Electric Guitar Setup

Setting up a guitar involves working with the bridge nut and neck adjustments to dial in the playing action to suit the player.

Electric guitar setup.

I ve been blown away by the improvements in playability and sound clarity that come from minor adjustments to the guitar s setup. In part 1 of the guitar setup series we adjusted the truss rod to set the neck relief. Guitars and wooden stringed instruments in general are malleable. Tune the guitar to desired pitch.

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. A playable guitar that sounds amazing requires a setting up process only then will your guitar play well. 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. On an acoustic guitar you may have to shim or sand the bridge saddle.

Turn the guitar on its side close one eye and look down the neck from the headstock towards the bridge left. On an electric guitar this is a matter of twisting the appropriate screws. To do this we will measure your guitar neck s action and adjust it for both fender and gibson style bridges. Because the truss rod will affect the middle of the neck most be sure to pay.

Sight the neck please read the beginning of this article for thorough instruction on sighting your guitar s neck. Tools a machinist rule a screwdriver or hex key electric guitar calipers a shim stock or stationary belt sander acoustic guitar. Below you will find all the information you need to setup your guitar the right way. Setting up a guitar can be a daunting undertaking even to seasoned players.

Use a straightedge for added assurance pictured. 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. If you need electric guitar repair you should explore our electric guitar luthier services. A professional electric guitar setup aside how well you play is how your guitar delivers the richest sound quality.

In part 2 we will fine tune your string height so your guitar is perfectly tailored to your playing style. First sight the neck just to see what condition it s in. A guitar s action can also be adjust at the bridge. A guitar set up balances the numerous settings that affect tuning tone and playability.