Guitar Setup Routine

[Ghostman]

How do you go through the steps for setting up a guitar? I have a new setup kit from MusicNomad and trying to set up my guitars this weekend with actual measurement tools and gauges instead of what my gut says. So, what order do you go through the different setups on your guitar?

- Nut string height
- Intonation
- Truss Rod setup
- Bridge height/Action
- Pickup height

Last night I started on my Solar and went in this order:
1. Truss Rod
2. Bridge Height/Action
3. Nut string height
4. Intonation
5. Pickup height

 

[syscokid]

Ya don’t need any stinking measurement tools or any stinking gauges!!!!!

Allow me to refer you to the best guitar setup tutorial ever created! By former member: Biddlin (RIP John)

Biddlin's foolproof setup method

This subject has to be pinned somewhere. Thanks Biddlin. Begin by setting the bridge height for frets 17-21(2) so that the strings play buzz free at the lowest possible height. Start with low E. Lower the bass side until it buzzes, raise until clear. Check A and D raise slightly if needed to...

www.thetonerooms.com

Intonation comes last!

 

[gball]

I can only get a guitar “right” by playing it. When I get a new guitar I put on my preferred strings, rough in the heigts, set the intonation, and let ‘er rip. The rest comes in tiny adjustments, sometimes over months, as I get to know the instrument and learn what works best for it. I don’t measure anything - thats a sure fire way to a poor-playing, poor-sounding guitar. Its all done by feel and sound, and no two of my guitars are set up exactly alike. Close, but not nearly identical.

 

[Jethro Rocker]

I can only get a guitar “right” by playing it. When I get a new guitar I put on my preferred strings, rough in the heigts, set the intonation, and let ‘er rip. The rest comes in tiny adjustments, sometimes over months, as I get to know the instrument and learn what works best for it. I don’t measure anything - thats a sure fire way to a poor-playing, poor-sounding guitar. Its all done by feel and sound, and no two of my guitars are set up exactly alike. Close, but not nearly identical.

That's how I do too. If it gets excessive string buzz and truss is ok then then raise part of bridge. For example.

 

[Deleted member 1331]

Maybe keep in mind small 1/4 turn adjustments on truss rod, for me after I set the action, let it settle play it for a a day and re-access. Don't get too truss rod crazy! IMO

 

[gball]

Maybe keep in mind small 1/4 turn adjustments on truss rod, for me after I set the action, let it settle play it for a a day and re-access. Don't get too truss rod crazy! IMO

I’ve found that Gibson (Les Pauls are all I play at this point) come from the factory with the pickups too high, the bridge too low and too much relief in the neck.

 

[fitz]

Frets first:
Fret shield & sharpie across each fret.
Level fret file will show low spots where the sharpie remains.
Edge bevel file.
Radius block sand.
Fret crown file, polish frets w/ shield & steel wool
F-1 on the board.

Then truss rod to get a slight past level flat to compensate for string tension.
Restring and adjust truss rod to level flat.
Set action with bridge height.
I got some insane action on that Maestro Jr. neck set up.
Zero buzz- plays like butta.

Set intonation last.

 

[Deleted member 1331]

I like to use a fret rocker .