String height for a 5-string

[tretim]

What should the string height be for each string at the 12th fret on a 5-string? When I received the bass there was a lot of fret buzz so I've had to increase the height of each string. Currently my string height is:

 

B - 2.5mm

E - 2.25mm

A - 2mm

D - 1.75mm

G - 1.5mm

 

Does this sound about right? Or is it too high or too low?

 

Thanks 👍 

 

 

[chris_b]

String height is a personal choice. What do you think?

 

If you think your fret buzz is excessive, check the neck is straight, check the frets are level, raise the action or play with a softer touch.

[lemmywinks]

2.5mm on the B is pretty standard, 1.5mm on the G is low for some people.

 

If you find it easy to play, it sounds good and fret noise isn't an issue with your technique then don't worry about it. The last two used 5 strings I've bought both had what I'd consider to be an excessively low action, if you like to vary your attack but still want the B to "speak" properly then just nudge it up a little. As long as the rest of the bass is set up well it won't take much.

[fretmeister]

It's so specific to the bass and the amount of relief in the truss rod I'm not convinced it can be a set series of measurements.

You might even have a slightly high fret somewhere.