The bridge of a guitar is a critical component that not only anchors the strings but also plays a significant role in determining the instrument’s playability, tone, and overall performance. When a guitar’s bridge is set too high, it can lead to a range of issues that affect the instrument’s functionality and the guitarist’s experience. In this article, we will explore what happens to a guitar when the bridge is too high and how to address this common problem.
The Role of the Guitar Bridge
Before delving into the effects of a high bridge, it’s essential to understand the primary functions of the guitar bridge:
- String Anchoring: The bridge holds the guitar strings in place, maintaining tension and facilitating vibration.
- Intonation Adjustment: Bridge saddles can be adjusted to set the intonation, ensuring that each string plays in tune along the entire fretboard.
- Action Height: The bridge height influences the action, or the distance between the strings and the fretboard. Proper action height is crucial for playability.
Effects of a High Bridge:
When the bridge of a guitar is set too high, several negative consequences can impact the instrument and the guitarist’s playing experience:
- Increased String Height (Action): A high bridge raises the strings further away from the fretboard. This results in higher action, making it harder to press down on the strings and play comfortably. Guitarists may experience finger fatigue and find it difficult to play chords or lead parts.
- Fret Buzz: High action can lead to fret buzz, where the strings hit the frets as they vibrate. This not only affects playability but also results in an undesirable, buzzing sound.
- Intonation Issues: The increased string height can disrupt the intonation, causing the guitar to play out of tune along the fretboard. Poor intonation makes it challenging to play in tune with other instruments.
- Reduced Playability: A guitar with a high bridge can be challenging to play, especially for beginners and those with limited finger strength. It can hinder progress and discourage practice.
- Tone Loss: High action can negatively impact the guitar’s tone and sustain. The increased string tension can dampen vibrations, leading to a loss of resonance and sustain.
Addressing a High Bridge:
If you discover that your guitar’s bridge is set too high, there are steps you can take to rectify the issue:
- Measure the Action: Use a ruler or feeler gauges to measure the action height at the 12th fret. This measurement serves as a reference point for your adjustments.
- Lower the Bridge: Most electric and acoustic guitars have individual saddle adjustments. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to lower the saddle screws on each saddle.
- To lower the action, turn the screws counterclockwise.
- Make incremental adjustments, checking the action height regularly, and maintain even action across all strings.
- Check Intonation: After adjusting the bridge, revisit the intonation to ensure that each string plays in tune along the entire fretboard. Make any necessary adjustments to the saddle positions.
- Re-string the Guitar: If your guitar has been played with a high bridge for an extended period, the neck may have developed a slight bow. Consider re-stringing the guitar with a slightly lighter string gauge to reduce tension while retaining proper intonation.
A high bridge on a guitar can lead to a range of issues affecting playability, tone, and intonation. By understanding the effects of a high bridge and taking the necessary steps to address it, guitarists can ensure that their instrument performs optimally and provides a more enjoyable playing experience. Regular maintenance and adjustments are essential to keeping your guitar in top condition and supporting your musical journey. If you’re uncertain about making adjustments yourself, seeking assistance from a professional guitar technician or luthier is always a viable option to achieve the best setup for your instrument.
