String Height @ First Fret

Any input will be appreciated...Thanx! ~James L~

Everybody has their own way of doing this. In theory, the string height at the nut should be just a tad higher than the first fret. Therefore, if you fret a string at the second fret the string should just clear the first fret. For a lower action, you would fret the string at the third fret, and again, the string should clear the first fret. If you go too low the strings will buzz, so you have to go very slowly and take your time. Don't forget to bring the strings completely up to pitch before checking, and if you are using new strings press down hard at the first fret on the wound strings before checking. It takes a while for those strings to settle down in height as they climb over the nut, so bending them down a bit before checking will prevent you from assuming you are right on, only to find you went too low when they settle into place over time.

Some techs measure the height of the first fret, then stack up feeler gauges a bit higher at the nut before filing so they don't go too low. Others simply eyeball it, or use the gauge method and then eyeball it. Some techs raise the height of the strings two at a time from the high E to the low E, as the larger diameter strings need a bit more space to vibrate. I like to raise the height a bit on each string from the high E to low E.

The thing is this is a combination of art and science. I think the best way for a novice to do this is to use feeler gauges to prevent you from filing too low. Start a bit high and bring the strings down very slowly from there. It's difficult to use height from the fret to the string, as the bridge height adjustment will affect that measurement. IMHO, the nut height should be independent of the bridge height, but I'm sure others will not agree with me on that.

There are tons of sites on the net explaining nut height and how to slot a nut. Just do a search. And, don't forget to angle the slot back along the path the string will take when wound.

Good luck. It's a real bummer when you accidentally go too low and have to make a new nut, or attempt to repair your work. If you don't feel comfortable with this take it to a tech. Setting the string height at the nut isn't expensive, and if it's done right it will last a very, very long time. Makes a world of difference in how the guitar plays.

Thanx for all of the reply's..they were very helpful ....Rock On!!...~James L~

Stewart McDonald has a tip sheet that says (in part):

" Now that the neck and saddles are adjusted, you are ready to finish the nut slots. The slot depth is generally between .007" and .030" above the first fret. Plain strings (high E, B, and G) are in the .007" - .012" range and the wound strings (D, A, and low E) are generally around .013" - .020".
The actual height is up to you, the gauge of strings, and other factors.
Start a little high and bring them down lower as needed."

You can read the whole thing at http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/i-4003/ 4003_07setup.html

I just printed those pages (Electric Guitar and Bass Assembly Guide) for myself. I have been building my own guitars for over 20+ years. One thing I have learned allot of specs are certainly not written in gold as mentioned and your style and technique are the final judge of your set up. Now when it comes to nut setups two thing I have learned 1: There is no substitute for a good nut file set, forget all those Voodoo techniques spend the $60 to $100.
2: take your time file slow checking constantly, you will no when your to low.