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Leeuwen jazzmaster string action, fret level.

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2024 3:57 am
by lajnush
Hello!

How low action can you get on your Leeuwen jazz?
Preferably answers in metric system if you measure from the bottom of your outer E strings to top on fret 12.
I can get a relatively good action but would like a tiny bit lower. I have a good neck relief, about 0,2 mm. The nut is good and properly slotted.
I haven’t done any fret levelling, except on one fret. But given the small frets I’m bit worried to do a fret levelling on the hole neck if it’s not really necessary. The frets are so small so to make them even smaller and shorten the lifespan of the frets seems like the last step.
Any insights?

Re: Leeuwen jazzmaster string action, fret level.

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2024 11:50 am
by Kyon
1.8mm on bass side at 15th 1.5mm on treble side but I have done my own leveling job. Before it was 2.5mm on bass, 2.1mm treble

Re: Leeuwen jazzmaster string action, fret level.

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2024 1:22 pm
by lajnush
Ouch, 2.5mm that is kind of high. Did you level all frets? Did you shave off much of the frets.
I have jazzmaster with lower action than this one. Kind of bugs with this one. My measurements is on par with your jazzmaster.

Re: Leeuwen jazzmaster string action, fret level.

Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2024 2:18 pm
by andy_tchp
The amount of material removed from a fret level/recrown and effect on overall fret 'life' is tiny.

Well worth the payoff (I won't call it a trade off) of having a superb playing guitar across the whole fretboard.

Re: Leeuwen jazzmaster string action, fret level.

Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2024 12:38 am
by lajnush
Maybe you’re right. I did measure once when i did a fret job before and after. It shaved off about 0.05-0.10 mm.
I guess it differs depending on how good or bad the neck is to begin with.