Tele action---too high?

[uncle psychosis]

Hi guys

I recently changed from 9s to 10s on my telecaster. Its got a vintage style three saddle bridge. I didn't alter the truss rod or bridge, just the strings. I noticed the other day that the action is pretty high now (without fretting anything, I can fit 2 credit cards under the low E string at the 12th fret). Down at the lower frets the action is fine.

Does this sound outrageously high? Do you think I need to adjust the truss rod or will altering the saddle heights a bit fix it? And can anyone point me in the direction of a decent online resource that'll show me how to adjust the bridge properly?

[Sean French]

If it was to your liking with the 9's then simply adjust the truss rod to compensate for the added tension of the 10's.Tighten the rod a quarter turn to the right.
No more than that should be needed.
Action that's two credit cards high at the 12th fret for the low E is not high at all.

[bluesjuke]

I can only fit one credit card under mine but I have a high limit.....just messin' with ya'.

It's always a good idea i you like your action and neck relief as is to measure the relief before changing guage on strings.
Sounds like the incerased tension has increased the relief.

If you've been playing with a fairly straight neck you may want to take the opportunity to fool with the saddles firsst to see if you and the guitar prefer the greater relief.

If not you can always change it back to where the saddles were and where the relief used to be.
I say this as I prefer a little more relief than most and find that the guitar does too.
Nice clear ringing, easier bending and if you get it just right many times it will increase note bloom.

Don't forget to reintonate too.

[ahardmark]

2 credit cards at the 12th fret isn't high at all.... Measure the relief on the neck, and adjust the truss rod accordingly. Search here on TGP if you are unsure about how to do this. If the relief is fine, you can try adjusting the saddles a bit, but the added tension of the 10's has probably added some relief to the neck.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by ahardmark

2 credit cards at the 12th fret isn't high at all....

I agree. Not high at all.

I like to get under the string a little. My fingertips are kinda small; if your fingertips are average to big, I guess you may have a different playing style than many Tele players.