dpskala - Posted - 06/07/2011:  05:27:59

I just reassembled my Stelling after a major cleaning, and since the neck was off, I had to check and readjust the string height.  Stelling recommends 9/64" over the top of the last fret.  I started well below that, so I raised it a bit, tried it out, and it felt pretty high to me.  When I measured, I was still only at 3/32", and I really don't want to go higher.  I must have been noticeably well below that before I disassembled.  Is there any reason to not lower it to where I feel comfortable, so long as the neck bow is set correctly (it is), and the strings don't buzz when I lean on it?  Offhand, I can't think of a strong reason.  I guess it might be a little harder to bend the strings, maybe pull-offs and hammer-ons would not sound so clean?

banjoman56 - Posted - 06/07/2011:  05:39:11

If it plays clean, play it. I like the action as low as possible without buzzing.

Banjophobic - Posted - 06/07/2011:  07:29:38

The 'right' string action is based on the banjo and whos playing it. If you are an aggressive Scruggs style player, a low action typically wont work, especially up the neck.  The more energy you impart to the string, the larger the movement/vibrational node of the string. The string will need room to oscilate and not contact the fret(s) above the fretting one. Its not always set in stone of course, but a general rule of sorts. There are also different situations that call for different 'actions'.  Playing in a loud jam session will usually mean higher action is needed to play hard and be heard above it all. Playing on stage/in the studio can mean a lower action as the mic is supplying the volume. Seems like folks often look for the 'ideal action'  which entails having very low action, being able to play as hard as they want and not hear any buzzes. This ideal action is a myth,haha. Set  your action where it suits your playing style and the characteristics of your banjo.

TTreppa - Posted - 06/07/2011:  08:36:53

It seems to me that there are two variables to consider, string height and neck bow. A high string height will ask for a straighter neck bow while a low string height will ask for more neck bow. Each player will need to find what they prefer. Also preferences change with time and when we change one thing other things may also have to be changed to attain a proper clean picking tone.

Terry Treppa

banjomaster1980 - Posted - 06/07/2011:  08:45:50

I agree with Banjophobic, in the past I have seen and played banjos that have different string height and they have different sounds and characteristics, if you play hard and loud the string needs to be higher, but if you are playing softer and volume is not a issue then lower string height will work, another thing that ties into this is the string gage also.

Old Hickory - Posted - 06/07/2011:  09:39:32

If your banjo sounds good at the lower action you prefer and if it seems you can get it there without putting too much pressure on the rim (I can only assume you're adjusting action with the coordinator rods) then by all means put it back where you want it.  I've read comments or reviews that Stellings allow for pretty low action.

While I would like action as low as you describe, my current action is even higher than what you say is uncomfortable for you and it actually seems to be ok. I think I'm 1/64 or 1/32 over 1/8-inch at the 22nd fret (measured from bottom of first string to top of fret.  I think I read in BNL ages ago about some pros having action as high as 1/4-inch at the top.  I can't imagine that a banjo would intonate very well with that string height.

Anyway, whatever works for you and sounds good is right.

heavythumb - Posted - 06/07/2011:  10:13:40

I like my action at about 7/32 to 1/4 ".  It intonates just fine with med-heavy gauge strings.

Nobody wants to borrow my banjo at a jam.

YMMV

Heavythumb