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5 Steps to a...
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If you want to
get the most from your guitar, but you're not exactly sure where
to start. Here are five easy steps that you can follow to get
your guitar playing great. Here are some basic tools that you
will need to get started:
- Set of automotive
feeler gauges (.002 - .025)
- 6" ruler (with
1/32" and 1/64" increments)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Electronic tuner
- Wire cutters
- Peg winder
- Light machine oil
(3-in-1, toy locomotive, or gun oil)
- Polish and cloth
- Capo
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 Step
1. Changing Your Strings
Strings are the life's
blood of your guitar. When your strings aren't in top form, neither
is your guitar. In order for strings to provide the maximum performance,
they should be changed on a regular basis. Strings that have
lost their integrity (worn where the string is pressed against
the fret) or have oxidized, rusted or are dirty respond poorly.
To see if you need to change your strings, run a finger underneath
the string and feel for dirt, rust or flat spots. If you find
any of these, you should change your strings. Always make sure
to stretch your strings properly. After you have installed a
new set and have them tuned to pitch, hold the strings at the
first fret and hook your fingers under each string (one at a
time) and tug lightly, moving your hand from the bridge to the
neck. Re-tune and repeat several times.
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 Step 2. Making
Bridge Adjustments and Setting Intonation
There are numerous
types of bridges, but one basic point that should be remembered;
ensure that there is sufficient break angle of the strings over
the saddles (at least 30º). Much of the remainder of bridge
adjustments, as in the case of setting a floating tremolo, is
determined by personal taste. At this point you can pre-set the
basic intonation of your guitar, by taking your tape measure
and measuring from the inside of the nut to the center of the
12th fret (the wire, not the fingerboard). Double that measurement
to find the scale length of your guitar. Adjust the 1st string
bridge saddle to this scale length, measuring from the inside
of the nut to the center of the bridge saddle. Now, adjust the
distance of the 2nd string saddle back from the 1st saddle, using
the gauge of the 2nd string as a measurement (Example: If
the 2nd string is .011" you would move the 2nd string back
.011" from the 1st saddle). Move the 3rd back from the
2nd saddle, using the gauge of the 3rd string as a measurement.
The 4th string saddle should be set parallel with the 2nd string
saddle. Proceed with the 5th and 6th in the same method used
for strings 2, and 3.
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 Step 3.
Adjusting Your Truss Rod
The purpose of
the truss rod is to counteract the tension placed on the neck
by the strings. This tension can be affected by movement of the
wood from environmental influences like temperature and humidity.
To adjust your truss rod: check your tuning, then install a capo
at the 1st fret, depress the 6th string at the last fret. With
your feeler gauge, check the gap between the bottom of the string
and the top of the 8th fret - the measurement should be approximately
.010". Adjustment at headstock (Allen wrench): If
neck is too concave, (the guitar in playing position, looking
up the neck towards the keys) turn the truss-rod nut counter
clock-wise. Too convex--clockwise. Adjustment at
neck joint (Phillips screwdriver):
If neck is too concave, turn the truss-rod nut clock-wise. Too
convex--Counter clockwise. Check your tuning, then check the
gap again with the feeler gauge. In either case, if you meet
excessive resistance or need for adjustment, or you're not comfortable
with this adjustment, take your guitar to your authorized Service
Center.
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Step
4. Setting Your String Height
Players with a
light touch can get away with lower action, others need higher
action to avoid rattles. Check tuning. Using 6" ruler, measure
distance between bottom of strings and top of the 17th fret.
Adjust bridge saddles or if your saddles are preset, the bridge
height adjustment screws, to approximately 4/64". Experiment
with the height until the desired sound and feel is achieved.
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 Step
5. Adjusting Your Pickup Height
Set too high, pickups
can cause a myriad of inexplicable phenomena. Depress all of
the strings at the last fret. Using 6" ruler, measure the
distance from the bottom of the 1st and 6th strings to top of
the pole piece. Adjust the distance with the two outside pickup
mounting screws. The distance should be greatest at the 6th string
- neck pickup position, and closest at the 1st string - bridge
pickup position. The distance will vary according to the amount
of magnetic pull of the pickup. When you've completed the
above steps you should be ready to rock. Remember guitars are
tempered instruments, retune, play and make further adjustments
as needed. Most of all, have fun! |
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