Players with a light touch can get away with lower action; others need higher action to avoid
rattles. First, check tuning. Using a 6" (150 mm) ruler, measure the distance between bottom of
strings and top of the 17th fret. Adjust bridge saddles to the height according to the chart, then
re-tune. Experiment with the height until the desired sound and feel is achieved.
Note: For locking tremolo systems, the individual string height is preset. Use the two pivot
adjustment screws to achieve the desired overall string height.
Neck Radius
String Height
Bass Side
Treble Side
7.25"
9.5" to 12"
15" to 17"
5/64" (2 mm)
4/64" (1.6 mm)
4/64" (1.6 mm)
4/64" (1.6 mm)
4/64" (1.6 mm)
3/64" (1.2 mm)
SHIMMING/MICRO-TILT™ ADJUSTMENT
Shimming is a procedure used to adjust the pitch of the neck in relation to the body. A shim is
placed in the neck pocket, underneath the butt end of the neck. On many American series
guitars, a Micro-Tilt adjustment is offered. It replaces the need for a shim by using a hex screw
against a plate installed in the butt end of the neck. The need to adjust the pitch (raising the
butt end of the neck in the pocket, thereby pitching the neck back) of the neck occurs in
situations where the string height is high and the action adjustment is as low as the adjustment
will allow.
To properly shim a neck, the neck must be removed from the neck pocket of the body. A shim
approximately 1/4" (6.4 mm) wide by 1 3/4" (44.5 mm) long by .010" (0.25 mm) thick will allow
you to raise the action approximately 1/32" (0.8 mm). For guitars with the Micro-Tilt
adjustment, loosen the two neck screws on both sides of the adjustment access hole on the
neckplate by at least four full turns. Tightening the hex adjustment screw with an 1/8" hex
wrench approximately 1/4 turn will allow you to raise the action approximately 1/32". Re-
tighten the neck screws when the adjustment is complete. The pitch of the neck on your guitar
has been preset at the factory and in most cases will not need to be adjusted.
Note: If you feel that this adjustment needs to be made and you're not comfortable doing it
yourself, take your guitar to your local Fender Authorized Dealer.
PICKUPS
