The 5 Best Notched Guitar Straight Edges (For Perfect Neck Setup)

If you've ever tried to set up a guitar's truss rod, you know the absolute frustration of trying to measure neck relief using a standard ruler. You're fighting the frets, guessing at the curve of the wood, and hoping you don't end up with a buzzy mess.

Enter the notched straight edge.

Unlike a regular straight edge, a notched straight edge features precision cutouts that bypass the frets entirely. This allows the tool to sit directly on the fretboard itself, letting you accurately evaluate the straightness of the wood without fret wear or height variation throwing off your measurements.

Whether you're a seasoned luthier or a DIY guitarist looking to perfect your action, here are the five best notched guitar straight edges on the market today.

1. StewMac Notched Straight Edge

The undisputed gold standard of luthier tools. Stewart-MacDonald (StewMac) is legendary for their high-end tools, and their notched straight edge is no exception. Crafted from heavy-duty, surgical-grade stainless steel with a beautiful satin finish, this tool is incredibly rigid and guaranteed accurate to +/- .0015" per foot.

• Scale Lengths: Dual-sided. One side covers Gibson (24.75") scale, and the other covers Fender (25.5") scale.
• Vibe: Professional shop reliability.
• Why buy it: You want a tool that will remain perfectly flat for the rest of your life and you don't mind paying the premium for ultimate precision.

2. Crimson Guitars Precision Notched Straight Edge

Handmade and engineered in the UK by boutique luthiers, Crimson Guitars tools are prized for their artistry and functional perfection. Their notched straight edge is machined from premium aircraft-grade aluminum or brass, hand-finished, and individually calibrated in their workshops. It features an incredibly comfortable, ergonomic thick spine that feels substantial in the hand and is highly resistant to flexing.

• Scale Lengths: Supports Gibson (24.75") and Fender (25.5") scales.
• Vibe: Boutique craftsmanship and unmatched bench feel.
• Why buy it: You appreciate handcrafted tools made by actual luthiers, want heirloom-quality precision, and love a tool that feels incredibly tactile and organic to use.

3. MusicNomad Precision Notched Straight Edge

MusicNomad has taken the luthier world by storm by creating premium-grade tools at highly accessible prices. Their notched straight edge is made of premium 6061-T6 aluminum, which makes it lightweight yet remarkably strong. The blue anodized finish is stunning, and it features laser-etched scale markings and convenient hanging holes.

• Scale Lengths: Dual-sided. Supports 24.75" (Gibson) and 25.5" (Fender/PRS) scales.
• Vibe: Modern innovation meets value.
• Why buy it: You want high-precision accuracy, ergonomic handling (it's lighter than stainless steel), and a beautiful design without breaking the bank.

4. FretGuru Precision Notched Straight Edge

Designed by a working guitar tech, the FretGuru is a masterclass in utility. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, it is incredibly solid. What sets the FretGuru apart are the extra laser-etched measurement guides directly on the tool, making it a multi-purpose setup companion rather than a single-use straight edge.

• Scale Lengths: Supports Gibson (24.75") and Fender (25.5").
• Vibe: The ultimate gig-bag multi-tool for setups.
• Why buy it: You love tools with clever, integrated helper measurements that speed up your bench time.

5. Skyreat Aluminum Notched Straight Edge

If you are a hobbyist who only sets up one or two guitars a year, you might find it hard to justify spending $50+ on a specialty tool. The Skyreat straight edge is a budget-friendly aluminum option that gets the job done. It is machined reasonably flat and gets you in the ballpark for standard home setups.

• Scale Lengths: Gibson and Fender dual-sided.
• Vibe: Practical DIY budget builder.
• Why buy it: You are on a strict budget, only do occasional setups, and want a functional tool without a premium price tag.

The Verdict

• The Best Overall: MusicNomad Precision Notched Straight Edge strikes the perfect balance of premium 6061 aluminum construction, flawless accuracy, and a gorgeous modern aesthetic.
• The Artisan Choice: If you want a tool that is as much a work of art as it is a high-precision instrument, the Crimson Guitars Precision Notched Straight Edge is absolutely unmatched in craftsmanship and bench feel.
• The Professional Choice: If you make a living repairing guitars and want standard shop-proven longevity, invest in the StewMac Notched Straight Edge for its indestructible stainless steel weight.
• The Budget Pick: Go with the Skyreat Aluminum Notched Straight Edge to get your feet wet with DIY setups on a budget.