Guitar players, how do you prefer your action?

[metalchurch]

I was just thinking, I know that there's alot of guitarists on here, with alot of different influences, and alot of different playing styles.

So I'm wondering how you like your action set on your guitars? (action=string height on the fretboard)
Also what guage strings do you use on your main guitar?
I prefer D'Addario 9-42's and I prefer super low action, on my guitars.

(My Low E string is 0.15mm between the string and the 1st fret. At the 12th fret it is 0.70mm, which seems like alot, but it isn't.)
Not sure if you all have access to feeler guages or not? It doesn't really matter actually, I was just curious and measured while I was posting this.

I noticed alot of guys are using monster guages on their guitars now a days. I'm setting one up for a buddy of mine and I ask him what strings he wanted and he said 12-54's Damn! I'm just used to 9's and Eb tuning I guess?

So my questions are:

What guage strings?
Low - Medium - or High action?
What tuning?

I'm primarily interested in your main guitar, but if you wanna list them all, that's cool too! I'm expecting to see some thick guages and low tunings posted by some of you guys!!
Bring 'em on, let hear it!!

[Colton]

HM Stratocaster, 8's, lowest action possible, usually E

[metalchurch]

First reply, and I gotta say I am definitely shocked!!
8's?!!! and Standard tuning!!!

Damn Colton, I'm not the only guy that likes 'em tiny!
I love the feel of 8-38's man, they've got a nice and squishy feel to them which I like, and bends are so easy too.

Do you use 8-38's or a custom set?
Tell all of your friends to post their stuff also!

[songsmith]

Electric guitar: '79 Peavey T-15 Ash, D-Addario XL's, 10's, medium action.

Dobro: Regal RD-40 CHB, D'Addario EXP-52'S, .16-.56 coated, action set around 1/2".

Acoustic guitar: Takamine EF-341C "Springsteen" (most people know it as Toby Keith's model), Elixir 80/20 bronze .12-.52, action as low as possible.

Mandolin: Antares A-model, Earthwood medium strings (or similar, I'm not picky on that), unsure of actual gauges, action rather high.

Lap steel: '58 Supro Artist Special/ '55 Oahu Standard/ '48 National-made Rex Electric, D'Addario Flat-wound Jazz strings, .11's, action also around 1/2". I also seldom/never change these strings... many steel players dislike the grainy, cat-squalling sound of new strings, steel guitars aren't supposed to have a lot of presence and attack. It's about chimey warmth.

Bass: Cheap Squier P-bass, Ernie Balls, .45-.105 I think. I like light bass strings. Medium action.
---------------------->JMS

[greaser]

Guitar: 2004 Gretsch 6120 Setzer hot rod, medium to low action, 10 gauge strings

Amp: Fender re-issue '65 deluxe, 112, set the volume around 6- 8 and it starts to get some nice dirt around the edges

effects: Danelectro "reel echo"...it's supposed to simulate the old tape echos...I don't think it does, but I like the sound nonetheless.

cool topic!

*edited to say that I thought I was posting this in the gear thread*

[Ron]

I use the same setup on my LP as I do on my Frankenstein boat anchor.

Brand - D'Addario or Ernie Ball
Gauge - .009 - .042
Action - As low as I can get it without any fret buzz.
Tuning - Somewhere around E

I can't remember which strings I have on my Ibanez acoustic.

[metalchurch]

Tuning - Somewhere around E

Classic!

[Colton]

Do you use 8-38's or a custom set?

SIT's right off the shelf. I'll swear by SIT strings till the day I die...

[tonefight]

I used 8's set as low as possible in the past, moved up to 9's a few years back and recently went to 10's with the strings a little higher up for some slide playing.

[Killjingle]

ESP LTD with original Floyd

D'Addario Gauge - 11 - 52
Medium
Bb, F, Bb, Eb, G, C

[Banned]

When I play guitar (which is rarely nowadays) it's a '96 Ibanez Iceman, loaded with 9's. Action set as low as possible. Eb.

[Colton]

Tried to play Felix's black guitar again last night. Since I'm fresh with it, I'll add his stats..


5pc glued back together Stratocaster
8 Feet of Action
Train track used as strings.

All other players must shoot steroids into hands/wrists before attempting to play.


I tried to play the last half of the breeze on it last night at shaws, started to rip on it a little bit and honestly couldnt wait for the song to be over, lol. It was starting to hurt

[Banned]

I tried to play the last half of the breeze on it last night at shaws, started to rip on it a little bit and honestly couldnt wait for the song to be over, lol. It was starting to hurt

Wuss.

[orangekick]

I usually run 10-46's with the action medium-low so I can do some crazy bends as well as a little slide work. I usually tune to E flat with the top string dropped to D flat for the Bat stuff. Everything else tends to be standard with the same strings. I have been using Elixirs lately and they're fantastic.

[coffin feeder]

I prefer my strings like low to medium I guess. Never really thought about it much, but that's where I have the shops set them up at when I take them in for set ups.
I used to use GHS 10 to 46, but I have been using Ernie Ball 12-56 but I use a 70 bass string from a pack of Ernie Ball 55-110 bass strings. The 70 is really thick and lasts longer, and I keep it on for about two string changes. If I would go any thicker, my friend said that I would have to get my tuner drilled out so the string would fit through.

I think that I may go for a Baritone guitar for the longer scale, cause the strings are getting sloppy on mine. I tune 2 whole steps down to C and that doesn't help matters any. I saw that one other guy on here tunes to C and then drops his Low string down to B flat. I wonder if he has those problems that I do?

[old Skool]

Standard tuned gitters are strung with D'Addario 9-46s and the drop tuned (1/2 below drop D) are strung with D'Addario 10-52s. Action is low, not sure exactly where. Terry from Guitars-n-Stuff does all my set ups and does a killer job.

[Killjingle]

I think that I may go for a Baritone guitar for the longer scale, cause the strings are getting sloppy on mine. I tune 2 whole steps down to C and that doesn't help matters any. I saw that one other guy on here tunes to C and then drops his Low string down to B flat. I wonder if he has those problems that I do?

No not at all on slop. The only thing I have trouble wiith sustain.

But that is probably from three things that dont promote sustain:
Floyd Rose
Bolt On Neck
"loose" strings

when I changed my licensed floyd out to an original it def helped.

[Banned]

Generally, I use 10s or 11s in standard tuning with medium-low action. It's great to hear the strings strain a little bit when you bend them.

For Sunset Strip I've got one guitar with 9s, Eb tuning, and super slinky action. Some of that material seriously pushes the limits of what I can do technically, so a little extra help from the guitar is appreciated.

[tonemonster]

i have all mine set between 2/32" & 3/32" off the fretboard. no buzz. i use electro harmonix strings 9- 42 . they have a broken in feel from the start. and very warm sounding. i get them at guitars & stuff , terry is really great on set ups. they also make 10's & 11's sets for the drop stuff.

[metalchurch]

i have all mine set between 2/32" & 3/32" off the fretboard. no buzz. i use electro harmonix strings 9- 42 . they have a broken in feel from the start. and very warm sounding. i get them at guitars & stuff , terry is really great on set ups. they also make 10's & 11's sets for the drop stuff.

I never knew that Electro Harmonix made guitar strings, I'm gonna try a set out just to see what they sound like. You say Terry has them in stock?

Also, I just wanted to say that I've heard alot of great things about Terry's setups, his shop/sales, and him as a person. He's always been very good to me.
Too bad he's so far out in the middle of BFE, cause I think his shop would flourish if he was located in a better spot.

I always did my own setups, because I'm lefthanded and every shop I took my guitars to never did them right (or is that left?) so I just started doing it myself and that's how I learned how to work on guitars pretty much.

[onegunguitar]

Actually Joe,even tho Terry is in BFE,he told me he has more work than he can handle,which is a good thing. He's a super cool guy and will do his best to give you the best possible deal.He is an authorized ENGL dealer as well. As far as guitar set ups,I do my own,they may not be perfect but I set them up for me and what I prefer.I am a firm believer in knowing how to adjust a truss rod,intonation,the whole nine yards because if you get to a gig and something is way out of whack from humidity,dry winter air or whatever,at least you can make some changes to get you through the show.

[metalchurch]

I think that I may go for a Baritone guitar for the longer scale, cause the strings are getting sloppy on mine. I tune 2 whole steps down to C and that doesn't help matters any. I saw that one other guy on here tunes to C and then drops his Low string down to B flat. I wonder if he has those problems that I do?

No not at all on slop. The only thing I have trouble wiith sustain.

But that is probably from three things that dont promote sustain:
Floyd Rose
Bolt On Neck
"loose" strings

when I changed my licensed floyd out to an original it def helped.

Yeah having a Floyd/Bolt-on guitar really works against you in the sustain department.
But you already took care of one prob by going with an Original Floyd Rose. OFR's are made of better metal that promotes sustain and lets the notes sound better. The pivot points are hardened also to help prevent them from wearing out over time, which not only helps the intonation, but also the 'return to zero' of the Floyd. In other words it allows the bridge to return to it's position after dive bombs or raised pitches.

Alot of liscened Floyds wear out at the pivots and get marred up and have rough edges, which catch and stick causing the guitar to go out of tune.
I use Jackson JT-580's and JT-590's which are an in between a liscened and an OFR.
I always put a dab of grease on my pivots to help lubricate the metal to metal contact and the return to zero.

Body wood of a bolt-on is another thing that either helps or hurts sustain.
Having a good bolt-on guitar with a good setup will put you right up there next to a set neck or a neck through. But of course nothing compares.

Alot of people prefer bolt-on guitar because of the snappy attack that they are known for. Set-necks and Neck through's are generally more mellow sounding.

99% of having a great sounding guitar/amp is understanding your equipment. If you know what you're trying to achieve you will surely get close if you know what you have or what you need.

That being said, Chad, I think that both you and Jason have a great sound, and you guys have awesome equipment to back it up.

I tried a set of Ernie Ball 'Not even Slinky' strings after talking to Fedup Dave and I gotta say that I'm liking the added sustain and low end.
They are 12-56 and I have a set on my KV3 that is tuned to C#. They hurt the hell out of my fingers after a while though. I know I'm a pussy, right? Just used to the 'ladies guages' (8-38's) And 9-42's which seem to be the standard by most everyone that posted so far.

This is turning into a bassist_25 post so I'm gonna go.

[metalchurch]

Actually Joe,even tho Terry is in BFE,he told me he has more work than he can handle,which is a good thing. He's a super cool guy and will do his best to give you the best possible deal.He is an authorized ENGL dealer as well. As far as guitar set ups,I do my own,they may not be perfect but I set them up for me and what I prefer.I am a firm believer in knowing how to adjust a truss rod,intonation,the whole nine yards because if you get to a gig and something is way out of whack from humidity,dry winter air or whatever,at least you can make some changes to get you through the show.

Damn right my man! +1!!!
Know your instruments guys!! If not, take 'em to me I'll do them! hahaha

[VENTGtr]

Gits: Modded Strats
Strings: DR 10-46
Tuning: Standard E 440
Action: Medium. Really, when things are at their best is after I get
Mark Chaplin to do some work. The way he sets things up is perfect
for me. He asked how you like the action and gets it right. I like to
have a bit of fight and do pick pretty hard (Though after not playing
acoustic as much the last several years, I think it's lightened up a
good bit. That'll be changing with more acoustic playing coming along
pretty soon).

Ended up getting a set of Ernie Balls for an acoustic recently. Hadn't
used them in many years. Really liked the feel and may stick with EBs
for it.

So many guys using 8s kind of surprises me. That seems so light (Not
questioning anyone's manliness or anythin', just saying). Any time I've
picked up something with even 9s, it feels like there's nothing there.
I always feel like they're about break the first time I bend them.

[Colton]

Any time I've picked up something with even 9s, it feels like there's nothing there. I always feel like they're about break the first time I bend them.

Bend'm a few more times. Then you'll realize your B can reach your A (or further =)

I've probably broken 2 strings in 5 years. No bs.