A professional setup on an acoustic guitar requires both analytical and labor services. Every aspect of your instrument must be examined to determine a collective set of adjustments needed to make your instrument play optimally. All acoustic guitars should be set up properly by an experienced luthier in order to unlock the hidden potential that exists in all of these instruments.
Below is a listing and explanation of the services performed on your guitar when purchasing a setup on an acoustic guitar from the GitterPicker String Factory.
Glue loose frets
Manufacturing stringed instruments is a business. This means that the number of times and amount of time that a live person touches an instrument costs money. Large instrument factories can only spend a limited amount of time in the building and quality control aspects of your instrument. Inevitably, we find that almost all fretted instruments ship with loose frets. Loose frets absorb vibration which decreases the sound quality and sustain of your instrument. Our Luthier will use a very high grade adhesive solution that is designed to penetrate between the fret wire and the fingerboard. This gluing process creates a solid connection between the fret wire and the fingerboard.
Identify high frets
Many players like to have the action “as low as possible” on their instrument. Sometimes the “as possible” is not enough to satisfy your playing style. The typical reason that action can’t be lowered on a fretted instrument is due to high frets. High frets are the result of inconsistencies in the wood as well as rushed production techniques. Identifying the high frets is a task best done by a luthier. How do you know which fret is high? Or do you have low frets?
Note: If it is determined that a fret level is necesary you will be notified of this requirement and an estimate for this service will be provided.
Polish the frets
The frets of your instrument will lose their brilliance as the oils in your hands combine with the dust in the air and on your instrument. Over time you will notice a buildup on your frets. Removing this buildup is essential in keeping your instrument looking nice, feeling nice, and playing fast.
Clean and oil the fingerboard
Fingerboards made of Rosewood and Ebony typically don’t a have finish on them. The fingerboard is the part of your instrument that is susceptible to the most amount of grime. Every time you play your instrument, you are transferring oils and dirt
from your fingertips onto the fingerboard of the instrument. Your fingerboard is cleaned with naptha, and then linseed oil is applied.
Lube and tighten the tuners
Your instrument is designed to maximize vibration. At the same time, vibrations cause screws to come loose. When we service your guitar, we inspect and tighten your tuners. This is the perfect opportunity to lubricate them for smooth action.
Clean and polish
When the strings are off your instrument, this is the perfect time to remove dirt and oils from your instrument’s finish. A proper polishing isn’t as simple as wiping it with a cloth. When done right, a lot of elbow grease is expended. The result is a like-new-looking instrument.
Install new strings
So it’s simple to install new strings? Are you sure? Did you know that the way you install the strings on your guitar can dictate the amount of vibration that is produced? Proper winding on the tuning poles is crucial in a properly set up instrument.
Adjust the truss rod relief
When a truss rod is adjusted correctly there is a slight amount of relief in the neck that allows for proper clearance from the fret in front of the one you are fretting. Manufacturers suggest varying levels of neck relief. The most important thing to remember is that truss rod relief is all relative to the strings you are using as well as the setup of the instrument. When making adjustments to your guitar it is rare that adjustments are limited to the truss rod only. Truss rod adjustments should be done by an experienced Luthier.
Modify the saddle height (shim or shave)
The saddle serves two purposes. First, it is the point on your stringed instrument where the vibration is passed to the top. Second, it dictates how high the strings are above the frets. Most production instruments come with a pre-fabricated plastic saddle that is meant to “generally” fit inside the saddle slot. A
proper setup of a stringed instrument will always require some detailed attention be placed on the height and radius of the saddle.
Adjust the saddle radius
Most stringed instruments have a curved fingerboard that makes playing more comfortable. The radius of the saddle is what ensures that your string path follows the curvature of the fingerboard. If the saddle were perfectly flat you would have low action on your middle strings where the curve of the fingerboard is at its peak, but the strings on the outer edges of the fingerboard would have very high action. A well made saddle will allow your action to be consistent across all of the strings. Keep in mind that this saddle has to also take into consideration the thickness of the string - lots to think about when properly fitting a saddle.
Shim and/or shave the nut slots
The nut serves two purposes. First, it acts as a spacer for your strings. Second, it ensures that the strings don’t touch the first fret when played open. Production instruments almost always use a pre-fabricated nut that “generally” does the job. For the best action on your instrument you should have the nut properly fitted for your playing style. The Nut slots will need to be filed down if the strings are too high above the first fret. If the strings are too low and are buzzing on the first fret it might be necessary to place a wooden shim under the nut. In some cases it’s best to simply construct a new nut out of Micarta or bone. All of these maintenance items require a skilled Luthier and should never be attempted without the proper tools and skills.
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