All of the following specifications are for guitars/basses with the standard gauges of Fender strings that the guitar or bass is equipped with from the factory.  Compensations may need to be made,  if you plan to change string gauges. Modifications of the specifications can be made (within limited parameters) to adjust for  player application (how hard the you pick or fret the guitar), or other considerations. Note: These are minimum specifications, meant to guide you, not to be taken as hard and fast rules.  Always refer to your Fender owner's manual for additional information and/or instruction.

 

            Because of the various models of acoustic and electric guitars, and basses, we have included with these procedures, specifications charts to assist you.  Start by installing a fresh set of Fender strings before proceeding.

 

1. Tune the instrument to pitch (You will need to check your tuning between each step of     these procedures).
2. Check the curvature of the neck.
3. For electric guitars and basses:
4. Capo the first fret.
5. Depress the strings at the last fret.
6. Using a feeler gauge, check the distance between the top of the eighth fret and the bottom of the sixth string (Refer to the  specifications chart for the proper measurement).
7. Adjust the truss rod if necessary

 

 

For acoustic guitars:

1. Capo the first fret.
2. Depress the strings at the fret located at the neck and body joint.
3. Using a feeler gauge, check the distance between the top of the eighth fret and the bottom of the sixth string (Refer to the specifications chart for the proper measurement).
4. Adjust the truss rod if necessary

Adjusting the Truss Rod

            There are two different style truss rods found on Fender guitars and basses.  Most have a standard truss rod.  The standard truss rod can counteract a neck that is too concave (has too much relief), by compensating for excessive string tension.  Some Fender guitars and basses have a unique Bi-Flex truss rod system.  Unlike standard truss rods, which can only correct a neck that is concave (underbow), the Bi-Flex truss rod can pull the neck in either direction.  If truss rod adjustment is needed, refer to your Fender owner's manual for adjustment procedures, as well as, information on which type of truss rod is installed in the model of guitar or bass you are working on.

 Check your string height.

1. For electric guitars and basses:
2. Check the height between the seventeenth fret and the bottom of each string (Refer to the specifications chart for the proper measurement).

For acoustic guitars:

1. Check the height between the fret located at the neck and body joint, and the bottom of  each string (Refer to the specifications chart for the proper measurement).  The top of an acoustic guitar may rise or fall to some degree, depending on the climatic conditions in your part of the country.  This is a normal reaction for an acoustic guitar. Note: You may live in an area where climate and humidity may adversely affect your guitar.  Use of a humidity controling device such as a Damp-It may be needed to control the loss of moisture from your guitar. Check with your Authorized Fender Service Center for further assistance. The bridge saddle may also need to be shimmed (if the action is too low), or sanded (if the action is too high). 
2. Check the pickup height.
3. For electric guitars:
4. Pickup height is measured from the pole piece to the bottom of the string     on the bass and treble sides with the last fret depressed. Different pickups                                         have varying degrees of magnetic pull (Refer to the specifications chart for the proper measurement). Note: Be aware of the fact that the vibration of the string is wider at the neck pickup than it is at the bridge pickup and compensations will need to be made accordingly.  Always refer to your owner's manual for information on which pickups are installed on the model of guitar you are working on.

For basses:

1. Bass pickup height is also measured from the pole piece to the bottom of the string on the bass and treble sides with the last fret depressed.  Note: Allowances must be made according to the gauge of strings (larger gauges need wider vibration allowance). Different pickups have varying degrees of magnetic pull (Refer to the specifications chart for the proper measurement).  Always refer to your owner's manual for information on which pickups are installed on the model of bass you are working on.
2. Check all the electronic control functions, i.e., pickups, volume, tone, etc. (If applicable). 
3. Play for rattles or buzzing (On some guitars minor buzzing, or string slap, as it is sometimes called, may occur.  This is normal).

 

 

                                    Specifications Chart

 

Relief Adjustments

Acoustic Guitar

 

Neck radius                      Relief (at 8th fret)                  String height (at 14th fret)

                                                                                      Bass side      Treble side    

9.5" to 12"                                .010"                                  6/64"                5/64"

15" to 17"                                 .008"                                  6/64"                5/64"

Electric Guitar

 

Neck radius                      Relief (at 8th fret)                  String height (at 17th fret)

                                                                                      Bass side      Treble side    

7.25"                                        .012"                                  5/64"                4/64"

9.5" to 12"                                .010"                                  4/64"                4/64"

15" to 17"                                 .008"                                  4/64"                3/64"

 

Bass Guitar

 

Neck radius                      Relief (at 8th fret)                  String height (at 17th fret)

                                                                                      Bass side      Treble side    

7.25"                                        .014"                                  7/64"                6/64"

9.5" to 12"                                .012"                                  6/64"                5/64"

15" to 17"                                 .010"                                  6/64"                5/64"

 

 

 

Pickup Height Adjustments

Electric Guitar                          Bass side                     Treble side

 

Texas Specials                           8/64"                                6/64"

Vintage style                              6/64"                                5/64"

American/Mexican Std.            5/64"                                 4/64"

Humbuckers                              4/64"                                4/64"

Lace Sensors                             As close as desired (Allowing for string vibration)

 

Bass Guitar                              Bass side                    Treble side

 

Vintage style                                8/64"                             6/64"

American/Mexican Std.                 6/64"                             5/64"

Lace Sensors                              As close as desired (Allowing for string vibration)