DTL-1 Ash body. First build

[McCreed]

Cheers, McCreed - that does make sense.

I agree re: the E and B - they do feel very shallow and I'm wondering if an enthusiastic note bend could cause problems.

I've heard that 2mm is a good height around the third fret (I know - the bridge height will have effect too) but does that seem like a reasonable starting point?

Regards

Actually, you want to depress each string (or capo) at the 3rd fret and measure the clearance under the string at the 1st fret with feeler gauges.

Like I mentioned previously, there are various approaches and clearance preferences as different as the player themselves.
Also different manufacturers will state different specs. That said, as general starting point, the bass E should be between .008" - .010" and the treble E between .004" - .006". Again with graduated heights in between across the nut.

I will reiterate that these figures (and any set up specs really) are dependant on playing style; tuning type used (low C?????); string gauge; playing technique etc.

My method is a bit of a compromise of the graduated one outlined above. I break it into 3 "steps" E/A @ .008" - D/G @ .006" - B/E @ .004". This is just what I do and what works for me. YMMV.


Edit to add:

I've heard that 2mm is a good height around the third fret...

FWIW, I just checked a couple of my strats and the unfretted string height above the 3rd fret is ≤ .75mm

[Johnny Bravo]

Actually, you want to depress each string (or capo) at the 3rd fret and measure the clearance under the string at the 1st fret with feeler gauges.

Like I mentioned previously, there are various approaches and clearance preferences as different as the player themselves.
Also different manufacturers will state different specs. That said, as general starting point, the bass E should be between .008" - .010" and the treble E between .004" - .006". Again with graduated heights in between across the nut.

I will reiterate that these figures (and any set up specs really) are dependant on playing style; tuning type used (low C?????); string gauge; playing technique etc.

My method is a bit of a compromise of the graduated one outlined above. I break it into 3 "steps" E/A @ .008" - D/G @ .006" - B/E @ .004". This is just what I do and what works for me. YMMV.


Edit to add:


FWIW, I just checked a couple of my strats and the unfretted string height above the 3rd fret is ≤ .75mm

Very grateful for the insights. Thanks very much.