Ukulele Action Adjustment - How To Lower The Action On A Uke

No video

Ukulele Action Adjustment - How To Lower The Action On A Uke

Рет қаралды 13,728

Күн бұрын

Ukulele Action Adjustment - How To Lower The Action On A Ukulele
How to lower the ukulele string height to make it easier to play. By lowering the ukulele saddle I can lower the action of the ukulele so string height at 12th fret is between 2.5mm & 2.75mm making the ukulele much nicer to play.
I want to give this Batking tenor ukulele to a deserving student in school but unfortunately the action at 12th fret was almost 3.5mm which is really high for a ukulele. I show you how to lower the saddle easily using a string action ruler, sandpaper and a pencil .
Ukulele Action Adjustment - How To Lower The Action On A Uke:
00:00 Intro to adjusting your ukulele action and what equipment you need
01:29 Starting ukulele action height and amount to be removed
02:12 Removing the ukulele strings and removing
05:04 Removing the ukulele saddle and marking and measuring the saddle
06:49 Sanding the ukulele saddle to lower the height of the action
08:42 Checking to see if the action height is lower
10:39 Repeat process to remove more saddle height
13:20 Is the action low enough on the ukulele this time?
13:57 The adjustment amounts and check of ukulele
14:20 Overview of how to lower the action on a ukulele
Ukuleles featured:
Batking Tenor Ukelele Ukulele - Solid Top Mahogany - Sold By Musoo
Website: ukulele.wales/
T-Shirts & Merch: www.redbubble....
Ukulalien Play Along Channel: / ukulaliensukuleleclub

Пікірлер: 115

@rickendude Жыл бұрын

Cool video! The reason for removing twice the height reduction you need is actually simple trigonometry: The 12th fret is exactly half-way between the saddle and the nut, since you are only removing the height on one side - you need to reduce twice as much, so for 1mm reduction you'd need 2mm in the saddle. In theory if you'd reduce the heights of both the saddle and the nut you'd need only 1mm reduction (but normally we don't need to touch the nut!) Cheers.

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the clear explaination. I'd read something similar but the way you explain it is much better, Thanks.

@cottonuke Жыл бұрын

My kamaka ukulele probably has a high action and the dealer has they can lower it by adjusting the nut and saddle. I thought saddle alone will be a safer option?

@hni7458 4 ай бұрын

@@cottonuke You're right. They are separate thingies. Firstly: the luthier hopefully has set the action at the nut correctly; they measure the play beneath... is it the 3rd fret, or possibly the 1st and the tolerance there is highly specced within tight tolerance. Then one mustn't change sth there that is OK for starters. Then you can test different saddle hights with consequenting string action at the 12th fret; important too for playability. I'd say that the nut setup is extremely important for the basic quality of the instrument; faulty there and you can't get the instrument right. It's a delicate job to sand down the saddle too, esp by hand; generally they use jigs to do it evenly to secure soundboard contact along its length; it's very easy to get the paper to grip on either of the saddle ends. I've destroyed one or two saddles in my days...

@cyrcallaghan 8 ай бұрын

I was about to do a saddle adjustment and decided to look for a tape just to refresh myself. Your tips and tricks are an addition to my repertoire of working on saddles thank you very much. And your video is beautifully produced and you are an excellent teacher. Of course I'm subscribing

@UkuleleWales 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for your lovely comment and subscription. Very glad you enjoyed. 😊

@PaoloNovaro Жыл бұрын

I watched a couple of videos and yours was the only comprehensive tutorial that showed the whole process, thank you so much!

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped, Thanks for such positive feedback, much appreciated.

@fourstringstrummer Жыл бұрын

This is a great video - I really like the way you've broken this process down...and the 2 camera angles make it that much better! Thanks - Kelly

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Thanks Kelly, so glad you enjoyed, and especially that you appreciate the video making.

@despeed 2 жыл бұрын

Your ukulele skills have no boundaries! Thanks for giving us all the confidence to tackle ukulele maintenance. Cheers

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Des, if I can do it so can everyone.

@quattropower6002 Ай бұрын

I have a feeling...Is it possible that you like purple? 🤔😉🤗 Thank you for your content here in YT! I appreciate it a lot 👍

@50mantravelling52 2 жыл бұрын

Good explanation Rachel and so detailed and easy to follow and I love seeing other peoples methods to try to improve mine, especially using basic equipment. Totally agree with being cautious ! when I did my first saddle must admit I bought a spare saddle just in case I had miscalculated or got it wrong. Look forward to seeing a video on how you adjust the nut when action is high there.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I've done this a few times now and it does get easier doesn't it and as you say always good to improve methods too! TBH I haven't ever had to lower the action on a nut, just adjust the slot size to accomodate larger guage strings but if I do ever have to, I will try to make the video for it.

@vancamerawoman7399 Жыл бұрын

That was perfect. I’ll watch again just before I do it on my new tenor ukulele. Subscribed 😊

@UkuleleWales 11 ай бұрын

So glad to be helping. 👍

@juderandall703 Жыл бұрын

Finally altered the action on my Flight just now Rach! An excellent maintenance vid, thank yooooo! 😊 xx

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Yay! Thank you Jude x

@loree3212 2 жыл бұрын

You certainly keep busy Rachel! Always things to do aside from playing music. Thanks, very interesting.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Loree. Yes, I couldn't happily give it to a student knowing the action was a bit high. Glad you enjoyed.

@Terry_1111 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this instructional video! Blessings to you!

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful Terry, Thanks. 😊

@DavidLee-hj2sw 5 ай бұрын

Excellent

@UkuleleWales 5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

@judynpeterjones3307 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rachel, shared to our group!

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to have been of help.

@krispwnsu Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this tutorial! Love your vids please keep making more!

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Plenty more videos to come! 😊

@Bob-gn8ph 10 ай бұрын

Thanks ❤John 3,16 ❤

@UkuleleWales 10 ай бұрын

Thanks

@nortbulinga 2 жыл бұрын

a real handywoman 🪶

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! :-)

@davidswain1240 2 жыл бұрын

Rachel, can you do one on nut calibration too? Where do you get bone nuts?

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Hi David, I will if I ever have to, so far I've only ever had to alightly alter the nut slot to accomodate a different string. Southern Ukuleles store has a great range of nuts available, definitely worth checking out.

@ukeplayalongs 2 жыл бұрын

What is the tool that you are putting under the strings as you loosen them and try to get the saddle out?

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

It's a VERY rare tool Chris - empty battery box, AA if it helps! LOL I just grabbed something that I thought might be suitable as I seemed to have lost the last bit of foam that I was using. It's worked previously with a tied bridge, not so easy with the pins.

@ReinaMystique 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial. Thank you very much

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to have helped.

@polson8084 2 жыл бұрын

You're the greatest! Thanks

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad to have helped.

@gato7908 2 жыл бұрын

If the action seems high on the first few frets, is it likely the problem is with the nut, or could it it still be the saddle?

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, it is generally the saddle that needs lowering, even if it is high at the nut. I would lower the saddle first and see if it is still too high on the first few frets.

@mani-00 2 жыл бұрын

nice and informative video thank you! just a suggestion it looks like a 250grit sand paper tho it would do great, i believe a less aggressive sand paper like a 400 grit would give more sanding range to fine tune.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks and yes, I should have gone finer with the sandpaper to get a better finish. Thanks for the tip.

@davidrees570 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative . Thanks .

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks David.

@drewkerr5413 Жыл бұрын

Excellent. Well done.

@drewkerr5413 Жыл бұрын

Would that work on a baritone as well,

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Many thanks Drew. Yes, this should work on a baritone uke as well.

@TheHangiang 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much ❤️ It’s my case now

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to have helped.

@carolsingh2287 2 жыл бұрын

What do you call that string loosening gadget, the automatic one?

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

It's the jowoom t2 smart tuner, a really great bit of kit. Useful for both tuning and string widning.

@uknavynige 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video, I learned a lot.👍

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nigel, very glad to have helped.

@julesV1223 2 жыл бұрын

Very well done and so useful, but do tell me, when can we expect your documentary on the Fretwrap? 8^)

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, the fretwrap doco keeps getting knocked down the list!! Must try harder LOL ;-)

@julesV1223 2 жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales LOL

@paulwelch6731 2 жыл бұрын

Nice one Rach...

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped Paul, lokking frward to seeing your handy work next KHU!

@Pagan220 6 ай бұрын

Hi lovely as always! On my uke when I tune the open strings The fretboard is out of tune (sharp) if I tune to the 12th fret the open strings are out of tune. How can I solve this? The action at 12th fret is just over 3mm. It is a new Kala. Hope you can assist!

@UkuleleWales 5 ай бұрын

HI, lowering the action may help. What is the intonation/ action like on the lower frets like and is it the same on all strings. Sorry it has taken me a while to reply.

@Cederuiter 8 ай бұрын

Great video! I would like to do that to my bass ukulele... also a Batking, on which I put roundwound strings. The action is now quite high and difficult to play. Would it make sense to adjust the truss rod first? I am learning so much from you on this channel! Thank you very much for everything you teach us. Much love from The Netherlands, Lia

@UkuleleWales 8 ай бұрын

Thanks. Is it the solid body Batking. Going from rubber to round wound strings may mean adjusting the truss rod as the tension would be higher. It may need the saddle or nut to be lowered but if you can, try the truss rod first as that isn’t a permanent fix.

@georgefrench1907 4 ай бұрын

In my experience, the truss rod has minimal effect on the string height. My process: Use the truss rod to straighten the neck, then reduce saddle height (and, rarely, nut height) to lower string height. Keep strumming! 😊

@Cederuiter 4 ай бұрын

In the meantime, a luthier adjusted the nut (filing it to lower the strings). It became easier to play. In the end I wasn’t very happy with the sound, so I recently decided to change the strings to thunder reds. Now it has a warmer sound.

@notwocdivad 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the easy to follow instructions, I was going to have to pay to have my concert uke lowered, it's on 3.1mm at the 12th fret at the moment, and as a beginner my finger tips are suffering, but seeing how basic a job it is I think I'll have a go myself, slow and steady eh?

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to have helped and inspired. Hope the job was successful!

@notwocdivad 2 жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales Yes thanks to you, still might take a smidgin more off but giving it a try for now! I could feel a difference straight away, amazing how a few tiny changes makes such much better!!

@tobiasware 2 жыл бұрын

It's great to see the whole process, Rachel. Just one (minor) quibble: 3.5mm minus 1.5mm equals 2mm not 2.5mm so you removed only 1mm. Don't mind me, it's my OCD (or as we pattern-recognisers like to term it "CDO" because that's it in alphabetical order!). Wonderful information yet again, Rachel. I'm looking forward to your next one.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tobias. The way I've been told to measure is to double the amount to remove so in this case I wanted remove 0.75mm so I doubled to 1.5mm. End result was 2.75mm from the original 3.5mm - don't ask me how and I totally agree with you the figures don't really make sense but I was happy with the result. LOL

@OMGWTFLOLSMH 2 жыл бұрын

You're trying to correct her math but she didn't put up math, she put up the original action height, then the saddle adjustment, then the final action height. She also indicated 2.75 as the final action, not 2.5, so you were wrong twice here.

@extrasmack 2 жыл бұрын

Removing material at the saddle lowers action by half what you remove at the halfway point, ie 12th fret. She removed ~ 1.5 lowering the action by ~ .75 at the 12th fret. That have her a final measurement of ~ 2.75 from the 3.5 she started with.

@kenzuleisti2779 2 жыл бұрын

Hmm the only thing is sandpaper is so freaking annoying to use xD it gives me the shivers .. Your videos are fantastic.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Think of it as a free nail filing session too! I do know what you mean though, I'm always very careful whaen using sandpaper.

@kenzuleisti2779 2 жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales The thing is I never use those either xD the nail files that is.. is the noun a nail file? funny.. Ehm what about your Ukulele collection! I think you should do one video just about your Ukulele collection since my comment under your "Show us your Ukes" video doesnt seem to gather much support. IF you do a video where you introduce all your ukes and what your favourites are and why they are your favourites and do a small speech about ukulele addiction to us and answer this question please, if you would only have time to save one, ukulele, which ukulele would you save?

@tvbox3885 Жыл бұрын

Always had doubt on doing it myself, thank you so much for showing it step by step. Just wondering, why did you have to put back all the 4 strings before checking? Any difference if I just put back 1 string and check the action?

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Glad to have helped. In theory, yes you could just put one string back on to check but I also like to check the other strings to make sure I've sanded the saddle down evenly. Hope that helps.

@PhilPage227 Жыл бұрын

Excellent, thank you very much. I suspect my ukulele strings are a bit too high so I will do as you say. Do I hear a Mid Wales accent? Welshpool?

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Good luck with the action adjustment, just remember, little by little. Close, I am actually south Wales, but now live in south Powys. 👍

@PhilPage227 Жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales Thank you. We own a static caravan near Caersws and go there as often as possible.

@goerkelgoerkeli Жыл бұрын

I have just received a new baritone its the Thomann Baritone DELUXE and I noticed that the saddle is higher on the side where the D sting ist, its like walking down a hill, the difference to the other side is at least 1 MM, I got in touch with the shop and they said that is normal all bridges are higher on the D side, now I have got a kala bariton as well and on that the saddle ist the same hight alle the way, so is the shop lying or am I stuped?

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Hi, I have never heard that saddles should be higher one side and haven’t noticed it on any of my ukuleles. I’ve just checked the Thomann site to see if the ukulele has a compensated saddle but it does not so I think it is a fault with that particular ukulele. If they are not going to replace, it would be possible to remove the saddle to “flatten it” but you shouldn’t have to do this as it might be difficult to get the correct angle. One other thing you could try is to firmly press the D side of the saddle down into the bridge to see it maybe the one side has raised up slightly. I hope this helps.

@goerkelgoerkeli Жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales Thomann sent me an email today, telling me on this ukulele there is a sloopy inlay of the bridge, if it was straight the D and G string would snarl, I posted a video of my problem to the Ukulele Underground Forum, and there is another woman who has got a lanikai with the same sloopy bone, I still think it is funny.

@hni7458 4 ай бұрын

A question to you Madam. It's without any doubt a natural thingy on a guitar that the action is a lot lower for e1 than for that of low E. Obviously a bass string vibrates with higher an amplitude in that respect. Now many comments here have circled around such uke matters. Also w/o doubt a first-class luthier-built uke would have a sloped saddle as well, at least for a baritone or a bass - arguably, for the high-tension ADF#H-family this is of less importance(?). Could one suspect that low-priced ukes are lesser with regard to craftsmanship in this respect, given that many saddles reportedly are straight? - as for my low-priced Kala baritone; straight as the sea horizon. But as I just measured the action now, I found it to be ~2.5 mm - spot on in other word at 12th. Quite a bit of buzz but that's Oki with me 😁 (~0.5 beneath 1st on the other hand, which must be high; I've got quality doubts here, but it sounds OK)

@UkuleleWales 4 ай бұрын

Forgive me if I have not understood. You have a buzz but the action is good and you are concerned it is a problem with the quality? Is it a baritone and does it have wound strings please?

@hni7458 4 ай бұрын

@@UkuleleWales Thanks for sending reply! And, yes, std baritone uke. No, not really, I'm not concerned at all. Just thought about the specs for a line-produced instrument, as the action at 1st fret seemed high. I have to change opinion though, as pressing the 3rd fret allows only a soft moonbeam through at 1st - haven't checked using a blade/shims though - so everything seems to be OK. (In addition, I don't mind it buzzing a bit; gives a percussive flavour.)

@hni7458 4 ай бұрын

@@UkuleleWales Let's drop the issue 😁

@idkillforcill 2 жыл бұрын

Haven't watched all this yet but what about the nut? Mine seems too high at the first fret.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, certainly in this case I didn't need to lower the nut and TBH I don't normally need to. Try the saddle first, you may find it solves the problem, you can always try the nut later.

@juliadavies8551 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Rachel, you are amazing! What is the make of your strung winder please.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Julia. The main tuner is the Jowoom T2 smart tuner and the mannual winder is just a cheapy generic string winder.

@juliadavies8551 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rachel, I learn so much from your tutorials, please keep up the good work x

@maj27 Жыл бұрын

What number is your sand paper?

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

No idea sorry, not very coarse if that helps and I’ve thrown away the pieces that I used for this now. I always find though - sand a bit and then check rather than doing too much in one go and taking it too low. Sorry I can’t give an exact answer.

@alandust2188 2 жыл бұрын

First, what is the string winder you are using, brand & model, please? Secondly, what height should we be looking at for the first fret? Thanks!

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Alan, the tuner is a Jowoom T2 smart tuner. TBH, I don't normally worry too much about the action at first fret as long the 12th fret is okay. It's difficult to measure as it's much lower but I'd say approx. 1mm but it really is a very approx measurement.

@alandust2188 2 жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales Hey, thanks but I was asking about the STRING WINDER. Thanks for the info on the measurements.

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

@@alandust2188 Apologies, I thought your were talking about the electric winder. The mannual is just a cheapy winder, something like this - www.amazon.co.uk/Tiger-Guitar-String-Winder-Puller/dp/B003V59I72/

@alandust2188 2 жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales So Sorry! Yes, I was talking about the electric winder AND I didn't realize it was a tuner too.....AM I BAD! I'm a little slow BUT I've got it now. Thanks for all your help!!!

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

@@alandust2188 No worries at all, just glad to be helping.

@dfelixpt 2 жыл бұрын

Very useful tutorial! Specially because uses metric measurements. :) Thanks for sharing this precious info in such simple and nice way! Lowered the action of my uke which also was around 3.5mm. But found a plastic strip under de saddle. Is it common? I removed it so could sand less ammount of plastic. Ended between 2.5 / 2.75 what makes a huge difference. But... tone changed a little bit. Has more sustain what is great... but also more acute what is not so great. Could this be related with that plastic strip?

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to have been of help. The strip may have been added to raise the height of the action but is it is now better for you that is all that matters. The sustain would be better without the strip as the addle is now touching the actual uke top wood making the vinrations stringer / cleaner.

@dfelixpt 2 жыл бұрын

@@UkuleleWales thank you for your time to answer the question. My only issue was that after lowering the action is sounded less deep that before. But after this time... guess I got used to its new sound.

@fourstringstrummer Жыл бұрын

@@dfelixpt hi there - the other thing that affects the sound is the angle that the string "breaks" over the saddle. If the string angle (from where it is travelling straight from the nut, touching the saddle and then heading towards the bridge pin for example) is flatter due to a lower action vs at more of an angle on a higher action there is different pressure on the sound board causing a variation in the sound it produces...if that explanation makes sense...Kelly

@BlessYourHeart254 2 жыл бұрын

What grain of sandpaper did you use?

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

No idea, just what ever came to hand sorry. It wasn't very rough - does that help? I can check if you need me too but I wasn't to concerned about it.

@kmb3839 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Cindy I used the following. BOSCH ABRASIVE SPONGES (PKT 3 , medium fine and superfine) Bought it off Amazon. Obviously any DiY should have something similar. And it worked perfectly. Had no previous experience. Followed the video. Thanks a million Rachel

@johnchisholm7350 7 ай бұрын

Who on earth is this lady!,,,,,,.? Got to find out more, John fro Oz

@UkuleleWales 6 ай бұрын

Hi John loved your comment! 😊

@stephanieTN 2 жыл бұрын

Missing bass

@UkuleleWales 2 жыл бұрын

I know, I'm sorry. Hopefully by now a few more have appeared and the next few lessons have been filmed ready for editing.

@judgetoogood1033 Жыл бұрын

You need to talk when your showing us what your doing. Music is wortheless. I got nothing out of this, going to Stewmac for real lesson.

@UkuleleWales Жыл бұрын

Sorry it wasn't for you. I do all the explaining before I start each part of the job and if I was to show the whole process in real time it really would get very boring.