My Guitar Setup

Safety notes

A setup is mostly small, reversible adjustments. These rules keep it that way.

  • Make small changes: a quarter turn on a saddle screw, an eighth of a turn on a truss rod. Then measure again.
  • Never force anything. If a screw or the truss rod won't turn with light, steady force, stop.
  • Slacken a string fully before you cut or remove it. String ends are sharp, so protect your eyes and fingers.
  • Use tools that fit snugly. A loose key or screwdriver rounds off screws and nuts.

Stop and see a luthier for

  • fret levelling or loose frets
  • nut slots that are too deep or too shallow
  • a truss rod that is stuck, creaks or spins freely
  • a twisted neck or cracks in the wood

You make the adjustments to your guitar at your own risk. When in doubt, ask a professional.