How to Measure Your Guitar's Action Using StewMac Measurement Tools

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

Getting the PERFECT setup starts with accurate measurements at a number of critical points on the guitar.
In this Trade Secret, Blake demonstrates fast and accurate ways to measure the height of your action at the 1st fret, the 12th fret, get accurate fingerboard radius readings, and check your radius at the saddle.
If you're new to guitar repair or thinking of trying to adjust your action yourself, this is a good one to check out.
Products used in this video:
StewMac Shop Rule
www.stewmac.com/item/4905
String Action Gauge
www.stewmac.com/item/0670
Understring Radius Gauges
www.stewmac.com/item/0353
Notched Radius Gauges
www.stewmac.com/item/5433
Basic Setup Kit
www.stewmac.com/item/3910
#3316 Ball-end Hex Keys
www.stewmac.com/item/3316
- - - - - - - - - - - -
StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Facebook: / stewmac
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

Пікірлер: 459

  • @Bomber848480015
    @Bomber8484800155 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely the best video and most practical ever on the internet. Seriously this makes alot more sense then some of the ridiculous videos out there. Nice Job thank you.

  • @edreed5571

    @edreed5571

    Жыл бұрын

    Mack like goldie. Go back like the oldie. But the goodie.

  • @nootypenguino

    @nootypenguino

    8 ай бұрын

    Agreed 👍👏

  • @izich
    @izich Жыл бұрын

    This is the best guitar action setup video described in 8 minutes that you'll find online. Thank you!

  • @konjunto2477
    @konjunto24774 жыл бұрын

    I am just now starting to try and set up my own guitars. IMHO the best video I have seen so far. Thank you. for taking your time to post the vid.

  • @notbraindead7298
    @notbraindead72983 жыл бұрын

    This young man did an excellent job explaining the subject matter. He also did a pro job with the Stew-Mac sales pitch. I’ve purchased some of the Stew-Mac set up tools and they work as advertised.

  • @bassfishingwiththeantichri2921
    @bassfishingwiththeantichri29214 жыл бұрын

    This video helped me understand how to check my action the best out of all the other videos. Thanks, Blake!

  • @Jim1457a
    @Jim1457a5 жыл бұрын

    Thumbs up for using an old string as a feeler gage! That's brilliant!

  • @iswitchover1097
    @iswitchover10973 жыл бұрын

    Under MCO, gives me a lot of time to do things. This is one of my biggest challenging project. Without any basic knowledge, I hope I can make it. Thanks Blake!! Your tips is awesome and appreciate it.

  • @JebJulian
    @JebJulian3 жыл бұрын

    Hands down the most important guitar setup video on your channel. Thanks a bunch

  • @form49
    @form493 жыл бұрын

    Listening for string buzz on under-string radius gauge is the tip I needed. Thanks!

  • @sirnatanielson
    @sirnatanielson11 ай бұрын

    18 years playing guitar and I'm finally taking the dive into my own repair and setups. Mainly because I'm mechanically sound now. And this video nailed what I needed to fill some gaps. thank you!

  • @XxStonedImmaculatexX

    @XxStonedImmaculatexX

    4 ай бұрын

    I thought I was the only one lol But I played for about 10 years before even knowing what a setup was. I would just raise any saddle if I heard the string buzz 😂

  • @ChadwickRider
    @ChadwickRider Жыл бұрын

    Thank you StewMac ... always appreciate these videos. Just another reason why I get all my parts from you guys.

  • @dennisdewinter1997
    @dennisdewinter19973 жыл бұрын

    Such a great informative video. The measurements were exceedingly helpful.

  • @Johannsen00
    @Johannsen00 Жыл бұрын

    This is the most thorough tutorial I´ve ever seen, including some paid courses on learning platforms. Other videos miss many important details on each step. I would definitely sign up for a paid course with this guy.

  • @nolightescapeshere
    @nolightescapeshere3 жыл бұрын

    This is a great video. Feels very professional, very straight explanations. Thanks

  • @cdnbluesdriver
    @cdnbluesdriver2 жыл бұрын

    WOW!! Thanks so much for making this video. Production quality is great with simple, concise explanations. Bought the tools (solid- will recommend to a friend) and setup my very unusual guitar and it plays better than ever! I will say that learning to play cleanly on a poorly setup guitar really helps when you get the thing setup right! Thanks y'all!! . . . PS- Might actually go for a higher cut nut after figuring this stuff out for my goofy rig. Another day though. Going to enjoy this accomplishment!

  • @michael_caz_nyc
    @michael_caz_nyc3 жыл бұрын

    Stew Mac always has such great information. I purchased both of Mr. Dan's books, and they gave-me-the necessary information to do all my own maintenance & set-ups = Much Happier now with the playability of my guitars. Stay Safe.

  • @stewmac

    @stewmac

    3 жыл бұрын

    Dan's books are great resources! We're always here to help. Hope you're staying safe as well!

  • @espiritguitar
    @espiritguitar5 жыл бұрын

    The picture in the wall of you with Dan is amazing. great, great, great.

  • @doggod07
    @doggod074 жыл бұрын

    I've seen a lot of guitar repair vids in my time and this is very good. And I am amazed (or embarrassed) that I have only just discovered StewMac. Greetings from Australia.

  • @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et

    @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et

    4 жыл бұрын

    You probably save a truck load of money by not finding them earlier.

  • @andrewjeffries8721
    @andrewjeffries87215 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the instruction, Blake! StewMac is definitely the goto authority for instructions for quality guitar work!

  • @donlessnau3983
    @donlessnau39835 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding. Great info. Well presented without all the stupidity and nonsense of so many other sites. Well done. Thanks a lot.

  • @TheAaron3dg
    @TheAaron3dg5 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video! Blake is a great instructor

  • @RockWeller
    @RockWeller4 жыл бұрын

    Stewmac has such a great employee! Great tips man! Greetings from Singapore!

  • @TREV617
    @TREV6174 жыл бұрын

    Great advice if I am unsure always head for this channel.

  • @donlessnau3983
    @donlessnau39834 жыл бұрын

    Excellent vid. Clear, concise and to the point without all the stupid nonsense you find elsewhere. Blake did a great job.

  • @zigzeller6510
    @zigzeller65102 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video! Nice to see someone else who appreciates the great open chord intonation afforded by the compensated Earvana Nut on your Telecaster: absolute magic on Fenders!.

  • @hillanblaine4702
    @hillanblaine47024 жыл бұрын

    Something to consider: I've been checking out other videos on using the String Action Ruler (as I'm new to using them personally). I believe the reason why your measurements may not be correlating with your calipers is because of Fret-height compensation. From what I can tell, the String Action Ruler is made to sit on the top of the Frets, not down in the Fretboard. Again, just a thought, and definitely don't hold me to it. :)

  • @erniemoi2732

    @erniemoi2732

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aldalesandro the reason why he made the string buzz onto the metal gauge thing is because if it’s not touching the gauge then it’s too high, he’s not measuring on a fret so that’s why he had ot make sure it has a slight buzz, so that the string is barely touching the gauge and they have the correct curve to the neck

  • @aliensphyncter9528

    @aliensphyncter9528

    6 ай бұрын

    They make them with cut outs so they sit on the feet board also

  • @choimdachoim9491
    @choimdachoim94913 жыл бұрын

    Thanks tuh KZread I is buhcumin a gitar mekanik ! Seriously. I got my first guitar exactly 61 years ago and never knew any of the stuff I've learned on KZread this past 6 months. It's a whole new hobby at the age of 73 to repair, adjust and modify my guitars, both acoustic and electric.

  • @rescd4
    @rescd44 жыл бұрын

    Best video, simple clear information. Thank You

  • @scot-combs
    @scot-combs5 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I have an idea that some of these tools my show up as presents for our boys! (plus a link to the video)

  • @TheMrOuf
    @TheMrOuf2 жыл бұрын

    Been playing bass for over 15 years and i had no idea about all of this, thx alot ! really interesting !

  • @NPRMc
    @NPRMc3 жыл бұрын

    This is the video I’ve been looking for! Also, props for having working man hands.

  • @OTIStheREALcarlos
    @OTIStheREALcarlos Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely fantastically made video great info and so visually clear to understand. Best video. Thank you.

  • @stewmac

    @stewmac

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @satchrules101
    @satchrules101 Жыл бұрын

    This video is pure Gold ! Thank you for this!

  • @roberth5611
    @roberth56113 жыл бұрын

    Great video and helpful tips! Thank you!

  • @mikejr8604
    @mikejr86044 жыл бұрын

    Exactly what I was looking for thank you.

  • @69jomen
    @69jomen Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for actually showing how to actually read the string height gauge. Others just talk about it and expect you to know. .

  • @ksurf1082
    @ksurf1082 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent Video Blake!

  • @jessicahayden1415
    @jessicahayden14158 ай бұрын

    This is very informative. Thank you! Just what i needed.

  • @carlrae7129
    @carlrae71293 жыл бұрын

    Love the scramble wound strings!

  • @dannyschwinck234
    @dannyschwinck2342 жыл бұрын

    This is super informative. Thank you!

  • @nootypenguino
    @nootypenguino8 ай бұрын

    Honestly this is the best video I've seen on this. Made sense. Thank you 👍

  • @stewmac

    @stewmac

    8 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @cat_loaf943
    @cat_loaf9433 жыл бұрын

    I am new to guitars & find this video very informative.

  • @ratchowmein
    @ratchowmein5 жыл бұрын

    I like this guy. Easy to understand and he looks relaxed.

  • @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et

    @JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et

    4 жыл бұрын

    I like people that look like they have been hopped up on white snow. Ya know snappin' their teeth and all.

  • @fadeskywards1245
    @fadeskywards12453 жыл бұрын

    Simple and comprehensible. Thanks

  • @Michael-cm5kb
    @Michael-cm5kb5 жыл бұрын

    Got a Dean Dave Mustane Zero. Now it's perfect. Thanks!

  • @GerryBlue
    @GerryBlue5 жыл бұрын

    Hey, someone with a lower action than mine, what doy you know, I also have a light touch. Great video, can't believe many players don't setup their own guitars.

  • @philbivins7133
    @philbivins71335 жыл бұрын

    Great video, very informative...Thank you

  • @charleshaupt6834
    @charleshaupt68342 жыл бұрын

    Best video on this subject.Clear and understandable,thank.you...Respect...

  • @raymondwilliams4346
    @raymondwilliams43462 жыл бұрын

    Dude, there's a saying, “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”. You nailed it! Bravo! 🙂

  • @neilspellman8183
    @neilspellman81833 жыл бұрын

    I've watched quite a few videos similar to this, but this is the first one that made sense! Very informative and made it a little more comfortable to work on certain areas of my guitar! Thank you and well done!👍

  • @awakeandfree1933
    @awakeandfree19332 жыл бұрын

    Got radius tools with a ruler I bought and never knew what they was for. Glad I found this vid

  • @roycefaggotter6860
    @roycefaggotter68605 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant thank you, extremely informative.

  • @samsungtvset3398
    @samsungtvset33982 жыл бұрын

    For setting the distance of the string above the fret I use the plain end of a drill bit.They are available in steps of 0.1mm, are very accurate and don't cost much.

  • @notbraindead7298

    @notbraindead7298

    10 ай бұрын

    I’ve used drill bits for “feeler gauges” for many different measurements. They also come in steps of 1/64th of an inch as well as the 0.1mm you mentioned.😊

  • @oatnoid
    @oatnoid Жыл бұрын

    Excellent vid. This is a keeper.

  • @DabooksofEli
    @DabooksofEli Жыл бұрын

    Thank you StewMac🙏

  • @bikenband
    @bikenband3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent tutorial. I own over 10 guitars now, so I’m going to order these tools out of necessity....

  • @tygerthecreator2860
    @tygerthecreator28603 жыл бұрын

    I’m a beginner and when I bought my guitar it was quite high. Today was the first time I adjusted mine and it worked well. I adjusted it to 1.5-1.75 mm on the thickest E string then 1-1.25 on the thin E string. no fret buzz and much more easier to play 😁

  • @rzh3443
    @rzh34432 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful! Can we have one on setting up pickup heights ? More complicated I am sure but the basics would be good.

  • @stewmac

    @stewmac

    2 жыл бұрын

    Check this video out: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hIOBrpaxo7SxZpM.html

  • @seanatteberry3686
    @seanatteberry36864 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thanks much.

  • @jennyswad1269
    @jennyswad1269 Жыл бұрын

    Great video.

  • @kevon217
    @kevon217 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tutorial!

  • @Aaron_LH
    @Aaron_LH4 жыл бұрын

    Super helpful video thanks

  • @sichuancowboy
    @sichuancowboy Жыл бұрын

    The best and most thorough video on this topic.

  • @esmeraldo7887

    @esmeraldo7887

    Жыл бұрын

    Is it really that thorough? His approach is to pick any non-bowed-relief that you want, any string height you like and then aim for about .020" of a gap at the first fret. If I was a beginner at setting up guitars, I wouldn't find that very helpful. I recommend that people aim for the factory specs for their guitar, and then mess around from there. A $3 feeler gage and two allen wrenches are the only tools needed.

  • @sichuancowboy

    @sichuancowboy

    Жыл бұрын

    @@esmeraldo7887 WDYM?? .040 at the 12th fret is literally factory specs for Fender. His method for checking relief is universally accepted as the standard method: Check for 1st fret clearance, check for the relief gap at the 7th/8th/9th fret by depressing first and 15th (whichever fret meets the body). You could put a capo at the first and use your free arm to put a feeler gauge at the gap, but the method above is how everyone and their mom does it. A little gap, perfect. Want it straighter? Then do it like this video and remove the gap by tightening the truss-rod. From there, just use any String Action Ruler to measure both outside E strings (.030 to .040) and then use a String Radius Gauge to match the remaining strings to the neck radius. How's this a problem for beginners?

  • @kalvincunhaaguiar2894
    @kalvincunhaaguiar28945 жыл бұрын

    this channel is so amazing

  • @erickochheim1551
    @erickochheim15512 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely top video and top tools! Cheers from germany Eric

  • @SakhaGaming
    @SakhaGaming8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the clear explanation!!!

  • @ahaua1
    @ahaua1 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video!

  • @Mike-bf6em
    @Mike-bf6em2 жыл бұрын

    What a fantastic video. Thank you :)

  • @sweetbloodsmusic8279
    @sweetbloodsmusic82793 жыл бұрын

    Thank-you, this is extremely helpful

  • @stewmac

    @stewmac

    3 жыл бұрын

    So happy to hear it! We're here to help.

  • @tonydee6658
    @tonydee66582 жыл бұрын

    The way a video should be, great job!

  • @mikelikesguitaralot
    @mikelikesguitaralot2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video

  • @bristolfashion4421
    @bristolfashion4421 Жыл бұрын

    Just set up my home-made George Harrison Rocky-a-like with help from you guys and it plays real nice now - so as ever a Big Thank-You 🙂

  • @infossil
    @infossil2 жыл бұрын

    phantastic explanation, thank you

  • @doedesjel
    @doedesjel3 жыл бұрын

    Knowledge makes everything better 👍🏻

  • @shashanksherkar392
    @shashanksherkar3924 жыл бұрын

    Very very nice information video. Thanks for that. I play a guitar which is ESP AX-50 LTD, a clone of B.C.Rich Warbeast without the tremolo bridge. It has a t-o-m bridge. I am from India, a small city without any guitar resources except local acoustic strings and picks. So, I have to do all my repairs, servicing by myself and I do not get the right tools for the job. Just 2 days back I found guitar string height tool on amazon and soon I will order that curved set of keys with different radius. I have been using the last trick of using old strings for height check, I am a recycler! It's good to know you use that. I play from Rock to thrash metal rhythm at 72 to 180bpm and lead as needed but at 50-75% bpm of rhythm and do heavy tapping on all strings above and near 12th fret mostly with legatos. If your string height as shown in the last part near nut cannot be adjusted without using nut filing, I have to check it by actually tapping between 3rd and 7th frets while playing. If I get a buzz, I just adjust the truss rod. Well in absence of proper tools what could I? I hope to know more about bridge adjustments etc as well. Thanks again. Keep on delivering that information in simple language.

  • @billybob9144
    @billybob91445 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this

  • @bobkrause0103
    @bobkrause01032 жыл бұрын

    Great video

  • @0HARE
    @0HARE5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. This was very helpful. I mainly have and play nylon string classical guitars. Do you have any kits/tools specifically for them?

  • @jewelthesapphire6984
    @jewelthesapphire69845 жыл бұрын

    Thanks StewMac!

  • @jshaw2900
    @jshaw29003 жыл бұрын

    Love the vid, love the pic of Jerry in the background.

  • @dvdbit1
    @dvdbit1 Жыл бұрын

    very helpful ,thank you

  • @scottpetrie6179
    @scottpetrie61793 жыл бұрын

    Great video and excellent information. Does the same information and corrections of the truss, strings and saddles apply to Electric ukulele's to? Thanks

  • @paulhicks3595
    @paulhicks3595Ай бұрын

    Very good. Thanks.

  • @markrock78
    @markrock7811 ай бұрын

    Best instruction video on here ❤

  • @peterludlow9847
    @peterludlow98473 жыл бұрын

    What a brilliant video ,do all these measurement sizes applies to a Les Paul. Many thanks

  • @golds04
    @golds042 жыл бұрын

    Love that gauge. Ha my tele is twice the height in action. Goes to show- to each their own! Great video

  • @jcmartiz
    @jcmartiz Жыл бұрын

    You, sir, are a master!!!! thanks!

  • @J__C__
    @J__C__4 жыл бұрын

    Hmmm. Mine are at .008" at the first fret and I'm getting fret buzz sometimes. Going to attempt to replace the nut this weekend with a Graph Tech Black Tusq XL that will be the same exact size with a little sanding. It's already the right shape so hopefully it's just a matter of sanding to dimensions and installing. If not, I'm sure I can always put the original back in, right? 🤷‍♂️

  • @liorodriguez7998
    @liorodriguez79982 ай бұрын

    Love this! TY

  • @pearlholloway7318
    @pearlholloway73182 жыл бұрын

    Very good !

  • @brownsparlour9813
    @brownsparlour98132 жыл бұрын

    This is such an easy to follow video and so well done and easily explained i love these vids 👍

  • @XxStonedImmaculatexX
    @XxStonedImmaculatexX4 ай бұрын

    I usually place the radius gauge saddle on top and just take a look at looking down towards the bridge. If I see any gaps where the string isnt touching it, then I know I need to raise that saddle. Never figured I could just strum the string as well so I’ll definitely try that next time!

  • @salaya55
    @salaya554 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for teaching me

  • @toddknaster9731
    @toddknaster97312 жыл бұрын

    Love all of your videos! Are the measurements for 1st fret string height you gave in the video checked by fretting at the third fret or with open strings? You showed both ways so I am not sure Thanks

  • @jimbokraut640

    @jimbokraut640

    2 жыл бұрын

    Without pressing on the 3rd string.

  • @tedadlington1777
    @tedadlington17772 жыл бұрын

    BRILLIANT vidio. Thank you

  • @mohdartis9681
    @mohdartis96819 ай бұрын

    Thank you boss .. it's help me a lot👍😘😘

  • @driven-tone672
    @driven-tone672 Жыл бұрын

    I learn a lot ..thanks

  • @banjoist123
    @banjoist1233 жыл бұрын

    I have a different approach/philosophy to height at the nut. Fretting a string at the 3rd and observing the height at the 2nd to me should be no different than the height of the string unfretted at the first fret. The fret is suspending the string just as the nut is. I've done lots of setups on guitars that would pass the 3rd to 2nd test, but that still have too much height at the nut.

  • @anthonycrook1987
    @anthonycrook19876 ай бұрын

    was noting the color of each wrap you chose for the feeler gauges. guess there's no universal standard on that yet. kudos' to the "most composed" stew mac team!

  • @billducas
    @billducas5 жыл бұрын

    Using used strings as feeler gauges is a great idea. What I do is take the string and cut it to the length I want and glue the ball end to a popsicle stick. Then take a felt tip pen and a right what gauge string it is on the wooden stick. This makes them easy to find in your tool box.

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