Please take note that some adjustments (mainly neck relief and intonation) are more accurate if performed with the guitar in playing position rather than laying on a bench due to some potential neck bending produced by gravity. In practice this is infinitesimal and I've seen countless reputable luthiers setting up guitars on a bench with perfect results but, if you want the maximum precision possible, thats the way to go.
Doing it on a bench offers the luthiers reproducibility and consistency from guitar to guitar, with the advantage of having both hands available to manipulate tools and not having to hold the guitar up against gravity or maybe gripping it a different way each time. For most people doing this at home, learning from a video, any inconsistencies in their own setup technique are going to drown out any possible gravitic effect.
I agree to adjust while holding guitar in playing position as opposed to bench. But does it really matter that much? When guitarists perform they dance, jump around, put pressure on neck from all angles and over grip strings in the heat of the jam. That will probably effect tuning and intonation much worse than adjusting on bench.
@@stringbender57I agree. The difference has to be negligible. What he did in the video did concern me though. He has the neck propped up by the capo. They're talking about being worried about gravity. What about the weight of the guitar?
I consider myself as an intermediate guitarist (playing as a hobby these days) and had never attempted a setup nor had i ever made many adjustments on my guitars over the years. It’s always great to see tutorials on how to play a particular lick, and most of us probably value those videos the most. However, for me, this particular video is arguably the most valuable guitar video I have ever seen. Using this video as a guide, I set up my 2009 American Strat last night for the first time. It always sounded great but now it’s like I’m playing at a whole new level! Intonation is spot on, the action seems to be said just right…. My first attempt at a set up has made me sound way better than I actually am. Thank you!!
1.2o - 1.5o mm pick if you don't have a cable tie. Bought a Strat this month, perfect intonation and action - more buzz than a hive. So far trussed looser 2 quarter turns, action riding high. Have to wait until next weekend...this is no easy task, much appreciated.
I just brought a second hand cheapy strat copy and used this video to set it up and it's transformed how it sounds and feels. Thanks for a great tutorial!! Just one thing I noticed: when you're adjusting the string height (the action), if you need to raise the strings (especially the top E and B) instead of lower them as in this video, then you need to detune before doing so or you'll risk snapping your string - as I did! 🎸🎸🎸
There are three things that stick out to me in this video: 1, David Gilmour-ish Strat, very nice, 2, actual Mauser branded Calipers, and 3, how much help this is for anyone wanting to set up a Strat. Keep up the good work.
Content: A! Video production: A+! An artful reminder of all the engineering genius Leo Fender put into a reasonably priced instrument 60+ years ago. (Proud to share a birth date with him!)
Thanks for your comment Stewart, I'm glad you liked the video! And only can be a good thing to share your birthday with such a genius and visionary as Leo. Cheers!!
One set up video that I watched all they did was polish the frets. This one is extremely helpful for people. Looking to do it right. This is the go to video. Thank you very much.
thanks for the tutorial.. be safe everyone, have fun when possible. just saw a video regarding pick-up height and i learned 2 things: firstly, ALWAYS lower the pick-ups before setting up the intonation because the thick strings can be influenced by the magnetic attraction (saw it happen) especially by the neck pick-up as it is located closer the the point where the string has the biggest amplitude/swing/movement. some pick-ups have quite strong magnets.. secondly, there is a point where one can clearly hear a volume fluctuation when the pick-ups are too close to the strings (again, the effect is more pronounced the thicker the string).. so regardless of the measurement you use, have a listen with a clean tone and decent volume. if you've never heard how it sounds, just raise the pick-up close to lower E and listen.... the volume goes up and down substantially..
Came here wanting to sell my 60th Anniversary 50s Player Strat. Ran through your recommendations and now I see why people love their strats!!!! Mine was a MESS before I applied your methods. Now it sounds like a dream. Thank you!
I bought a MIM Strat about three weeks ago. It would NOT stay in tune for anything. Finished this video, and literally said out loud to absolutely noone, "This video is #$@#^# GOLD!". Thanks so much man. My trem feels great too.
Could I ask how your Strat came out after doing this? I have also recently purchased a MIM (07-08) and I know it totally needs adjustments. When tuning the strings open then fretting a note or certain chords, it sounds like its out of tune. I've never attempted a setup before but I know something is definitely off.
Thanks for the easy to follow video. I done my own set up today for the first time with this :) Here are some notes I took that might be helpful to others, My fender strat had a recommended neck relief of .25 rather than .3. The guideline differs between the fretboard radius sizes. Google search fender strat neck relief to get the article. I dropped it down to .25 after having it set at .30 and I was able to get a lower action with much less buzzing. There is a feeler gauge set on thomann for under a tenner that I used. Getting a cheap guitar multi tool is also handy. I didn't have a tiny screwdriver or the tiny alan keys for the saddle height before I got one. Measuring 1.6mm with a ruler is not easy. Better to just keep raising the saddle till it stops buzzing like the guy suggests in the video. Taking breaks helps. It's a stressful job your first time. I'm glad I did it though. My new strat sounds and feels much better.
Best setup video there is on the Internet, followed it from start to finish. My Strat has never played this good since I bought it 4 years ago. Thank you so much!!
The absolute best strat setup tutorial I have seen. I enjoy finding “rescue” guitars at thrift stores and making them playable. Strat setups are challenging to me because of the trem. This video is very helpful to me. Loved the music at the end, too.
Been playin' acoustic while I was younger. Recently put my hands on a poor man's strat, the S1 Starcaster Strat with a taynor amp for a good deal. been sitting for years. Was sounding awfull! Followed your tutrorial and it did a miracle. Reakky impressive, sounds like a thousands bucks now. Every step is very well explained and shown! Made me feel like a pro for a second. Definatly know my guitar a lot more. The intonation part was very helpfull many many thanks. Cheers from Quebec, Canada
I've been a strat player for 19 years and doing my own setups... definitely some killer tips I've never thought about in here. Bonus points for the black on black maple neck, I have two like that.
The best setup I find on the internet, you show a lot and great information without spoken words, well done and thanks very much for sharing. This made my day and and I enjoyed it!!!
Wow thanks!! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video! It's first goal is to be informative and useful but if it's also enjoyable that a huge bonus. Cheers and thanks for your comment!!
DUUUUDE this vid and the one for gibsons/epi’s are EXACTLY what i’ve been looking for. Finally there’s everything you need to know about setting up a guitar in one super straight forward video. My strat is gonna sound like a million bucks very soon. THANK YOU!!
Wow, this is the best setup video I have ever seen, a real wealth of information by a simple and clear process for a perfect and complete professional setup, considering the frets and the nut don't need any work, thank you for your selfless and rich teaching. I followed your method and I love my guitars a lot more now. Thank you again.
This may be the best setup video on YT , I love the little household supply tools info Just nice to know , and the no talk , just the backing track , thanks 🙏
Thanks for the information. I just started modifying and working on my gear yesterday. I have tuned and played before yesterday. I removed the HSS pickguard from my Squire Classic vibe 70's and installed a loaded American performer with Yosemite Pickups. Wow what an upgrade. Anyway I really got a lot out of this video! Thank you very much!
I would be a much better guitarist if this was around when I was a teenager. Sadly, the good guitarists back then didn't share these skills with me, so I just believed the instrument was beyond my understanding. I'm 58 now and love my guitars. They play like butter. Thanks.
Awesome video,there's plenty I never knew with the bridge adjustments,very generous to share all this info,Thankyou most helpful,and let's face it,this is what a Guitar repair/set up guy would be doing which we can now do.
Thanks for the lesson. It don't get no better than this. Now I'll just have to re-watch it 30-40 times while adjusting my guitar. There is more to it than I ever knew. We'll git-er done. No problem
I agree with everything said in the comments! I watched yesterday 20+ videos of stratocaster setup. None have been as good as this one, great job man, keep it up! :D
@@InspiringTracks nice! Btw, that SX guitar, what model is it? Has it worked out well for you? (Ahora vi que eres de Argentina haha saludos de Rep. Dominicana)
Really great video. The “buzz” people talk about for low action sounds more like the strings ringing out in the high frets (vs the “buzz” when a fret is worn down). Also appreciate the demo on the bridge adjustment, and the idea to use a needle based quartz tuner. Always been frustrated setting intonation with a “digital needle” type of tuner. One other thing to note is that too much relief can lead to issues as well. I was sure I had a “ski jump” around the 20th fret but the neck is dead straight in the pocket. Turns out the relief was about double what it should be at the 8th fret. This things often change seasonally with humidity and room temperature and need adjustment.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video! You are right about the relief, it has to be the exact amount for your guitar or it won't play as it should. Also is true the seasonal need for adjustment, on some guitars at least. Paradoxically my most expensive one (a Gibson SG Standard 2014) has the more unstable neck of all and needs some periodical adjustments while the cheapest of all (an Ibanez GIO I bought used for pennies that sounds and plays amazing) has the more stable neck of all, years without touching it and is solid as a rock. Each guitar has his own temperament!
This video is perfect, it's everything you need to setup your strat 100%. I'm very happy I found this and very grateful to you for making this video. Every step is explained so clearly it makes it easy to follow. Big thumbs up.
Haha thanks! It was made thinking in regular people without fancy tools. Of course if you already have the fancy tools is preferable to use them but you can get awesome and professional results without them. Cheers!
I'm incredibly thankful for this video! I'm thinking of buying a kit guitar to customize it myself and I was thinking of one with tremolo, but first I wanted to know how do these even need to get tuned and calibrated. This video is so informative and is also the best truss rod setting instruction I've ever seen! I am ever grateful! Peace to you and God bless!
Do not underestimate nut lube. In my 50 plus years of experience, Ive see to many dried nuts. Keep safe and keep your nuts properly lubricated, friction is your enemy my friends.
Amazing. I will leave this to professionals for now. Just purchased a strat and now know more about it. Great video. Thank’s for the education. Inspirational indeed
One observation I would like to make is when Fender and others decided to drop split shaft tuners the need for locking tuners was created. I started playing guitar in 1963 and every guitar I had were equipped with the split shafts. Since I was not a heavy whammy bar user I never had problems with tuning stability, especially my Telecasters. I have retrofitted my current Fenders with the split shafts and never looked back. Broken strings at gigs, no problem. A string cutter, 90 degree bend and a clip, shove it into the slot...done.
Very informative ! I use one method difference on my set up! I always set the truss-rod adjustment 1st, and the guitar in playing position @.009 on the 8th fret.
Are you kidding me? This is the most artfully done how-to video that I have ever seen with panning shots and backing tracks. Very well done! But I want Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone in the next one. 😁😄😆
Brilliant , I’ve read a thousand times, after having my strat for 17 years I couldn’t get my head round it . But this video has made me feel confident to do it ! Thankyou
Tried some instructional videos but this is the best one, my guitar is holding tune better than when I take it to the professional luthiers here were i live! Thank you! ❤
Great video. When I bend my high E it often breaks at that position (using Slinkys as well). There doesn't seem to be any issues with the frets. Any idea why this is? The string breaks at the fret
If always breaks at the same spot I'll look closely if theres something sharp rubbing against the string, as Max said. If that's not the case and it breaks at random spots maybe you can try another brand of strings or even a heavier gauge if you have a hard touch or do too much bends. Hope that helps!
Thank you soo much mate! Guitar set up has always seemed a bit of a 'black art' to me, like carpet fitting. But this has given me the confidence to fix up my own bad boys myself. You are clearly very generous with your time and knowledge and your playing expresses a sensitivity and passion gifted only to those with a natural ability to share. You're class, mate! Thank you.
Thanks!! If you follow all the steps on the video the radius of the saddles will automatically copy the radius of your fretboard, and what's better is that it takes into account any fret wear or minor deviations that your particular neck can have and that are ignored if you preset the radius with a tool
Jerry Lee, Just like the man said, if you follow his procedure, radius is automatic. If I use my understring radius guages, this is a no-brainer, unless you start putzing with compound radius. Not sure about that. That's the beauty of Leo's 1954 invention; its elegant simplicity!
I have been up all night setting up both my new Ultra strats , working step by step , they both sound magical , only differences between me & you is our pickup distance preference , otherwise me & you think exactly alike ! Thanks 🙏
Thanks, glad you liked the video!! Its a regular five way with a small on-off switch added which indeed takes the total pickup combinations to seven. I have a video dedicated to it here ua-cam.com/video/5q_gqnqOJRA/v-deo.html in case you are interested. Cheers!!
Congrats on your first guitar! Is an awesome journey what you have ahead. Focus on playing and later when you are more confident you can try to do a setup and things like that. Cheers!!!
I got my first e. guitar (Stratocaster) and this is my first time to set up. I doubt that what if I made mistake xD. But thanks man it is really a big help, especially to who saves money just like me. Again, thank you 😅
Just got a new player strat HSS, maple neck, it needs to play a little easier, I got new strings , has a very slight inward bow on neck, this video will help a lot, one of the best I've seen. Thanks , subscribed.
When the SRV shuffle thang ended abruptly and went to the tremolo vibe thing right in the middle of cutting the strings to wind on the vintage style tuners, was a bit jarring. Would have liked the music to fit the video a bit more. Just F'n with ya ! killer video. 50 plus years doing that, and still enjoyed watching it done like that. A+ instructional video.
boy that was great I just bough a Vox Viscount and you confirmed what I was hearing and that is the Who, Yardbirds, Beatles and Deep Purple Mk1 with that Wring that Neck sound and you don't need pedals........ This is great because I like the way you turned up the volume and it was breaking up kind of like a tube amp and when you turned it down it was clean as a whistle ...................................
Please take note that some adjustments (mainly neck relief and intonation) are more accurate if performed with the guitar in playing position rather than laying on a bench due to some potential neck bending produced by gravity. In practice this is infinitesimal and I've seen countless reputable luthiers setting up guitars on a bench with perfect results but, if you want the maximum precision possible, thats the way to go.
Ĺ
action is the most important on that one, my action become a lot higher in playing position.
Doing it on a bench offers the luthiers reproducibility and consistency from guitar to guitar, with the advantage of having both hands available to manipulate tools and not having to hold the guitar up against gravity or maybe gripping it a different way each time. For most people doing this at home, learning from a video, any inconsistencies in their own setup technique are going to drown out any possible gravitic effect.
I agree to adjust while holding guitar in playing position as opposed to bench. But does it really matter that much? When guitarists perform they dance, jump around, put pressure on neck from all angles and over grip strings in the heat of the jam. That will probably effect tuning and intonation much worse than adjusting on bench.
@@stringbender57I agree. The difference has to be negligible. What he did in the video did concern me though. He has the neck propped up by the capo. They're talking about being worried about gravity. What about the weight of the guitar?
Came here to set up my tremolo. Ended up just soloing over the tasty background music.
Awesome, I'm realy glad you liked the backing tracks!!! Cheers!!!
Mary had a little lamb
After reading your comment,i came here to play guitar solo over the nice backing track but i end up setting 3 of my Stratocaster Like a pro
@@danielross51086 I thought she had a baby? 😂
Dumb.
I consider myself as an intermediate guitarist (playing as a hobby these days) and had never attempted a setup nor had i ever made many adjustments on my guitars over the years.
It’s always great to see tutorials on how to play a particular lick, and most of us probably value those videos the most. However, for me, this particular video is arguably the most valuable guitar video I have ever seen.
Using this video as a guide, I set up my 2009 American Strat last night for the first time. It always sounded great but now it’s like I’m playing at a whole new level! Intonation is spot on, the action seems to be said just right…. My first attempt at a set up has made me sound way better than I actually am. Thank you!!
I agree! For years I have mucked around but only changed broken strings when it happened. I am now confident that I can mess up a good thing lol.
So many videos about setting a strat from so many reputable fonts, and none comes closer to be as clear and informative as this one. Thx a lot.
Thanks, glad you liked it!
@@InspiringTracksI enjoyed it immensely. Very informative.
1.2o - 1.5o mm pick if you don't have a cable tie. Bought a Strat this month, perfect intonation and action - more buzz than a hive. So far trussed looser 2 quarter turns, action riding high. Have to wait until next weekend...this is no easy task, much appreciated.
I just brought a second hand cheapy strat copy and used this video to set it up and it's transformed how it sounds and feels. Thanks for a great tutorial!!
Just one thing I noticed: when you're adjusting the string height (the action), if you need to raise the strings (especially the top E and B) instead of lower them as in this video, then you need to detune before doing so or you'll risk snapping your string - as I did!
🎸🎸🎸
There are three things that stick out to me in this video: 1, David Gilmour-ish Strat, very nice, 2, actual Mauser branded Calipers, and 3, how much help this is for anyone wanting to set up a Strat. Keep up the good work.
I am an engineer that understands a good setup and believe he is spot on.
Content: A! Video production: A+! An artful reminder of all the engineering genius Leo Fender put into a reasonably priced instrument 60+ years ago. (Proud to share a birth date with him!)
Thanks for your comment Stewart, I'm glad you liked the video! And only can be a good thing to share your birthday with such a genius and visionary as Leo. Cheers!!
This is the best Stratocaster set up tutorial I have seen on UA-cam! YOU ROCK!!!!!
This is by far, the BEST STRAT SETUP video EVER!!!! Thank you for making this video!
Wow! Thanks!!! I'm glad you found it useful!
One set up video that I watched all they did was polish the frets. This one is extremely helpful for people. Looking to do it right. This is the go to video. Thank you very much.
Thanks, glad you liked it!!
thanks for the tutorial.. be safe everyone, have fun when possible.
just saw a video regarding pick-up height and i learned 2 things:
firstly, ALWAYS lower the pick-ups before setting up the intonation because the thick strings can be influenced by the magnetic attraction (saw it happen) especially by the neck pick-up as it is located closer the the point where the string has the biggest amplitude/swing/movement. some pick-ups have quite strong magnets..
secondly, there is a point where one can clearly hear a volume fluctuation when the pick-ups are too close to the strings (again, the effect is more pronounced the thicker the string).. so regardless of the measurement you use, have a listen with a clean tone and decent volume. if you've never heard how it sounds, just raise the pick-up close to lower E and listen.... the volume goes up and down substantially..
Came here wanting to sell my 60th Anniversary 50s Player Strat. Ran through your recommendations and now I see why people love their strats!!!! Mine was a MESS before I applied your methods. Now it sounds like a dream. Thank you!
The quality of the information and production on this video is awesome, it deserves a million views. Thanks a lot for your hard work!
Wow that's a huge compliment! Thanks a lot!!!
I agree 👌🏼
@@InspiringTracks thanks 👏🏼
I agree.
I bought a MIM Strat about three weeks ago. It would NOT stay in tune for anything. Finished this video, and literally said out loud to absolutely noone, "This video is #$@#^# GOLD!". Thanks so much man. My trem feels great too.
Really awesome to hear that! I'm glad the video was helpful!
Could I ask how your Strat came out after doing this? I have also recently purchased a MIM (07-08) and I know it totally needs adjustments. When tuning the strings open then fretting a note or certain chords, it sounds like its out of tune. I've never attempted a setup before but I know something is definitely off.
Thanks for the easy to follow video. I done my own set up today for the first time with this :)
Here are some notes I took that might be helpful to others,
My fender strat had a recommended neck relief of .25 rather than .3. The guideline differs between the fretboard radius sizes. Google search fender strat neck relief to get the article. I dropped it down to .25 after having it set at .30 and I was able to get a lower action with much less buzzing.
There is a feeler gauge set on thomann for under a tenner that I used. Getting a cheap guitar multi tool is also handy. I didn't have a tiny screwdriver or the tiny alan keys for the saddle height before I got one.
Measuring 1.6mm with a ruler is not easy. Better to just keep raising the saddle till it stops buzzing like the guy suggests in the video.
Taking breaks helps. It's a stressful job your first time. I'm glad I did it though. My new strat sounds and feels much better.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Best setup video there is on the Internet, followed it from start to finish. My Strat has never played this good since I bought it 4 years ago. Thank you so much!!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!!!!
The absolute best strat setup tutorial I have seen. I enjoy finding “rescue” guitars at thrift stores and making them playable. Strat setups are challenging to me because of the trem. This video is very helpful to me. Loved the music at the end, too.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video!!
Been playin' acoustic while I was younger. Recently put my hands on a poor man's strat, the S1 Starcaster Strat with a taynor amp for a good deal. been sitting for years. Was sounding awfull! Followed your tutrorial and it did a miracle. Reakky impressive, sounds like a thousands bucks now. Every step is very well explained and shown! Made me feel like a pro for a second. Definatly know my guitar a lot more. The intonation part was very helpfull many many thanks. Cheers from Quebec, Canada
I've been a strat player for 19 years and doing my own setups... definitely some killer tips I've never thought about in here. Bonus points for the black on black maple neck, I have two like that.
Bought my first and only Squier strat 15 years ago. Only today I learnt how to set it up properly - thank YOU!
Great to hear that! Thanks for your comment and enjoy your guitar!!
The best setup I find on the internet, you show a lot and great information without spoken words, well done and thanks very much for sharing. This made my day and and I enjoyed it!!!
Wow thanks!! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video! It's first goal is to be informative and useful but if it's also enjoyable that a huge bonus. Cheers and thanks for your comment!!
DUUUUDE this vid and the one for gibsons/epi’s are EXACTLY what i’ve been looking for. Finally there’s everything you need to know about setting up a guitar in one super straight forward video. My strat is gonna sound like a million bucks very soon. THANK YOU!!
Thanks for your comment! I really appreciate that you liked the video so much!
Wow, this is the best setup video I have ever seen, a real wealth of information by a simple and clear process for a perfect and complete professional setup, considering the frets and the nut don't need any work, thank you for your selfless and rich teaching. I followed your method and I love my guitars a lot more now. Thank you again.
This may be the best setup video on YT , I love the little household supply tools info Just nice to know , and the no talk , just the backing track , thanks 🙏
Glad you liked it!!
The best, detailed and exhaustive Strat Setup tutorial you can find on the web! Thx for sharing Bro
Wow thanks!!!! Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the information. I just started modifying and working on my gear yesterday. I have tuned and played before yesterday. I removed the HSS pickguard from my Squire Classic vibe 70's and installed a loaded American performer with Yosemite Pickups. Wow what an upgrade. Anyway I really got a lot out of this video! Thank you very much!
I would be a much better guitarist if this was around when I was a teenager. Sadly, the good guitarists back then didn't share these skills with me, so I just believed the instrument was beyond my understanding. I'm 58 now and love my guitars. They play like butter. Thanks.
Finally a video that actually is explaining clearly to set up a 6 screw strat trem in the decked position! Thanks!
Awesome video,there's plenty I never knew with the bridge adjustments,very generous to share all this info,Thankyou most helpful,and let's face it,this is what a Guitar repair/set up guy would be doing which we can now do.
It's great to hear that and I'm glad you found the video useful. Cheers!!
Thanks for the lesson. It don't get no better than this. Now I'll just have to re-watch it 30-40 times while adjusting my guitar. There is more to it than I ever knew. We'll git-er done. No problem
Glad you liked it and found it useful!!
I agree with everything said in the comments! I watched yesterday 20+ videos of stratocaster setup. None have been as good as this one, great job man, keep it up! :D
Thanks a lot, its really great to hear that! I'll do my best to keep improving. Cheers!!
@@InspiringTracks nice! Btw, that SX guitar, what model is it? Has it worked out well for you? (Ahora vi que eres de Argentina haha saludos de Rep. Dominicana)
@@CarlosFlores-ty7dy Stop the video at 1.08 sec and you will see that it is a vintage series. I think an SST 57 or could maybe an SST 62.
Thank you for this video. It's the best one on the subject that I've come across on YT and I watched almost all of them.
Thanks! Glad you liked it!!!!
SSSSSWWWWWeeeeeTTTT!!! I never wanted to learn to play that song until listening/watching you nail it and then some. So very nicely done, Sir. Bravo!
Camerawork, understandability and production quality are top notch. Great work! Loved that Gilmour inspired SX :)
Thanks! These where the goals while planing and making the video, glad to hear that you apreciate it. Thank you A LOT!
Finally, someone who knows how to properly stretch strings!
Thanks!
Really great video. The “buzz” people talk about for low action sounds more like the strings ringing out in the high frets (vs the “buzz” when a fret is worn down). Also appreciate the demo on the bridge adjustment, and the idea to use a needle based quartz tuner. Always been frustrated setting intonation with a “digital needle” type of tuner.
One other thing to note is that too much relief can lead to issues as well. I was sure I had a “ski jump” around the 20th fret but the neck is dead straight in the pocket. Turns out the relief was about double what it should be at the 8th fret. This things often change seasonally with humidity and room temperature and need adjustment.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video! You are right about the relief, it has to be the exact amount for your guitar or it won't play as it should. Also is true the seasonal need for adjustment, on some guitars at least. Paradoxically my most expensive one (a Gibson SG Standard 2014) has the more unstable neck of all and needs some periodical adjustments while the cheapest of all (an Ibanez GIO I bought used for pennies that sounds and plays amazing) has the more stable neck of all, years without touching it and is solid as a rock. Each guitar has his own temperament!
Just want to say a big Thank you ! For a person who has little to no idea how to setup a guitar. This has been a lot of help. Cheers!!
Its great to hear that. Thanks for your comment and for let me know that the video was useful. Cheers and happy new year!
the only perfect guide ever on youtube, fantstic really appriciate it
Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful!
This video is perfect, it's everything you need to setup your strat 100%. I'm very happy I found this and very grateful to you for making this video. Every step is explained so clearly it makes it easy to follow. Big thumbs up.
What a jaw-dropping tutorial! Just fantastic. Thank you for show us how it's done. Excellence.
By far the easiest video to follow and at this point I watched most of them.
I loved it, especially the improvised crap as measuring tools. Thanks.
Haha thanks! It was made thinking in regular people without fancy tools. Of course if you already have the fancy tools is preferable to use them but you can get awesome and professional results without them. Cheers!
Thank you for taking your time to help us all out.
My pleasure!
I'm incredibly thankful for this video! I'm thinking of buying a kit guitar to customize it myself and I was thinking of one with tremolo, but first I wanted to know how do these even need to get tuned and calibrated. This video is so informative and is also the best truss rod setting instruction I've ever seen! I am ever grateful! Peace to you and God bless!
Thanks, glad you liked the video and good luck with your project!
@@InspiringTracks Thank you very much! ^_^
Do not underestimate nut lube. In my 50 plus years of experience, Ive see to many dried nuts. Keep safe and keep your nuts properly lubricated, friction is your enemy my friends.
Never lubricate someone else's nuts without consent
What is a good oil to use? They mention which one to avoid, but I wish they gave one to use. Can someone recommend a good thick oil for this?
Roberto Perez-Franco big Ben’s nut sauce
In my experience only wound strings need any lube because the saw effect on the nut with the winds.
My nuts are always well lubricated. Now I'm thinking of learning how to do a guitar setup!
Amazing. I will leave this to professionals for now. Just purchased a strat and now know more about it. Great video. Thank’s for the education. Inspirational indeed
Glad it was helpful! congrats and enjoy your new Strat!
Excellent video, & finished with "Sleepwalk" too!
I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching until the end!
Thank you, this is so helpful. No one has made such an in depth tutorial and I really appreciate it!
Glad it was helpful!
One observation I would like to make is when Fender and others decided to drop split shaft tuners the need for locking tuners was created. I started playing guitar in 1963 and every guitar I had were equipped with the split shafts. Since I was not a heavy whammy bar user I never had problems with tuning stability, especially my Telecasters. I have retrofitted my current Fenders with the split shafts and never looked back. Broken strings at gigs, no problem. A string cutter, 90 degree bend and a clip, shove it into the slot...done.
I also love split shaft tuners!
Very informative ! I use one method difference on my set up! I always set the truss-rod adjustment 1st, and the guitar in playing position @.009 on the 8th fret.
Are you kidding me? This is the most artfully done how-to video that I have ever seen with panning shots and backing tracks. Very well done! But I want Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone in the next one. 😁😄😆
You really helped me out so much! Incredible detail and video, thanks so much for taking the time and effort to help others. Rock on!
Brilliant , I’ve read a thousand times, after having my strat for 17 years I couldn’t get my head round it . But this video has made me feel confident to do it ! Thankyou
Thanks! Hope it helps you to make your Strat better than ever!
2:50-4:00 best UA-cam tip about this subject 👏 what you recommend for two point Tremolo type? Great great video
Tried some instructional videos but this is the best one, my guitar is holding tune better than when I take it to the professional luthiers here were i live! Thank you! ❤
Great video. When I bend my high E it often breaks at that position (using Slinkys as well). There doesn't seem to be any issues with the frets. Any idea why this is? The string breaks at the fret
The fret or something else must be sharp
If always breaks at the same spot I'll look closely if theres something sharp rubbing against the string, as Max said. If that's not the case and it breaks at random spots maybe you can try another brand of strings or even a heavier gauge if you have a hard touch or do too much bends. Hope that helps!
Best straightforward set up video I’ve seen in so long
Thank you for a perfectly clear and instructive video with some wonderful music as a bonus good on you mate.
I'm glad you liked it and hope it helps you. Cheers!!
Thank you soo much mate! Guitar set up has always seemed a bit of a 'black art' to me, like carpet fitting. But this has given me the confidence to fix up my own bad boys myself. You are clearly very generous with your time and knowledge and your playing expresses a sensitivity and passion gifted only to those with a natural ability to share. You're class, mate! Thank you.
Sleepwalk Is the best backing track for strat, i love how you play
Thanks!! I really apreciate it!
Thank you for this tutorial. I just fully set up a squire strat and what a difference it made.
Thanks man you just earned another sub, great tips and advice in a clear and user friendly manner.
I'm glad you liked it and thanks A LOT for your support, I really apreciate it!!
One of the most valuable guitar videos ever seen on YT! Thanks so much for sharing!
Wow thanks, glad you liked it!
The best I’ve seen!
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
The background music during the first five minutes sounds like SRV Mary Had a Little Lamb at Montreux 1985. I love it :))
the best video of that kind I've have seen. congratulations.
Thanks! A lot!. I'm glad you liked it!!
One of the best setup videos ever.
Thanks!!! Glad you liked it!!!
This helped me through my first setup! Thanks a lot!
That's great, I'm glad to help!!
When you adjust "the action", do you always keep the capo on the first fret? Thanks alot
No, action is adjusted without a capo
Thank you!!! Subscribed❤
Great video!😊 its perfect and you can also add to it on setting the (radius) of the saddle according to the radius of the fretboard.
Thanks!! If you follow all the steps on the video the radius of the saddles will automatically copy the radius of your fretboard, and what's better is that it takes into account any fret wear or minor deviations that your particular neck can have and that are ignored if you preset the radius with a tool
Jerry Lee,
Just like the man said, if you follow his procedure, radius is automatic. If I use my understring radius guages, this is a no-brainer, unless you start putzing with compound radius. Not sure about that. That's the beauty of Leo's 1954 invention; its elegant simplicity!
Echoing what many others have said. This is excellent. Bookmarked.
Thanks! Glad you found it useful!
That’s a nice Gilmour replica!
Thanks!!
I have been up all night setting up both my new Ultra strats , working step by step , they both sound magical , only differences between me & you is our pickup distance preference , otherwise me & you think exactly alike ! Thanks 🙏
Thanks to you! Comments like this make worth all the planning/filming/editing work. Enjoy your Strats!
Does your strat have a 7 way switch?
Where did you get it? Thanks for this awesome video
Thanks, glad you liked the video!! Its a regular five way with a small on-off switch added which indeed takes the total pickup combinations to seven. I have a video dedicated to it here ua-cam.com/video/5q_gqnqOJRA/v-deo.html in case you are interested. Cheers!!
this is the best tutorial ever i've watched
Wow thanks! Really glad you liked it! Cheeers and have a great 2022!
just got my first guitar, i’m so confused
Congrats on your first guitar! Is an awesome journey what you have ahead. Focus on playing and later when you are more confident you can try to do a setup and things like that. Cheers!!!
Stick with it man
Hope you're doing well and enjoying learning guitar! It can be a life long love affair! ✌💕🎶
Best Strat set up video I’ve ever seen. Thank you!
Wow thanks! glad you liked it!
I watched this and I even do not own a strat. Five stars for the video.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and hope you can solve that soon, everybody needs a strat lol. Cheers!
dude this is great thanks so much. I have all the tools needed too! capo, allen wrenches, ziptie, Pack that high E string came in(10).
Best setup tutorial video ever!!!
Thanks!
Thanks man.! Just bought my first Strat.. a 96… and I had no idea about the tremolo setup..!!👍🏼
1st backtrack sounds like SRV mary had lil lamb. i got a bunch of luthier tools delivering this week, cant wait to follow along and work on my strat
Finally found a video to help me with my Strat..and no babbling!!!
needed a video like this one some years now :) will try on a squier and post my results :) missing some tools but soon will experiment on her :)
Best tutorial on UA-cam by FAR thanks man awesome I’m subbing
Glad you liked it and thanks a lot for your support!!!
You are a life saver, probably going to follow this video to set up my strat tomorrow!
I got my first e. guitar (Stratocaster) and this is my first time to set up. I doubt that what if I made mistake xD. But thanks man it is really a big help, especially to who saves money just like me. Again, thank you 😅
Great to hear that! Hope the video helps and congrats on your first guitar!!
Just got a new player strat HSS, maple neck, it needs to play a little easier, I got new strings , has a very slight inward bow on neck, this video will help a lot, one of the best I've seen. Thanks , subscribed.
Awesome vid to come back to :) particularly gained a lot from the neck setup! Great to see :) thanks!
Awesome! Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video, I couldn't afford a pro setup but following this was enough to trick my friend into thinking I could. Thank you, and happy new year!
Thanks, glad you liked it and happy new year!!
Best set up Tutorial I have watched by a country mile . Thanks 😊
Thanks to you. I'm glad you liked it!!
This is perfect tutorial!!! Love background music too! Thank you
Dude,you are master class,the goat in guitar technology. BRAVO.!
Thanks! 😃 I'm really glad you liked the video!
This is perfect. Literally. I never comment on vids but this one deserves it. Thank you so, so much.
Wow, thank you! I'm really glad you liked the video. Cheers!!
Thanks for doing this! I learned so much and my Strat will never be the same! Really enjoyed your playing at the end.
Thanks! Glad to help!!!
When the SRV shuffle thang ended abruptly and went to the tremolo vibe thing right in the middle of cutting the strings to wind on the vintage style tuners, was a bit jarring. Would have liked the music to fit the video a bit more. Just F'n with ya ! killer video. 50 plus years doing that, and still enjoyed watching it done like that. A+ instructional video.
Excellent video with clear close-ups and great comments. Love that backing track too!!! Funky bass playin.....
Glad you enjoyed it and also liked the music!
The best tutorial in the history of the internet!
Wow thanks a lot!!! That's a huge compliment! I'm glad you liked the video. Cheers!!
After going through lots of different videos, finally one that is super complete and right to the point! Thanks.
That's great! I'm glad you found the video useful. Thanks for your comment!!
boy that was great I just bough a Vox Viscount and you confirmed what I was hearing and that is the Who, Yardbirds, Beatles and Deep Purple Mk1 with that Wring that Neck sound and you don't need pedals........ This is great because I like the way you turned up the volume and it was breaking up kind of like a tube amp and when you turned it down it was clean as a whistle ...................................