"Guitar and Bass Tune-Up Guide"

The following setup specifications for guitars and basses were derived using the strings which come on the instruments as standard equipment from the factory. If you plan to change string gauges, you may need to adjust the specs somewhat to compensate for the changes in string sizes. Modifications of the specifications may also be made, (within limited parameters) to adjust for your individual playing style or application i.e. (how hard the you pick, strum, or fret the guitar) Note: These are minimum specifications which are meant to guide you, and should not to be taken as hard and fast rules, as we realize that every player's subjective requirements may differ somewhat. Please refer to your Guitar Owner's Manual for additional information and/or instruction on guitar setup and maintenance .

As companies offer a variety of different acoustic and electric guitar, and bass models, we have included specifications charts with the setup procedures to assist you.

Begin your setup by installing a fresh set of strings.

1. Tune the instrument to pitch (You will need to check your tuning between each step of these procedures).

 

2. Check the curvature of the neck.

A.  For electric guitars and basses:

1. Capo the first fret.

2. Depress the strings at the last fret.

3. Using a feeler gauge, check the distance between the top of the eighth fret and the bottom of the sixth string (Refer to the string height specifications chart for the proper measurement).

*4. Adjust the truss rod if necessary

B.  For acoustic guitars:

1. Capo the first fret.

2. Depress the strings at the fret located at the neck and body joint.

3. Using a feeler gauge, check the distance between the top of the eighth fret and the bottom of the sixth string (Refer to the string height specifications chart for the proper measurement).

*4. Adjust the truss rod if necessary

 

*Adjusting the Truss Rod

There are two different styles of truss rods found on some guitars and basses, the "Standard" truss rod and the "Bi-flex" truss-rod. Most guitars and basses are equipped with a "Standard" truss rod (there are two types of "Standard" truss rod, one which adjusts at the heel of the neck and one which adjusts at the headstock, but both operate on the same principle). The "Standard" truss rod can counteract concave curvature for example: in a neck that has too much relief, by generating a force in the neck opposite to that caused by excessive string tension.

Some guitars also use a unique "Bi-Flex" truss rod system on some instruments. Unlike the "Standard" truss rods, which can only correct a neck that is too concave (under-bowed), the "Bi-Flex" truss rod can compensate for either concave (under-bowed), or convex (over-bowed) curvature, by generating a force in either direction as needed for the correction. Please refer to your owner's manual for adjustment procedures, as well as information on which type of truss rod is installed in the model of guitar or bass you are working on.

3. Check your string height.

A. For electric guitars and basses:

1. Check the height between the seventeenth fret and the bottom of each string (Refer to the string height specifications chart for the proper measurement).

B. For acoustic guitars:

1. Check the height between the fret located at the neck and body joint, and the bottom of each string (Refer to the string height specifications chart for the proper measurement).

String Height Specifications Chart

The top of an acoustic guitar may rise or fall to some degree, depending on changes in the climatic conditions where you live. This is a normal occurrence in an acoustic guitar and may cause the need for seasonal adjustments to compensate for the movement. The bridge saddle may need to be shimmed (if the action is too low), or sanded (if the action is too high) to bring the action of the guitar to a comfortable level. Note: You may live in an area where temperature and humidity may adversely affect your guitar. The use of a humidity controlling device such as a "Damp-It", may be needed to control the loss of moisture from your guitar and protect it from damage.
Check with your Authorized Service Center for an evaluation of the condition of your guitar and a recommendation for treatment if needed.

4. Check the pickup height.

A. For electric guitars and basses:

1. To measure pickup height, depress the outer strings at the last fret and measure from the top of the pole piece to the bottom of the string on both the bass and treble sides of the pickup. Different pickups have varying degrees of magnetic pull and may restrict the height at which a given pickup may be set. (Refer to the pickup height specifications chart for pickup models and appropriate height specs for each). Note: The amplitude of string vibrations will be higher at the neck pickup than the bridge pickup and corresponding pickup and compensations will need to be made accordingly.
Refer to your owner's manual for information on the type of pickups which are installed on your guitar.

 

Pickup Height Specifications Chart

5. Check all the electronic control functions, i.e., pickups, volume, tone, etc. (If Applicable)

 

6. Play for rattles or buzzing. (On some guitars minor buzzing or string slap, as it is sometimes called, may occur. This type of buzz can be normal and should not be a cause of concern unless the string buzz is transmitted through the amplifier).
If the noise is excessive, you may want to take your instrument to the nearest Authorized Service Center and let an experienced guitar tech evaluate the source and make adjustments as needed.

7. If you have followed the setup instructions above and now have your axe playing exactly how you'd like it to play, give yourself a "high five" and rock on! If you do not feel confident making these adjustments yourself, or if you have attempted a setup and gotten stuck along the way, please take your instrument to the nearest (or your favorite) Authorized Service Center and let an experienced and qualified guitar tech set it up for you. If you need assistance locating a Service Center near you, please look in your phone book yellow pages.

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