lancemanion
Well-known member
I have spent hours reading past posts covering setting the action on ukes. I have found lots of info regarding setting the action at the 12th fret but almost no info on adjusting the nut.
Most of the info on adjusting goes something like this: fret the 3rd fret and there should be about a paper width gap over the first fret. Can someone give me a more scientific approach. What is the best process for adjusting the nut prior to adjusting the saddle?
As far as setting the action at the 12th fret I have found some greatly varying opinions on the forums (set at 12th fret):
MGM: 2.5mm to 2.75mm (.098"-.108")
hoosierhiver: 3.2mm to 3.5mm (.126"-.138")
Moore Betta Ukes: 2.3mm to 2.5 (090"-.100") roughly 3/32
I know this is a very personal thing and different folks like different setups. Comparing the ukes that feel the best to me I think I like Chuck's setup the best. What I would really like to know is what action do Aldrine, Jake and Matt Dahlberg. use. It's my goal to be able to play at this level some day (dare to dream), if anybody is close to any of these masters please share with me what action they use.
As an interesting side note, I measured the action on all my ukes and couldn't believe the difference between them. I have three Kala travel ukes (One for me and one for each of my boys) and they were all set up by MGM and they vary wildly. I also have a Kanile'a set up by Hawaii Music Supply with a MiSi installed by the factory and a Kailua set up at another Hawaiian Uke Store. Finally, I bought a couple of Les Pauls and the actions at the 12th fret are as follows:
The Travel Kalas: .070, .094 and .109
Kanile'a: .094
Kailua: .109
Les Pauls: .109 and .125
First, I was surprised that two out of three of the Kalas set up by MGM were out of his recommended settings (I am not saying anything bad about Mike, all three ukes play well and my buying experiences with MGM have always been great, just stating the facts)
Second, I had read on the forums that the Les Paul plays much better after lowering the action (some going as far as replacing the nut and saddle), but the action seems only a little high. What is the benefit of replacing the nut and saddle? I plan on just reworking the ones from the factory. I also read on the forums that some like to sand down the nuts until the top of the string is above the groove. Is there a benefit to doing this. I like to bend and am afraid the strings might pop out of the grooves.
So I plan to lower the action on the Les Pauls to .090" (unless someone can tell me what Aldrine sets his action to, while I'm at it what strings does he use) but not sure how to adjust the height of the nut before I tackle the saddle.
Final thought, does it make a difference if you are comparing the action on a Soprano, Concert or Tenor?
I know there are lots of questions throughout this post, I think a lot of us would benefit if the more experience luthiers could respond and have this info consolidated in one thread. Thanks to everyone.
Most of the info on adjusting goes something like this: fret the 3rd fret and there should be about a paper width gap over the first fret. Can someone give me a more scientific approach. What is the best process for adjusting the nut prior to adjusting the saddle?
As far as setting the action at the 12th fret I have found some greatly varying opinions on the forums (set at 12th fret):
MGM: 2.5mm to 2.75mm (.098"-.108")
hoosierhiver: 3.2mm to 3.5mm (.126"-.138")
Moore Betta Ukes: 2.3mm to 2.5 (090"-.100") roughly 3/32
I know this is a very personal thing and different folks like different setups. Comparing the ukes that feel the best to me I think I like Chuck's setup the best. What I would really like to know is what action do Aldrine, Jake and Matt Dahlberg. use. It's my goal to be able to play at this level some day (dare to dream), if anybody is close to any of these masters please share with me what action they use.
As an interesting side note, I measured the action on all my ukes and couldn't believe the difference between them. I have three Kala travel ukes (One for me and one for each of my boys) and they were all set up by MGM and they vary wildly. I also have a Kanile'a set up by Hawaii Music Supply with a MiSi installed by the factory and a Kailua set up at another Hawaiian Uke Store. Finally, I bought a couple of Les Pauls and the actions at the 12th fret are as follows:
The Travel Kalas: .070, .094 and .109
Kanile'a: .094
Kailua: .109
Les Pauls: .109 and .125
First, I was surprised that two out of three of the Kalas set up by MGM were out of his recommended settings (I am not saying anything bad about Mike, all three ukes play well and my buying experiences with MGM have always been great, just stating the facts)
Second, I had read on the forums that the Les Paul plays much better after lowering the action (some going as far as replacing the nut and saddle), but the action seems only a little high. What is the benefit of replacing the nut and saddle? I plan on just reworking the ones from the factory. I also read on the forums that some like to sand down the nuts until the top of the string is above the groove. Is there a benefit to doing this. I like to bend and am afraid the strings might pop out of the grooves.
So I plan to lower the action on the Les Pauls to .090" (unless someone can tell me what Aldrine sets his action to, while I'm at it what strings does he use) but not sure how to adjust the height of the nut before I tackle the saddle.
Final thought, does it make a difference if you are comparing the action on a Soprano, Concert or Tenor?
I know there are lots of questions throughout this post, I think a lot of us would benefit if the more experience luthiers could respond and have this info consolidated in one thread. Thanks to everyone.