I live in northern Minnesota. we dont have any guitar techs here at all so I'm teaching myself my ibanez RGs are vary setup friendly thanks foe this video 😊
Exactly - 25:10 in vid- edge, lo-pro edge USERS BEWARE! While inner lock screw may be loosened from factory on new guitar, if this inner set screw is locked - LOOSEN IT~ ! This should be annotated in video by publisher as users can do serious damage.
@@Zenpointmediastudio I have an RG 2020x with that double lo-pro edge with piezzo. I'm afraid a luthier that i cant reach anyomore locked the bridge but i dont know. Any tip to find it? Cause i'm fkn scared to try any move on it, I need to lower the bridge a bit and I know u need a bit of strength on turning for that, but since I dont know if the bridge is locked or not im so fkn scaried of trying anything. Please if u know what to do, or have an idea...
@@GuitarraErudita sure- there is a second (smaller) hex key /allen wrench adjustment WITH IN the main bridge height adjustment - it's real small shine a light in there you may see it- you need to use the proper size tool in there and loosen first before you attempt adjust the main large hex adjustment! It's literally INSIDE The hex insert where your tool goes in to adjust height it will look like a hole but it's a small hex key adjustment)
Thank you for the in depth tutorial. I would add one thing. Shim thickness can be adjusted with a sanding block. I sometimes make shims using a belt sander. If you use an electric sander, it is best to use a long strip of metal. Sand the end to the correct thickness (use micrometer or vernier calipers) use a flat wooden block to push metal onto sander (this avoids burning hand on hot metal) then cut off the shim with an angle grinder.
Thank you for clarifying how you are determining clockwise/counter clockwise when adjusting the truss rod. For many it seems obvious but for some it’s not (until this video).
This is why I always have Sweetwater perform a Plek Setup on FR guitars - never played guitars setup so perfectly. With them doing so many plek setups a day - they really have it down.
My action is 0.030" - 0.040" and perfect flat neck! Radius is 12"-16" (nut - 24 fret), on bridge is 20". Such radius values are due to geometry, you just need to calculate. The game is incredibly comfortable! Recommend. :)
Great video! I will get my supplies from you to say thank you. I wonder why they don't just have height adjustment screws instead of making people stick shims under the bridge saddles.
Another excellent tutorial. Great job guys! Any plans to do a classical guitar/nylon string setup? Or plans to do setups for banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele etc...
You should loosen the strings before adjusting the tremolo's post height??? Full string tention will damage the tremolo's knife edges along with carving a groove into your trem post!!!
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. At least, push it all the way down, so you're not cutting right into the knife edge. But yeah, best to loosen the strings.
Thank you for all your videos! Great guidance indeed. I have a question. , the radius gauge OVER the strings might not be accurate, as the strings are all different thickness. I'd suggest to use under string radius, am I right?
I just recently purchase an Ibanez with zero edge and good thing you made I video about it. I've been using your tutorials on setting up all of my guitars using also the Music Nomad Kit. I just have a question, the fretboard radius on my Ibanez is 16.9. What radius should I used for setting up my bridge? Thank you for a very informative video!
One thing I don’t understand why pressing the first fret when setting up action. You should set action without pressing frets or the normal action will be a bit higher when you take your finger off the first fret. Also, ibanez guitars, because of their radius, cand get a 1,1mm action on both sides no problem, just make sure you have your pickups lower even to accomodate for the low action. I have my Ibanez and Fender guitars set to 1mm action (last fret) all across without fretbuzz. Nut action also can be lower than the specs in this video…I recommend Suhr guitars specs for nut action, on Fender style guitars and go on about 0.2mm for high E string and 0.3mm on pow e string- action at first fret no pressing down (for shredder type guitars)
In our KISS setup method, neck relief, radius, and string action are performed prior to your nut height. Nut height is not a valid reference point because they have not been addressed yet. Nut slots are the final step in the playability part of the setup. The first fret is a fixed reference point to take measurements and make adjustments. We realize there are many different opinions and approaches to setup, but our KISS method has been developed to address most common setups.
Thanks for the video, guys! There is a serious lack of proper Ibanez RG setup videos on youtube. Almost non existent which makes no sense considering how popular these guitars are. As mentioned in another comment, most of the newer RG's are equipped with a lo-pro edge that has an additional locking screw within the main bridge posts. This model looks like a fairly old RG and it doesn't look like it has a lo-pro edge trem either. ua-cam.com/video/AkLSOO1WRAg/v-deo.html - This is the only video I've found that shows the additional screw within and how it works. I've also heard that you can damage the knife edges on the trem by just screwing down the posts with the strings on. Yet, there's no real demonstration of this anywhere to be seen. It would be nice to see a Prestige made in the last 5-7 years setup on this channel with the current hardware. ✌
Geoff has the experience, technique and confidence to make this adjustment while under tension without any worry/issues of damaging the knife edge. But with that being said, we recommend, if you are not comfortable, making this adjustment under tension to loosen the strings while making this adjustment to avoid any potential damage. If you choose to loosen your strings, it is important to tune back to pitch before moving to the next step in the KISS process.
@@MusicNomadCare Thanks for the response and clarification on this! I appreciate it. I trust Geoff completely! I’ve setup over 20+ guitars of all kinds with the help of these videos and the music nomad kit/nut file set I purchased earlier this year. They have all come out killer! I’ve avoided setting up the ibanzes all together because the overall complexity and this knife edge conundrum, but I think I’ll finally dive in with confidence. Thanks again guys, your tool kits are well worth the investment! The nut files take it to a whole ‘nother level! 🙌😎
Great video! I do have a question... Should the pivot points on the bridge be the exact same height on both sides or should the side with the high E string be set lower?
If the guitar is dedicated to staying in that tuning, then yes, you would set intonation using that tuning. Feel free to reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com to discuss your instrument's specific needs.
25:05 Controversial part of the video... I've heard arguments on both sides about tightening/loosening the bridge studs 'under string tension'. The argument being that it flattens/damages the knife edge on the floating bridge. I don't know the answer but I guarantee people will comment about this, on this video.
i've stoped the video at exactly this time and came to see the comments... My thoughts exactly! Does or it does not damage the knife edges of the tremolo if you modify the stud height under string tension?
Geoff has the experience, technique and confidence to make this adjustment while under tension without any worry/issues of damaging the knife edge. But with that being said, we recommend, if you are not comfortable, making this adjustment under tension to loosen the strings while making this adjustment to avoid any potential damage. If you choose to loosen your strings, it is important to tune back to pitch before moving to the next step in the KISS process.
Can you tell me what model of RG this is? I've got an RG120 I need help with because it won't connect to the amp properly, but it's in the internals of the guitar.
I find setting pick up height to measured spec produces signal levels that are way to much into the red zones as indicated on my amp modeler so I set my pickup height much lower and to more optiomal Guitar DI input levels. Also, what was the spec you where shooting for when setting fingerboard relief? Great video btw.
Fortunately with the newer Ibanez the radius is fixed at the nut and bridge so you never need to adjust it. Should have always been that way but early bridges had poor design.
Why measure the string height at the 12th fret after giving relieve to the neck? That doesn't make any sense. Get the .05" - .06" at the LAST fret while having the neck almost straight under load! And if there is string buzz then, just give the neck the relief it needs. That's how to get real low action!
It is to eliminate the influence that the nut locker may have, since there are guitars with Floyd Rose like this one that do not have that kind of leveling bar
I live in northern Minnesota. we dont have any guitar techs here at all so I'm teaching myself my ibanez RGs are vary setup friendly thanks foe this video 😊
Note: Some Ibanez floating bridge studs will have an inner locking grub screw.
Thank you Music Nomad for this informative video.
Exactly - 25:10 in vid- edge, lo-pro edge USERS BEWARE! While inner lock screw may be loosened from factory on new guitar, if this inner set screw is locked - LOOSEN IT~ ! This should be annotated in video by publisher as users can do serious damage.
@@Zenpointmediastudio I have an RG 2020x with that double lo-pro edge with piezzo. I'm afraid a luthier that i cant reach anyomore locked the bridge but i dont know. Any tip to find it? Cause i'm fkn scared to try any move on it, I need to lower the bridge a bit and I know u need a bit of strength on turning for that, but since I dont know if the bridge is locked or not im so fkn scaried of trying anything. Please if u know what to do, or have an idea...
@@GuitarraErudita sure- there is a second (smaller) hex key /allen wrench adjustment WITH IN the main bridge height adjustment - it's real small shine a light in there you may see it- you need to use the proper size tool in there and loosen first before you attempt adjust the main large hex adjustment! It's literally INSIDE The hex insert where your tool goes in to adjust height it will look like a hole but it's a small hex key adjustment)
@@Zenpointmediastudio I've find the correct hex key for the job! Ty.
Thank you for the in depth tutorial. I would add one thing. Shim thickness can be adjusted with a sanding block. I sometimes make shims using a belt sander. If you use an electric sander, it is best to use a long strip of metal. Sand the end to the correct thickness (use micrometer or vernier calipers) use a flat wooden block to push metal onto sander (this avoids burning hand on hot metal) then cut off the shim with an angle grinder.
Thank you for clarifying how you are determining clockwise/counter clockwise when adjusting the truss rod. For many it seems obvious but for some it’s not (until this video).
This is why I always have Sweetwater perform a Plek Setup on FR guitars - never played guitars setup so perfectly. With them doing so many plek setups a day - they really have it down.
Awsome job of explaining this subject anyone should fairly easily be able to do most of this setup 👍👍🎸
My action is 0.030" - 0.040" and perfect flat neck! Radius is 12"-16" (nut - 24 fret), on bridge is 20". Such radius values are due to geometry, you just need to calculate. The game is incredibly comfortable! Recommend. :)
Excellent video, super helpful. God bless.
Best setup vid out there thanks my man
We're so glad you think so. How'd your setup go?
It went perfect my rg550 plays so much better now. Thanks again!
Great video! I will get my supplies from you to say thank you. I wonder why they don't just have height adjustment screws instead of making people stick shims under the bridge saddles.
Another excellent tutorial. Great job guys!
Any plans to do a classical guitar/nylon string setup? Or plans to do setups for banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele etc...
Just what I was looking for. I have slightly used Ibanez S series S6700QM that I need to setup. This video should help overall with that.
You should loosen the strings before adjusting the tremolo's post height??? Full string tention will damage the tremolo's knife edges along with carving a groove into your trem post!!!
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. At least, push it all the way down, so you're not cutting right into the knife edge. But yeah, best to loosen the strings.
BTW, please make a video on AXE which doesn't have strings at all. And how You aproach to set up a guitar 😁
Great video! Thanks for posting.
Thank you for all your videos! Great guidance indeed. I have a question. , the radius gauge OVER the strings might not be accurate, as the strings are all different thickness. I'd suggest to use under string radius, am I right?
great effort 👍
Great video. Thank you so much.
I just recently purchase an Ibanez with zero edge and good thing you made I video about it. I've been using your tutorials on setting up all of my guitars using also the Music Nomad Kit. I just have a question, the fretboard radius on my Ibanez is 16.9. What radius should I used for setting up my bridge?
Thank you for a very informative video!
I set the low string at about 1.6mm and top string about 1.3mm.
One thing I don’t understand why pressing the first fret when setting up action. You should set action without pressing frets or the normal action will be a bit higher when you take your finger off the first fret. Also, ibanez guitars, because of their radius, cand get a 1,1mm action on both sides no problem, just make sure you have your pickups lower even to accomodate for the low action. I have my Ibanez and Fender guitars set to 1mm action (last fret) all across without fretbuzz. Nut action also can be lower than the specs in this video…I recommend Suhr guitars specs for nut action, on Fender style guitars and go on about 0.2mm for high E string and 0.3mm on pow e string- action at first fret no pressing down (for shredder type guitars)
In our KISS setup method, neck relief, radius, and string action are performed prior to your nut height. Nut height is not a valid reference point because they have not been addressed yet. Nut slots are the final step in the playability part of the setup. The first fret is a fixed reference point to take measurements and make adjustments. We realize there are many different opinions and approaches to setup, but our KISS method has been developed to address most common setups.
Now would the same method be applied to a seven string? And what would the action height be for low 7th string?
Thanks for the video, guys! There is a serious lack of proper Ibanez RG setup videos on youtube. Almost non existent which makes no sense considering how popular these guitars are. As mentioned in another comment, most of the newer RG's are equipped with a lo-pro edge that has an additional locking screw within the main bridge posts. This model looks like a fairly old RG and it doesn't look like it has a lo-pro edge trem either. ua-cam.com/video/AkLSOO1WRAg/v-deo.html - This is the only video I've found that shows the additional screw within and how it works. I've also heard that you can damage the knife edges on the trem by just screwing down the posts with the strings on. Yet, there's no real demonstration of this anywhere to be seen. It would be nice to see a Prestige made in the last 5-7 years setup on this channel with the current hardware. ✌
Geoff has the experience, technique and confidence to make this adjustment while under tension without any worry/issues of damaging the knife edge. But with that being said, we recommend, if you are not comfortable, making this adjustment under tension to loosen the strings while making this adjustment to avoid any potential damage. If you choose to loosen your strings, it is important to tune back to pitch before moving to the next step in the KISS process.
@@MusicNomadCare Thanks for the response and clarification on this! I appreciate it. I trust Geoff completely! I’ve setup over 20+ guitars of all kinds with the help of these videos and the music nomad kit/nut file set I purchased earlier this year. They have all come out killer! I’ve avoided setting up the ibanzes all together because the overall complexity and this knife edge conundrum, but I think I’ll finally dive in with confidence. Thanks again guys, your tool kits are well worth the investment! The nut files take it to a whole ‘nother level! 🙌😎
Great video! I do have a question...
Should the pivot points on the bridge be the exact same height on both sides or should the side with the high E string be set lower?
When you use different tunings like E flat or a drop tune do you set Intonation tuned to standard E or to the tunning you play at?
If the guitar is dedicated to staying in that tuning, then yes, you would set intonation using that tuning. Feel free to reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com to discuss your instrument's specific needs.
25:05 Controversial part of the video... I've heard arguments on both sides about tightening/loosening the bridge studs 'under string tension'. The argument being that it flattens/damages the knife edge on the floating bridge.
I don't know the answer but I guarantee people will comment about this, on this video.
i've stoped the video at exactly this time and came to see the comments... My thoughts exactly!
Does or it does not damage the knife edges of the tremolo if you modify the stud height under string tension?
@Levi B It would be great to have a definitive answer.
I always loosen the strings before doing anything like that.
Under full tension, you have to use a lot of force. Never force anything.
Geoff has the experience, technique and confidence to make this adjustment while under tension without any worry/issues of damaging the knife edge. But with that being said, we recommend, if you are not comfortable, making this adjustment under tension to loosen the strings while making this adjustment to avoid any potential damage. If you choose to loosen your strings, it is important to tune back to pitch before moving to the next step in the KISS process.
@MusicNomad Equipment Care Confidence? How about science. It either damages the edge or it doesn't.
One step I do not see adressed here is tremolo spring tension. What the recommendation there?
There is no specific tension. They just need to be adjusted so that the bottom of the trem baseplate is level with the body.
What pickups are these,i want some of these
Can you tell me what model of RG this is? I've got an RG120 I need help with because it won't connect to the amp properly, but it's in the internals of the guitar.
Can you reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com and we can discuss your guitar's specific needs? Thanks!
TOP
26:03 did you forget to remove the pick from the beginning
At around 22:00, Geoff reinstalls the pack capo before putting the guitar into the playing position.
I find setting pick up height to measured spec produces signal levels that are way to much into the red zones as indicated on my amp modeler so I set my pickup height much lower and to more optiomal Guitar DI input levels. Also, what was the spec you where shooting for when setting fingerboard relief? Great video btw.
Thanks!! .006 / .15mm is the measurement for electric guitar neck relief.
At what point would you adjust the angle of tremolo?
Thank you for reaching out! Can you email tech@musicnomad.com and our tech will be able to help you with your instruments specific needs. Thanks!
Fortunately with the newer Ibanez the radius is fixed at the nut and bridge so you never need to adjust it. Should have always been that way but early bridges had poor design.
Why measure the string height at the 12th fret after giving relieve to the neck? That doesn't make any sense. Get the .05" - .06" at the LAST fret while having the neck almost straight under load! And if there is string buzz then, just give the neck the relief it needs. That's how to get real low action!
He never mentioned which size feeker gauge he was using to measure the neck relief.
Our truss rod gauge MN600 has the gauges labeled for electric, acoustic, classical and bass. .006 is the electric guitar measurement.
@@MusicNomadCare Thank you for responding to that comment. Trying to fine tune my new/used 2009 RG3EXFM1
Capo at 1st fret when setting String action?? really? Never heard of...
It is to eliminate the influence that the nut locker may have, since there are guitars with Floyd Rose like this one that do not have that kind of leveling bar
On the bridge, measure the radius Under the strings, not over them!! 🤦♂️
Great Video much thanks!