Guitar Set Ups

Even for new guitars a good set up can dramatically improve the tone, intonation, feel and playability of your guitar.

Every new instrument whether a first time buy or an expensive professional instrument requires to be set up properly. Factory set ups make allowance for the settling in of the instrument when it is being shipped to all manner of different temperature and humidity conditions and are in no way meant to be the optimum playing condition of the instrument.

A set up involves fine and accurate adjustment of the string height at the bridge and nut, truss rod adjustment to set the correct neck relief (forward bow). These adjustments done correctly will make your guitar 'feel' much more comfortable to play, sound more in tune and also improve the tone.

The first step is a full evaluation of the instrument. All crucial measurements are taken both before and after the set up - this shows precisely what adjustments have been made - on completion you will be given a copy and a copy is also kept on our instrument data base along with serial number details. A good set up is not determined by measurements alone though and every instrument is meticulously play tested before final adjustments are made

The work also includes a full check-over of the instrument, adjustment of machine heads and intonation, minor fretwork, a clean up and organic oil treatment of the fingerboard (unfinished boards) lubrication of the nut, string trees and bridge and pick up adjustment on electrics.

Another important factor to determine the correct set up is your own playing style. Time will be spent with you prior to the set up to determine just what settings and adjustments need to be made for optimum playability.

Strings.
It is very important to note that changing the make or gauge of string you use will alter the tension on the instrument and alter the set up - we therefore recommend using the same type and gauge of string as was used at the time of your set- up.

Changing strings.
It is recommended after a set up to change strings one at a time and tune to tension before moving on to the next string. This keeps a consistent tension on the instrument thereby lessening the chance of any movement to alter the set up.

Fret Dressing
Fret dressing refers to the levelling and reshaping of worn frets. Over time frets wear down and you may notice they become very flat on the top or even have grooves where the strings have worn them down. The top of a fret should have a gentle arch, the centre of which needs to be directly over the centre of the fret slot, accurate to within thousands of an inch, otherwise the intonation (tuning) of certain notes and chords will be incorrect. Also, where these frets have become worn 'string buzz' will occur. These worn frets need to be precision levelled in relation to the other frets on the board and the flat tops rounded to give a correct centre point and minimum string/fret contact to reduce buzzing. The frets are then brought up to a high polish using various grades of abrasives and polishing compounds - not only so they look great but so that string bends are silky smooth.

In order for us to set your guitar up to its optimum playing condition we generally recommend fret dressing even on new guitars or those that have never had any previous fretwork done.  Often, even new instruments will have uneven frets or fingerboard that make propper set-up impossible .  

Partial Re-fret
Often, where only a few frets are very badly worn, rather than level the full board, the worn frets are removed and replaced with new fret wire to match the original. These can then be levelled in with the remaining frets allowing the minimum removal of fret height. This work is then completed by dressing the frets and fully setting up the instrument.  

Guitar Re-fret
Where frets have been dressed so often that there is no longer enough height for further dressing then a re fret is necessary. At this point you can take the decision to replace with a similar fretwire or replace with a wider or narrower wire. 

Guitar Intonation
Guitar intonation is an extremely complicated issue and there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account for your guitar to sound in tune with itself. Where intonation has been set to the standard - open/12th fret comparison and problems are still evident there can be a number of possible causes and some helpful solutions - though any solution is at best a compromise given that the tuning system,( i.e. 1semitone = 100cents) that the guitar is based on is itself a compromise.  Yes, this is indeed a complicated issue, whole books have been written on the subject of musical acoustics and many various tuning tempering methods have been used through the ages.
 

Buzz Feiten Tuning System
One of the most successful solutions to guitar intonation problems I have found to date is the 'Buzz Feiten' tuning method. A growing number of well known and well respected players and manufacturers are taking up with this system.  I can also speak from personal experience on this as I have found it to be an invaluable help on my own guitar - where often some chords seemed in tune others were unpleasantly 'off' sounding - now it's a dream to play and intonates beautifully across the whole board – I hate to sound like a sales ad for Feiten but it’s just true – And I have only had positive responses from all the customers that I’ve fitted the system for.   For further information on the Buzz Feiten system check out their website or give me a call to demo a ‘Feitenized’ guitar