STRATOCASTER SETUP TIPS: KEEPING YOUR GUITAR TUNED UP! PICKUP HEIGHT AND STRING STRETCHING

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  • Опубліковано 9 лют 2020
  • Hey Hey!
    Figured I could post a video with some insight on some things I do with my Strats.
    PICKUP HEIGHT RULES:
    There are no rules!
    Your ears truly have to judge how you want your pick ups set up and how do you want them to stand out, so don’t let a measurement online dictate your tone!
    A lot of the fun is searching it out yourself and finding it on your own
    Keep in mind, its YOUR guitar that YOU will play, So it doesn’t matter with someone else is doing, it’s all about how you approach it
    Thanks for checking this video and there is more cool content coming this week!
    Peace and Thanks!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 111

  • @_RLP
    @_RLP 4 роки тому +4

    Great stuff, man. Always a pleasure.

  • @cirjames2540
    @cirjames2540 4 роки тому +5

    Great video Nik. it's always good to see how others do their setup to pick up tricks of the trade or add something new to your own routine.

  • @chrisofosho
    @chrisofosho 4 роки тому +1

    Great video! Lots of great info I’m digging it.

  • @alessandrogarofalo8699
    @alessandrogarofalo8699 4 роки тому +3

    You always give lot of very valuable informations, that’s nice really thank you!
    Waiting for You to start a full Italian series of videos ;) !
    Ciaociao Alessandro

    • @Vic-Vega-
      @Vic-Vega- 2 роки тому

      ma magari ce casca! dijelo Alessà

  • @Andyanddiana467
    @Andyanddiana467 4 роки тому

    Great, helpful vid. Thanks!

  • @johnwelsh2769
    @johnwelsh2769 Рік тому

    I have been a Les Paul guy all my life but recently got a CS Strat at a great price. This video was extremely helpful. Thanks!

  • @dandrivepedal
    @dandrivepedal 4 роки тому +2

    great video! THANKS!

  • @gerrydaly5409
    @gerrydaly5409 3 місяці тому

    Very helpful - thanks

  • @danxthexman82x7
    @danxthexman82x7 3 роки тому +1

    Great video. Great advice.
    I've been playing and tinkering with guitars for a long time. I also warm single-coils and move bobbins up or down sometimes to get just what I can't from height adjustment alone. That's just my way of making the pickup sound the way I want them to sound.
    You get some killer tones dude and them "mits" can play some killer licks and get that SRV tone no trouble at all. 👍👍
    Keep bringing the great content and I'll be here keeping it real and playing them licks as well! 🤘

  • @WillyKidd
    @WillyKidd 4 роки тому +2

    Very cool Nik!

  • @michael_caz_nyc
    @michael_caz_nyc 4 роки тому +1

    Great stuff. I've been researching, reading, watching tons of videos and Doing all my own Care & Maintenance on my Acoustic & Electrics. A Great old guitar builder/luthier/tech once told me: "if your electric-guitar doesn't sound & play good acoustically, it will never sound great" - Really Informative. Enjoyed it brother. oNe LovE from NYC.

  • @prophetsbourne1136
    @prophetsbourne1136 3 роки тому +6

    Great Video!
    I find that starting with the pickups at 4/32nds on the 6th and 3/32nds on the 1st strings then plugging in the Tuner lowering each pickup by quarter turns until the needle is absolutely stable is THE perfect way to get the most out of any pickup by finding each one’s sweet spot.

  • @squidkid2
    @squidkid2 Рік тому

    I really liked your take on stringing up with vintage tuners. I have a newer Squier Strat and I got rid of those new style tuners with the screw on buttons that always have play and replaced them with the Kluson style tuners with the holes in the posts. My first guitar was a Mustang that had the vintage style tuners but I never knew about putting the string down the center hole and so it never stayed in tune. The way you bend the string at the post is exactly how it's done and it really locks in the string. BTW the strings don't really stretch. What is actually happening when you first put the strings on is that the windings at the post are tightening down to the post and moving closer to each other. If you look closely at the tuning post when you have the strings off you'll notice that the post is concave. This causes the strings to want to move to the smallest part of the post which forces them upwards and helps all the wraps come tightly together side by side. When I re-string I bring the guitar up to pitch and then pull up on each string at the middle of the neck to help pull all the slack out of the windings at the post.

  • @ivankachkovski
    @ivankachkovski 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you!

  • @SeanKerns
    @SeanKerns 4 роки тому

    Nice how-to, Nik.

  • @luckylicks3497
    @luckylicks3497 4 роки тому +4

    Gorgomyte!! Great stuff.

    • @michael_caz_nyc
      @michael_caz_nyc 4 роки тому

      Not for Satin or Roasted-Maple Neck's though ( right? ) - Just Ebony or Rosewood?

  • @5150show
    @5150show 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome thank you

  • @Johnny1.0
    @Johnny1.0 4 роки тому +2

    Good stuff Nik as always! The acoustic tone on that 59 is amazing! Higher action makes it easier to push strings out of the way on those big (single string) bends and so much easier to mute without accidentally fretting unintended strings. When you have big ham handed mitts that dont have as much feeling as b4 the 30 years of construction and motocross abuse every lil bit counts. 😉😂

  • @Bellabaddi
    @Bellabaddi 3 роки тому +1

    Great vids, used some of your tube suggestions on my Princeton, helped big time. I had a question on pickups, I have a strat 54 mij REissue with fender 69s, love it. Then I have a mij 62 ri with fralin blues spec and it’s meh. I wanted the 62 to be my srv strat, Dan Patlasky suggests low output, curious on your thoughts? Should i ask fralin to take winds off, sell or? Cheers!

  • @ricksanders792
    @ricksanders792 Рік тому +3

    when you had the strings off and cleaning the neck, why didn't you clean off the pickguard around the pickups?

  • @jaxone1259
    @jaxone1259 2 роки тому

    Or look at the Rockers in the 60's early 70's and their setup I still set up mine like that basically it was like the Strings were on the Frets and the pickups were a playing card thickness away from the strings when fretted at the last fret Old Rocker and A Strat LOL. NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY LIKE YOU SAY ........JUST EXPLORE AND HAVE FUN WITH IT CRANK IT. GREAT VIDEO THANKS

  • @thmmke6926
    @thmmke6926 4 роки тому

    The famous Ticonderoga #2, oh wait I gotta take a test,
    Is it stretching the string or taking up the slack at the post,
    And also mb go over how much wrap that u use on the locking tuners, do the clock positions in the little fender book work right as a starting pt,
    An aside, yep u keep crayola crayons play dough and #2 pencils around for the smell and nostalgia, but they don’t help my tone,

  • @goodgugamuga
    @goodgugamuga 4 роки тому +1

    GREAT VID!! Within a couple of weeks, my strings tend to turn dark. Does that mean they need changing or just a polishing up with the cleaning cloth?

  • @joshuajkoplin
    @joshuajkoplin Рік тому

    I use #0000 fine steel wool with the grain of the board (tape over pickup pole pieces for protection from filings getting stuck to pickups)
    Then guitar honey fret board oil, light coat and wipe it right off.
    Then I use Tri flow lube in the nut slots TRY IT NIK!
    I put try flow on the saddles where the strings contact it. I do this with strings on. Wipe away excess.

  • @paulcowart3174
    @paulcowart3174 4 роки тому

    Yeah I like some relief as well and my action is fairly high Hey what about having a bit of slidage on the E string's What are some different fixes for that ? Thanks Nik good stuff 👍

  • @dirtcreature1
    @dirtcreature1 4 роки тому +3

    I've been looking at those highwood saddles. They look nice, I like the slot and the saddle height screws not sticking up.

  • @MrSteppingstone888
    @MrSteppingstone888 2 роки тому

    Nik where did you buy those frets and what size are they. Just received a large head stock allparts rosewood neck I was going to try to re fret it my self
    just bought the gorgomyte , definitely looks like its worth it
    Thanks Nik

  • @jimcastillo8950
    @jimcastillo8950 2 роки тому

    Hi Nik, what video is where demostrate how to setup the strat tremolo? thank you

  • @Spinnifuchs
    @Spinnifuchs 4 роки тому +2

    Would love to hear about your tremolo setup? I saw 5 springs? So flat to the deck? But i saw you using the trem?

  • @TiagoFrancomusic
    @TiagoFrancomusic 4 роки тому

    thanks master

  • @021mr5
    @021mr5 3 роки тому +2

    My friends always complain about my string height whenever they hold my guitar. I've always found it hard to play when you bend and the string above goes under your fingers and joins the string you're bending.

  • @0013619511
    @0013619511 4 місяці тому

    Be sure that you let the strings as you wrap springs around post the wrap goes up post as high as you can this cuts down on angel works on Gibson also help stay in tune

  • @ABCDEF-ks5op
    @ABCDEF-ks5op 2 роки тому +3

    The middle and bridge pickup gunk on the pickguard give me anxiety XD

  • @Gaslight.Guitar
    @Gaslight.Guitar 4 роки тому +3

    Dammit, your strat is awesome. One day Im gonna own a real vintage one as well :)

  • @ryangunwitch-black
    @ryangunwitch-black 2 роки тому

    I do like the Nut Sauce but that pencil trick is a killer little hack.

  • @jimmarciano6957
    @jimmarciano6957 4 роки тому +3

    Wish this video was around 20 years ago

  • @JamesKruseArtist
    @JamesKruseArtist 4 роки тому +2

    Where can I get that string set? I’ve looked on their site I can’t seem to find them? Thanks!

  • @maxfaith1940
    @maxfaith1940 4 роки тому +2

    Great Video Nik, where can I get the cloth you use on the fretboard to clean it? I use the fretboard oil and it doesn't seem to really clean it.

  • @Sonofserge
    @Sonofserge 4 роки тому +1

    Hey Nik, epic video man, can I ask do you use any other products for fretboard conditioning purposes? Fret doctor, boiled linseed oil etc? Or exclusively the Gorgomyte? Thanks so much

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  4 роки тому

      Sometimes i use a little fretboard oil in between. Just a little bit tho. Nothing crazy

    • @Sonofserge
      @Sonofserge 4 роки тому

      @@theriffwniksevigny5473 Awesome thanks so much man, any particular brand you would recommend?

    • @themysteriousworldofrobert4526
      @themysteriousworldofrobert4526 3 роки тому

      I've always use regular lemon oil on a rag cleans the strings fretboard and keeps the wood nice I've been doing that for 35 years with no issues the necks love it and a bottle of lemon oil is 3 bucks and lasts about 10 years for my 8 guitars total

  • @adndepiloto5566
    @adndepiloto5566 4 роки тому +2

    Hi Nik.. what gauge of strings you use? awesome channel man.. keep it up

  • @acoffeewithsatan
    @acoffeewithsatan 4 роки тому +2

    Dang, mate, I'm sure there's some reason behind that, but you could practice bungee jumping from those strings down to the fretboard...

    • @mraycgz
      @mraycgz 4 роки тому +1

      At least using them like a trampoline.

  • @nickfanzo
    @nickfanzo 4 роки тому +1

    No whammy set up specs?

  • @kewlbug
    @kewlbug 3 роки тому +3

    .120 geeez and Im here trying to dial everything in for .060 to .040 lol

  • @jonathanplanner3270
    @jonathanplanner3270 4 роки тому +1

    Wow that is a seriously high action, I guess whatever you are used to, but Dude you're working way hard at that height, normally Fender would say around 4/64 at the 12th fret

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  4 роки тому +2

      Yes. But Fender doesnt use jumbo frets. And i also have large hands. It helps!

    • @cjsterlace
      @cjsterlace Рік тому

      ​@@theriffwniksevigny5473 I love when people say "but fender would recommend"...... 🤦

  • @marshallohio5512
    @marshallohio5512 3 роки тому

    Playing and fixing guitars for past 40 years !! Pickup height videos will make you go crazy !! Just adjust single coil pickups even with top of their adjustment height screws, and hum buckers even with their mount rings !!! I've never bothered with all these measurement numbers !! Too Funny !!

  • @MartinMignogna
    @MartinMignogna 2 роки тому

    I was always taught to change one string at a time by the old school luthiers...... I'm open to suggestions though so I'm not critical....

    • @joshuajkoplin
      @joshuajkoplin Рік тому

      You can change all at once it will just take a few hours for the neck to settle again and start staying in tune right.

  • @philipharrauer9103
    @philipharrauer9103 4 роки тому +1

    Hy, Nik!
    Witch Frets do you have on that strat?
    Best regards from Austria!!

  • @satchrules101
    @satchrules101 3 роки тому

    Nice job bro , beautiful Strat! Did you move the knobs to the side?

  • @butthole4185
    @butthole4185 3 роки тому

    I use a candle on my nut. Pencil led looks grimy

  • @damienr1076
    @damienr1076 4 роки тому +1

    GHS Nickel Rockers by René Martinez 011P, 015P, 019P, N28, N38, N58 ? Do you havé try ?

  • @justinpaquette224
    @justinpaquette224 2 роки тому +1

    Do you find that having high action help a lot with bending? Is that why you have the high e even higher? To help with those Albert King style bends on the high e? I find that I can't play with really low action for that reason, also I hate fret buzz

  • @DetectorTales
    @DetectorTales 4 роки тому +2

    What pickups would you choose for a an EJ Strat ?

  • @furnthehoff
    @furnthehoff 3 роки тому +1

    Dude, help me.
    Do you get some fret buzz all over the guitar ?, I don’t really hear it through the amp but even when I play an open g string I get a bit of a buzz?.
    Thanks man

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  3 роки тому

      Check the nut slot for wear and check the saddle as well. Take the guitar and have it setup

  • @vintagelife6879
    @vintagelife6879 4 роки тому +2

    great video ! but 10s in Eb ? wow thats light!

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  4 роки тому +1

      56-36-26-17-13-10. Sometimes an 11 if it feels good.

    • @MrDevildog0321
      @MrDevildog0321 4 роки тому

      10's in Eb actually sound great if you are used to them. I used Beefy Slinkys for a long time, but I've changed to skinny top heavy bottoms with a 10 13 17 30 42 52 and I really like them. If you have vice grip hands though, like I used to, the 11's or 12's are good too.

  • @CNCTEMATIC
    @CNCTEMATIC 4 роки тому +1

    Wow dude your pups seem really high to me (but you do have high action). I wd be worried about them pulling on the strings. That's just me, I'm sure you know what works for you.

  • @ryangunwitch-black
    @ryangunwitch-black 2 роки тому

    13:14 Proceeds to play better licks than most using one thumb on fresh strings with the guitar on its back like a spent lover 😂

  • @jerzyluciano3985
    @jerzyluciano3985 4 роки тому +1

    how can you bend that so easily? especially the B and E strings

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  4 роки тому

      Just hand strength. Its comfortable for me. May not be the same for other guitars

    • @jerzyluciano3985
      @jerzyluciano3985 4 роки тому

      Ohh I'm just really scared to break those strings haha

  • @Guitar_Doctor
    @Guitar_Doctor 3 роки тому +1

    Let’s abandon radius as a factor awesome

  • @YNGWIE998
    @YNGWIE998 4 роки тому +2

    Ha ha, meticulously cleans the fretboard and frets, but leaves enough fluff surrounding the pickups to knit a man size sweater!

  • @jonghj
    @jonghj 4 роки тому +2

    Did I actually just watch you popping a push-pull pot on this here stratocaster?? 😳

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  4 роки тому +2

      Oh at the beginning. Hahaha. The knob is worn. It pulls right off

    • @jonghj
      @jonghj 4 роки тому +2

      I don't know man. Gearhead. Couldn't help noticing that.. 😜 🤣🤣🤣

  • @lemaypixelart6138
    @lemaypixelart6138 4 роки тому +9

    JEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESUS that string height is high as hell :P

    • @Atomic1710
      @Atomic1710 3 роки тому +1

      Jus like Stevie

    • @keithremedy
      @keithremedy 3 роки тому

      @@Atomic1710 if you’re doing full step bends you want it higher

    • @jensk4140
      @jensk4140 2 роки тому

      No need to level frets.

  • @Asier
    @Asier 3 роки тому +1

    Do you have shims on to lift the back of the neck? thanks

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  3 роки тому +1

      No. None needed

    • @Asier
      @Asier 3 роки тому

      @@theriffwniksevigny5473 How strange it looks more raised in that area than mine. Thanks for answering.

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  3 роки тому +1

      Asier Txurdi Maybe it’s because the pick ups are set on the lower side and the strings are quite high ..I try to get the strings up as high as I can so a shim Wouldn’t help that

    • @Asier
      @Asier 3 роки тому

      @@theriffwniksevigny5473 If I already see it, but it is seen at fret 21, it is seen that it has more angle

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  3 роки тому

      Asier Txurdi hmm. Maybe just the way the camera picks it up

  • @rodrigo5632
    @rodrigo5632 2 роки тому +1

    you know

  • @standandfight5573
    @standandfight5573 2 роки тому

    Nut sauce? LOL! So that's what that smell was?

    • @theriffwniksevigny5473
      @theriffwniksevigny5473  2 роки тому

      Why are you smelling it...?
      www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NutSauce--big-bends-nut-sauce-in-groove-luber-1.5cc-tuning-lubricant

  • @marianododds4300
    @marianododds4300 4 роки тому

    Please, in the name of God, do clean the dirt/dust on the pickguard/mics!

  • @tommyhegel
    @tommyhegel Рік тому

    Thank you!