Understanding Taylor Guitar Action: When It's Too High
As a guitar player, you're likely familiar with the term "action." It refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard, which significantly impacts playability. If your Taylor guitar's action is too high, it can lead to a host of issues, from discomfort to poor tone. Let's delve into what high action means, its causes, and how to address it.
What Does High Action Feel Like and Sound Like?
When your Taylor guitar's action is too high, you'll notice a few telltale signs:
- You have to press down hard on the strings to fret notes cleanly.
- The strings buzz against the frets, causing a muted or "buzzy" sound.
- You might experience discomfort or pain in your fingers due to the excessive string pressure.
- The guitar's tone might lack clarity and projection.
Causes of High Action on Taylor Guitars
Several factors can contribute to high action on your Taylor guitar:
- Neck Relief: The neck's relief (the slight bow it has to prevent buzzing) might be too high, causing the strings to sit too far from the fretboard.
- Saddle Height: The saddles (the parts of the bridge that the strings rest on) might be too high, raising the action.
- Nut Issues: A poorly cut or worn nut can cause high action, especially in the lower frets.
- Truss Rod Adjustment: A misadjusted truss rod can cause the neck to bow excessively, leading to high action.
Diagnosing High Action: A Simple Check
Before you start making adjustments, it's essential to confirm that the action is indeed too high. Here's a simple check:
- Play a note at the 12th fret. The string should be about 1/32" to 1/16" above the fretboard. If it's higher than that, your action is likely too high.
- Check the action at the first fret. The string should be about 1/64" to 1/32" above the fretboard. If it's higher than that, you might have a nut issue.
Lowering Taylor Guitar Action: DIY or Professional?
Whether you should attempt to lower the action yourself or take your guitar to a professional depends on your skill level and the cause of the high action:
| Cause | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Relief | Yes, with caution | Yes, if unsure |
| Saddle Height | Yes, with caution | Yes, if unsure |
| Nut Issues | No, unless you're experienced | Yes |
| Truss Rod Adjustment | Yes, with caution | Yes, if unsure |
Preventing High Action in the Future
Regular maintenance can help prevent high action from becoming an issue:
- Keep your guitar's humidity and temperature stable to prevent neck warping.
- Clean your guitar regularly to remove sweat, dirt, and oils that can cause the nut and saddle to wear unevenly.
- Check your guitar's action periodically and make minor adjustments as needed.
In conclusion, high action on your Taylor guitar can lead to a poor playing experience. By understanding the causes, diagnosing the issue, and addressing it promptly, you can ensure your guitar remains a pleasure to play. Whether you tackle the issue yourself or take your guitar to a professional, taking action (pun intended) is crucial to maintaining your guitar's playability.
