What is the best Electric Guitar with Low Action? (our top pick)
The PRS SE Custom 24
While low action isn't necessarily linked to any particular electric guitar, the PRS SE Custom 24 seems to be consistently set up with good action out of the box. We also recommend mid to upper-tier Ibanez electrics. since they're known to have really low-action necks that are easy to play.
When dealing with a technical/mechanical aspect of your guitar, like the action, it will vary widely from brand to brand and guitar to guitar. We even see the exact same models come out from the factory with different action.
To that end, we always recommend getting your guitar set up at a shop, or doing it yourself if you're comfortable with the setup process.
Sweetwater covers the steps here.
Some close looks at the PRS SE Custom 24. Image via Musicworks
They will also set up your electric guitar for you if you buy from them.
But in terms of a guitar that has low action by default, we've noticed that the PRS SE Custom 24 and Ibanez Prestige models play really well right out of the box. The Fender Vintera is another one that has a comfortable neck that doesn't seem to need much adjusting.
So we would put forward the SE Custom 24 as one of the best low action electrics, but the others are worth a look as well. We will cover three total in the comparison table below.
Compare the Best Electric Guitars with Low Action
Use this table to compare the guitars we've mentioned or add more from the search option beneath the table.
Guitar | Name | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRS SE Custom 24 | 89.8 | |
 | Ibanez Prestige Series | n/a | |
 | Fender Vinterra | n/a |
Compare More Electric Guitars
You can search for more electric guitars in our database and add them to the comparison bar that shows up at the bottom of the page. We don't have everything, but we have a lot, and are working on building up this database regularly.
We link to products on Sweetwater that help support our site and keep the lights on. If you click through our orange buttons, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you all for your generous support over the years! ~ Bobby and Danielle
Our disclosure↬
Other Questions about Electric Guitars with Low Action
Typically, lower action means the strings are set close to the frets, making it easier to play quickly and with less stress on your fingers. Roughly 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters for the low E string and 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters for the high E string at the 12th fret, are considered low action. However, the ideal action height can vary based on player preference, playing style, and the guitar in question.
Electric guitars with thinner necks (typically measured with nut width), lower action, and good fretwork tend to be more comfortable easier to play. Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, PRS, and Epiphone are just a few of the brands that consistently build guitars with these qualities. But ultimately, the "easiest" guitar varies from player to player.
Playing a guitar with low action is usually easier, especially for players who prefer faster styles like shredding and/or lead guitar. Low action reduces the distance between the strings and the fretboard, requiring less finger strength to press the strings down.
The SE version of the Custom 24 is typically set up really well with low action. Image via Music Force
Pricing for the PRS SE Custom 24
There's another version of the SE Custom 24 called the Custom 24-08, which has a more versatile control scheme (pickup selection). And while I haven't included it specifically here, the recommendation applies to that model as well.
There's also a Floyd Rose version which we have not included in the pricing section.
All three of the 24, 24-08, and 24 Floyd are priced somewhat differently, but are essentially the same base model.
Major Vendors
Amazon Only
Alert (lowest price among listed vendors)
History
Price History for Prs Se Custom 24 Electric Guitar Black Gold Sunburst
Statistics
| Current Price | $699.00 | December 8, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $879.00 | October 6, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $699.00 | October 13, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $699.00 | October 13, 2023 |
| $879.00 | October 6, 2023 |
| $849.00 | November 18, 2022 |
Quick Checklist for Setting the Ideal Action
Here's a quick checklist to go through to make sure you're getting the best electric guitar with low action, or at least something that you'll be able to have the action properly set.
- Measure action height at the 12th fret
- Adjust truss rod for slight neck relief
- Adjust bridge saddle height for each string
- Ensure proper nut slot depth
- Check and set intonation
- Consider string gauge and tuning
- Test playability for buzzing or discomfort
- Be aware of environmental effects
- Seek professional help if needed
Features we like in the PRS SE Custom 24
We've touched on some of the features we like, but here's a completed review card.
IDEAL FOR: Intermediate players or advancing beginners who are into modern rock and rhythmic playing styles
TONE
92
VERSATILITY
95
PICKUPS
82
COST/VALUE
95
- Percussive response, rhythmic styles
- Handles distortion and high-gain really well
- Manufacturing, body design, and stock parts all help cut cost
- Tone quality is almost unmatched in this price range
- Appeals to a wide range of musical styles
- Flat body design can be a let down if you don't pay close attention to the stock photos
- Tremolo version isn't great at staying in tune
What if I buy the PRS SE Custom 24 and the action sucks?
Again, how low the action is on a guitar is always going to be a roll of the dice, unless you're buying something crazy expensive. Even then, I've heard of people getting $2000-$3000 guitars that needed some setup work done.
If you get the SE Custom 24 or any other electric guitar, and the action is too high, I'd recommend taking it to a shop.
I'm not as crazy about the DIY option, unless you're really familiar with this type of work.
In most cases, I pay a friend of mine to work on my guitars
He's far better at making these kinds of adjustments than I am.
Any other electric brands I could explore?
As I mentioned, Ibanez and Fender typically ship their guitars with the action well-adjusted. In fact, I think it's more likely to end up with a guitar where the action is too low and you get string buzzing.
It's bass guitars that are worse when it comes to action being too high.
Here are a few electric guitar brands I trust when it comes to keeping low action.
- PRS
- Ibanez
- Fender
- ESP-LTD
- Gibson
- Epiphone
Ibanez typically does a really good job setting up the fretboards on their Prestige series guitars. Image via Ernie Hiracheta
Conclusion
You can typically get a guitar with low action by simply sticking to reliable brands and models. And really, that's the only thing you have to go on. You can't check action unless you play a guitar before you buy it, which you might be able to in a Guitar Center.
But if you can't get to a physical store, Sweetwater does a really thorough inspection of your guitar before they send it out.
For what it's worth, I've never gotten a guitar from them where it felt like the action was too high.
We partner with them to help support the site, but even if you don't use our affiliate links, they're a good place to buy from if you're concerned about having the guitar set up right.
If you have questions about the best electric guitar with low action, drop them in the comments section below and I'll help out as much as possible.
Thanks for trusting our content.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundups
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.