Every time I go to set up my guitar I have to go look up the details because my memory does not retain these kinds of details for some reason. This is the first of a three part series on how to set up your electric guitar. I have gone through my owners manuals and other guitar books and compiled the following tutorial that is generic enough to cover most guitars. I hope this is helpful for you.
Having the correct setup on your guitar is key to improving its playability, tone and your enjoyment. These instructions should apply to most guitars, however some adjustments might be required to suit your personal preferences and your guitar might be slightly different than the examples given in this document.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
- Capo
- Feeler gauge set (.002 – .025”) (0.05 – 1 mm)
- Ruler with at least 1/32” (1mm) increments
- Tape measure with at least 1/32” (1mm) increments
- Allen wrenches
- Philips head screwdriver
- Electronic tuner
- Wire cutters
- Peg winder
Changing Strings:
It is common advice to change your strings regularly. Old strings will make your tone sound lifeless and they could have difficulty staying in tune. Run your finger underneath the strings and feel for flat spots, roughness, dirt or other build up and replace the strings if any of these items are detected. Choice of strings is definitely an individual matter. I am still experimenting with different strings. As of today, I am using Ernie Ball Power Slinky strings
To protect your instrument from the high string tension on the neck, it is best to change one string at a time if possible.
Restringing Procedure –
- Insert the new 6th string through the bridge and bring it about 1 ½” (38 mm) past the tuning post and cut it using the wire cutters.
- Insert the string through the eyelet in the tuning key, and allow 1/16″ (1.6 mm) of the string to protrude through the eyelet,
- Wind the string in a downward pattern (do not allow overlap of the strings).
- Repeat this procedure with the remaining strings.
- Once you have changed the strings and retuned, stretch each string lightly by putting your finger under it and tug away from the fret board lightly.
About String Lubrication
Lubricating all of the contact points of a string is critical to ensure tuning stability, and in reducing string breakage. String breakage often occurs from moisture that has collected on the bridge saddle contact point. This can come from the moisture and acidity that transfers from your hands or can come directly from the humidity in the air.
Another factor is metal-to-metal friction and fatigue. The differences in the metal components, over a period of time, react to each other and help breakdown the integrity of the strings. The stronger metal will always attack a softer metal. Finally, you will also find that different string brands will break at different points of tension, due to the metal make-up and string manufacturing techniques. The preferred way to help prevent string breakage is to lubricate the string/saddle contact point with a light machine oil (such as 3-in-1 oil, it includes anti-rust and anti-corrosive properties) each time you do a string change. The oil acts as an insulator against the moisture, and reduces the friction and metal fatigue. The string tree(s) should also be lubricated with a small amount of petroleum jelly.
The How to Setup Your Electric Guitar – Part 1 by Hartzog Chris, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.
