[r1p32]

What is a set-up? After you buy a new guitar, should it get a set-up? When you go up in string gauges does that also require a set-up? I'm asking because my (new!) Fender MIM Strat although great isn't staying in tune too well. But that could also be because I didnt replace the strings. And the guitar was sealed up in the warehouse for who knows how long with the same strings. Perhaps a new pak of strings could be the solution but should I also consider the set-up?

Thanks A Lot!!!

[tina_]

Someone more knowledgeable might reply... heres my take though:

A pro tech will do a number of things as part of a guitar setup. What he does depends on how much you pay. As a minimum, the tuning and intonation will be set - to the action height you want. So you get the strings set at the right height and its all in tune (from fret 1 to the end).

Setups might also include making sure nothing interferes with the strings on the way from top to bottom of the neck. Eg. Frets that are too high will be sorted out. I'm sure they can include a load of other things as well.

I think its best to play a guitar for a while before you get a setup. That way things'll settle down from the box and you'll know what you'd like.

Your tuning issue could be due to a lot of things. Maybe the bits that hold the strings are playing up... or the mechanics you don't see aren't doing what they should do. There are a lot of reasons why tuning can be difficult.

Before paying for a setup - I'd question the place you brought it from. If its new - get them to sort out or confirm other issues aren't causing it. If I was you, this is where I'd start.

[Stratrat]

If your guitar was in the box as opposed to being out on the showroom floor, there's also a chance that the strings were de-tensioned and just haven't fully stretched yet since being tuned up. You'll experience the same problem with tuning every time you put new strings on a guitar until they stretch out and settle down.

A setup certainly wouldn't hurt it (as long as the person doing it knows their stuff), but it may not be necessary if tuning is your only problem.

Tina explained setups pretty well. At the most basic level, they'll change your strings, set the intonation and action and tune it. It can go up from there - setting pickup heights, having new nuts cut/installed, fret work, etc., etc.

[allthumbs]

Look at the stickies in the tech forum to see how to check your string height. That would be one of the first things. Sometimes guitars are shipped with the least expensive low quality stings available so changing the strings might help.