Author Topic: Epic 5 action too high (Read 140 times)

denis · « **on:** April 05, 2008, 06:06:48 AM »

Hi,the action on my bass is a bit too high, mainly the G string. The problem is that the bridge is at it's lowest, can't put it lower on the G side. The neck is perfect so tightening the truss rod is not an option. Any ideas?
Thanks.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2008, 07:54:40 AM »

In saying that it's not a truss rod adjustment but a bridge adjustment, I'm guessing you are saying that the high action is most noticeable toward the end of the fretboard between the 12th and 24th frets. If the action is as high in the middle of the fretboard, around the 7th and 9th frets, then that would suggest a truss rod adjustment.

But assuming it's a bridge adjustment. Are you playing heavy gauge strings? If so, it could be that the strings are riding high in the saddle slots. What you can do is widen the saddle slots so that the strings rest lower in the slots. If the strings are not too wide for the slots, then what you can do is deepen the slots. You can do this with a needle file, and some very fine sandpaper to smooth the edges; and I've found that a magnifying glass is very helpful. You'll want to take your time and make sure that the relative slot heights are consistent.

denis · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2008, 08:49:00 PM »

Hi Dave
My strings are LaBella steps reg gauge 45-128. The action is not that high, in fact it is almost perfect but i can't bring the bridge lower and i don't like it, no more headroom to put the action lower. If i widen the saddle slots i guess i have to do it to each one and the same amount to keep action even across the bridge?
Thanks for your help

adriaan · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2008, 01:00:32 AM »

LaBella Steps have an exposed core, which I take it should require the bridge to be setup higher than for regular strings with the same tension. The string gauges do not suggest low tension strings, but it may well be lower than for regular strings.

If you say the neck is perfect, do you mean it has a nice bit of back bow, or that it's nearly straight?

As always, Joey's famous setup post should be your first point of reference.

Try to tighten the truss-rods an eighth of a turn, and see if that doesn't do the trick. You'll be surprised how much of a difference a small adjustment can make.