ok so set the action on my guitar at 4/64" off the 17th fret bar from  what understand this is the appropraite heigth but still  get some buzzing did i set the height to low? any suggestions will help

Ok firstly, that measurement should have have been from top of fret bar to bottom of each string. Ok once that is established, there is a small matter of neck relief. Capo the 1st fret, depress the low E string at the fret where the neck meets the body. If you can get the actual relief specs for your particular guitar do so, otherwise turn the truss rod towards the high E string for relief, Towards the low E to go straighter. If a credit card will slide between the 8th fret bar and the low E string then you have too much relief straighten the neck by about 1/4 turn of the truss rod. Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

wow. i didn't know there was an actual tried-and-true method to doing this. i always just felt it out and got it as low as i could. i'm gonna try this out. thanks!

AustinTexas wrote:

wow. i didn't know there was an actual tried-and-true method to doing this. i always just felt it out and got it as low as i could. i'm gonna try this out. thanks!

Since you have a strat go here 1st, these people really know how to set up a strat.
http://www.fender.com/support/stratocaster.php

it would appear  to reach the truss rod on  my guitars i would need to remove the neck from the body how would i adjust  and take mesurements?

ummm good question...I've only ever encountered 2 truss rod types, they either adjust at the headstock or the adjust at the end of the neck at the body. My 12 string acoustic requires me to slip my hand inside the sound hole to get to the adjustment nut. I believe there are tools specifically made for reaching those truss rod nuts. Other than that I have not the experience necessary to know of other ways. Try the manufacturers website of your guitar and possibly learn more there.

lol i found the truss rod  and i adjusted like you said so now i can adjust the action at the bridge?

Yes, using a ruler measure from the underside of each string to the top of the last fret bar. I'm gonna guess 2 to 2.5 mm should be a good start point. Check all strings for fret buzz, if none, then you can prolly go a little lower. Bass guitar should be higher than that. Of course on guitars with flat fretboards its only necessary to measure the 1st and 6th strings.