The Importance of a Guitar Setup: Guitar Lessons Made Better

I’ve had a lot of students buy new guitars recently.  Some second-hand and others brand new.  I’ve noticed that even some of the second-hand guitars have never had a professional setup done.

Before I go any further let me explain, briefly, what a professional guitar setup actually is.

Quite often when guitars are manufactured they require some adjustments to suit the individual who is going to play it.  This often includes adjusting the action on the neck (how far the strings sit from the fretboard).  It also requires an intonation check to ensure the guitar stays in tune the further you move up the fretboard towards the body of the guitar.  In some extreme cases it can also require a slight neck adjustment to make the instrument neck perfectly straight.

There are other things you can do and check before rendering the guitar playable.  This can include sanding the underside of the saddle (acoustic guitar), if required.  It’s also good to check the nut (the bit the strings sit in at the top of the guitar, before you reach the headstock.  You can apply graphite or lubricant to the nut to prevent wear and to ensure that tuning the instrument won’t damage the nut unnecessarily.  The nut is made usually from nubone (posh word for plastic).  Once upon a time they used to be made from ivory tusk (bone)… hence the name nubone.

It’s also good to check the electrics (if the guitar has any) and check all hardware components for any loose screws, nuts or wires. 

Checking that all the plastic has been removed from the guitar before play (especially from under the volume/tone controls) is also helpful.  If you don’t remove the plastic properly then it can cause noise when adjusting the pots.  For reference, many brand new guitars come with plastic over the scratch plate and pickups to avoid damage during transit.  It’s sometimes hard to see the plastic but by using the nail of your finger you can usually begin to peel away the plastic covering.  A clear sign the guitar has plastic on it is the dull look of the scratch plate.  Most are shiny (to begin with).

You may also want to change the strings out for a gauge more suited to your style.  Thinner strings can be applied to the instrument for those who prefer an easier play on the strings.  Thicker strings provide more tone generally.  I personally love to use Elixir strings.  They come pre-lubricated and can last up to 6 months.

Getting a professional setup done can improve your playing and make your guitar lessons even more enjoyable.