop . We need to find a middle ground . Otherwise, it can happen as with Tommy Emmanuel: an unpleasant buzzing not just of one string , but of several during the game )), as I was told , and there is absolutely nothing good in this . In addition , the first part of the beat in the accompaniment to songs, romances, etc. has an accent .
You are correct in your evaluation. It is better to have a bit higher action for no buzzing and better tone.
@@MusicNomadCare Hello! I wanted to ask you "**Fingerstyle most common " from your table 0.07 inches for the 6th string and 0.06 inches for the first over the 12th fret is this for what caliber of strings 10-47 , 11-52 or 12-53 ? And in general, for each of the string calibers listed above, what is the best guitar action for a Fingerstyle performer to choose for someone who plays with an medium or average attack (for those who medium strummer ) ?
We would love to answer your question deeper but due to the many variables in your question please email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com so he can get deeper into your specific playing style and needs
Hello! I wanted to ask you "**Fingerstyle most common " from your table 0.07 inches for the 6th string and 0.06 inches for the first over the 12th fret is this for what caliber of strings 10-47 , 11-52 or 12-53 ? And in general, for each of the string calibers listed above, what is the best guitar action for a Fingerstyle performer to choose for someone who plays with an medium or average attack (for those who medium strummer ) ?
You are correct in your evaluation. It is better to have a bit higher action for no buzzing and better tone.
He just ignored your question
We would love to answer your question deeper but due to the many variables in your question please email our tech at tech@musicnomad.com so he can get deeper into your specific playing style and needs
Why do you capo the first fret when checking action? Never seen this done like so..
In the flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is fixed height to adjust from.
This is better, usually when not using a capo, after setting the nut height, your initial action might go off.
How about 5string bass? It’s the same action height with 4string?thankyou
The most common String Action Height for a Low-Medium action on the bass side (or low string) that will make your bass play great would be .090” or 2.25mm on the 5th or 6th string.
@@MusicNomadCareI bought your KISS Setup bundle last year from Sweetwater and it is a fantastic value for the $$! I also have extended range basses. Do you have a full chart available for the different setup options like featured on the string action gauge? I’m interested in the B and C strings for the low through high action. Thank you!
I used the gauge for neck relief now strings are choking out when I bend them. 🤷♂️
Because your string action is to low. Step one adjust neck relief then the string height action at the 12th fret
I have a fender strat i used the action gauge like it show i did everything in the stratocaster video and its still buzzing
Thank you for reaching out. Please email tech@musicnomad.com to help you with your setup.
Did you figure it out?
I have a bridge with independent saddles, what should I do height wise for the strings in between?
You will want to follow the flow for individual adjustable saddles and we give the recommended measurements. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/
@@MusicNomadCare thank you for the comment, I’m still having trouble the link showed me the flow but didn’t have any recommendations. I scrolled through the whole page as well.
here is the manual you can download it for free in your language. Make sure you follow the proper flow for your individual adjustable saddles. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/
@@MusicNomadCare awesome!! I bought the kit and now the guitar plays like a dream!!!
Quick question, would this work on a 7 string guitar or even 8 string guitar? I have ones with a 20” radius and for example I have a 6 string bass that the radius tool is not wide enough to measure the 6 strings on my bass. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Reach out to our guitar tech and he can help give you some recommendations for your specific needs. email him at tech@musicnomad.com
Amazing
Also not available in México
Here is our distributor you can reach out to them asking where they can buy: Distribuidora Gonher S.A. DE C.V.
Calle Norte 35 #771 Colonia Industrial Vallejo Delegacion Azcapotzalco
Ciudad De Mexico, C.P. 02300, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 9152 4600
Email: gerencia.ventas@gonher.com
www.gonher.com
you need show more like 3/64 and 5/64 closer
3:53 I just have one question, why would we need to use our finger to fret at the first fret? And is it on the fret position itself or directly on top of the fret? Thanks for the video
We realize and respect there are many different opinions when it comes to setting up a guitar but in the KEEP IT SIMPLE SETUP flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo or finger at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from. You could fret on the fret itself or right before the fret, you want the string to be pressed down on the 1st fret.
@@MusicNomadCare If the nut height has been addressed, do we still need to press on the 1st fret?
you should show it little better using the camera 🎥 DIRECTLY with the string using it to understand better with the lines you talking about
I'm not seeing how to use the ruler at all. You talked a lot about how it was painstakingly researched etc and then don't show what measurement to use or where to use them. Over head shots lining up the actions would be nice.
The String Action Gauge, MN602, has instructions on the gauge for how to use the gauge along with suggested string heights for your playing style on electric, acoustic and bass guitars. The gauge also has a conversion chart on it.
You didn’t show how to set pickup height with the action gauge tool. That video would be useful.
Eric, we will be doing that in another video. We are focusing on String Action in this how-to video.