The perfect setup for a guitar
A proper guitar setup consists of several parts where you look closely at::
- the action: the distance between the strings and the frets.
- the truss rod: controls the curvature of the neck.
- the intonation: which ensures that the guitar stays in tune throughout the length of the neck.
These are the most important parts that you not only look at during a setup, but also adjust according to your wishes. And there can be much more, like polishing the frets, smoothing the sharp edges, adjusting the height of the pickups, taking into account a certain type of strings and so on. A good setup will make the guitar play like butter.
What is the best setup for my guitar?
The nice thing about guitars, but also the difficult thing, is that they are all different. Just like guitarists! So what one person finds perfect, is just not perfect for someone else. That means that it often takes some searching to find the perfect setup for your guitar. There are some general guidelines that can help as a good starting point. Does your guitar not sound in tune at some parts of the neck? Then the intonation may not be right. Does your guitar rattle when you hit a little harder and you hear "string buzz"? Then chances are the action is a little too low. Does your guitar play heavier the closer you get to the body? Then maybe the action is too high?
Having doubts? Then you can measure the distance between the 12th fret and the high and low E string
Standard action at 12th fret for acoustics:
Low E: 0.98 inch of 2,5 millimeter
High E: 0.75 inch of 1,9 millimeter
Standard action 12th fret for electric guitars
Low E: 0.78 inch of 2 millimeter
High E: 0.63 inch of 1,6 millimeter
The easiest way to measure this is with a string action meter (gauge), often found in a maintenance kit. Note: the above measurements are only guidelines! If the action on your guitar deviates a lot, chances are your guitar will benefit from an adjustment. If the action is close to this golden standard, but you are still not completely satisfied, it could just be that you have slightly different preferences. Did you buy a guitar from us? Then you get a TFOA passport with it, in which our Fellows in the workshop record exactly what we adjust and that can help you find the perfect tuning of your guitar.
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Does my guitar need a setup?
Probably, because every guitar benefits greatly from one or two tune-ups a year. It doesn't matter if you have an electric or an acoustic guitar, if it's a cheap or expensive guitar, if it's a Fender, Gibson, Martin or Taylor or whatever brand you have. They are all made of different types of wood and changes in temperature and humidity keep that wood "working". It shrinks a bit, and it expands and because of these tiny changes your guitar plays, feels and sounds slightly different. This is normal and unavoidable. Even better: most guitars are built with it in mind, because you can easily adjust the curve of the neck and the height of the bridge. Especially with the change of seasons, guitars change and therefore our advice is to give your guitar a fresh setup a few times a year.
Can I setup my guitar myself?
Yes, you can. You can do small adjustments yourself, such as a ‘tick of truss rod’. However, we still recommend that you have your guitar checked regularly by a professional, and we advise this more emphatically for acoustic guitars than for electric guitars. This is because adjustments to electric guitars are often easy to reverse. If you want to adjust the bridge for better intonation and it doesn’t work, you can simply turn the screws the other way. With acoustic guitars, it is more subtle, more difficult and more definitive, because you sometimes have to file it down. After that, there is no way back. Unfortunately, in our workshop we sometimes see jobs that someone started with great enthusiasm, but that only a professional with the right tools and expertise can finish. This is usually not a problem, but our advice when tinkering with guitars remains: if in doubt, don’t do it yourself!
How much does a guitar setup cost?
If you buy a guitar from us, a free setup is included. Always! During this setup we take into account the specifications of the guitarbuilder, because they give an 'ideal' setup as a guideline. We also use our own experience and adjust the guitar the way we think is best. Most guitarists are very satisfied with this!
Looking for the best of the best? We have recently treated ourselves to a PLEK-machine, which measures and adjusts guitars with laser precision. The level that a craftsman or woman can offer in combination with this amazing tool is unique in the Netherlands. PLEK'ing normally costs 199 euros, but if you have bought the guitar from us, we charge 149 euros. Watch out! Because after that you will never want anything else!
Whatever type of setup you choose, afterwards you will have a guitar that plays better, sounds better and has better intonation. Such a guitar is not like new, but better than new. Want to know more about a perfect setup for your guitar? Over the years, the Fellows have repaired and setup hundreds of electric and acoustic guitars in our workshop. So feel free to contact us, or drop by in our magical guitar villa in Dedemsvaart. The coffee is ready!