How To Adjust String Height: Proven Resonator Guide
Adjusting string height on your resonator guitar is key to playability. This guide simplifies the process, helping you achieve comfortable action without fret buzz, ensuring your resonator sounds and feels its best for any playing style.
So, you’ve got a resonator guitar and you’re finding the strings a bit too high or maybe a bit too low? It’s a common situation, and getting it just right can make a world of difference in how you enjoy playing. High action can make pressing down strings feel like a workout, while low action can lead to annoying buzzing sounds. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it might seem! With a few simple tools and this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to setting up your resonator guitar for optimal comfort and sound. We’ll walk through everything you need to know, making this process feel manageable and rewarding.
Resonator guitars, with their unique construction and sound, deserve a setup that lets them shine. Whether you’re strumming bluesy tunes or picking out intricate melodies, the height of your strings, often called “action,” plays a huge role. This guide is designed for anyone new to guitar setup or just looking for a clear, straightforward way to tackle string height adjustment on their resonator.
We’ll cover the tools you’ll need, explain how to diagnose if your action needs adjustment, and then guide you through the actual steps to change it. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to make your resonator guitar a joy to play.
Why String Height Matters for Your Resonator Guitar
The height of your guitar strings off the fretboard is called “action.” It dramatically affects how your guitar plays and sounds. Too high, and it’s hard to fret notes cleanly, especially for extended playing sessions. Too low, and your strings might hit the frets, creating an unpleasant buzzing noise. For a resonator guitar, where the bridge and saddle are crucial components, getting this balance right is especially important.
A well-adjusted string height means:
- Easier Playing: Less finger fatigue, making it simpler to play faster or for longer periods.
- Clearer Notes: Each note rings out without obstruction or buzz.
- Optimal Tone: The right action allows the resonator cone to vibrate freely, contributing to its characteristic tone.
- Better Intonation: Incorrect action can sometimes affect how in tune the guitar plays up the neck.
Understanding Resonator Guitar Anatomy: What You Need to Know
Before we grab any tools, let’s quickly look at the key parts of a resonator guitar involved in setting string height. Understanding these will make the adjustment process clearer.
The Bridge and Saddle
On most resonator guitars, the bridge is a critical component that sits on top of the resonator cone. The saddle is a piece of bone, plastic, or composite material that sits in a slot on the bridge. The strings rest on the saddle, transferring their vibration to the cone. Adjusting the string height primarily involves modifying the saddle or shims beneath it.
The Nut
The nut is found at the headstock end of the fretboard. It has slots that guide the strings from the tuners to the fretboard. While adjustments are sometimes made here, it’s less common for basic string height adjustments and often a more advanced task.
Tools You’ll Need for Adjusting String Height
You don’t need a professional luthier’s workshop, but a few basic tools will make this job much easier and more precise. Having the right tools ensures you don’t damage your guitar.
Essential Tools:
- Screwdrivers: A set of small Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. Resonator bridges often have screws requiring these.
- Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys): Common for saddle height adjustment screws on some models.
- Feeler Gauges: These are thin metal strips of precise thickness. They are excellent for measuring the string height accurately at the 12th fret. A set usually ranges from very thin to quite thick. You can find reliable sets at most hardware stores or online.
- Ruler or Measuring Tape: A ruler marked in millimeters and/or inches is useful for initial measurements.
- A Soft Cloth: To protect the guitar’s finish.
- Pencil or Marker: For marking if needed.
- Optional: Small files (for saddle modification, advanced), replacement shims (if you’re removing material or need new ones).
Measuring Your Current String Height (The Action)
Before you change anything, it’s vital to know where you’re starting from. This helps you determine if an adjustment is even needed and if you’ve made progress.
The standard measurement point for action is at the 12th fret, measured from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string. Here’s how to do it:
- Tune Your Guitar: Make sure your guitar is tuned to standard pitch. A slack string will give a false low reading.
- Position the Guitar: Lay the guitar on a stable surface, or hold it comfortably.
- Use Feeler Gauges: Gently press down the string you want to measure (e.g., the low E string). Now, slide a feeler gauge under the string, just above the 12th fret.
- Find the Tightest Fit: Try different thickness feeler gauges until you find one that just barely slides under the string with a tiny bit of resistance. This is your current action measurement for that string.
- Record Your Measurements: It’s a good idea to measure all six strings, especially the low E and high E strings, as they are most affected by action changes. Note down the measurements.
Typical Action Guidelines
While personal preference plays a big role, here are some general guidelines for string height at the 12th fret:
| String Type | Typical Low End (mm/inch) | Typical High End (mm/inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Low E (6th) | 1.8 mm / 0.070 in | 2.5 mm / 0.100 in |
| A (5th) | 1.7 mm / 0.067 in | 2.4 mm / 0.095 in |
| D (4th) | 1.6 mm / 0.063 in | 2.3 mm / 0.090 in |
| G (3rd) | 1.5 mm / 0.059 in | 2.2 mm / 0.087 in |
| B (2nd) | 1.5 mm / 0.059 in | 2.2 mm / 0.087 in |
| High E (1st) | 1.7 mm / 0.067 in | 2.5 mm / 0.100 in |
These are just starting points. If you play slide guitar, you might prefer higher action. If you do a lot of intricate fretting, lower action can be more comfortable. If your current measurements are significantly outside these ranges and you’re experiencing buzzing or discomfort, it’s time to adjust.
How to Adjust String Height: Step-by-Step on a Resonator Guitar
The most common way to adjust string height on a resonator guitar is by adjusting the saddle or adding/removing shims under it. Some resonator guitars have adjustable saddles with screws, while others have fixed saddles that require shims. We’ll cover both scenarios.
Scenario 1: Resonator Guitar with a Fixed Bridge and Saddle (Using Shims)
This is very common on many biscuit and spider resonator guitars. The saddle sits in a fixed slot, and its height is determined by the material underneath it.
Step 1: Access the Bridge and Saddle
You’ll need to remove the cover plate or baffle to access the bridge and saddle. This often involves unscrewing the baffle. Be gentle, and keep track of any screws.
Step 2: Carefully Remove the Saddle
The saddle is usually just sitting in its slot on the bridge. Lift it out carefully. Some might be glued lightly, but most will lift out. Make sure you know its exact orientation – it’s usually notched to match the strings.
Step 3: Adding Shims (to Increase String Height)
If your strings are too low, you need to raise the saddle. This is done by adding material underneath it, called shims. Common materials for shims include:
- Thin pieces of hardwood (like maple)
- Specialized guitar shim material (available from guitar parts suppliers)
- Sometimes, even a small piece of sturdy cardstock can work for minor adjustments if it’s consistent.
Cut a piece of your shim material to the same shape as the bottom of your saddle. Start with a very thin shim (e.g., 0.5mm or 0.020 inches). Place the shim in the saddle slot, then carefully put the saddle back on top of the shim. Ensure the shim is flat and the saddle sits securely.
