PRS Action height . High low or in the middle

[Dtoelectric]

I just got my first PRS and it’s beautiful. ( DW CE 24 black nitro ) my only gripe is that the action was set a little too high from the factory for me . I like my action as low as possible to the limit with out buzz and with in reason so it plays as fast as possible . I will try to make that happen soon when I can drop it off . I was wondering is there a group of guys/ gals out there who like to set their PRS action super low and how does the guitar play and sound . Also would like to see most others preference . Thanks

 

[Bill SAS 513]

This topic has been discussed in many threads throughout this Forum, and I'd imagine, many other forums, too.
Tough ask, especially without knowing how you play, (soft vs. aggressive attack, etc...) , gauge of strings, and so on...
You'll be able to go pretty low...(that's a VERY relative term), but you will have buzz if you have a hard attack.
That's a really good testament to PRS QA/QC...as the leveling of the frets has a lot to do with how low you can set your action, without buzzing.

I prefer a slightly lower action than how PRSi come stock from factory...and some here like it higher.
The lower action I set hasn't effected my playing, but I have slightly retrained myself to have a softer touch...just turn the amp up...LOL.
(well, arthritis has kinda coaxed me to do that, too...)

Sorry, I digress...In short, you should be able to get a really nice, low action on your new PRS...They're all really pretty easy to work with.
And congrats on the nice axe.

 

[Fram]

I am mainly a rhythm player, so have a medium action for heavy strumming, but my Vela could go really low with no issues at all.

 

[11top]

I tend to go for low. So, the first thing I do is flatten out the board with about a quarter TR turn. That usually does the trick.

 

[RickP]

I tend to pick individual notes harder at times, so I lean towards a medium action. I’m not a very fast player, though, and don’t rely on unpicked, fast hammered runs a lot or I would likely be lowering things a bit. Medium height works fine for the lead and rhythm work I like to do.

 

[László]

I like the factory height, but as with 11top, I like to have the neck set up with a tiny bit less relief.

I find that I get a good tone this way. But everyone's hands, ears, and playing style are hugely individual. What's good for me may be poison for someone else.

 

[Uncle Bob]

I like a pretty low action as I play a lot of ‘left hand’ technique. On my SE C24 I had to experiment a little from how it came out of the box, but luckily the nut was pretty well done, and that’s the worst part of the job IMO as adjustments aren’t easily reversible.

The neck is quite flat now, and the bridge is at factory height. The high E saddle is bottomed out but fortunately it’s low enough. Overall the fretboard and the fret job itself are good enough to accommodate a low action.

 

[AP515]

As usual, I'm different. My action is slightly higher than the PRS set up. Just better tone up there. Besides, Clapton may be slow hand but I'm slower...

 

[CandidPicker]

I usually prefer factory spec, which can be achieved with https://www.prsguitars.com/support/setup

Takes a little finesse, some patience, a decent tuner, and some small tools. YouTube has some PRS tech videos you can view that will guide you.

 

[vchizzle]

For me, super low and flat isn’t very comfortable. I’m also a bit heavy handed at times. I play light and delicate for certain parts, but not for others. I usually like heavier strings too. The tone always sounds bigger to me when things are a bit higher. I usually start with the PRS spec and tweak from there. Their spec is pretty close to what I use though.

 

[Serious Poo]

I set mine up all the same. Slight forward next relief with medium high action, bridge angled slightly lower towards the heavier strings. Stock PRS setups are way too low for my tastes.

 

[tdarian]

I tend to go slightly higher than PRS factory set-ups, and I also take some of the relief out as well. Strings 10-46 on some, 11-49 on others. You can get very low useable action if you want it though!

 

[swede71]

Lowest action for me is 2 mm on all strings measured from bottom of string to top of fret at 12th fret.That action with 9-42 strings standard tuning gives me good grip and control on bends and vibrato plus chords and riffs ring very nicely.A guitar with very low action is hard for me to play.

 

[Dtoelectric]

Thanks guys that’s all good info and very enlightening. You never know if you don’t play with many other guitar players what they like . I liked the idea of flattening the neck and maybe not messing with the floyd set up too much . This neck plays really nice now dont get me wrong but when I am using a lot of left hand hammer and pulls and sweeping arpeggios the lower action helps a lot .Iam taking it to my tech next Wednesday or Thursday and pick his brain to see what he thinks also

 

[Justcantshred]

5/64 on the bass side and 3/64 on the treble side feels great for me.

 

[John]

I like having the action on mine really low. It works out pretty well for playing some of the more intricate stuff, in my experience.

 

[Jmetz]

I just got my first PRS and it’s beautiful. ( DW CE 24 black nitro ) my only gripe is that the action was set a little too high from the factory for me . I like my action as low as possible to the limit with out buzz and with in reason so it plays as fast as possible . I will try to make that happen soon when I can drop it off . I was wondering is there a group of guys/ gals out there who like to set their PRS action super low and how does the guitar play and sound . Also would like to see most others preference . Thanks

I do

 

[Mike J.]

I use a capo a lot at church. Being said, I like the action low but not to where I get notes pinging out when I use the capo.