Guitar, Bass Setup & Repair

For recording, your instrument must be in optimal playing condition which means a perfect setup so the strings are properly intonated. Otherwise the notes will be slightly off key as you move down the fingerboard.
Basic Setup
Here is a step-by-step of the basic setup process:
  1. Remove old strings, clean & condition the fingerboard, polish frets
  2. Put on fresh strings
  3. Check neck relief and adjust truss rod
  4. Measure action and adjust bridge accordingly
  5. Adjust intonation
  6. Adjust pickup height

Advanced Setup
It is common for assembly line produced guitars to need a little extra fret and nut work to get them in top playing condition. In advanced setup we can:
  1. Measure the fret height and level the frets where necessary
  2. Crown the frets
  3. Dress the frets so they feel smooth on the edges
  4. Roll the fingerboard to make soft edges
  5. Measure nut action and either file the slots where the action is too high, or add new material where the action is too low

Repair
  • In the case where there is no output from a pickup or pot, we can re-solder the joints.
  • We can also change out pickups and other electronic components.
  • If you would like to upgrade your nut from plastic to tusq or bone, we can cut and install a new nut.

Aging
  • Instruments with a nitrocellulose lacquer finished can be gently aged for a worn in feel. This process involves weather checking the lacquer, darkening any exposed wood, and rolling the fretboard. If you’d like I can add wear to your neck as I did in this photo: