Setting up a guitar

[hunt1622]

I hear a lot about setting up a guitar. In one of David's DVD's he says set the guitar for higher action. I would like to know what are some things I can do to set up my guitar. Like if I am switching string gauges what should I do?

[stevieraywannabe]

Here is a great web site on how to set up a guitar from start to finish.
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial1.htm

[hunt1622]

One question, I hear a lot of people saying that you have to change they bridge position or something when going to higher gauge strings. Can someone explain this?

[disobedience]

Heavier gauge strings have a larger diameter. This causes them to sit further from the frets when they are resting on the bridge and nut.
Generally if you are making a change to heavier strings you want to setup your guitar again...check the height of the strings as you would normally and if necessary get the nut filled for the new strings.

Also, checking the truss rod tension should be considered. Heavier strings create more tension on the neck and will eventually cause it to bow if you don't set it up correctly.

[hunt1622]

And this will make the action better for that gauge strings. Also what if the strings are to far away from the fret.

[ChrisU]

And this will make the action better for that gauge strings. Also what if the strings are to far away from the fret.

Generally, you will get more sustain (which is good), but it will be harder to play since you'll have to push down further on the string for it to touch the fret. So if you want to play rocket fast solos you probably don't want to go for a high action. But really, it's all up to preference. So try different actions and see what works best for you.

[ace_mon]

One question, I hear a lot of people saying that you have to change they bridge position or something when going to higher gauge strings. Can someone explain this?

you would have to adjust the the guitars intonation witch is done by the bridge.. To Sum it UP: it just moving the bridge for the string length.. from the way i understand it is, so say your 12 Fret and at the 12 fret Harmonic note are the same notes.. take the High e for example you have your e at the 12th fret and you play the harmonic at the 12 they should be the same, the harmonic should not be sharp or flat.. it should be the same note.. your adjusting the harmonic note.. a pain to adjust for new players.. Check Link Below on How to go about

http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/intonate.htm

[guitargeek]

Just got my Seagull M6 Sprucetop acoustic back from the local luthier. It wasn't keeping tune all along the neck (i.e. I could tune it open, but when I put on a capo or played bar chords, it sounded slightly out of tune).

The action was also really high, so when I took it to him I asked him to lower it.

Wow what a difference!

[roberto]

Well done...


Could you tell us how much did you pay to have this done just as a matter of information?

Thanks

[guitargeek]

Absolutely. I'm in Indiana. The luthier I went to charged me $40. That included new strings.

[BigJoe]

Does anyone know a good luthier around the Phoenix, AZ area? I just moved to Chandler, AZ and am still learning my way around down here. I dusted off my acoustic recently and I am getting a horrible buzz from it. It looks like the action is to low. I am afraid to try and raise it myself.

Thanks, Joe

[roberto]

Thanks for sharing Guitargeek

[hookooekoo]

Does anyone know a good luthier around the Phoenix, AZ area? I just moved to Chandler, AZ and am still learning my way around down here. I dusted off my acoustic recently and I am getting a horrible buzz from it. It looks like the action is to low. I am afraid to try and raise it myself.

Thanks, Joe

I would try adjust the truss rod myself and see if this fixes it, If not, cause it is an acoustic, then you might need to seek a professional.

IF you can put up with the Fret Buzz dude, here is a great video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qvuahP-ZO-c

[guitargeek]

Great video!

[BILLT]

Really don't need a luthier for this. Just stop by a local music store that has been around for a while. They will usually have a tech there that is well qualified to set up a guitar. This is one reason to support the local guys. Based upon my experience, most of the guys at the superstores were flippin burgers the day before.

[BigJoe]

I ended up taking my guitar in to Bronson Guitar Works in Scottsdale, AZ and they did an incredible setup on it. It sounds so much better now. No more buzz. It was only $40 for a setup and strings.

[jfbrown42]

Whenever I buy a new or used guitar I always pay to get it set up the way I like it (low action = more playability). It usually runs between $25 - $100 depending on where you live.

It's well worth the money. Unless you are a wannabe guitar tech, just let the pros do it.

[Red Paul]

Any UK members here might be interested to know that the September 2007 edition of Guitarist Magazine (issue 294) includes a free guiide to setting up your Stratocaster. Although it's aimed at Strats the general info is also useful for other electric guitars... and, to a lesser degree, will give you some ideas about acoustic guitars.

[ez-one]

lots of good info here

[Meekguitarrepair]

That sounds like a very fair deal too. New strings should always come with every setup!