UNIQUE SYSTEM - NO MEASURING NECESSARY
 
SETTING STRING ACTION USING TONE
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 without any requirement for additional measuring tools. This is achieved using string muting and avoids inconsistencies from eyeballing.
 
Final action on the instrument will be influenced by fret condition and individual preference. From the initial setting, the string height can be easily adjusted up or down to suit particular requirement.
 
GUITAR STRING ACTION GAUGE THICKNESS
The thickness of the gauge increases progressively over the fretboard to allow for the increase in string diameters.
 
Gauge Thickness @ 1st  String:   1.50mm 
Gauge Thickness @ 6th  String:   2.00mm
 
SETTING THE INITIAL STRING ACTION
Simple to use:
Insert the gauge underneath the strings at the 12th fret and lower the bridge/saddles until the strings are muted.
 
ADJUSTING THE STRING ACTION
To lower the action: Move the gauge to the 13th fret and lower the bridge until the strings are muted again.
To raise the action: Move the gauge to the 11th fret and raise the bridge until the notes are audible again.
It is possible to set a combination of these e.g.: Plain/Treble strings set with lower action and Bass/Roundwound strings set with higher action.
 
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.
 
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)
 
*See diagram above for clarification:
The scale diagram compares the geometry of commonly used fingerboard radii and their theoretical differences at the edge of the fretboard. The gauge options are indicated by the solid lines. The dashed lines indicate intermediate fingerboard radii that can be accommodated as specified above*. ​
 
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 geometry is negligible with respect to measuring action.
 
RELATED PRODUCTS:
Please see the Product Category page for related items.
 
(Please note the tool is not suitable for use on a Bass Guitar).