Quote:
|
Originally Posted by hb
I kinda know what you're talking about in a vague form, but please describe to me in detail what all is incorporated in "setting up" a guitar. Would one "set up" a guitar different for one buyer than another?
thanks,
hb
|
Great question...Set Up means the distance the strings are from the fretboard (String Height) easier to play or harder to play) then you may be in tune to yourself but when you go to play with others there would need to be the ability to tune together to concert pitch which is 440hz or standard "A" tuning. Most Rock players play in 430hz which is commonly called "E flat" Half step lower than 440 "E"
Set Up or Intonation is dealing with string length. If you change strings, from the original brand on the guitar you should always check the intonation. When you buy the guitar find out what brand is on there, most times you can stay with that brand and skip a setup if it feels all right! When you change string gauges .09 High E or .010 High E (Heavier...Harder to bend, stays in tune more, gain more tone) can affect whether you are "Intonated" correctly to play in tune with other guitarists (Heavier Strings Affect Pressure on the Neck)...Look at it as a "Standard" it is extremely important.
The "Set Up" deals with your personal preference's on how the guitar plays or feels. It is best left to a professional with experience or good friend who knows what they are doing might do it for free. In my neck of the woods it's about $60-$100; well worth it! The Floyd Rose Tremolo (Wang Bar) makes it costly.
Bottom line; Necessary to play in tune with other musicians, sets a standard, should be done about every six months depending on how much you play, what conditions your guitar experience's, (Weather is huge) cold goes sharp, heat goes flat. usually it is wood and wood reacts to weather changes...always when you travel to play with someone else, open your case in the room at least a half hour/20 mins. minimum before you go to tune! "Acclimate" the guitar to the room/venue. Never leave your guitar in EXTREME Heat or Cold Especially Heat! IT Can absolutely RUIN your Guitar!
Sorry to be redundant; in reveiw, Height of strings to fretboard, length of strings from "Nut" to bridge, gauge of strings all affect setup...think of it as your comfort level of playing and how your guitar/hands feel after you are done. Easy to play like Butter or difficult to play...it can be adjusted to your likes and needs. They usually don't have to adjust the "Truss Rod" like someone in the forum mentioned; if so maybe you bought the wrong guitar..."Truss Rod" deals with Bow or Arch of the Neck, String Tension and Buzz. I play pretty well, thousands more shred better than me, if you are starting out don't mess with the Truss Rod it can snap your neck. Sharp Frets meaning fret ends that aren't filed smootly...typical of budget guitars, you can live that.
Set Up has to do with your style, playing in tune with others and ease of playing. Don't worry about it. If you have some knick knack challenge's playing the guitar--HARD really Hard to fret notes, extreme pain while playing, chances are a pro can work out some of those kinks on the guitar for a little bit of money...rattles, buzzes won't stay in tune...sometimes it is a minor adjustment in the "Set Up" think of it as adjusting the seats/mirror in your car after someone else has driven it. If you don't drive, IMAGINE Shaquille O'Neal (He's 7'4") driving your car--He would have to adjust the mirror's differently than you right? I'm 6'0 and I would want Mr. O'Neal to adjust the mirrors etc. so he could see properly? So he doesn't wreck right?
I have a 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom which is for me; My main Guitar. It plays like butter it is so smooth, easy to fret, gets better with age. When I bought my Squire I had it outfitted with EMG pickups, (orig. Fender pickups had a nasty buzz...we do a lot of recording and the EMG'S offer great noise free tone for recording or live) a Floyd Rose Tremolo and Chuck Levin's did not want to take the $400 parts/adjustments I prescribed on as a job. I paid cash and said: "I am serious...for my $390 Squire." They did it and it is one truly smooth playing great sounding Strats ever.
Your style will develop, your taste etc. so in the beginning you may ask them to work out any buzzes, keep the action fairly low and easier for me to play the thing. An accomplished tech has heard that a 1,000 times! I tell them: Just about to buzz then raise it a hair. When you purchase the guitar ask them, they will help you, if they don't maybe you should purchase elsewhere? Buying Used--different game! When I teach I offer going to the store with the less experienced to assist them, maybe you know someone you can do that with! Good Luck, I know I was wordy, hopefully I helped...I don't know you although if want to talk via phone I would be happy to speak with you let me know...if your'e under 18 get permission form Mom and Dad. I am a Dad with three kids, my prints are on file with the FBI because I teach! NO Worry, I just like to help!
When I take a younger player to the store I get to run through amps etc. Nothing cooler than Standing in front of Marshall/Boogie stacks with a Les Paul and cranking it out...I live vicariously through the player and I don't invest the cash; although, I get to hear what I want to buy when I buy...the key again is: "What Style of Music Are You Looking to Play?" (By the way I am a Boogie fanatic)
Thanks for asking, thanks for reading, Hope I helped? Feel free to keep communicating!