What is a Set-Up and Do I Need One?

You may have heard the term “set-up” kicked around in relation to guitars. What is a set-up and do you need to have one done?

A set-up refers to adjustments made to a guitar to make it more playable and to optimize the guitar’s tuning. Basically, a set-up is to a guitar as a tune-up is to a car.

Get a piece of the action...

During a set-up, the technician will adjust the guitar’s “action,” or height of the strings from the fretboard. Action that is too high makes it difficult to depress the strings easily. Most new guitars come from the factory with the action set on the high side, to allow adjustment downward according to individual tastes, as lowering the action is easier and less costly than raising it.

Intonation…

Also, the guitar’s “intonation” is checked and adjusted. Intonation refers to each string being in tune all the way up the scale, no matter where the string is fretted. When you tune your guitar to play, you tune the open (unfretted) string. However, this does not guarantee that the string will play in perfect pitch all the way up the fretboard. (See guitar diagram.) Getting the optimal intonation is a matter of some fine and picky adjustments that can involve the truss rod, the nut, the saddle, etc. You may eventually learn to do your own set-ups, but for a beginner these adjustments are probably better left to someone more experienced.

When to set up a set-up?

When should a set-up be done? If you purchase an instrument (new or used) from a shop, you can usually negotiate the cost of a professional set-up into the price. If you purchase a used instrument from a private party, you may want to take it to a shop for a set-up. If you change to a different string gauge, your instrument may need a new set-up. Or if the guitar’s environment (humidity levels, in particular) changes radically, say in a move from a desert climate to tropical, it may need a new set-up.

How much?

A set-up may cost anywhere from $25 to $75, depending on where you have it done (shop vs. private party), the local market and economy, and whether a new set of strings are included in the price. Whether the cost of strings is included in the set-up fee or if you have to purchase the strings separately, installing fresh strings should be done during a set-up. The cost of a set-up may be a flat fee, or based on the amount of time the technician spends on your particular instrument.

The payoff…

A good set-up can significantly alter the sound and playability of your guitar, greatly increasing your motivation to practice and your enjoyment in playing. For this reason alone, a set-up can be an investment worth making.

<