Silly Thread: the joy of string height

IgnatzMouseIgnatzMouse
edited October 2013 in Root
I'm still getting used to playing electrics after years and years of only playing acoustics. One of the unexpected advantages of having played acoustics with their generally higher action (much higher on the Maccaferri-styles) is that I don't mind playing with high action. And, although I can play "fast enough," (whatever that means), I've never been too concerned with playing super fast. So, over the last few days I've been experimenting with raising the action on my (knock-off JHS) Tele, re-intonating and adjusting the pickups accordingly. I can't claim that it's miraculous, but the guitar sounds much better and string bends are much easier (I also switched to D'Addario 9.5 stings from 10's). All-in-all, a pleasant surprise.

Comments

  • cwilliamscwilliams
    I used to crank the action as high as I could on my tele. An astute teacher recommended that I fool around with lowering the action as it increases sustain (desirable to some and not to others). I have found that to be the case and now keep the action at a happy medium. Goodluck!
  • ruger9ruger9
    edited October 2013
    I guess I would call my action "medium", but it's still usually higher than most players I have known. I tend to play hard- it's just part of my style- and I also use the GHS "Thin and Thick" string set... which is like 10 gauge on the plain strings, and 11 or 12 gauge on the wound strings. I must have strong hands, I guess... I also use thick picks, and I almost never break strings. (this is on my tele... on my Gretsch which is a 24-3/4" scale I use 11s, and on my PRS which is a 25" scale I also use 11s)

    I've always found it interesting how some players SOUND like they are hitting the strings hard, when in reality they aren't at all. I'd love to hear Jim's take on the whole string height/playing style discussion...
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