Getting a low action without choking

[Reg18]

I've been having some issues getting a nice low action without some string choking with bends, this is only really apparent above the 12th fret.
My guitar has a 9.5" radius and has a Jazzmaster style bridge, if I raise the action it completely solves the problem but it compromises the playability somewhat, still not bad but this is my number 1 so I want it as good as it can be.
Any advise?

[rickenbackerkid]

You might be able to just raise the saddle on just the string that is causing you problems?

[Reg18]

You might be able to just raise the saddle on just the string that is causing you problems?

It's just B and high E that are causing the problems and yes I can raise just those ones and the may be my only option but hoping to get it lower without any choking. Come to think of it the only guitars I've playing with a really low action have been 12" and above radius, maybe it's just the nature of the beast?

[rickenbackerkid]

One thing I've read somewhere is that you can get the upper frets shaped so that they essentially give you a flatter radius where you need it. Seems like a good idea, but a lot of work/time/money compared to just raising the action a little bit . . . I prefer heavy strings and a reasonably high action so I've never had a problem

[Reg18]

After much tinkering this arvo I think I have found a good compromise. Any lower on the action and it not only chokes with bends but notes don't ring out the same either!

[jeremyb]

Buy an ibanez

[Zaulkin]

One thing I've read somewhere is that you can get the upper frets shaped so that they essentially give you a flatter radius where you need it

That's how my guitars are set up. Works a treat.

[Reg18]

Buy an ibanez

Can't fault an Ibanez on setup and action, I would say the second best playing guitar I've ever owned was a 1978 PF300, never played an Ibanez I felt inspired by though!

[AiRdAd]

I'd try and get the neck bow as flat as you can, that way it gives you the ability to raise the bridge more. I do this on my roadworn strat, which has quite a big radius.

[Reg18]

I'd try and get the neck bow as flat as you can, that way it gives you the ability to raise the bridge more. I do this on my roadworn strat, which has quite a big radius.

Can you explain this a bit more? do you mean adjusting the truss rod so the neck is as straight and flat as possible?

[Bg]

take it for a good setup, really no reason that you shouldn't be able to get the action as low as you want with some trussrod tweaks and a fret dress at the top end

[Jay]

Buy an ibanez

I would say the second best playing guitar I've ever owned was a 1978 PF300, never played an Ibanez I felt inspired by though!

Nice, do you still have any pics of that one?

[Molly]

Be interested to see if you consider the action on my 9.5" Strat to be high. I can manage minor third bends (thanks John Sykes) without choking-out but it doesn't seem difficult to play at all.

Too low and, depending on the fret height, I find when bending the B string the G will sometimes slip under my finger and sound. With higher action I can lift it out of the way when bending. So it's not all bad I guess.

[Reg18]

Buy an ibanez

I would say the second best playing guitar I've ever owned was a 1978 PF300, never played an Ibanez I felt inspired by though!

Nice, do you still have any pics of that one?

Don't think I do, from memory I sold it in 2002 to a guy named Blake who still has it from what I hear. There's probably some photos of me playing it on tour around then but wouldn't even know which box to check in the garage to find those photos...haha, it was a while ago!

[Jay]

I would say the second best playing guitar I've ever owned was a 1978 PF300, never played an Ibanez I felt inspired by though!

Nice, do you still have any pics of that one?

Don't think I do, from memory I sold it in 2002 to a guy named Blake who still has it from what I hear. There's probably some photos of me playing it on tour around then but wouldn't even know which box to check in the garage to find those photos...haha, it was a while ago!

So you liked it it but it did not inspire?

Off topic but here's a pic of mine.