How high are tour strings?

[magic8161]

I use one of theses to check my string hight I have mine set at 1.75 to 2.00. I like it a bit low. Whats the average? Its a P bass. And whats yours?

 

[Lownote38]

I don't measure mine, but I know it's quite a bit lower than what your measurement on that tool is. I get the strings as low as I can without buzzing, and follow the radius of the neck. For me, it's about how it feels rather than a specific measurement. I like to have the action as low as possible so I don't need to use much pressure with my fretting hand.

 

[Alik]

Exactly as Lownote38 said above, add that to a jazz bass neck and

 

[Bassbeater]

As low as possible to get a clean enough note with no fretting out. Fatigue and carpal tunnel are the issue if you are playing long sets constantly.

 

[Willicious]

I use one of theses to check my string hight I have mine set at 1.75 to 2.00. I like it a bit low. Whats the average? Its a P bass. And whats yours?

I use the StewMac equivalent of that same gauge, and for string height on my P Bass with vintage-spec 7.25" radius board I've found that 5/64" is about the lowest she'll suffer before the buzz sets in. That's with a generous .014" of neck relief and clean, dead level frets.
On my other P bass, with an AllParts neck, with its 10" radius, I can easily set string height at 4/64", with .008"—.010" neck relief, and it plays super clean along the entire neck. This experience alone has sold me on ditching the tight vintage radius necks on my future bass builds.
I should also note that on both of the above basses, I pretty much minimize my nut slots / first fret action: about .010" on the E, and about .006" on the G, with the middle strings falling in between in graduated increments.

 

[TuneSalad666]

Just about 2.0 mm low E string 12th fret, about 2.4 mm at 17th fret. Not on a bass with a fretboard radius similar to P Bass though.

This is on a 12" radius neck.

 

[Pilgrim]

What are tour strings?

I don't tour, but I play my regular strings at all times.

 

[Turnaround]

What are tour strings?

I don't tour, but I play my regular strings at all times.

I use the same string height at home and on tour. Had no idea that you should change height when on the road.

Sorry. Typos are easy targets.

 

[JRA]

it's about how it feels rather than a specific measurement

 

[Member8675309]

I measured my strings once upon a time. Although my obsession with measuring only lasted a month, it was long enough to drive me nuts.

I’ve gone back to going by feel. It’s way, way better for me. No matter the bass, tension, string type, there is one overall characteristic I go by.....can I pull and release at the neck for fat bass without any/much fret rattle? If I can, they’re just right.

 

[mpdd]

my vintage g&l actually sounds weird and isn't as easy to play with super low action, kinda strange i guess

 

[twelvetrombones]

I like action a bit on the high side, just a hair above 7/64th. I don't obsess about it too much, preferring a bit higher action over being marginal for string buzz.

 

[GIBrat51]

2mm is about 5/64", if I still remember how to do the conversion. Which, IIRC, would be pretty much the Fender factory spec at the 17th fret. And, if that's what makes you happy, is perfectly fine. Like other people have said, I like my strings low enough to buzz a little when I want them to. Which is mandatory for Rick basses... And, with 22 basses, I have no idea what that height actually is, for all of them. A good bit lower than 5/64" for most of them, I imagine...