the STRING WORKSHOP
- Luthiers -
Guitar, Violin, Folk Instrument Repair & Set Up
Services for Individuals, Dealers, Studios, Schools
Service 'By Appointment'
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart -
GUITAR SET UP
the STRING WORKSHOP
'SPECIALISTS'
Guitar & Bass Set Up Package
A Guitar Set Up is much more than merely taking an instrument out of the box or case and tuning the strings. A Set - Up is to regulate, configure, balance, harmonize, synchronize, optimize and/or calibrate all the factors involved with string height, finger pressure, playability, harmonic accuracy at every fret, position, and combination; neck and fingerboard straightness and alignment, string to neck radius , and overall tonal beauty and performance of an instrument.
"An instrument is set up best with a combination of precision measurement tools, continuous play testing throughout the process, and an expert-experienced eye, ear, and insight; to make visual and audible calculations that mix in with the other evaluations bringing out optimal play-ability, harmonic accuracy, and or personalized performance style."
Here is a list of some of the details that we cover when doing our custom set up work on any guitar brought to our shop.
Playability - Tonality -
Intonation -Structural
Adjust string action and harmonics utilizing these play-tests:
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Play open strings and check for choke or buzz
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Play a range of bends to check for stable tuning or location choking
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Play a range of scales and runs to check for string to string continuity
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Play test harmonics at various sub-harmonic points
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Compare open strings to fretted strings for matched harmony
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Play all notes on the fret-board and check for buzz
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Play variety of chords and styles to verify true tonality.
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Check string action - height, radius, and continuity across all strings
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Play test and measure for high action or hard to press strings and adjust
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Check and adjust intonation with strobe/digital tuner
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Play and test intonation with harmonics comparisons
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Verify Neck is straight and playable
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Check that all frets are properly seated and tight
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Adjust Neck Truss Rod tension as required
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Check Nut Height and radius
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Adjust Nut as required for smooth paly action
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Check Saddles and bridge for correct height and radius
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+ Adjust height and configure-radius as required
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Check for warpage of the top and neck
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Check for Loose braces or internal discrepancies
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Check Internal sound board and bridge plates
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Check internal construction and detect any loose or misfit parts
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Check all seams are solid and fit correctly
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Check fret level, evenness and continuity
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Locate and level-seat any high frets
Instrument Optimization
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Set up Instrument for optimal play action
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Set Up Instrument harmonics for best tonal response from the instrument
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Set Up Instrument to maintain best structural stability for the climate
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Additional Custom Radius/Intonation crafting for advanced-level set ups is available. (Please ask for details)
Instrument Hydration - Acclimatization
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Check for dryness issues as wood dries out in a low humidity climate
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Rehydrate dry woods as needed
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Complete adjustments to restore dryness related instrument disequilibrium
Electronics (Acoustic & Electric)
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Check for smooth and noiseless operation of volume and tone controls, pots and switches
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Test all applicable electronic functions
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Test any specialized switching
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Check output jack function
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Verify tightness of attached parts
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Check Battery
Hardware
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Check proper movement and resetting of vibrato-tremolo
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Check tightness of strap buttons
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Check tuning machines for proper operation and tension
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Check for rattles or vibration
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Check parts and plates on body head, front, back and sides.
Finish
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Check headstock, neck, neck joint, fingerboard and body for flaws or misfit.
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Check for chips, scratches, dings or finish flaws
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Inspect overall appearance and solidarity of the instrument
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Tune, polish, and prepare for delivery
Case/Bag
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Check to make sure all latches and closures are working
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Check to make sure handle is secure
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Check to make sure all straps are solid and connected
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Check to make sure it closes or zippers properly
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Check to make sure interior is stitched and seamed correctly
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Verify instrument fits properly in case or bag.