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Guitar Setups and Maintenance-
Setups
are probably the number one service I provide. In this day and age not
a single guitar sold new has been set up properly, unless of course it
is a custom order or rather high end model. Most of us cannot afford or
justify such luxuries. A proper setup can make even the most unruly cheapie
play like a gem. Try this sometime: Take a kleenex into the megastore of
your choice and drag it along the fret ends of nearly any guitar there.
It will almost invariably tear pieces of the kleenex. This is because there
is little to no fret detail done at the factory or the store. I have even
had poorly dressed sharp fret ends cut me to the point of bleeding. 90%
of the time that guitar on the wall has simply been unpacked and place
there while the megastore just sits back and waits for their profit.
.
Intonation
has a huge impact on a guitar's performance. Very seldom are guitars intonated
at the factory. The saddles are simply set to a pattern somewhere close
and left at that. In addition, most mid and entry level guitars are strung
with .009s. Sure the megastore will be happy to string it with .010s for
you but will they reset the intonation? Usually not. Anytime string gauge
is changed the intonation must be reset. It's a simple fact. A change in
string gauge will also affect the action, neck relief (truss rod tension),
and if it has a spring trem, the tremolo angle. PIckups improperly set
too low can sound weak and wimpy or if too close to the strings can cause
string damping and wolf tones (odd harmonics and undertones that don't
seem to fit the note).
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There
is no reason why a $400 guitar cannot feel and play like a $1400 guitar
unless it truly is a piece of junk (which are out there). A proper setup
can make all the difference in the world, and can make playing a joy, and
a poorly set up guitar can even discourage the most determined and passionate
player. Setups and maintenance I ask you be here for. The idea is to set
the guitar to your style and preferences. This can only be done if you
are here to test and offer input. Neck relief is another issue that has
a major impact on how a guitar plays. 99% of the time all that is required
is a slight adjustment to the truss rod and all is good. Bear in mind a
guitar neck is made of wood, and wood is dynamic. It may require a second
adjustment a short while later when the neck settles into it's new position,
and I do not charge for this. Just come back by and it's done. I might
even force you to hammer out some riffs for me when we're done. ;-) |
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