Electric Guitar Setup

A professional electric guitar setup aside how well you play is how your guitar delivers the richest sound quality.

Electric guitar setup.

First sight the neck just to see what condition it s in. Tune the guitar to desired pitch. I ve been blown away by the improvements in playability and sound clarity that come from minor adjustments to the guitar s setup. A playable guitar that sounds amazing requires a setting up process only then will your guitar play well.

Setting up a guitar can be a daunting undertaking even to seasoned players. A guitar set up balances the numerous settings that affect tuning tone and playability. If you need electric guitar repair you should explore our electric guitar luthier services. Sight the neck please read the beginning of this article for thorough instruction on sighting your guitar s neck.

Tune the guitar to pitch. Tools a machinist rule a screwdriver or hex key electric guitar calipers a shim stock or stationary belt sander acoustic guitar. In part 1 of the guitar setup series we adjusted the truss rod to set the neck relief. In part 2 we will fine tune your string height so your guitar is perfectly tailored to your playing style.

A guitar s action can also be adjust at the bridge. Use a straightedge for added assurance pictured. On an acoustic guitar you may have to shim or sand the bridge saddle. Look down the profile of the fretboard on both the bass and treble sides of the neck is the neck straight or is there a curve.

Because the truss rod will affect the middle of the neck most be sure to pay. Turn the guitar on its side close one eye and look down the neck from the headstock towards the bridge left. Below you will find all the information you need to setup your guitar the right way. Sight a guitar neck.

Set the relief capo the first fret and press the 15th fret with your finger then use your feeler gauge on the 8th fret to measure the height. With the guitar on its side look down the fingerboard edge for overall straightness back bow relief forward bow and humps as well as high or uneven frets. Remove the truss rod cover. Setting up a guitar involves working with the bridge nut and neck adjustments to dial in the playing action to suit the player.