GMC Luthier Tools - String Action Gauge Set

GUITAR SETUP GAUGES - String Action, Pickup Height, Bridge Saddles & Neck Relief

UNIQUE SYSTEM - NO MEASURING - USES STRING MUTING

SET STRING ACTION, OPTIMUM HEIGHTS FOR PICKUPS & BRIDGE SADDLE RADIUS

NECK RELIEF USE

The gauge can be further utilised in conjunction with a capo and feelers (not included) for a simple method of setting neck relief. Please see the featured article for details on how to achieve this.

DISCOUNT FOR MULTIPLE GAUGES

Discount available if ordering multiple gauges, please select quantity required from menu and specify radii required at checkout.

Please see the Testimonials Page for customer reviews.

GUITAR STRING ACTION

Nominal Guitar String Action Height at the 12th fret for a 6-string guitar is typically 1.5mm at High 'E' rising to 2.0mm at Low 'E'. This is generally considered as providing a good combination of clear tone and playing comfort. The gauge allows the action to be consistently set to these values and avoids variations from guesswork and visual approximation.

SETUP GAUGE - THICKNESS COMPENSATION

The thickness of the gauge increases across the fretboard:

Gauge Thickness @ 1st String: 1.50mm

Gauge Thickness @ 6th String: 2.00mm

The underside of the gauge conforms to the radius of the instrument. The upper side has a slightly flatter arc - the effect of which raises the action progressively along its length to allow for the increase in string diameters.

SETTING THE STRING ACTION

Insert the gauge underneath the strings at the 12th fret and adjust the saddle until the strings are muted.

ADJUSTING THE STRING ACTION

If a different action is preferred, this can be achieved by sliding the gauge up or down the fretboard .

1) LOWERING THE ACTION

To lower the action: Move the gauge to the 13th fret and lower the bridge further until the strings are muted again.

2) RAISING THE ACTION

To raise the action: Move the gauge to the 11th fret and raise the bridge until the open strings are audible.

Optimal action on the instrument will be influenced by fret condition and individual preference. From the initial setting, the string height can be adjusted to suit tone or playing requirements, e.g. treble strings set with lower action and bass strings set with higher action.

ADJUSTING THE SADDLE HEIGHTS TO MATCH THE FRETBOARD RADIUS

For a bridge that has individually adjustable height saddles, this will happen by default when setting up the action for each string.

SETTING PICK UP HEIGHTS:

After setting the string action, the gauge can also be used to set the pick up heights.

Place the gauge on top of the pick up poles and adjust the pick up height until the strings contact the gauge with the last fret position fretted.

OPTIONS

Five guitar gauge options are available:

7.25"

9.5-10"

12"

15" (Suitable for 14" to 17" radius)

20" (Suitable for 18" to 20" radius)

(Please note the tool is not suitable for use on a Bass Guitar).

Q. "I'm interested in your String Action Gauge but have two guitars with 14" and 16" radii. I can't see these sizes on the menu and wondered if you have a gauge for each of these". 

A. "The 15" gauge is designed for 14" to 17" radii and will be suitable for both of your guitars. There isn't an option for 14" or 16" as the difference in radius geometry is negligible with respect to measuring action.

£16.50