Setting String Height, Frets, See Figure, Steps

Setting String Height				ness of a dime, then proceed to Step 2.
				— If the string heights are at least the thick-
The string height is the distance between the top				— If the string heights are less than the thick-
The string height is the distance between the top				ness of a dime at the 1st fret, this is an
of the fret and the bottom of the string (Figure				ness of a dime at the 1st fret, this is an
of the fret and the bottom of the string (Figure				indication that the height of the string nut
33). Correct string height is crucial for maximizing				indication that the height of the string nut
33). Correct string height is crucial for maximizing				needs to be adjusted. Proceed to Step 3.
the playability of the ukulele. Measurements are				needs to be adjusted. Proceed to Step 3.
the playability of the ukulele. Measurements are
taken at the 1st and 12th fret.			2. Using a stack of three pennies (approximate-
			2. Using a stack of three pennies (approximate-
				ly 3⁄16"), measure the string heights at the 12th
		String		fret (see Figure 35).
		String
	String Height			12th Fret	Ukulele Body
				12th Fret
		Fret
	Fingerboard
	Figure 33. String height measurement
	(side view).
The string nut and saddle come oversized from				String Heights
the factory. Sizing them requires measuring,				String Heights
the factory. Sizing them requires measuring,				Figure 35. Correct 12th fret string heights.
sanding, and re-measuring. Fix both the nut and				Figure 35. Correct 12th fret string heights.
saddle until correct string heights are reached.
Hand-sanding prevents removing too much				— If the string heights are approximately the
material.				thickness of three pennies, then continue
				to Step 5.
To check the string heights at the 1st and 12th				— If the string heights are less than the
frets:				— If the string heights are less than the
				height of three pennies at the 12th fret,
1.	Using a dime as	a gauge (approximately		this is an indication that the height of the
	1⁄16"), measure the string heights at the 1st fret			saddle needs reduced. Proceed to Step
	(see Figure 34).			3.
	Ukulele Body	String Nut	3.	Hand-sand the base of the string nut/saddle.
	Ukulele Body	String Nut		DO NOT remove too much material.
				DO NOT remove too much material.
			4. Test the string		nut/saddle by repeating
				Steps 1–2.
			5. Glue the string nut into place.
			Note: The nut and		saddle may need to be
				removed and resized if the neck of the uku-
				lele warps due to moisture. Use only enough
	1st Fret	String Height		glue to keep the string nut in place. The
	Figure 34. Correct 1st fret string heights.			saddle should not be glued.
	Figure 34. Correct 1st fret string heights.

-18-	Model T10458 (Mfg. Since 10/11)

Setting String Height

Figure 33. String height measurement

(side view).

The string nut and saddle come oversized from

String Heights

the factory. Sizing them requires measuring,

Figure 35. Correct 12th fret string heights.

to Step 5.

To check the string heights at the 1st and 12th

frets:

(see Figure 34).

Steps 1–2.

Figure 34. Correct 1st fret string heights.