Just got a new/used clawhammer banjo, has 25.5 inch scale. its new to me... I want to make sure it is setup properly but do not know the proper height of the strings over the 12th fret. Currently, if fees a little high but with such light strings (mediums) it is playable.
What would be a good target action height of the strings over the 12th fret?
No magic number because players differ. If it seems high, lower the action a tad. You may need a couple of tweaks to get it right. “Medium” strings is a meaningless term since different makers and players define the term differently. Better to just use string gauges. I have a somewhat heavy right hand, so my set is: .0115x2; .013; .015; .024 bronze wound. Finding your preferred set is a trial and error exercise. I’ve never met a player who didn’t tweak their set.
My understanding is that the middle-of-the-road option is 1/8" from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the strings. Some players prefer something lower, and some want it higher, but that's my default unless otherwise specified, because it seems to be the most common height.
Bluegrass and Clawhammer players are not unlikely to differ in preference. So that’s another variable.
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