If there is one thing and JUST ONE THING that you should get done in your acoustic guitar, it should be a set-up. A set-up is required so that the instrument can play properly and easily, the best that it can. It usually includes adjustments to the saddle, nut, truss rod, adjusting action, adjusting neck relief (yes, the last two are separate jobs and different things to serve separate ends) checking and tightening of hardware, conditioning the fretboard and the bridge and, of course, intonation. All of this is done, keeping in mind the playing style of a guitarist.
The instrument of a finger-style player, with a light touch, will be set up dramatically different from, say, a country balladeer, who plays with a heavy hand and demands a lot of volume from his acoustic guitar.
Why is a set-up required? It’s like you saved and you spent big bucks on the guitar of your dreams, but without a customised set-up, created specifically for the way you play, it’s been a waste of time and money.
Mass produced as they are, guitars are not generally set-up at the factory, or in the showroom. My advice to youngsters and people who are contemplating purchasing a guitar is to have it set-up right after they make a purchase. That way, the guitar plays perfectly to their particular style and technique. A guitar that is properly set up is a real joy to play.
Even if you already own a guitar and have been playing for years, it is never too late to get your guitar set up . The difference that a ‘good’ set-up makes can only be experienced.
COME…experience that joy!
