Well, I believe it has finally hit that point in my life where it’s time to get my guitar ‘set-up’.
There seems to be a buzzing sound while playing the Epiphone acoustic (of Troy fame) and it is probably due to myself upgrading from custom lite strings to medium gauge. I have never got my guitars set-up, where they check the intonation and Lord knows what else, but have heard that you should get this done every once in awhile.
It is around $50-$60 so clearly I wouldn’t even think of getting this done regularly…but considering there’s a problem, it’s a must.
But you know never know…after I get it done, I may be so impressed with the work that I’ll decide to get one guitar set-up each year. A small expense out of the life of a guitar.
I should actually get my Yamaha acoustic set up as it’s been nearly 10 years since I’ve had that beast and nothing has been done to it. However, I must admit that I have never played it since I bought the Epi off of Troy and it’s currently in the hands of others who wish to learn guitar.
8 replies on “Setting Up The Guitar”
Yes, the setup! it isn’t that hard to do and I found a site that that goes step by step on how to set up your action and string angle.
Huh. Have you done this yourself Joe? I am interested in that website.
Buzzing can be caused by a number of things. The most common of all are switching to lighter or heavier strings. I remember putting new strings on my custom Kwasnycia acoustic guitar, and it sounded like crap!!! A few of the strings were buzzing. After speaking with my local music store, they recommended trying a different gauge/brand of string, and low and behold it worked!! Another possible reason for the buzzing is the neck might be out of whack that requires the truss rod to be adjusted. And yet another possible reason is the nut may be worn down where the string passes through. I have had to replace (not personally) the nut on my old Gibson Epiphone acoustic three times throughout the years.
The internet can be a great place to find info, but when it comes to something as special and expensive as my guitars, I prefer to have them serviced (set up) by a professional….which I do once or twice a year. That’s my personal opinion. Regardless of my best intentions, I would hate it if I really messed up something myself.
Further to my previous comment. The Gibson Epiphone I was referring to is NOT the one I sold to you Ryan. I have another one that I bought in 1988 or 1989 for $150….it sounds and plays sweet. What a deal!!!
I’ll agree with musicman and try it on the cheeper guitars first. read the article first and understand before you try.
http://www.athensmusician.net/archive/2001-05-01_geneimbody1.shtml
I had a hi E that was dead when I played a D chord. I adjusted the nut on the truss rod and it worked!
yes when you jump from lights to med it will have more pull on the truss rod and you have to adjust for the new strings.
Are you getting your guitar set-up for Canadian Idol?
No, why would a person ask that?