You can fast forward to the specific task below: 1:00 Pre-Setup Steps 4:23 Truss Rod 10:00 Radius of Strings 17:20 Action of Strings 22:56 Nut Height 35:00 Intonation 41:33 Pickup Height
This is the best guitar setup video I've watched bar none and I've lost count of how many I've seen. Everything explained clearly in a way that really communicates the whole process and for once makes me feel confident about tackling things myself. Also, the Music Nomad tools look very impressive.
Outstanding presentation! PRS has videos here on youtube with an employee who is difficult to follow or understand. Thank you for providing this video. It is excellent.
This is the most informative video of setting up a guitar I've watched. Thanks. I had a Dunlop gauge for set up guitars. it was really hard to see it was at. I picked up a Music Nomad set up gauge a couple days after and that is the best to use. Thanks.
Now this was great - probably the most complete and pure depiction of how to set-up your PRS. Or indeed give you the techniques for any guitar... with the manufacturers figures. Bookmarked for furure reference, for sure. Thanks for sharing.
I´m impressed to read and see this as PRS are very expensive guitar. If PRS needs some extra setup I can´t image the bad quality setup from brands like Epiphone, Ibanez or similar in their cheapest models.
@@guatemala3d How are they expensive? The SEs. cost under 1k. And even if it's the core models, you can buy one guitar every year. That's very easy for a member of the middle class. So if you do that for 7 years you'll own 7 custom guitars. Lol
@@chrisking6695 well 1k for a poor quality setup on a reputable brand such as PRS is very disappointing. I may accept poor QC and setups from cheaper brands (less than 300 e.g) . I guess this is subjective on what your expecting for what your are paying. I have always heard good things about PRS (never owned one) and yeah all guitars needs a good setup at the end. BTW I just googled and saw some PRS for more than 3k and event one at 14k. Even from a 500 USD I would expect a good QC and setups due it’s reputation but I think this is part of your personal brand experience. I may need to get one and find for myself lol.
Really great step by step setup video covering all of the necessary points to get a guitar playing its best. I just picked up a lightly used PRS SE DGT and it looks like the previous owner did a really goofy setup attempt. I ordered your gauges and will get her dialed in when it shows up at my door. Cheers!
Thanks Geoff & Rand for these amazing videos, and the time you guy's take to make them🤘🤘🤘 I just want to chime to the people asking about the measurements that PRS has on their website. If you really want PRS pickup height, adjust the pickups to the specs Geoff mentions in the video. Then on the bridge pup low E, lower the height to "3/32"'s, as for the high E string bridge pup once you are at the "1/16" lower the pickup a 1/4 or 1/2 turn with your screwdriver. As far as the neck pickup goes, just drop both sides of the pickup flush with the pickup ring, and adjust to taste. Be forewarned, I own 11 PRS Core guitars, 9 times out of 10, when you try to adjust to the PRS specs, your pickup will come off of the screws b/c PRS uses short pickup screws b/c their routes are shallow.
Geoff, this was VERY good and easy to understand. One suggestion I'd make is to add some footage on to this video with a PRS custom 24 since that has PRS's trem system that has to be set a certain way. PRS does have a video about it though.
You can tell he's a hard working man by his nails: some are mostly black! It happens to me once, on my right thumb, it hurted me very much. Great video and great guitar!
Thanks so much for this!! As others have said, this is THE best instructional set-up video I've seen on UA-cam. I own your gauges already. Awesome stuff, and so helpful. Gives you confidence to get your guitar playing like you want it to. And in the case of new instruments with somewhat shocking factory set ups (the nut height on my PRS Paul's SE made this one look like a piker!), like you hoped that it would.
Just bought a new Gibson and was planning on changing string gauge. May have a try at full set up now I've watched your excellent video. Definitely the most informative one that I've watched so far, thank you.
Thank you for the suggestion. You can check out our Squier Stratocaster video as a reference as well. This will address the tremolo in the setup process. You can also reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com, and we can discuss the specific needs of your instrument. ua-cam.com/video/zF7t7HdQ1c8/v-deo.html
On some new guitars, the factory setup may be higher than you like; some manufacturers set their action heights higher than is comfortable for most players. The reason for this is they want to avoid fret buzz when they are played. With the action set high, this is going to minimize the potential for fret buzz.
The bridge on my McCarty does not have wheels to raise/lower the action. There are just those two large screws that hold the bridge in place. To raise/lower the action, should I just turn those screws (after detuning to release some tension)? What is the best tool to use? I can use a large screwdriver but that seems a bit dangerous. Any advice?
You would adjust the bass side pickup and treble side pickup to the pickup height specs. On humbucker pickups that have adjustable pole pieces, you are able to raise or lower the pole pieces on each string to achieve even output if needed. Pickup pole pieces are set by the manufacturer and should not need very much adjustment. Feel free to reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com to discuss your specific instruments needs.
We respect the different ways manufacturers and repair techs approach neck relief. With Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell along with other top repair techs we developed our KISS method using the 1st and 12th fret and measuring at the 6th fret to accommodate most all guitars using a common measurement. The relief of the neck at the 6th fret is in the middle of the span between the 1st and 12th fret.
Very interesting. Based on 6th fret between 1 and 12 I need more relief. Based on 8th fret between 1 and oh let’s say 17th fret I do not need more relief. I may add more relief to see what happens….. So I added some more relief. I’m now .006 at 6th fret between 1 and 12. At first I was pleased but soon after I was not. I now did a Qtr turn plus a smidge more clockwise to go back to flatter. I’m now at .009 between 1st fret and 17th fret measuring at 8th fret. High E string frets 15 to 22 feel great. No more fighting the frets when bending and no more slight fret buzz pitch change when bending. My advice. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Also loosen strings before turning truss rod clockwise.
I set my guitars up just the way you show here but after cutting the nut slots I check the pitch of the first fret with a tuner, Take the a string as an example, tune the string to pitch with tuner, play the first fret, pitch will be either hi, low or right on the money do this several times to be sure, if its low you've gone too far, if it's right on the money go to the next string if it's hi you can cut the slot a tad more, cutting to a measured depth will get you close a good tuner will get you closer, what we want is a guitar that is in tune as possible.
Thanks. I have a 1989 prs special bolt on neck. The neck pickup is way too high even when lowered to the max amount. It creates a warble that is annoying. Any suggestions? Thanks, Mike
I find it hilarious that Stick-It-To-Ya-Stew had to lower their prices DRAMATICALLY a couple days ago. I 1000% believe it’s because of Music Nomad. I’m extremely thankful for M. N. For their tools. I bought pretty much everything they make. From Frine polish to the complete set of tools, to the work mat and neck rest. I also just got the tri-beam tool. Thank you Music Nomad for making quality tools and charging a totally respectable price. I’ll NEVER buy another thing from Stew Mac. Yes they make quality stuff BUT, they knowingly gouged the shit out of customers for years, until 2 days ago. And even the prices can’t compete with M. N. Thanks again. I’m actually getting ready to setup my PRS McCarty 594 SE right now for 9 gauge strings and wouldn’t ya know it. M. N. Has a video specifically for that guitar lol. So cool. Looking forward to getting the nut files next as well.
Thanks a lot for this video! It is for sure the best guitar setup video I´ve seen in YT. Quick question: I thought those TOM Gibson type bridges already came with the exact radius and that´s why they are "easy" to maintain (in compassion with individual saddle adjustment). So what you are saying (11:18min aprox) is that this type of bridges can or will come with a possible incorrect radius? (looks like a bad quality control no matter how expensive the guitar is). Does the bridge radius always needs to match with fretboard radius? Thanks a lot in advance!
Yes the string radius should match the fretboard radius. Most fixed bridge guitars have a radius that matches the fretboard as the radius gauge will show. Over time the bridge can start to sag in the middle a bit from string pressure depending on what type of tune-o-matic it is, it could have string wear on a couple saddles or the factory did not get it just right depending on type and brand of guitar. The amount of adjustment done to the PRS was very slight to dial in the radius.
I have a brand new PRS 594. How often does all this stuff need to be done? Is it just every time I change string gauges? If I file nut & saddles down to compensate for thicker or lighter string gauges but then decide to go back to the original gauge wouldn't that mean I would have to replace the nut and saddles?
The setup should be fine and last a long time with the gauge of string you used. It could use minor adjustment with environment changes, mainly truss rod. Yes, if you change string gauge you will need to perform the setup again. If only one size up or down, the setup should be similar. It would mainly be the truss rod and string action that would need adjusting. We would suggest cutting the nut slots to the largest string you are thinking and make sure going to the smallest size is within the .003-.004 tolerance. That way you accommodate all sizes.
My prs came with 9s, the 0.09 saddle is at max adjust where it abuts those bridge screws. While it seems intonated, it can't be adjusted any more, the height almost maxed to. I've got slight buzz because the nut groove is cut too deep on top strings. The maxed out saddles on B and E are a problem, anyone have any ideas?
Rand, if you are still checking out comments on this video, I have a question for you. When you are going to adjust the truss rod, do you loosen the strings first, or do you keep the strings at full tension? I have a Custom 22 semi-hollow and I want to slightly loosen the truss rod. Thanks for a very helpful video.
I have an older PRS McCarty (2005) where there is only the back part of the bridge that adjusts the height. Does this simplify the process? I am assuming I can’t adjust the radius? The part that you cut is not there on the older models. I feel like I have an ancient guitar watching this lol.
Can you email us a picture and the make and model of your exact PRS and send it to our guitar tech at tech@musicnomad.com and he will be able to help you get the proper flow for your setup.
I have a PRS SE. The distance between the first fret and the low E is beyond .020. But it doesn't go sharp when I push the strings. Should I file it or leave it?
Thank you for the informative video. A few dumb questions, if you please …..what is the correct P-90, or soap bar pickup starting adjustment height in a semi hollow model? And, do I individually adjust the bobbins, or with them flush to the top of the pickup, adjust the whole pickup height side to side? Thanks.
To answer your specific questions i want to get you over to our Guitar Tech who can get deeper into your pickup heights. Email your question to tech@musicnomad.com
My saddles on my CE won’t go any lower and my action is still way too high, what does that mean? Do I need to give the neck more relief or tighten it? Do I need to adjust the bridge height? I’m just puzzled how the saddles won’t go lower and the action sits well above the correct height for the action I prefer. I am using the music nomad ruler to measure
You could shim your neck = unscrew the neck and put a very slim piece of wood under the neck joint. This will raise your neck so you will be able to lower the action. Your local luthier could do that. I have a 1991 CE24 and I did that.
Yes that will be the proper height. After measuring your string height and determining what you need, you would adjust the height by turning the bridge post clockwise to lower the action and counterclockwise to raise the action. You can use the 3/8” bit blade that comes in our Truss Rod Wrench kit MN235 or with our Spanner Wrench MN224.
@@MusicNomadCare I believe dblanco was asking about .006" clearance for neck relief not the .060" string height (action). Do not attempt top adjust relief by turning the bridge post as suggested above. I think MusicNomad might have misunderstood the question.
Chris, they are online at Sweetwater, Musicians Friend, American Musical Supply, Guitar Center, Zzounds and Amazon. They are also available through our dealer community and international through our distributors. here is a link to find a local dealer or the distributor in your country to reach out to regarding buying those items. www.musicnomadcare.com/Where-to-Buy/Buy-Now-Find-USA-Store/
Purchased PRS se custom 24-08 last year. It hums (like ground) terrible!! Pretty much unplayable! I’m guessing you’ve heard about this. Seems this isn’t that uncommon lately. Would you have any advice towards fixing? Thank you.
This is a fixed radius bridge (Tune-o-Matic style). You cannot adjust the individual saddles up or down, they are fixed. You can only adjust string action using the outside posts to raise and lower the treble side and bass side of the bridge after the radius has been set on this guitar.
We realize there are many different opinions and ways to setup an instrument. In the KISS method you use the pick capo to hold the E strings down at the first fret because the first fret is a fixed reference point for making the truss rod adjustment and string height adjustment. The measurements labeled on the gauges are based off the fixed-point reference of the first fret. Holding down the string at the first fret with the Pick Capo allows you to make an accurate adjustment following the KISS methods linear flow. In the flow you have not yet addressed your nut slot height which makes it a nonvalid reference point. Adjusting the nut slot height is the last step in the playability part of the setup. Following the KISS linear flow allows you to setup your guitar to play and sound great without having to go back and repeat steps.
Just bought 2 ce24 made in 2023 brand new.....bridge is at the right height but the high e saddles are pinned to the bridge and I'm at 2.5mm.....so I have to lower the pivot screws.....not cool at all..they cost a hell of a lot of money.....PRS Qc is not great these days.
This is mostly very good info. However; ... One size does not fit all, so far as action height, neck bow, player's style and how hard they hit the strings, or how hard they press on the strings. One must learn these skill s for how YOU play. Any specs so far as all of these things should be used ONLY as a frame of reference, as a starting point. I won't drop names, but I do lots of work for famous and not-so- famous guitarists. XYZ "famous guy" would NOT like the setup done on XYZ #2 famous guy's setup. Pickups included. At the end of the day there are no hard and fast rules. General guidelines are good, but the player must discard rulers and specs, and use his or her ears and hands to find what works for him or her.
You can fast forward to the specific task below:
1:00 Pre-Setup Steps
4:23 Truss Rod
10:00 Radius of Strings
17:20 Action of Strings
22:56 Nut Height
35:00 Intonation
41:33 Pickup Height
This is the best guitar setup video I've watched bar none and I've lost count of how many I've seen. Everything explained clearly in a way that really communicates the whole process and for once makes me feel confident about tackling things myself. Also, the Music Nomad tools look very impressive.
Best set up I have seen on youtube, and I have checked out heaps.
Agreed. Very comprehensive and well explained.
Greatest set-up video I have ever watched. 10/10.
Very insightful and you may have helped me solve an issue with the G string being in tune gut the 1st and 2nd frets being very sharp. Thank you!
Thank you for the video…it’ll be great to have a PRS guitar setup with a tremolo bridge, just a suggestion.
Do you notice PRS nuts being generally cut too high? Especially the low string side?
I would like instructions on setup for PRS SE Standard 24.
This guitar has tremolo.
Thank you, sir
Outstanding presentation! PRS has videos here on youtube with an employee who is difficult to follow or understand. Thank you for providing this video. It is excellent.
This is the most informative video of setting up a guitar I've watched. Thanks. I had a Dunlop gauge for set up guitars. it was really hard to see it was at. I picked up a Music Nomad set up gauge a couple days after and that is the best to use. Thanks.
Now this was great - probably the most complete and pure depiction of how to set-up your PRS. Or indeed give you the techniques for any guitar... with the manufacturers figures. Bookmarked for furure reference, for sure. Thanks for sharing.
So glad you did these as a PRS varies just slightly to be setup correctly. I own 7.
I´m impressed to read and see this as PRS are very expensive guitar. If PRS needs some extra setup I can´t image the bad quality setup from brands like Epiphone, Ibanez or similar in their cheapest models.
@@guatemala3d How are they expensive? The SEs. cost under 1k. And even if it's the core models, you can buy one guitar every year. That's very easy for a member of the middle class. So if you do that for 7 years you'll own 7 custom guitars. Lol
@@chrisking6695 well 1k for a poor quality setup on a reputable brand such as PRS is very disappointing. I may accept poor QC and setups from cheaper brands (less than 300 e.g) . I guess this is subjective on what your expecting for what your are paying. I have always heard good things about PRS (never owned one) and yeah all guitars needs a good setup at the end. BTW I just googled and saw some PRS for more than 3k and event one at 14k. Even from a 500 USD I would expect a good QC and setups due it’s reputation but I think this is part of your personal brand experience. I may need to get one and find for myself lol.
Really great step by step setup video covering all of the necessary points to get a guitar playing its best. I just picked up a lightly used PRS SE DGT and it looks like the previous owner did a really goofy setup attempt. I ordered your gauges and will get her dialed in when it shows up at my door. Cheers!
Thanks Geoff & Rand for these amazing videos, and the time you guy's take to make them🤘🤘🤘
I just want to chime to the people asking about the measurements that PRS has on their website.
If you really want PRS pickup height, adjust the pickups to the specs Geoff mentions in the video. Then on the bridge pup low E, lower the height to "3/32"'s, as for the high E string bridge pup once you are at the "1/16" lower the pickup a 1/4 or 1/2 turn with your screwdriver. As far as the neck pickup goes, just drop both sides of the pickup flush with the pickup ring, and adjust to taste. Be forewarned, I own 11 PRS Core guitars, 9 times out of 10, when you try to adjust to the PRS specs, your pickup will come off of the screws b/c PRS uses short pickup screws b/c their routes are shallow.
You guys rock and your products rock - this is how you build brand loyalty :) :)
If you set string action height with first fret pressed down and it changes drastically after removing, does that mean nut is too high/low?
Can you reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com, and we can discuss your instrument's specific needs. Thank you.
5:55 can I adjust my truss rod and neck reliefe with straight notched edge?
Can you reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com and we can discuss your instrument's specific needs? Thanks!
Can you please do a floating prs bridge video
Geoff, this was VERY good and easy to understand. One suggestion I'd make is to add some footage on to this video with a PRS custom 24 since that has PRS's trem system that has to be set a certain way. PRS does have a video about it though.
Thanks for the tip!
Have you done a video like this for their floating trem bridge? If not, consider it a request.
Check out these two videos. ua-cam.com/video/lS2YwAilgu0/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/bxUv9xbC9nw/v-deo.html
You can tell he's a hard working man by his nails: some are mostly black! It happens to me once, on my right thumb, it hurted me very much. Great video and great guitar!
gotta hustle 😅
Either that or he is very accident prone!
His nails aren't black. they are painted. They are kinda gross and distracting for a video.
Thanks so much for this!! As others have said, this is THE best instructional set-up video I've seen on UA-cam. I own your gauges already. Awesome stuff, and so helpful. Gives you confidence to get your guitar playing like you want it to. And in the case of new instruments with somewhat shocking factory set ups (the nut height on my PRS Paul's SE made this one look like a piker!), like you hoped that it would.
Just bought a new Gibson and was planning on changing string gauge. May have a try at full set up now I've watched your excellent video. Definitely the most informative one that I've watched so far, thank you.
How do you setup a guitar with an atypical fretboard radius. I thinking of the Yamahas with 13 3/4" radi. Thank you.
You will follow the same KISS flow and you will want to use a 14" radius gauge, double check at the last fret to confirm your radius
@@MusicNomadCare Thank you for your speedy reply.
I'm in total agreement. This is the best setup video I've seen. Thanks much!!! Also have some of the Music Nomad products. Big fan.
Awesome, thank you!
I wish do a PRS with tremolo setup like the popular PRS Custom24
Thank you for the suggestion. You can check out our Squier Stratocaster video as a reference as well. This will address the tremolo in the setup process. You can also reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com, and we can discuss the specific needs of your instrument. ua-cam.com/video/zF7t7HdQ1c8/v-deo.html
BEST SETUP VID EVA ! Howsabout the same great info on FRET LEVELING ??? Under string tension or not? Ramping of higher frets?? Please 👍👍👍
Great suggestion!
Does a Brand New PRS SE from Guitar Center need to be set up
On some new guitars, the factory setup may be higher than you like; some manufacturers set their action heights higher than is comfortable for most players. The reason for this is they want to avoid fret buzz when they are played. With the action set high, this is going to minimize the potential for fret buzz.
The bridge on my McCarty does not have wheels to raise/lower the action. There are just those two large screws that hold the bridge in place. To raise/lower the action, should I just turn those screws (after detuning to release some tension)? What is the best tool to use? I can use a large screwdriver but that seems a bit dangerous. Any advice?
Thank you for reaching out. Can you email us at tech@musicnomad.com, and we can discuss your instrument's specific needs? Thanks!
super set up enjoyed the video got to ask whats up paintted nails your a suort guy
What about the Pole screw hight?
You would adjust the bass side pickup and treble side pickup to the pickup height specs. On humbucker pickups that have adjustable pole pieces, you are able to raise or lower the pole pieces on each string to achieve even output if needed. Pickup pole pieces are set by the manufacturer and should not need very much adjustment. Feel free to reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com to discuss your specific instruments needs.
PRS says to check the Neck Relief measuring at the 8th Fret!
We respect the different ways manufacturers and repair techs approach neck relief. With Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell along with other top repair techs we developed our KISS method using the 1st and 12th fret and measuring at the 6th fret to accommodate most all guitars using a common measurement. The relief of the neck at the 6th fret is in the middle of the span between the 1st and 12th fret.
Very interesting. Based on 6th fret between 1 and 12 I need more relief. Based on 8th fret between 1 and oh let’s say 17th fret I do not need more relief. I may add more relief to see what happens….. So I added some more relief. I’m now .006 at 6th fret between 1 and 12. At first I was pleased but soon after I was not. I now did a Qtr turn plus a smidge more clockwise to go back to flatter. I’m now at .009 between 1st fret and 17th fret measuring at 8th fret. High E string frets 15 to 22 feel great. No more fighting the frets when bending and no more slight fret buzz pitch change when bending. My advice. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Also loosen strings before turning truss rod clockwise.
I set my guitars up just the way you show here but after cutting the nut slots I check the pitch of the first fret with a tuner, Take the a string as an example, tune the string to pitch with tuner, play the first fret, pitch will be either hi, low or right on the money do this several times to be sure, if its low you've gone too far, if it's right on the money go to the next string if it's hi you can cut the slot a tad more, cutting to a measured depth will get you close a good tuner will get you closer, what we want is a guitar that is in tune as possible.
Just got my PRS guitar and this video really helped. Great job very detail too.
Thanks. I have a 1989 prs special bolt on neck. The neck pickup is way too high even when lowered to the max amount. It creates a warble that is annoying. Any suggestions? Thanks, Mike
Hi Mike, You can reach out to our tech at tech@musicnomad.com and he will be able to help you out. Thanks!
I find it hilarious that Stick-It-To-Ya-Stew had to lower their prices DRAMATICALLY a couple days ago. I 1000% believe it’s because of Music Nomad. I’m extremely thankful for M. N. For their tools. I bought pretty much everything they make. From Frine polish to the complete set of tools, to the work mat and neck rest. I also just got the tri-beam tool. Thank you Music Nomad for making quality tools and charging a totally respectable price. I’ll NEVER buy another thing from Stew Mac. Yes they make quality stuff BUT, they knowingly gouged the shit out of customers for years, until 2 days ago. And even the prices can’t compete with M. N. Thanks again. I’m actually getting ready to setup my PRS McCarty 594 SE right now for 9 gauge strings and wouldn’t ya know it. M. N. Has a video specifically for that guitar lol. So cool. Looking forward to getting the nut files next as well.
Thanks a lot for this video! It is for sure the best guitar setup video I´ve seen in YT. Quick question: I thought those TOM Gibson type bridges already came with the exact radius and that´s why they are "easy" to maintain (in compassion with individual saddle adjustment). So what you are saying (11:18min aprox) is that this type of bridges can or will come with a possible incorrect radius? (looks like a bad quality control no matter how expensive the guitar is). Does the bridge radius always needs to match with fretboard radius? Thanks a lot in advance!
Yes the string radius should match the fretboard radius. Most fixed bridge guitars have a radius that matches the fretboard as the radius gauge will show. Over time the bridge can start to sag in the middle a bit from string pressure depending on what type of tune-o-matic it is, it could have string wear on a couple saddles or the factory did not get it just right depending on type and brand of guitar. The amount of adjustment done to the PRS was very slight to dial in the radius.
I have a brand new PRS 594. How often does all this stuff need to be done? Is it just every time I change string gauges? If I file nut & saddles down to compensate for thicker or lighter string gauges but then decide to go back to the original gauge wouldn't that mean I would have to replace the nut and saddles?
The setup should be fine and last a long time with the gauge of string you used. It could use minor adjustment with environment changes, mainly truss rod. Yes, if you change string gauge you will need to perform the setup again. If only one size up or down, the setup should be similar. It would mainly be the truss rod and string action that would need adjusting. We would suggest cutting the nut slots to the largest string you are thinking and make sure going to the smallest size is within the .003-.004 tolerance. That way you accommodate all sizes.
My prs came with 9s, the 0.09 saddle is at max adjust where it abuts those bridge screws. While it seems intonated, it can't be adjusted any more, the height almost maxed to. I've got slight buzz because the nut groove is cut too deep on top strings.
The maxed out saddles on B and E are a problem, anyone have any ideas?
Great video, thank you. It helped me to fine tuning my PRS SE Custom 24
Great to hear!
Rand, if you are still checking out comments on this video, I have a question for you. When you are going to adjust the truss rod, do you loosen the strings first, or do you keep the strings at full tension? I have a Custom 22 semi-hollow and I want to slightly loosen the truss rod. Thanks for a very helpful video.
You want your guitar in tune with the proper tension while measuring and adjusting your truss rod.
@@MusicNomadCare Thanks.
Will you do this for my guitar 🙂
I like the finger nail polish.. You rock
I have an older PRS McCarty (2005) where there is only the back part of the bridge that adjusts the height. Does this simplify the process? I am assuming I can’t adjust the radius? The part that you cut is not there on the older models. I feel like I have an ancient guitar watching this lol.
Can you email us a picture and the make and model of your exact PRS and send it to our guitar tech at tech@musicnomad.com and he will be able to help you get the proper flow for your setup.
@@MusicNomadCare yeah thanks. This is an anonymous account and I will contact you from my actual name in private. I use your guys stuff btw.
A most excellent video.
Good stuff. Thanks for this!
This is a great setup tutorial video, I have a prs custom 24 with a floating tremolo bridge, would these specs still apply to that guitar?
Email tech@musicnomad.com to go into details about your question
I have a PRS SE. The distance between the first fret and the low E is beyond .020. But it doesn't go sharp when I push the strings. Should I file it or leave it?
If it is not going sharp and you like the action you can leave it as is. For more detailed clarification email us at tech@musicnomad.com
Thank you for the informative video. A few dumb questions, if you please …..what is the correct P-90, or soap bar pickup starting adjustment height in a semi hollow model? And, do I individually adjust the bobbins, or with them flush to the top of the pickup, adjust the whole pickup height side to side? Thanks.
To answer your specific questions i want to get you over to our Guitar Tech who can get deeper into your pickup heights. Email your question to tech@musicnomad.com
Original Floyd Rose setup next please! Your instructions are the GOAT man, thank you!!
Floyd Rose coming soon! Stay Tuned and make sure you subscribe to our channel so you get alerted when we launch the video
My saddles on my CE won’t go any lower and my action is still way too high, what does that mean? Do I need to give the neck more relief or tighten it? Do I need to adjust the bridge height? I’m just puzzled how the saddles won’t go lower and the action sits well above the correct height for the action I prefer.
I am using the music nomad ruler to measure
It could be a couple different scenarios. For us to give you better help/insights please email our Guitar Tech at tech@musicnomad.com.
You could shim your neck = unscrew the neck and put a very slim piece of wood under
the neck joint. This will raise your neck so you will be able to lower the action. Your local luthier could do that. I have a 1991 CE24 and I did that.
Would 006 of inch also work with wrap around bridges? Like in the SC245 or ONE?
Yes that will be the proper height. After measuring your string height and determining what you need, you would adjust the height by turning the bridge post clockwise to lower the action and counterclockwise to raise the action. You can use the 3/8” bit blade that comes in our Truss Rod Wrench kit MN235 or with our Spanner Wrench MN224.
@@MusicNomadCare thank you!!!
@@MusicNomadCare I believe dblanco was asking about .006" clearance for neck relief not the .060" string height (action). Do not attempt top adjust relief by turning the bridge post as suggested above. I think MusicNomad might have misunderstood the question.
I'd like to buy the tool set including the nut files but they're not for sale.
Chris, they are online at Sweetwater, Musicians Friend, American Musical Supply, Guitar Center, Zzounds and Amazon. They are also available through our dealer community and international through our distributors. here is a link to find a local dealer or the distributor in your country to reach out to regarding buying those items.
www.musicnomadcare.com/Where-to-Buy/Buy-Now-Find-USA-Store/
Just got a Tremonti SE today. Does it need adjustment out of the box?
Congrats on the new guitar! It's a good idea to use our gauges to check out your setup and if you need to make any adjustments.
Purchased PRS se custom 24-08 last year. It hums (like ground) terrible!! Pretty much unplayable! I’m guessing you’ve heard about this. Seems this isn’t that uncommon lately. Would you have any advice towards fixing? Thank you.
This sounds like a electronic repair and we do not do anything along those lines. Definitely go back to the manufacture to see if they can help you.
@@MusicNomadCare thank you!🙏🏼
should do a floyd equipped guitar next
yes it is in the works
@@MusicNomadCare I'm waiting for this too!
I’m pretty sure that bridge is adjustable…. Why is he filing it?
This is a fixed radius bridge (Tune-o-Matic style). You cannot adjust the individual saddles up or down, they are fixed. You can only adjust string action using the outside posts to raise and lower the treble side and bass side of the bridge after the radius has been set on this guitar.
What about intonating a hard tail without adjustable saddles?
Can you email our guitar tech with your specific bridge so he can help you further with the intotation email him at tech@musicnomad.com
why you guys did a setup on a fixed bridge PRS instead of a floating bridge baffles me
Could you please put the metric measurements for us foreigners please ?
All our gauges come with metric and SAE so when following along to do the Keep It Simple Setup you will be all set.
did anyone else like that shade of nail polish ?
I did I think they were done in a nitro finish. Very nice.
He sounds like such a straight laced guy, the finger nail polish is just strange and bizarre 😂
@@camduke6 his daughter likes to paint his nails?? Maybe??
@@camduke6 yeah that threw me as well. Maybe he did that just to mess with us?
Needs a re coat in my expert opinion
I find your order process wrong in the intro.
Truss rod. Nut. Bridge. Remove old strings. Frets. New strings. Intonation.
We realize there are many different opinions and ways to setup an instrument. In the KISS method you use the pick capo to hold the E strings down at the first fret because the first fret is a fixed reference point for making the truss rod adjustment and string height adjustment. The measurements labeled on the gauges are based off the fixed-point reference of the first fret. Holding down the string at the first fret with the Pick Capo allows you to make an accurate adjustment following the KISS methods linear flow. In the flow you have not yet addressed your nut slot height which makes it a nonvalid reference point. Adjusting the nut slot height is the last step in the playability part of the setup. Following the KISS linear flow allows you to setup your guitar to play and sound great without having to go back and repeat steps.
The string didn’t move you opt to touch in the trust rod
Just bought 2 ce24 made in 2023 brand new.....bridge is at the right height but the high e saddles are pinned to the bridge and I'm at 2.5mm.....so I have to lower the pivot screws.....not cool at all..they cost a hell of a lot of money.....PRS Qc is not great these days.
Btw, GREAT VIDEO!!!🙏🏼
It is HIGHLY unlikely that a PRS Core model needs any nut work
Thanks for your comment, If any adjustments or nut work is needed we give you the tools and proper steps to make those adjustments.
LIP SMACKIN SETUP
This is mostly very good info. However; ...
One size does not fit all, so far as action height, neck bow, player's style and how hard they hit the strings, or how hard they press on the strings. One must learn these skill s for how YOU play.
Any specs so far as all of these things should be used ONLY as a frame of reference, as a starting point. I won't drop names, but I do lots of work for famous and not-so- famous guitarists.
XYZ "famous guy" would NOT like the setup done on XYZ #2 famous guy's setup. Pickups included.
At the end of the day there are no hard and fast rules. General guidelines are good, but the player must discard rulers and specs, and use his or her ears and hands to find what works for him or her.
It's my problem, but I can't concentrate on the video because of his nails 😅