Electric Guitar Setup Measurements

Here are over three dozen precise setup specs collected by dan erlewine as he interviewed famous players and roadies.

Electric guitar setup measurements. Http www corsidiliuteria it want more video like this. Measuring in the playing position is important because of the effects of gravity. On an electric guitar this is a matter of twisting the appropriate screws. Use of a humidity controling device such as a damp it may be needed to.

A guitar laying on its back will give different measurements than it does on its side playing position. Remove the truss rod cover. Some other effects cannot be described. A playable guitar that sounds amazing requires a setting up process only then will your guitar play well.

Tools a machinist rule a screwdriver or hex key electric guitar calipers a shim stock or stationary belt sander acoustic guitar. With the guitar strung up to pitch and held in the playing position use your straightedge to evaluate relief. You may live in an area where climate and humidity may adversely affect your guitar. On an acoustic guitar you may have to shim or sand the bridge saddle.

The top of an acoustic guitar may rise or fall to some degree depending on the climatic conditions in your part of the country. I ve been blown away by the improvements in playability and sound clarity that come from minor adjustments to the guitar s setup. This is a normal reaction for an acoustic guitar. Action determines how much pressure and distance is required for the string to make full contact with each fret.

This distance plays a key role in your setup because it determines the ease in which your guitar can be played. More information can be found in the last chapter of dan s book including a detailed 10 step fender setup. Use a straightedge for added assurance pictured. Sight the neck please read the beginning of this article for thorough instruction on sighting your guitar s neck.

Below you will find all the information you need to setup your guitar the right way. All of these came from dan s hands on measurements of the actual guitars. Electronics exerts greatest influence on the overall sound of a solid body electric guitar. String height or action describes the distance between the top of your frets to the bottom of your strings.

Some common action measurements on a bass guitar are around 5 64 up to about 7 64. A good bass setup is all about compromise and as a guitar technician you always have to find the best balance between playability and the most amount of fret buzz that you re willing to tolerate. Set the relief capo the first fret and press the 15th fret with your finger then use your feeler gauge on the 8th fret to measure the height.