Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

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