String height

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 3:55 am

Can anyone tell me what the most ideal height is of the strings on a short-scale Rickenbacker (I own a 325C64). How and where do you measure it?
Does Rickenbacker advise a specific height?
Thanks for your time!

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 5:00 am

It's really a matter of preference. Set them as low as possible without buzzing on any fret as you would normally pick the strings. Nobody likes to play a guitar with action any higher than they have to.

Be sure to detune your strings substantially before raising the bridge height. I had the bridge assembly strip out at one of the adjustment screws on my 325V59 when I attempted to raise the bridge with full tension on the strings.

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 7:53 am

Thanks Kris. I'm still curious on what height other 325 owners have their strings. I like mine as low as possible, but especially the lower E is to high in my taste but when I lower the bridge it starts buzzing.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:06 am

I'm not at home right now. I'll have to get back to you later when I can measure mine.

It is possible you could relax the truss rod slightly to put a small amount of relief in the neck, which might allow you to lower the bridge some more. Just a thought...

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 11:47 am

O.K. - I've got my 325V59 set at 3/32" for the high E, and 9/64" for the low E. Both were measured at the 21st fret, with a dead straight neck. I've got it strung with D'Addario Chrome .12's, and it plays nice and easy with no fret buzz.

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:36 am

Thanks very much Kris, this has been very helpful. B.t.w. do you prefer D'Addario strings over Rickenbacker short-scale strings?

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 3:07 pm

I use D'Addario Chrome .12's on my 325V59, and D'Addario XL .10's on my 650S. The Rick strings are OK, if you gat the compressed ones.

mgaharleysportster · Post by **mgaharleysportster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:51 pm

O.K., thanks again and keep enjoying those wonderful guitars!