Fender Stratocaster Full Setup - Anyone Can Do This!

Fender Guitar Setup. Full setup on a 1996 American Standard Strat in Daphne Blue. In this video I give the guitar a full setup including floating tremolo adjustment, neck relief (truss rod), string action (string height), intonation, pickup height, and new factory issue Fender Schaller style strap buttons. Thanks for watching and time stamps below.
Guide:
00:00 - Intro - Check Links in the Description
02:35 - Neck Relief (Truss Rod)
08:12 - Tremolo Setup
12:44 - Action (String Height)
16:03 - Intonation
19:14 - Pickup Height
22:23 - New Strap Buttons!
24:08 - Final Thoughts
1998 Fender Electric Guitar and Bass Setup Specifications: www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Or...
Current Fender Setup Specifications:
www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Or...
#FenderGuitar
#fenderstratocaster
#GuitarSetup
#StratSetup
FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, which means I will make commission on purchases you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you, it's just one more way to support me and my channel.

[@CrazyBeatlesFanatic]

Thank you for this video. I remember being taught "never mess with the truss rode unless you're a professional", and that doing slight adjustments would basically cause it to explode. This video gave me the confidence to finally try to adjust my guitar on my own.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment SuperCoolDude!

[@andybown68]

Thanks. Awesome video!

[@giratina5644]

I saw that same video and it's complete bullshit and scares people from actually doing it themselves

[@ciaranflanagan6693]

I was taught the same. 20 years in I finally have the confidence lol

[@nickshall1]

Me too. Thanks so much

[@jeffrey7663]

The best and easily understandable vidio on strat setup ive seen thanks man!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Jeffrey.

[@gerharddohne2980]

Comprehensive, well explained, and easy to follow - great clip. I just set up my first guitar following this video, and it sounds great!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gerhard, I am really happy you found the video useful!

[@accentontheoff]

Comprehensive, detailed and patiently done, thanks!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks I really appreciate the kind comment!

[@paulmailhot4963]

I have watched more than a few setup guides online and this is by far the best! Straight forward with simple tools and everything explained thoroughly thanks!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Paul, I really appreciate the comment!

[@mir9302]

Thank you for this. I have been searching for a clearly explained strat setup tutorial . This one is really the easiest to follow.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks MIR, glad the video was helpful!

[@JohnnyCoxTunes]

Best one I've viewed on this subject yet. Great explanation.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Johnny!

[@John--]

Thank you for this!! I've watched countless setup videos but this was the easiest to follow! Adding it to my lists!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John!

[@John--]

@@hoganshideout np! my strat is playing like new or even a bit better now, the notepad trick worked like a charm!

[@luismedina8502]

The BEST set up guide I found on YT. Thank you very much!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Luis!

[@marcocastellanos1529]

This is one of the better videos ive seen on this subject. Thank you

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Marco!

[@TheTznon]

Thank you for a very detailed explanation!

[@SasquatchLikesMe]

The best guitar set up video instructions I've seen. Extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Mark I really appreciate that!

[@Tom-th1oy]

Just wanted to say you did a very good job of explaining all the basic procedures to setup a Strat.. Simple and to the point, using basic tools, maybe taking the fear away for guitarists who have never done a setup before.. Well Done

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Tom.

[@geraldbrown2875]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I love the notepad Tremolo Bridge trick! 🎸 🇨🇦

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gerald!

[@dandalee]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this complete video. I just set up my Strat and it sings. It has become a total joy to play. Cheers, brother!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Dandalee, really glad the video was helpful!

[@sboy1955]

Added to favorites, thank you 🤙🏽

[@davidwellings2783]

Snappy, to-the-point, clear thinking and explanation! 👍👍🎸🎸

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks David!

[@Forest0922]

This is by far the best setup video ive seen, really painted the whole picture

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Justin, I really appreciate the comment!

[@jeremyrfarkas]

I've been playing guitar for nearly 17 years and have always been too afraid to try a set-up myself. Thank you so much for this video, just did a full set up on my strat and it's playing and sounding marvelous!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@reddottx]

Loved the tremolo set up. 5 minutes. Done. Thank you!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks reddottx.

[@dzarz23]

Strats are new to me as I've been playing LP style guitars previously. I've come back to this video for reference multiple times. I landed me right where I wanted to be each time.
I like the way each section had a what the 'guy did before me, what the factory says, and what I like' explanation. It reflects your own experience and I think I paid closer attention because of this.
Thank you.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks David, I really appreciate the comment!

[@peterprice8897]

Thanks . Set up my own instruments now , what a difference. Especially getting the pickup height right. Makes the world of difference. 😊

[@peterschmitt415]

Thank you for a nicely presented and well explained set up video for a complete set up.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Peter, I really appreciate the feedback!

[@MrNeedlekiller]

Great video mate. I’ve been doing my own Strat set ups for years but always check guides in case there are things I didn’t know, this was the best and most comprehensive guide I’ve seen to date.
Kudos!
Have you considered doing another one on the Carl Verheyen interval term set up? Be good to see your solid guide to that.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks, I really appreciate that. Next time I have a cool Strat to work on I'll try to go over the trem interval stuff that Carl Verheyen talks about.

[@kenmorgan9470]

FINALLY changing the pickguard on my (white on white) Player. Have tinkered here or there but this will be my first full set-up. Thanks for this artiiculate instruction!

[@Slamo28]

This answered my question was so confused about the 2 point trem system. Thanks man!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Slamo!

[@davechapman7735]

a great info clip thanks, and also great production quality, I learned lots, cheers NZ

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Dave!

[@MrAges-yi2fc]

Just bought a new Player Series Strat, used your video to set it up. Everything went well including a slight truss rod adjustment (strings were a bit high). Thank you for making this video.
😎👍

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Mr. Ages, I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@keithday1804]

Excellent, straight forward presentation! I am basically an acoustic player, but picked up a used player strat. I am swapping out the tuners for lockers and the tremolo for the American pro trek system. The tool selection, the video along with the printed fender specs should have this strat singing in no time! Thanks again:)

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment Keith!

[@John-nl4vu]

Thank You for the great video, I really needed this super handy set of instructions. I've had my guitar for about 4.5 years and just discovered the neck was crooked like a "banana. And even though I kept putting new strings on it, it just didn't sound right. Recently, I remembered seeing your video and decided to revisit it, and there it is. My Strat came out awesome, and to think I almost traded it in for a new one. Enjoy your holidays!🤓

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John, glad the video was helpful and thanks for the comment!

[@bigjohnrabbit1393]

Thank you for a great video. This was very helpful and worked perfectly to set up my strat. Was going to take it in for a set up, but this was much better!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John, I really appreciate the comment and happy the video was helpful!

[@johnsenior2566]

Thanks man. Quality advice.

[@austinsandefer649]

Bravo maestro. Much appreciated!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Austin!

[@timmoroz3203]

Very great video sir, getting my first guitar this week. And Every other vid I watched was confusing, but this was informative and simple. Thank you

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks timmoroz, really glad the video was helpful. Enjoy the new guitar!

[@gertzpalma]

THANKS, HOGAN!

[@buckchaser4725]

Good job of explaining the setup procedure. And I like that football in the background, ROLL TIDE!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Buck, ROLL TIDE!!🐘

[@mmg781]

Really well done, thank you!

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks WH, really appreciated!

[@neilmcleanmusic]

This is great thanks so much very relaxed and cool approach to setup 😊👌🎸👍

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Neil, I really appreciate the comment!

[@nickshall1]

Fantastic Video. Thanks so much!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Nick!

[@everyday_easily2022]

great video very insightful 👍

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment everyday_easily.

[@cuinoz3569]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Cuinoz.

[@InsideTheStadium]

You Rock Man, thanks for all the knowledge, means alot to a begginer like me, your a legend. 🍻

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks, I really appreciate that!

[@browill9]

Great video. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@seanobrien499]

Great stuff appreciate it!

[@JustARegularNormalGuy]

thank you very very much sir! very informative and on point

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Nick, I appreciate that.

[@c1arkj]

Great video. Easy to follow.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks J.

[@igavehimadollar3354]

Thanks for the info

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for checking the video out.

[@TheRealEdgarSchmidt]

I just got a new Strat and I’m going to follow these steps to fine tune the action and the pickups (the setup I got has them pretty low - the low E side of the neck one is flush to the pickguard). Thanks for the comprehensive explanation!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Edgar, I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheRealEdgarSchmidt]

@@hoganshideout Hogan, do you know if the “default” of 2.4 mm (and 1.98 on the treble side) is a good starting point for “Hot 50s” pickups? I searched yesterday but I couldn’t find any info.

[@hoganshideout]

@@TheRealEdgarSchmidt I think anything between 1.5mm and 4mm would be fine if it sounds good. The closest pickup I saw in the Fender manual is the Texas Special and that had a suggested setting of 3.6mm on the bass side and 2.4 mm on the treble. Might be a good place to start. Hope this helps!

[@TheRealEdgarSchmidt]

@@hoganshideout thanks! I tried searching for info in the pickup documentation but didn’t see anything. I’m going to try looking for a Strat manual like the one you showed. You are the best, Hogan!

[@hoganshideout]

@@TheRealEdgarSchmidt There are a bunch available here: fendercustomersupport.microsoftcrmportals.com/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01959

[@zoggaming88]

Thanks for the video, I'm having a litttle bit of complication beacause my frets are quite used now but im pretty happy with my setup now :)

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment zoggaming.

[@davidsummerville351]

Great demo

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks David!

[@timothy5974]

Thank you. Perfect video.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Timothy!

[@nickboutall]

Great video appreciate it. Now to go through all of my strats and set them up properly haha

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Nicholas!

[@garynorton7618]

Great trick with the picks, I can't find a capo either. 😁 saved this one, thanks for the video.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gary!

[@davidnorthfield1471]

Great video - did this on a Yamaha Pacifica I've had for 15 years and the difference in how it plays is night and day. Just needed sone feeler gauges and a couple of screw drivers.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment David.

[@wagonet]

Thanks! Something that seems super daunting isnt so bad

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment wagonet, glad the video was helpful!

[@frankhenton1439]

Have just set up a Johnny brooks strat copy black and white one in good condition anyway just done the Truss rod and set the pick ups and you know what I'm so surprised how good have got it the action is perfect thanks so much for your help.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Frank, I'm glad to hear the video was helpful.

[@StahlsBlues]

Excellent!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks SB, I appreciate the kind word!

[@migo33]

Thanks for spending the time showing us an easy and straightforward way to setup a Strat. Please try to add metric measurements in the future as most of the planet moved a long time ago from imperial units.

[@johnbuell8035]

So you want the dude to show you how to do a setup for free, AND convert his units to yours, for YOUR convenience. How about you get off your lazy ass and do the conversion in Google? Or perhaps you want him to come to your house and make you a sandwich while he’s looking it up for you? Jeez…

[@jimmygass]

Brother Hogan .. Finally someone has come along and provided bottom line - no nonsense information to set up a Strat. I see the strat I have is doubled in price but what is more important is, since I followed your advice to the letter, the Strat has never played so well. Thank you and you really deserve 10 stars ..

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the kind words, James, glad the video was helpful!

[@joshuajaimes121]

Great video, thank you!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Joshua.

[@roadtorockstar7848]

10:39 That'S the way you do it! THANK YOU!

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment Rockstar!

[@roadtorockstar7848]

@@hoganshideout Thank you for this Awesome Video!

[@garysbraccia4980]

great useful info. saved me a lot of money.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gary, glad it was useful!

[@Krullmatic]

Thank you, so much! I just bought myself a Fender Player HSS Strat off of Reverb. I got a great deal on it, because it was a B-Stock. But, I can't find a blemish on it. It was just badly in need of a setup. The strings were rusted and stuff. I've been playing for 40 years , and this is the first time I even remotely thought of working on a guitar myself. I've got it in good playing order, except I haven't tried to intonate yet. It wasn't off by too much though. I'll probably try that tomorrow . I believe it's got a couple of high frets. They're definitely in need of servicing, especially since those strings were on there that long. I'm not brave enough to try that out yet lol, so I'm still gonna take it in and have everything professionally done. I didn't have any gauges to measure anything, so I rednecked it, and got some cardboard that was pretty close to them lol.I've had it for a couple of days, and I was itching to play it! So, I found your video by trial and error. Your video is by far the best at explaining things. Thank you again, and when I have it done the right way, I'm confident I can keep up the maintenance! God Bless!🙏❤️💕❤️❤️🎸🤟😝🤟

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the kind comment and I'm really happy the video was helpful.

[@loomis422]

Thanks for your help...

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks loomis.

[@AlexVegaGuitar]

Best thing i ever did was teach myself how to setup my guitars and man it is a life changer. I almost sold a guitar because i didn't like the way it felt and played. All it needed was a setup. Guitars play so much better, alot smoother and barely take any effort to play, when setup properly.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Alex!

[@SmokoYt]

I cannot thank you enough. No wonder this Strat was in such clean condition but for sale for such a good price, all the guy needed to do was follow this video. Looks like I beat him to it. First Strat, and probably not my last now.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Smoko, glad your Strat is playing great!

[@phwifty3197]

Best video on UA-cam for guitar set up imo
Just a quick comment for the U.K. & Europe (metric) feeler gauges
The 0.10” feeler gauge is the 0.25mm (not the one that has 0.10 written on it because that is in millimetres)
I pretty sure a previous comment is incorrect ( but please correct me if I’m wrong)

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment phwifty. Should be .010 = .25mm

[@markolsen4394]

Very few player's are good with A whammy, its an art form all its own, show us what you got, all do respect.

[@finkployd7321]

Thanks Guitarist Edward Norton!

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

I do appreciate the fact you mentioned pickup height is up to each individual, but we're not talking huge differences, just a little higher, lower.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment CmmnSenseRules. Yeah a little goes a long way.

[@just_julian]

Man I was going nuts until I found to is video. Thanks man.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Julian!

[@aarondurham75]

Great video! I need to tighten my two pivot screws. They’re not down all the way.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks Aaron!

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

That’s definitely a useful tip to push the neck slightly to adjust the truss rod.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John, appreciate the comment!

[@theguitarclubonline]

Supurb! Thank You :D

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks!

[@infoscholar5221]

I'm in my fifties, now, and I almost exclusively play Strats and Teles and their offbrand copies, too. The Strat is the AK-47 of music. It can, and does, play any gtenre of music, and plays them well. The Tele...that's another story.

[@hoganshideout]

I hear you infoscholar, Strats are my favorite too and cover every style of music. Thanks for the comment!

[@simoncartwright5944]

As others have said - this is the best explained set up video I’ve watched on strats (and their trems). Thanks!
One question… does a vintage style 6 bolt trem need any loosening of those 6 screws to allow sone movement or should they all be screwed in flush?

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Simon. With a six screw bridge you want the screws to barely touch the bridge plate with the bridge resting flat on the body -- they should not be tight enough to move the back of the bridge up off the body. At that point, I loosen the screws another half turn or so, so that the bridge can move up and down freely. It's easier to do this with the strings and springs not installed -- good news is you only have to do it once! Some people like to raise the middle four screw very slightly higher which creates a quasi two point system. The next time I have my hands on a six point trem strat, I'll do a video.

[@seekeroftheways]

Really helpful instructions especially the notepad trick. Genius. I just wish the US finally converted to metric. For the life of me I get lost whenever I hear 6/64ths football fields per Ford 4x4

[@wedrivebynight]

You mean 3/32 football fields per Ford 4x4

[@davidrowe4412]

Very well done! Roll Tide!!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks David, Roll Tide!🏈

[@gary1488]

Great video and Roll Tide!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gary, roll Tide!

[@demonrouge3338]

The best 👍👍👍.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks DR, I really appreciate that!

[@dennisjones2124]

Awesome video....ROLL TIDE

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Dennis, Roll Tide!

[@devendrakurmi5111]

Great video on setup.. saved my guitar.. any suggestion on cleaning and upkeep the guitar especially the fret board, strings, body.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Devendra. I am fanatical about washing my hands with dish soap before I play to remove oils and other junk that might wind up on the guitar and the strings. Also, a good polish and cloth -- I like the Gibson polish -- works great for an occasional cleaning. I just wipe the strings down with a dry cloth from time to time and change them regularly.

[@devendrakurmi5111]

@@hoganshideout Thanks mate.. another best suggestion.. i do have a separate dry cloth to wipe guitar.

[@vinnier6]

Great video….I believe Clapton decked his trem vs blocked

[@winterhear]

gotta save this for later , thanks man! my tremolo is rock solid from the delivery... it's like cemented to the wood and won't move at all when pushing lever lol. i guess factory ''settings'' have the screws tightened all way in the wood from the back side? going to check it out when i get home...

[@johnnyboy9461]

That you Hogan, you saved me about $60. Great explanations, I not only knew what I was doing, by why I was doing it. Perfect content!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Johnny, I'm really glad the video was helpful and thanks for the comment!

[@dmett3828]

Thank you sir. You saved my bacon

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks dmett3828.

[@RandyFricke]

Everyone has their preferred set up procedures. I would like to offer mine if I may...
Considering that the neck starts getting thicker at right around the 12th fret it's a sure bet that that spaghetti thin truss rod is not going to have any affect on that inch of wood from the 12th fret to the end of the finger board.
I agree with those who measure from where the neck joins the body. Usually at the 17th fret.
What I have found works best for me is to start with the neck dead straight. Capo 1st fret as usual but hold the 6th string down at the 17th. Then measure string height at the 12th fret (no capo) to 1/16" on the 1st and 6th string. Check for fretting out and buzz. Every string at every fret.
If you detect buzz adjust the truss rod ever so slightly to start adding relief. 1/8 of a turn at a time will be sufficient. Check 1st and 6th string heights again at the 12th fret keeping that 1/16" consistent.
Check again for buzz and repeat that procedure until all of the notes ring clear. Every string. Every fret.
I have found that some guitars will accommodate a flatter neck than others. Once you have clear ringing notes just play into it and get used to that set up.
A guitar will never give you something it doesn't have to give. You have to take what it gives and live with it.

[@jimsilva8079]

Great video! Thanks! I’m curious: How much is the string guage gonna affect the tension on the neck, and perhaps its relief? Say between an .010 to .048 set and a slightly lighter .009 to .046?

[@hoganshideout]

Hi Jim. It depends on the guitar and how stiff the neck is, but going up or down one gauge shouldn't cause a lot of change to the neck. You may need to tweek the truss rod and intonation a bit though.

[@ltgray2780]

Some recommend lowering the pickups when intonating, as the magnetic field can affect the strings.

[@hoganshideout]

Pickup height can definitely affect intonation, due to magnetic pull, if the pickups are too close to the strings.

[@frankhenton1439]

It sounds great no buzzing or loosing tune I'm gob smacked how good it sounds see it's happened before have bought cheap copies from cash generator and have been lucky have had a decent few that have been great to play and look good as well so thanks so much for your information well appreciated.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Frank!

[@dalerothgordt8329]

you glossed over setting the radius on the bridge after setting string height. with a under string radius gauge
:)

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment Dale. I generally just measure every string at the 12th fret but an under string radius gauge would work great for setting strings height off of the outside strings.

[@wiselizard6-vg5ih]

Strats Rule!!!!

[@kodibassInsideoutboards]

Thank U, Bout time someone made a video for me ( a simpleton) kb

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Inside Outboard's!

[@gibsondcxpl85]

Thank you for this great video - I have a 97 standard, so this helped tremendously. When using the .10 feeler gauge for neck relief, will there be a slight lifting of the string when it’s inserted over the fret? Or should there be no movement at all? I find it difficult to tell when it’s at the right level.

[@hoganshideout]

Hi Thomas. I adjust the neck so that the feeler gauge will fit between the string and fret as tight as possible without really moving the string. You may need to sort of angle the gauge as you slide it under the string. Thanks for checking the video out!

[@kitmoore9969]

Set it high
Put the feeler gauge underneath and tap the string down against the gauge
Keep lowering and tapping
Once it's snug, the tap tone will change

[@peterbayliss1484]

A+ from me 👍😎❤️

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Peter!

[@sonicidiot]

Brilliant. Everything you need to know. Thank you.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey, thanks for the comment!

[@timrichards8636]

this dude is a god just saying

[@hoganshideout]

Lol, thanks tim!

[@johnmaher5887]

If I set the truss rod, then set the string heights with the bridge, but I’m getting some fret buzz, is that an indication I need to readjust the truss rod to have more bow, or am I stuck with having to make the action higher with the bridge?

[@hoganshideout]

Hi John. Depending on your playing technique some fret buzz may be inevitable. But generally you can try raising the action at the bridge saddles a little bit and adding a touch more relief (neck bow) if you are getting too much fret buzz. Also if the frets are not all level there will be some buzz here and there. Shull did a good video about this a couple of years ago: ua-cam.com/video/NzEsWhdqvF0/v-deo.html

[@bonnyr6246]

What about setting the neck angle correctly ? Dropping the saddles is ok to a point , but keeping them high as possible via correct neck angle setting allows for a steeper string angle over the saddles ( better tone) and avoids risk of shredding your palm on the saddle screws if they stick up too much . Shims ( or micro tilt ) are an important part of a set up .

[@hoganshideout]

Some Fenders have a neck angle adjustment screw, for others a shim can be necessary. Generally neck angle is fine from the factory but I'll try to do a video in the future explaining that a bit more. Thanks for the comment Bonny.

[@bristolfashion4421]

D'you know what - every time I see a Strat in a different colour, I think "Wow - doesn't that look cool?". That Daphne Blue is *really nice* ... Who knows the secret of the Best Strat Colour ?? I do not.