Action Height

Term from Instrument Repair industry explained for recruiters

Action height refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard or fingerboard on musical instruments like guitars, bass guitars, and similar stringed instruments. It's a crucial measurement that determines how easy or difficult it is for musicians to play the instrument. Think of it like the height of keys on a keyboard - if they're too high or too low, typing becomes difficult. Instrument repair technicians often need to adjust this height to make instruments more playable and comfortable for musicians. This term might also appear as "string height" or "string action" in job descriptions and resumes.

Examples in Resumes

Adjusted Action Height on over 200 guitars to manufacturer specifications

Specialized in String Action optimization for professional musicians

Performed Action Height measurements and adjustments on vintage instruments

Typical job title: "Instrument Repair Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Guitar Technician Stringed Instrument Technician Musical Instrument Repair Specialist Luthier Guitar Setup Specialist Instrument Setup Technician

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine the correct action height for different playing styles?

Expected Answer: A senior tech should explain how different music styles require different setups - like lower action for fast rock playing versus higher action for blues slide guitar, and how to assess player needs to make appropriate adjustments.

Q: What considerations do you take into account when adjusting action height on a vintage instrument?

Expected Answer: Should discuss preservation of original parts, careful documentation of changes, assessment of neck stability, and balancing playability with maintaining instrument value.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the common causes of action height problems?

Expected Answer: Should mention factors like temperature changes, humidity, neck relief issues, worn frets, and bridge problems, along with how to diagnose each issue.

Q: How do you measure action height and what tools do you use?

Expected Answer: Should describe using proper measuring tools like feeler gauges or action rulers, and explain normal measurements at different positions on the neck.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is action height and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's the distance between strings and fretboard, and how it affects playability and sound quality of the instrument.

Q: What are the basic steps to adjust action height on a guitar?

Expected Answer: Should describe the process of checking current height, adjusting the bridge and/or nut, and testing the results.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic action height measurements
  • Simple bridge adjustments
  • Understanding of basic tool usage
  • Basic string changing and setup

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex action adjustments
  • Fret leveling and crowning
  • Neck angle assessment
  • Bridge and nut modification

Senior (5+ years)

  • Custom instrument setup
  • Vintage instrument restoration
  • Training and supervision
  • Advanced problem diagnosis

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Inability to use basic measuring tools
  • No knowledge of different instrument types and their specific needs
  • Lack of understanding about humidity and temperature effects
  • No experience with customer service or musician communication