string heights

timothy06 · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:44 am Post subject: string heights

If you lower the strings, and bring them a little closer together toward the fret board, will this improve your speed at hitting numerous notes as you go up or down the strings?

I have small hands and i am getting a bass with a less thick fret board. I am looking to improve my speed as you moving up and down the strings. Yes I know that practicing makes a lot of difference; but I also have limited time to practice.
your thought?

Ankhanu · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:20 am Post subject:

Yeah, lower action allows for more speed easier... however, it also increases the chances of fretbuzz and dead notes as the strings may encounter frets.

Basically it requires less distance of movement and less strength to depress a string, but all in all the speed is in your fingers, not string height.

Tucson Bass Player · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:47 pm Post subject: To low sucks!

Low action is not suitable for bass playing. It is just the nature of our approach to the instrument that makes this true. Much cleaner tone comes with higher action.

Shocked

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Ankhanu · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:43 am Post subject:

Well, logically, lower action should improve intonation as well, as it will reduce the change in tensions from bending the string into the fretboard.

-Ryco · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:01 pm Post subject:

Lower action helps in slap style. Makes muting easier - esp open ringing strings.

Having said that, I keep my action a little on the high side because I play finger style 90% of the time.
Doesn't slow me down at all. Maybe 'cause I'm used to it.
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