Guitar types vs. string height

[Kraku]

Today I learned that different guitar types (Stratocaster vs. Gibson vs. ....) have different limits to how low you can adjust the string heights before you run into trouble. I.e. Gibson style guitars can have theirs action much lower compared to Stratocaster.

What exactly contributes to this phenomenon?
What types of guitars allow the string action to be adjusted low?

I'm asking so I'll know what to look for in my next guitar.

 

[valve]

fretboard radius is a limiting factor (gibson is historically 12", fender smaller).
if it's a low radius with low action, the high E will crap out on the higher frets if you bend it at the 12th fret for example.
i love compound radii

 

[TheBiggestJerk]

Strat has a 25.5” scale and LP 24.75. That 3/4” difference changes everything about the strings oscillation period and amplitude between the two.

 

[NowYou'rePlayingWithPower]

Everything is relative, and almost any guitar can be set up with low action. One of the main things between Fender and Gibson in your example is that Gibsons are usually equipped with 10s on a 24.75" scale which have a higher tension than the same string model set of 9s on a 25.5" scale ala Fender.
Lower string tension can cause fret buzz. But can be worked out.