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Strat style - 25-1/2" scale
Standard action: 5/64" 12th fret low E - 4/64" hi E
.010" neck relief between 1st and 17th frets
This is a good "middle of the road" set-up. Especially with a vintage 7-1/4" radius.
From this start point we can adjust action, neck relief, string gauge to find the tone and feel you prefer.
On my vintage Strat I like; h4/64" and h3/64" (h = heavy*) action with .005" relief using D'Adarrio 9/46 strings.
Big Blues action: 5/64" and 5/64" with 10/46 and up!
For the players that want big tone, big full step bends, and no buzz. Not for the faint of heart, or weak of finger!
Speed players using higher gain. Flatter radius only and fretwork must be perfect
How low do want to go?
3/64" and 2/64" * .003
String gauge depends tuning and the feel you want.
Les Paul style - 24-3/4" scale - 10" radius
Action: h4/64" low E & h3 hi E @ .005" relief
Once again this is a good starting point that can be adjusted to your preferences.
Detuners
Drop D, Drop B, Drop A, straight D, whatever you need and depending on scale length. I can choose the proper string gauges to give you the feel and tone you desire.
I carry drop tuning string set. 10/52, 10/74, 11/52, 11/56, 12/54, 12/60, or I can make a custom set from singles.
Acoustic 25-1/2" scale
6/64 & 4/64 with .010" relief is a standard set-up with light strings
For lead players: 5/64 & 3-1/2 is a good start
Bluegrass players: 7/64 & 6/64 with .020+ relief and heavier strings.
As with blues players these set-ups are all about tone, volume, and no fret buzz
See General Rules for information about playing styles, buzz and action, neck and body woods, bridge type and materials, fret type and size.
*"heavy" is just a touch over the mark on my machinist's ruler. 1/2 is right between the marks. 1/128"!
Believe it or not it makes a difference.