How to adjust the action on your guitar.
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
- Chris's favorite tools for guitar setups:
Neck Relief Gauge: stewmac.sjv.io/LP3W2M
Digital Nut Slotting Gauge: stewmac.sjv.io/kjn0v3
Neck Relief Gauge and Nut Slotting Gauge Set: stewmac.sjv.io/oeZXKW
String Action Gauge: stewmac.sjv.io/Vy39Vk
Fret Rocker: stewmac.sjv.io/2rP13g
Soundhole Truss Rod Wrenches: stewmac.sjv.io/NKdkVv
Truss Rod Wrench Set: stewmac.sjv.io/qnR4qj
Precision Straightedges: stewmac.sjv.io/jWAnn6
Guitar Player Repair Guide: stewmac.sjv.io/BXozBq
Basic Setup Kit: stewmac.sjv.io/x9xkPA
Gauged Nut Slotting Files: stewmac.sjv.io/kjn03z
DiamondCut™ Nut Slotting Files: stewmac.sjv.io/mgVXq7
Nut and Saddle Vise: stewmac.sjv.io/QO3JaY
Nut and Saddle Sander: stewmac.sjv.io/qnXByY
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Interested in tonewood for your next build? Please visit our personally curated tonewood for sale at: www.driftwoodguitars.com/tonewood
Join Chris Alvarado as he discusses the 5 things that can make your acoustic guitar play poorly. By following along in this video using the "Acoustic Guitar String Action Simulator", you will be able to understand what things can change on your guitar to make it play better or worse, and how to fix them. - Навчання та стиль
This is the absolute best explanation of playability of an acoustic guitar that I’ve seen. I can’t believe I’m just finding this video!
100% agreed
@@rejerh8731 AMEN!
For visual learners this is excellent not for everyone however great to watch at 2:30AM when you can’t sleep.
Leaves no doubt about whats needed when you can so easily see what's going on!!
I set up acoustic guitars professionally for my customers at my studio here in England. This is not only the best and clearest demonstration of the setup process I have ever seen, but also a demonstration of your passion for your craft in creating that brilliant model. Props dude. I'm so glad I found this channel. You're killing it. Love your work 🙂
How much do Luthier's usually charge for set ups?
@@NiechoBGC I only charge a nominal amount, because I do it as an extra service for my customers at my studio. I've just been speaking to a friend of mine tonight though who is a well known luthier, and he charges £80 for a comprehensive setup. He has made guitars for David Gilmour though, so shop around and ask for recommendations from other guitarists in your area. All the best!
that model is a stroke of genius in understanding applied mechanics
its practical and provides instant recognition of the problems every
responsible guitarist should be aware of, great stuff ,
30 years of experience playing guitar. I’ve seen hundreds of setup videos. This one is the absolute best one. My hat’s off to you!
Single-handedly the best explanation of this that I’ve ever come across on the Internet. Thank you so much.
Hi Chris, this is really the best explanation about guitar setup i have come accross. Your setup simulator is absolutely fantastic, it helps so much to be able to see the impact of a modification on the nut or saddle, or neck relief instead of just a theorical explanation. You really did a great job here, thank you very much.
You would've been a very successful engineer. The things you do, especially the accelerated failure mode testing... measuring the bow of the top, measuring the depth of the dents using a dial indicator, etc. Now you build a model, a very functional teaching model, and are using it to help your viewers understand a guitar setup...you ARE the man. Thank you so much. Who'da thought that James Franco had this level of engineering and teaching skills...and I thought you were just a stoner Hollywood actor!
The model is certainly not silly. It is a brilliant tool to demonstrate all the adjustments you showed. I learned a lot. Thanks for posting.
I’ve been playing for over forty-five years, doing my own setups for almost twenty, and worked as a guitar tech for about a year before being recalled into the military, and this is the best explanation of how to set up a guitar I have ever seen. Excellence!
Humble hardworking patient , help him get these videos out people . As i continue to watch this channel i now know what a good guitar is .
I cannot thing of nor have I seen anywhere such an eloquent and accurate visual depiction of guitar build and action. Answered a slew a questions I had. Thank you!
That's the best explanation about setting I've ever seen. Thanks a lot for your generosity in making and sharing it.
The best explanation of acoustic guitar action on the internet!
Great video. I have an old $100 beater acoustic/electric I've had it for almost 20 yrs. Could never get it to intonate. So I tuned it for slide. However saw another builder's video, a guy described exactly what was wrong my old beater. The guy said "check your nut". 1st I lowered the action by shaving the saddle, that helped, but it still was sharp along the fret board. Decided it was an inexpensive guitar, so I did the half pencil trick, all the strings were too high. I filed the slots to the point I had .020 at the 1st fret, the old guitar came to life. Every fret was in tune on all the strings (to my amazement). The guitar is basically plywood, but she actually sounds Great! I decided to do the same with a newer 335 copy I bought for $150, that, a fret leveling & crowning, a new set of $20 humbuckers, set the action to Gibson recommendations, that guitar sounds good (the pups are $20 so ididnt expect it sound like a real 335), plays like a dream as well. I've been playing 50+ yrs, & never realised how a few thousanths on a nut, could make such a difference. I've got a '92 Fender Telecaster that only needed a bit of saddle adjustment, it's always played great. Of course the guitar companies do set their guitars up with high action, (so they don't buzz when people try them out). Funny how a few tweaks can turn a cheap guitar into 1 that plays well, & sounds pretty good.
Simply said, thank you for this. This is by far the best setup content I’ve seen.
Wow...I've been setting up my own & other folk's guitars for many years, but I still watch as many videos as I can, as I always learn something new! But as many others have commented, this has got to be one of the best demonstrations out there! Absolutely love the model, as it allows a visualization of situations that one could not easily demo with a real guitar. Especially appreciate you going over in detail which situations cause which areas of the fretboard to buzz, & emphasizing to always check relief first...so many folks don't cover this.Thanks so much for all of your time & effort to put this together!!🙂🎸
Chris is an AMAZING teacher. My go-to for instructional videos. This demo tool is terriffic at showing the mechanicals of adjustment!
Wow! Do you know how many videos I had to watch just to learn what you taught me in just a few minutes? What a great teaching tool. That model you made is an excellent visual tool that makes it simple to understand the concept of what is causing the action on a guitar to require adjustment and how to troubleshoot to know where the adjustment needs to be done. Thank you for taking the time to make that model and for this video. Now I feel more knowledgeable and educated and confident about setting up my guitar. A million thanks.
Excellent video! I'm exploring learning how to do my own guitar setups for the first time and this was super helpful :)
The model was a wonderful learning tool to allow us to see how the physics of the guitar work and how subtle factors affect playability. Thank you so much!
How has this guy been around since 2007 and I've never heard of him?? Completely underrated. This guy is amazing, his guitars are some of the best I've seen, the inlay work is kickass. Awesome job Chris. Now I need to go rob a bank so I can own one of these someday.
Ditto
Ditto x2 .... Bank heist, anyone? LOL
I feel the same man. Hes a genius. His guitars are awesome
Thanks! Your demo tool does a good job of illustrating how changing different parts will change the relationship between the nut, neck, saddle, the frets and the strings.
Never thought about how a string change would affect the geometry of the guitar, or how to tell what's making an instrument that used to play well, play poorly now.
Very informative! Everyone who watched is now smarter. Thanks for the video!
Very lucid explanation. I understand much better than before. EVERYONE who plays should see this.
how come anyone that watch this video ended up not subscribed to your channel? it confused me. i own taylor, yamaha and epiphone. hopefully one day i can order a guitar from you. amazing work sir.
Thanks for saying that.
Wish i could have seen a demo like this 50 yrs ago!! Sure would have saved some heartache! Lol
That is by far the best teaching tool I’ve ever seen. I wish you’d sell these so I can use it to demonstrate!
Clear, concise, employing a clever, self-made demo device, an overall and very useful revelation for most guitar owners, thanks.
I want to echo what others have already said, by far, this is the best explanation of the mechanics of an acoustic guitar and how the adjustable pieces affect each other. Great job!
This is the best video on the internet on this topic. Period.
Just got my first acoustic guitar, and setting it up is a lot more tricky than any of my electrics so I appreciate the detailed explanations and the visualization on your guitar model along with all the helpful tips.
You’re the first guy I’ve ever seen who explains guitar stuff precisely well with the model... That was soo cool..keep it up!
This is brilliantly presented. This guy is the best luthier out there. Seriously high-quality guitars.
its funny how after watching this I just realized that everything people have told me about setup is only part of the whole story. Thank you Mr. Driftwood Guitars!
This is the finest explanation of hows and whys of set up and visually makes everything so clear and obvious.
This was awesome. Appreciate your time and energy making this video. Hands down the best visuals on guitar setups and care!
Wow! As with others below, let me add two thumbs up for the best video on UA-cam about adjusting the action or playability of a guitar. Thank you!
There is no other word for that demo tool, but GENIUS!
Pretty much all has been said that can be said 😅 about the effectiveness of your teaching model. Superbly executed - this should be required viewing for any serious guitar student. Bravo-inski and thanks a bunch!
Not only is this by far best vid on playability adjustment I've ever seen, it has got to be among the best presented vids, on any subject, on the whole of UA-cam. Thanks. I've learnt a lot.
This is the best instructional tool I’ve ever seen.
Watched this today. The best setup video ever. Pure genius. Thank you for taking the time to explain it so thoroughly. That example you made works visually and virtually perfect.
I must add your voice is clear and having no foreign accent is a plus. Easy to follow spoken word description and clarity and exceptional sound quality is a pleasure to follow.
You truly, truly have the gift for teaching. Very rare believe it or not.I'am so inspired. Thank you!
The thought and time that you put into this video is amazing! And the fact that you are willing to share your process says so much about you. Obvious confidence and competence! Making that model was a great idea - not many would have put so much time and care in doing that. Thanks for what you do!
Man, this video should be part of a luthier apprentice course because in just 20 minutes or so a person with virtually no understanding of guitars can come away with a clear understanding of the fundamentals of these mechanics.
That model and the entire presentation is one of the best examples of effective instruction I’ve ever seen for any subject. It’s for real very cool to make something like this, and I hope the creator is proud of his work!
Edit: I’d give anything to have a conversation with any of the 5 people that have downvoted this video (at the time of this post) so I can better understand what exactly makes someone so joyless and miserable 🤣
Fantastic. I'm 50 and have been playing and tinkering with guitars since doing so with my grandfather as a kid. I wish he'd seen this! He'd have loved it
I can’t tell you how many times I have reviewed this video. It is an exceptional explanation of guitar dynamics and your visual aid should be used in classrooms. The work and time you have put into your videos is not unnoticed. Keep up the great work!
Every guitar repair place should have one of these. You should make them available for sale.
What an absolutely brilliant video !!!! This is so helpful, fantastic !!! 😍🎸👌
Honestly the best setup video i have seen. Great job bro!!!
Chris that model is extremely useful, for both acoustic and electric guitar fundamentals. It clarifies the multiple factors that will impact a guitar's playability. I think people often think there is a silver bullet approach, when in fact its' more likely to be a few small adjustments of the 3 main points. (neck relief, nut height, saddle height)
Well done.
Awesome show and tell video! Thanks, i learned quite a lot!
Thanks Chris for sharing your knowledge. Enjoyed this video very much.
Fantastic, informative, video! Brilliantly done, thank you!
Superb demonstration and your model is brilliant. I learned more today about nut, saddle, and truss-rod relationship than years of 'explanation' by others. You know your craft inside-out and it shows. Plus...your teaching ability is second to none. Thank you sincerely.
I've always been told by luthiers : 45 to 55 percent is safe. Never heard of 30% that's definitely new information to me. Been playing and guitars for 43 years. I really enjoyed this. Knew about 90 % if your video only cause of all my experiences. Wish I had this information 43 years ago! Ha thank you
What an insightful lesson, thanks!
Great video. Amazing model to do your illustrations. Thank you.
Awesome model and very helpful demo!👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks Chris. Brilliant straightforward tutorials. The visuals, organization, homework and planning combined with your stalwart efforts are magnificent and really what we’ve come to expect from your skill level.
Although many of us may have reached a lot of these conclusions/solutions through the school of hard guitar knocks over the years with costly and dearly sunken stringed-shipwrecks it’s always gracious of you to share knowledge and give a pros-eye view with a fresh perspective and serious tips.
Guitars muted and hats off to you in full respect every single time you’re on deck.
🥂🎼🪕
thank you for posting this video. really helpful.. love your channel and expertise!
Genius and innovative teaching. Thanks!
Great teaching aid. You really make guitar setup clear!
Excellent demo sir. Top marks.
What a great teaching tool! I learned a lot today, thanks.
Absolutely brilliant video! Well done
Outstanding and so clear. Much appreciated 🙏👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Incredible little model you’ve made here. Awesome.
This demonstration tool was fantastic. Great job, thank you Rob
Thanks you, well done....you've made me rethink a number of things...
Great video. It might be the most instructional video I have ever watched about setting up a guitar. Well done!
Hands down the most informative vid I've seen on this subject, and love the demo model.
Just a brilliant and informative explanation of setting up....and the best I've ever witnessed. Well done.
I really appreaciate your time, this video was very clear and to the point.
This is the best explanation of set up I've ever seen. Your model is brilliant along with your explanation. Thank you.
Excelent video Sir! Perfect demonstration and best explanation ever. Thank you.
Easily the best video I’ve seen from you 😀. That model is amazing, great explanation, thanks Chris!
An excellent demonstration on setting up a guitar! Thank you so much!
A brilliant and easy explanation of guitar playability.👌
Fantastic video man. Super informative and easy to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us.
Great model. Really made it easy to visualize the concepts you were presenting.
Brilliant idea with the model!
Nice model. Worth every minute you spent on it.
Wow!
What a great video, explaination and setup.
Thank you very much! You could not be mort clear👍👍👍
François from Québec
You are a total genius…thanks for sharing your expertise!
The model and explanations were outstanding.
DUDE!!!!
Dude this is AWSOME!!
You’re a freaking GENIUS!
I’ve never seen a model like this.
I have seen some pretty interesting things on your channel but this is amazing.
I’m just a novice and could never afford one of your works of art but I do appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge.
FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing
Great model and lots of great information
Thanks
ditto and kudos . best visual instruction on the mechanics of guitar set up. bravo.
Just ran across a couple of your videos. This one really blew me away. What an ingenious tool you've made to explain the complexities of guitar setup. An excellent video!
Excellent explanation from a true craftsman. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Great job with this video. Thanks for the tutorial.
Love the model which provides the perfect visuals to better understand cause and effect.
Thank you!
Awesome simulator! Well done! By far, the best comprehensive explanation of guitar playability in the universe!
The best acoustic guitar setup video bar none!!! You cover every aspect of the problems and causes answering which course of action and setup steps to correct it! You’re THE MAN!!!! Thank you so much for what you do for us!!!!
Exceptional video explaining the various nuances affecting a guitar’s action!
Awesome video and thanks for taking the time to build this model. Best demo I've ever seen on explaining these things. I know some of these things but you explained it all on a different level that is extremely helpful to me. Thank you!
Like your Beatles picture. Sign of a man of good taste. Nice video.
Excellent video, the best explanation I've seen. Really helpful thank you
Sir. you are the best. this wooden diagram / setup helps me so much. thank you.