Harley Benton Parts String Action Gauge

Not every guitarist wants to take their beloved instrument to a luthier for every small adjustment – this costs both time and money. The Harley Benton Parts String Action Gauge, on the other hand, costs next to nothing and is quick to use into the bargain. This handy tool lets musicians measure their string action precisely and adjust it as needed: Simply place the tool on the fret near the 12th position and look side-on at the gauge's height markings. The point where the string touches the bar without leaving a gap reveals the string height, or action. In the picture here, the String Action Gauge is measuring around 0.140", or 3.5mm – far too high and uncomfortable to play. Just fretting the note at that height would feel like a bend, altering the pitch and making it sound slightly out of tune. To help with corrections, the back of the gauge clearly indicates the recommended string heights for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass; for the 6th string being measured here, the ideal adjustment would be lowering it to around 2–2.5mm.

Before sanding down guitar components such as the saddle on an acoustic guitar, it is always advisable to research the process thoroughly; with the Harley Benton Parts String Action Gauge, players at least have a precise measuring tool at hand. This business card-sized aid is inexpensive and ideal for anyone wishing to learn how to adjust their own instrument and identify potential issues. In this example, the string action was lowered to 0.080" (2mm) by carefully grinding down the saddle and making fine adjustments to the truss rod, resulting in a very low and comfortable setup for melodic playing. Guitarists with a heavier playing style are better served by the higher values indicated on the back of the gauge to avoid unwanted string buzz.