Neck relief

[rcm78]

I dont even measure it. With the low E fretted at 1 and 17 If I feel just a touch of relief at the 7th-9th fret I'm good. No more then the thickness of a business card. Fretwork need to be in good shape with a bit of fall-away above the 15th fret.
Compound radius necks are best for low action but anything less then 12" radius will require more relief. A vintage fender with a 7.25" radius will require a decent amount of relief and medium height action...

 

[ElectricVoodoo]

Good info here. Thanks for all this. The thought of checking the nut height didn't cross my mind.

This strat has a 12" radius as well. I could never gel with anything less in the past. I want an Yngwie strat, but I am unsure due to the smaller radius on it.

Anyway, I will definitely look into these bits of research.

Thanks again!!

 

[maddnotez]

Straight, but usually only after a PLEK since I hate fret buzz.

This

You guys seriously pay for this every time you need to adjust your neck?

 

[Pushead]

How exactly are you guys measuring .008" of relief? I have a fairly difficult time measuring 1/32" (.03") when adjusting my necks.

 

[Hey_bert_whtcha_doin_bert]

You can use a high E string or feeler gauge. if you do a business card it will be closer to .017-.020 so basically if you can barely see light around the 7-9 fret while fretting the first fret and one around the 17th give or take you're in the ball park.

Shit takes good eyes... That why they sell those stylish magnification glasses... For the bad eye folk hahaha

 

[nevusofota]

Straight, but usually only after a PLEK since I hate fret buzz.

This

You guys seriously pay for this every time you need to adjust your neck?

A PLEK is just a really good fret level. Fret height doesn't usually change in the short term so one good PLEK is all you need. I was just pointing out that what keeps people from having really low action is fret buzz or fret out, which is usually caused by uneven frets.

 

[The Traveller]

Super straight with medium action. My ham fisted guitar technique© won't allow a super low action.

Thanks for making it easy to just say +1!!

Anytime sir!

 

[maddnotez]

Straight, but usually only after a PLEK since I hate fret buzz.

This

You guys seriously pay for this every time you need to adjust your neck?

A PLEK is just a really good fret level. Fret height doesn't usually change in the short term so one good PLEK is all you need. I was just pointing out that what keeps people from having really low action is fret buzz or fret out, which is usually caused by uneven frets.

Ah ok thanks..I thought you were talking about a service with one of these http://www.plek.com/en_US/home/

Which is fairly costly and depending on where you live is not even an option unless you buy a machine for yourself.

 

[NaturalBornBoy]

Straight, but usually only after a PLEK since I hate fret buzz.

This

You guys seriously pay for this every time you need to adjust your neck?

A PLEK is just a really good fret level. Fret height doesn't usually change in the short term so one good PLEK is all you need. I was just pointing out that what keeps people from having really low action is fret buzz or fret out, which is usually caused by uneven frets.

Ah ok thanks..I thought you were talking about a service with one of these http://www.plek.com/en_US/home/

Which is fairly costly and depending on where you live is not even an option unless you buy a machine for yourself.

That's exactly what he's referring to.

You only need one good PLEK setup by a tech who knows how to work the machine well and you'll be good to go for a long time.