Raising the action on my MT

[FrDNicholas]

After having the frets dressed, my luthier friend reset the action, probably back to original specs. I prefer a slightly higher action. With an adjustable bridge, what are the possible pitfalls of raising the action slightly? And which way do I turn the gears to raise the action?
I have done this before on another mandolin, but don't remember which way to turn the gears.

[bradlaird]

Normally, counter clockwise when viewed from above will raise it.

It is easier to turn them if you slacken the strings a bit.

Pitfalls? None. Just make it the way you like it.

[FrDNicholas]

Thank you !!!! What a difference just a slight turn has made. I'm so grateful for your help.

[Mike Buesseler]

Man, that was easy!

[sblock]

Raising the action a tad probably won't make a whit of difference after a good set-up -- as you've already discovered.

But raising the action a lot might affect the intonation somewhat (since strings will get stretched more, sideways, during fretting), particularly if you use heavier gauge strings (like J-75's) that exert high tension. If so, that might lead to your wanting to move the bridge a just tiny bit farther toward the tailpiece. But more often than not, this bridge movement is unnecessary for minor action tweaks.