turnley wrote:
I guess I have two questions.
First, how high should should the strings be on a Stick with a straight fret board? I can do what Greg says and adjust out of a slight arch. If I do, what can I expect at the higher frets?
Second, did I really get a maladjusted Stick from SE? I have trouble believing that. I adjusted the tuning a little. Could that have thrown things off?
The idea that an instrument needs a truss adjustment is a routine state of affairs. If you imagine the pressures, heat, etc that boxes are subjected to in shipping, it makes perfect sense that an instrument would need to be adjusted. So I wouldn't call it "maladjusted", I'd call it in need of adjustment.
Don't be resistant to adjusting the truss, and don't be surprised if you have to. remember we're talking about a 36"-scale instrument with strings ranging from .009 - .128 gauge strings all vibrating freely and with very low action.
Not sure how helpful the number would be, but after adjusting my rosewood Grand string 1 (a .009 gauge) has a clearance of about 0.028 inches at fret 12 and 0.042 at fret 24. I measured this clearance with a micromoeter and my new glasses, so it should be pretty close.Both distances were less than a dime thickness in any case.
If you have enough of a bow the clearance at fret 12 will actually be greater than it is at fret 24.
Hope that's helpful.