What’s a Set-up?

If you want the best sound and the best “playability” from your instrument, your guitar will need to have certain adjustments made — this is called a “set-up”.  Unless you have a customized instrument made specially for you, your instrument will have its specs set for the average customer.  A set-up will make adjustments that are right for YOU.

A “setup” is the set of adjustments that will make a guitar play as well as possible, taking into account the design of the guitar and your preferences. It will cure (or minimize) fret buzz, high action, and other problems.

You can do it yourself — there are many “how-to’s” on the web — but most people like to have it done by someone who does it on a regular basis.

Here is what is generally covered in a set-up:

1. Neck Relief/Truss Rod Adjustment. You need to have a small bit of relief or clearance in the middle of the fingerboard so that a vibrating string has ample clearance to vibrate freely and naturally. This is achieved by adjusting the truss rod, which runs down the length of the neck. Tightening and loosening in it flexes the neck and allows curvature to be applied to the neck, altering its characteristics and its playability.  Great care needs to be given during this adjustment as each manufacturer’s setting is different and adjustments must be made – and checked — very slightly each time.
2. String Height Adjustment. Each string has to clear the length of the fretboard cleanly and not buzz when it is depressed at the fret.  This adjustment is generally done by adjusting the bridge but occasionally done at the nut as well.  The result should be that every string can be played easily and that every note up and down the fretboard rings true with no buzzing.
3. (Optional) Pickup Height Adjustment. Because guitar tone is such a personal preference, this is often done by the indivual player, but a guitar tech will check the pickup height to ensure it is not too close to the strings, as it will cause undesirable distortion and kill sustain.
4. Intonation. Intonation refers to the ability of a guitar to play in tune up and down the neck. Different string gauges, scale lengths, set ups, fret sizes, playing techniques and other variables can effect your instrument’s  intonation. Also, the guitar is what is called a tempered instrument and the distance between frets is based on a mathematical equation to find the best “balance” between sharp and flat notes.  The trick in setting intonation is to move the bridge saddles to make the string slightly longer or shorter.  This generally requires a strobe tuner and a great deal of patience.
5. Instrument Inspection and Cleaning. The guitar will be inspected for cracks, dings, worn frets, etc., and the fretboard will be cleaned and dressed.
6. String Change. It’s best to bring your own strings so that the guitar will be set up specifically for the strings you prefer to play.