what is the optimum height for the 'action' on an acoustic guitar?

Question

Measured from the 12th fret , from the string to fingerboard

Answer 1

When we set up our acoustics they are generally 1/16" on the bass side and 3/64" on the treble side. It is important to note that some pickers and player don't like the action that low so this may not apply to you.

Also, for action this low on an acoustic everything else must be perfect, and the guitar must be properly humidified before adjustment.

Answer 2

It depends far to much on the individual make and model to give precise measurements. The general rule is, if you have an adjustable bridge, to reduce the action to just past (higher) than the spot where the strings buzz.

For thoroughness you should check the buzz when you fret at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th frets.

If you want a high or hard action...for example, if you are going to play slide guitar, then you need to keep the strings fairly far from the frets, of course.

Answer 3

This can be tricky - some fretboards are very more cambered than others. What you want is low enough to give an easy play for barre chords played up to around the tenth fret, but just high enough to stop any fouling on adjacent frets. On my Ovation Applause, a bowl-backed electro-acoustic, my hand-book says the distances at 12th fret should be these:

High Action, for 'hard' playing with a plectrum, for belting out volume
6th E string 8/64" ; 1st E string 6/64"

Standard Action
6th E string 7/64" ; 1st E string 5/64"

Low Action
For fingerpicking and/or playing the higher positions on the neck

6th E string 6/64" ; 1st E string 4/64"

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

Just adjust the bridge untill you dont get buzzing from the lower frets