Why does a good setup matter?
We are big believers in the importance of proper setup for guitar and bass at Professor Nigel’s. Fender would agree, completing a proper setup ensures optimal playability, tuning, and overall health of your instrument, even if it is brand new. This is why we complete a comprehensive setup for every instrument we sell to ensure worry free and enjoyable playing upon arrival.
On the surface, paying for a professional luthier to set up your instrument may not sound terribly exciting, but is critical to extracting the most performance and enjoyment from your instrument. So how do you know if your guitar or bass needs setup adjustments?
Change is constant
Being constructed mostly from wood, guitars naturally change and wear over time. Even slight changes in humidity, temperature, or tension can affect their performance. We always recommend taking your guitar to a trained, professional luthier for best results, but take the time to inform yourself to better communicate with your guitar tech about what’s wrong or could be better for your playing style.
Some telltale signs that your guitar is due for a basic setup include:
- Minor Fret Buzzing: Buzzing fretted notes are a sign the action might need adjusting or frets may need to be leveled or reseated.
- Poor intonation: Out of tune fretted notes when playing higher up the neck are a sign intonation needs adjustment.
- High, low or uneven string action: Strings set too high, low or not set correctly for all strings, make playing unnecessarily difficult and uncomfortable.
- Change in string gauge: Installing heavier or lighter gauge strings should be accompanied by a setup adjustment to prevent intonation and string height issues.
- Excessive neck bow: Do you notice the neck appears to be bowing excessively toward or away from the strings? It’s probably time for truss rod adjustment. This will likely be in conjunction with high action and/or fret buzzing as described above.
- Doesn’t feel right for you: We all have preferences. Work with a professional luthier to find a setup that works for you.
A proper setup not only addresses these issues but should also optimize your guitar for your playing style and personal preferences.
Issues a Basic Setup Won’t Resolve
A great playing guitar needs basic setup completed, but setup alone won’t resolve every issue. Below are a few examples of issues that will require additional work from a professional luthier.
- Major buzzing or dead notes: Loud buzzing or certain notes that don’t ring out clearly could be a sign of significant or uneven fret wear, or that one or more frets need to be reseated.
- Out of tune close to the nut: Out of tune on the first few frets even after careful tuning? The depth of the nut slots may be incorrect from prior adjustment, damage or excessive wear from age and use.
- Truss rod won’t move: A truss rod that won’t move easily should be diagnosed by a professional luthier. It may be stuck or out of adjustment range.
- Electronics issues: Ground hum noise, non-functional pots or pickups, or other electronics issues.
- Broken things: Broken or non-functional items will not be repaired by basic setup.
Issues out of scope for a basic setup can be addressed at the same time. Ask your luthier for a diagnosis and quote to address other issues in addition to setup work.
Need to find a luthier? Check out the worldwide directory on 4 All Music.
