Best setup video on the UA-cam. Thx from Brazil. Made the ajust at my Cort MR600F. The neck came flat, no curvuture at all, lots of rattling on power chords. the tesion rod adjustment fixed the problem
Thank you for replying sir! I've been playing guitar for only 2 months, I tried to measure my guitar at 12th fret low E string is around 3.5mm and high E string is 2.5mm, is it too high? My neck has slight relief.
Best video I have seen on this topic! The only one that covers the critical detail that for a desired change in height at the 12th fret, you need to double that number for the change to be made at the saddle. Well done!
In vids like this I see many comments about rip of guitar techs or poor workmanship from guitar shops etc. I'm glad to see there are many "how to" vids on YT like this one from Robert that, with a little basic ability you can do all you need for this basic setup. In these set up type vids, there are no specialty tools or yrs of experience needed to get a great reult and best of all (unless you are a total dill) everything here is reversible. Even if you don't want to do the work yourself, these vids give you conversational knowledge so when you talk w a tech he can't BS you.
I've seen A LOT of setup videos and this one is by far my favourite. I'm only thinking about your setup order but seems pretty well for the "most reasonable" scenario so... well done!
hello friend First congratulations for your videos'm sure you already helped many people with his kindness I always had the dream of being luthier who are sometimes discouraged by lack of access to information but now I will take this forward and be a real luthier
Good point. For those who want to know what to use a scale, look elsewhere and skip luthierie that specifies measurements in smidgens and skoshes. Most all luthiers use MM or 1/32 or 1/64 of inches of measurement.
thanks for this. I am retired and trying to teach myself. I think I will bring my new guitar in to have this adjustment done. I don t feel comfortable doing it myself.. No wonder my fingers hurt i can put 3 quarters under the strings on mine. Thanks again. There are lots of things to learn. Also it helps if it doesn't hurt.
@ElectricTurkey1 All they have to do is touch the next fret. They don't necessarily have to hit the fretboard. If you are getting buzzing and need more pressure then get a different capo.
my first guitar was a nightmare to set up, buzz appearing and disappearing at many frets . I eventually did it. I've just finished my second guitar and the set up 5 min ago. Your video made it effortless, no buzz, great action for fingerpicking. Luck ? will see for the 3rd one !! thanks so much !
@Yeractualpatience Glad you found the video useful. I keep a humidifier in a room with my guitars. You can get a small one room humidifier from a box store and it will keep a room at a constant RH. This is much better than a case humidifier.
@archtopp1 You are probably correct. The action I give is a middle of the road set up. I have heard it is too low. I have heard it is too high and I have heard that it is just right. This gives you an idea of how many opinions there are about action. Find something that works for you and party on!
Please note: presuming the relief is satisfactory, cutting the nut slot depth before having a preferred saddle height can easily lead to buzzing (if the saddle needs substantial reduction in height) or leave you with a stiff action if the saddle needs to be raised. When you fret any string, the first element eliminated from the equation that contributes to buzz is the nut. The proper order of adjustment is: neck relief, saddle height, nut slot depth and then intonation. Period.
Terrific video! Answered most all of my questions. My only (small) complaint would be the use of the word skosh in several places rather than an actual number or range. But with that said, I've researched this topic quite a bit and this video stands out as one of the very best if not the best. Thanks much.
@ElectricTurkey1 In addition to what ObrienGuitars has said may I add that when using a capo it should be placed as close to the required fret as possible (without muting) I have noticed many capo users wrongly place the capo mid fret or too close to the previous fret.
I was going to adjust my acoustic bass that ive just bought 2nd hand with bow and a rubbish action but I now realise that an an experienced luthier is going to be money well spent , great vid.
@Cypherdude1 You did a good job of explaining the process. If the note is sharp compared to the harmonic then you need to increase the scale length and vice versa
@Cypherdude1 Do a google search to understand what a harmonic is. To play it just touch the string at the 12th fret and then pluck it. The pitch you hear is a harmonic. Then play the fretted note at the 12th fret. Th pitch should be the same as the pitch of the harmonic. If it is then there is no need to adjust the intonation. There are many great sources for info on this.
@Sunambra You would really have to adjust the saddle a great deal to make a difference at the nut. If you find yourself having to adjust the saddle that much then you probably have other issues to worry about.
Sim, é importante a ordem. Seria primeiro o tensor, segundo a altura das cordas na pestana e teceiro a altura das cordas nas casa 12 regulando a altura do rastilho. Por útlimo seria a intonação. No video falo das medidas. Pode usar uma lima faca para regular a pestana mas prefiro as limas apropriadas para esse trabalho.
Thank you Mr. Obrien for very good explanation! I was searching only for that distance in milimeters between 6-th and 1-st string and 12-th fret and I couldn't found it only in inches.
use conversion calculator on link : www.google.com/search?q=convert+inch+to+mm&oq=convert+inch+to+mm&aqs=chrome..69i57j6.4631j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Examples: 1/10th = 2.54 mm, 1/12th = 2.117 or rounded to 2.2 mm & 1/16th = 1.587 rounded to 1.6 mm.
@valuedcustom3r Ideally you need to keep the instrument in a more constant enviornment. A small room with a humidifer/dehumidifier works better than trying to control the entire house. A set up is only a symptom of a dry/humid guitar. Other issues can occur. Treat the cause rather than the symptom.
@buckethead777 You need to remove the saddle and sand the bottom of it but I only do this after first checking the truss rod and adjusting if needed and then checking the action at the nut. I then adjust the saddle height if needed.
I was always told to set the string at the 12th fret by sanding the bottom of the saddle prior to adjusting the nut. The nut should be the last thing done prior to setting the intonation. The reason was if you adjusted the nut height first and then adjusted the height of the string at the 12th fret by sanding down the saddle you might get buzzing at the first fret . What do you think.
I suppose that could happen but the opposite is also true. Since a larger adjustment is usually necessary at the 12th fret instead of the nut I choose to adjust the action at the nut first.
@REX05011 In this case, usually nylon string guitars, the maker has carefully thought out things like neck angle, relief etc during the construction phase. Also, there is not as much tension on these guitars so a truss rod is not necessary. If you happen to have a steel string guitar without a truss rod then you could experience relief issues.
I love how you accent the "not" at 2:29 and also the phrase "it's not its purpose in life", as if the truss rod were a living being. Anyway, great video and thank you.
Thanks for your informative video. It was very helpful. I don’t quite understand the “Check Intonation” part starting at 6:50: “This is done by playing the ‘harmonic’ of each string at the 12th fret and checking the note to make sure it is in tune.” “Then play the actual note at the 12th fret on each string and see if it is the same pitch as the harmonic.” Could you further explain the procedure?
I'm glad I got to see your video after all. I am interested adjusting my action at the 12th fret and this is exactly what I wanted to see. Thanks again!
This is the best video about adjusting guitar ever made and on youtube! Thank you so much! I finally set up my guitar.. Sounds really nice E6 - 2,5mm, E1 - 2,1mm. Wondering if to work on E1 to bring it to 1,6 but I don't know if it's gonna change much ... What do you guys think?
All the Japanese readers will be glad to know that. Skosh is not a decimal or fractional part of an inch or millimeter, which is what fellows need to make use of the statement. You just went right past the comment because 'skosh' means what you want it to. To anyone else, it means nothing.
@bridgeplatepuller If that is what works for you then use that method. If you have to substantially adjust your saddle then you should dial this in better during your build process. Happy Building!
Great video! This is just what I do to make a $100 guitar player like a $1000 guitar. I file down to a stack of feeler gauges for a nearly foolproof nut adjustment - but same result. If you have never adjusted a truss rod then by definition you do not know what you are doing. How are you going to learn? First get a cheap guitar for your first subject. You probably have one. Then LOOSEN the truss rod first - 1/4 turn or so - even if you need to tighten it. Now as you tighten it if it suddenly gets really hard to turn (after going that 1/4 turn) you know it is bottomed out and not just a little tight.
Many people do this but the action adjustment is secondary. If you adjust the truss rod you will affect the action but the purpose of the truss rod is to dial in the correct relief in the neck not the action of the strings
Great tips thanks. I live in the midwest where it is HOT and HUMID in the summer but COLD and DRY in the winter. Is there a preferred time to do a setup? Thanks
@jhaley12 The truss rod is not for adjusting the action but rather the amount of relief in the neck. You must follow the steps I outline in the video to do a set up properly. I also assume that the fretboard has been leveled/radiused properly and the frets are installed and crowned correctly. If so then you should be able to set up your guitar. However, there comes a point where you start defying the laws of physics if you go too low. Good luck.
Thanks for a really clear an concise video of a set up. The only things I was not clear on was when setting the relief how thick is a skinny business card? And on the nut height action, I know how much a 1/64" is at the 6th string but how much is a "scoash" above the 1st string?
@RedLedZep Ideally you want to know what the RH is where the guitar is stored. Your approach doesn;t allow you to know that. Keep the guitar between 40% and 50% RH and that should do it. However, I think you have bigger issues at this point.
I have my takamine Gseries needs a fret job ..but I was scared watched a lot of vids...they all said BUY THIS TOOL GO TO STEWMAC$$$...but you sir explained it so well( not scared anymore) I am also retired this was the best video I thank you sir.
@MrVoodoo72 Several acoustic guitars do actually have adjustable bridges (Gibson Humming Board is one) I'm not sure how this could be used on guitars with under saddle pick ups though as myold Cimar 12 string humming bird copy was always used with a sound hole magnetic pick up. (necessitating steel or nickel wound strings)
@chriss869 You need to follow the instructions in the video. Check the relief of the neck under tension and adjust the truss rod if needed to get the correct relief I mention. Yes, string tension makes a difference and therefore you need to run your guitar through a set up if you change string tension.
This is the absolute best. My 35 year old Yamaha FG345 II is now perfect! Thank you, W.
Thanks for watching. Glad you found the information useful.
Precise, clear, no stumbling or mumbling, no bs, no wasted time. 5 stars, mate. Thank you.
The best tutorial for setting up an acoustic. Im Always coming back to this video each time I set up my guitar.
Thank you. Glad you found the video useful.
Best guitar teacher on the Internet!!!!!
Thank you sir for the compliment. Happy Building!
I never knew it was bowed centre of the neck but I’ve now checked it and it’s perfect. Great tutorial
Best setup video on the UA-cam. Thx from Brazil. Made the ajust at my Cort MR600F. The neck came flat, no curvuture at all, lots of rattling on power chords. the tesion rod adjustment fixed the problem
Obrigado por assistir meu video. Fico feliz em saber que achou útil. Abraços de Colorado.
This is some quality video man 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 Full of info that every guitarist should know
Thank you. Glad you found the video useful.
Thank you for replying sir! I've been playing guitar for only 2 months, I tried to measure my guitar at 12th fret low E string is around 3.5mm and high E string is 2.5mm, is it too high? My neck has slight relief.
Best video I have seen on this topic! The only one that covers the critical detail that for a desired change in height at the 12th fret, you need to double that number for the change to be made at the saddle. Well done!
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.
This is the best setup video on UA-cam. Thanks so much!
~Beauty & Peace~
Kyle-
the most outstanding video on guitar set-up. felt i have struck gold...
Thank you very much master Luthier..Best wishes sir..
Well explained. Adjusting intonation is much easier than I thought. Needed this, thanks!
In vids like this I see many comments about rip of guitar techs or poor workmanship from guitar shops etc. I'm glad to see there are many "how to" vids on YT like this one from Robert that, with a little basic ability you can do all you need for this basic setup. In these set up type vids, there are no specialty tools or yrs of experience needed to get a great reult and best of all (unless you are a total dill) everything here is reversible. Even if you don't want to do the work yourself, these vids give you conversational knowledge so when you talk w a tech he can't BS you.
Your videos is always very good, Robert.
I've seen A LOT of setup videos and this one is by far my favourite. I'm only thinking about your setup order but seems pretty well for the "most reasonable" scenario so... well done!
hello friend
First congratulations for your videos'm sure you already helped many people with his kindness
I always had the dream of being luthier who are sometimes discouraged by lack of access to information but now I will take this forward and be a real luthier
Thanks a lot! It's just nice to listen and learn from a true professional!
Pascal, from Paris,-)
Good point. For those who want to know what to use a scale, look elsewhere and skip luthierie that specifies measurements in smidgens and skoshes. Most all luthiers use MM or 1/32 or 1/64 of inches of measurement.
one of the best instruction videos for acoustic guitar setup. thanks!
Thanks for watching!
you are a great teacher, very clear instruction
thanks for this. I am retired and trying to teach myself. I think I will bring my new guitar in to have this adjustment done. I don t feel comfortable doing it myself.. No wonder my fingers hurt i can put 3 quarters under the strings on mine. Thanks again. There are lots of things to learn. Also it helps if it doesn't hurt.
@OBrienGuitars
Hey great. It works now. It must have been my connection. Thanks for your time. Great video too. Very helpful!
@ElectricTurkey1 All they have to do is touch the next fret. They don't necessarily have to hit the fretboard. If you are getting buzzing and need more pressure then get a different capo.
my first guitar was a nightmare to set up, buzz appearing and disappearing at many frets . I eventually did it.
I've just finished my second guitar and the set up 5 min ago. Your video made it effortless, no buzz, great action for fingerpicking. Luck ? will see for the 3rd one !! thanks so much !
Glad to hear the information worked for you. Happy Building!
Brilliant video on setting up an acoustic guitar.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.
@OBrienGuitars i thought so...
thanks again and great vids....lots of info to learn from
Thanks
This is the most intelligible instruction on UA-cam PERIOD.
Thank you!
Yes it is! Thank you for being an asset to the UA-cam community too!
@Yeractualpatience Glad you found the video useful. I keep a humidifier in a room with my guitars. You can get a small one room humidifier from a box store and it will keep a room at a constant RH. This is much better than a case humidifier.
@archtopp1 You are probably correct. The action I give is a middle of the road set up. I have heard it is too low. I have heard it is too high and I have heard that it is just right. This gives you an idea of how many opinions there are about action. Find something that works for you and party on!
Please note: presuming the relief is satisfactory, cutting the nut slot depth before having a preferred saddle height can easily lead to buzzing (if the saddle needs substantial reduction in height) or leave you with a stiff action if the saddle needs to be raised. When you fret any string, the first element eliminated from the equation that contributes to buzz is the nut. The proper order of adjustment is: neck relief, saddle height, nut slot depth and then intonation. Period.
I use bone for the nut and saddle and wood for the bridge pins.
Terrific video! Answered most all of my questions. My only (small) complaint would be the use of the word skosh in several places rather than an actual number or range. But with that said, I've researched this topic quite a bit and this video stands out as one of the very best if not the best. Thanks much.
Thanks for the compliment. Glad you found the video useful.
im developing a deep love for guitars, i have been wondering how to correctly set up acoustics, thank you...
I am being serious! Excellent content and quality video...
Thank you for the compliment. Happy Building!
I haven't tried your guitars but they look very impressive. Thanks for the info.
@ElectricTurkey1 In addition to what ObrienGuitars has said may I add that when using a capo it should be placed as close to the required fret as possible (without muting) I have noticed many capo users wrongly place the capo mid fret or too close to the previous fret.
I was going to adjust my acoustic bass that ive just bought 2nd hand with bow and a rubbish action but I now realise that an an experienced luthier is going to be money well spent , great vid.
excellent, so well illustrated
@Cypherdude1 You did a good job of explaining the process. If the note is sharp compared to the harmonic then you need to increase the scale length and vice versa
I am glad you found the information in the video useful.
@Cypherdude1 Do a google search to understand what a harmonic is. To play it just touch the string at the 12th fret and then pluck it. The pitch you hear is a harmonic. Then play the fretted note at the 12th fret. Th pitch should be the same as the pitch of the harmonic. If it is then there is no need to adjust the intonation. There are many great sources for info on this.
Glad the video helped. Happy Playing!
@Sunambra You would really have to adjust the saddle a great deal to make a difference at the nut. If you find yourself having to adjust the saddle that much then you probably have other issues to worry about.
Sim, é importante a ordem. Seria primeiro o tensor, segundo a altura das cordas na pestana e teceiro a altura das cordas nas casa 12 regulando a altura do rastilho. Por útlimo seria a intonação.
No video falo das medidas. Pode usar uma lima faca para regular a pestana mas prefiro as limas apropriadas para esse trabalho.
Thank you Mr. Obrien for very good explanation! I was searching only for that distance in milimeters between 6-th and 1-st string and 12-th fret and I couldn't found it only in inches.
use conversion calculator on link :
www.google.com/search?q=convert+inch+to+mm&oq=convert+inch+to+mm&aqs=chrome..69i57j6.4631j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Examples: 1/10th = 2.54 mm, 1/12th = 2.117 or rounded to 2.2 mm & 1/16th = 1.587 rounded to 1.6 mm.
Love it! Tempted to come make a guitar under your instruction...
Let me know when you are ready.
You have my dream job. Thanks for the informative video
@valuedcustom3r Ideally you need to keep the instrument in a more constant enviornment. A small room with a humidifer/dehumidifier works better than trying to control the entire house. A set up is only a symptom of a dry/humid guitar. Other issues can occur. Treat the cause rather than the symptom.
This video is going in my favorites and if I can find the right tools I may adjust my intonation
This is really informative. Thank you for sharing.
@buckethead777 You need to remove the saddle and sand the bottom of it but I only do this after first checking the truss rod and adjusting if needed and then checking the action at the nut. I then adjust the saddle height if needed.
Buy O'Brien DVD on Set up, I bought it a few years ago and still use these procedures on all of our acoustic guitars.
Thank you.
very good video!
Thank you. Very good presentation.
Great video.
I was always told to set the string at the 12th fret by sanding the bottom of the saddle prior to adjusting the nut. The nut should be the last thing done prior to setting the intonation. The reason was if you adjusted the nut height first and then adjusted the height of the string at the 12th fret by sanding down the saddle you might get buzzing at the first fret . What do you think.
I suppose that could happen but the opposite is also true. Since a larger adjustment is usually necessary at the 12th fret instead of the nut I choose to adjust the action at the nut first.
@REX05011 In this case, usually nylon string guitars, the maker has carefully thought out things like neck angle, relief etc during the construction phase. Also, there is not as much tension on these guitars so a truss rod is not necessary. If you happen to have a steel string guitar without a truss rod then you could experience relief issues.
@MrAndcruz You are welcome. Yes, you can use this trick on electrics. CA glue is cynoacrylate glue, also known as super glue
good clear instruction, nice video , thank you
Thank you.
@HeroicOaf haha! Thanks. I am glad the information I provided was useful.
I love how you accent the "not" at 2:29 and also the phrase "it's not its purpose in life", as if the truss rod were a living being. Anyway, great video and thank you.
GREAT VIDEO , I LEARNED A LOT
@RUREDICULOUS2 The glue is called Cyanoacrylate glue or CA glue. It is sold under names like super bonder etc.
@undryoasis Thanks for the compliment. I am glad you liked the video.
@Txikibuda Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for your informative video. It was very helpful. I don’t quite understand the “Check Intonation” part starting at 6:50: “This is done by playing the ‘harmonic’ of each string at the 12th fret and checking the note to make sure it is in tune.” “Then play the actual note at the 12th fret on each string and see if it is the same pitch as the harmonic.” Could you further explain the procedure?
@TeleTubeee You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it.
I'm glad I got to see your video after all. I am interested adjusting my action at the 12th fret and this is exactly what I wanted to see. Thanks again!
This is the best video about adjusting guitar ever made and on youtube! Thank you so much! I finally set up my guitar.. Sounds really nice E6 - 2,5mm, E1 - 2,1mm. Wondering if to work on E1 to bring it to 1,6 but I don't know if it's gonna change much ... What do you guys think?
@chriss869 Yes, changing the string gauge means you need to do another set up. It changes everything.
Excellent video, Thank You A+++++
Amazing detail!!!
All the Japanese readers will be glad to know that. Skosh is not a decimal or fractional part of an inch or millimeter, which is what fellows need to make use of the statement. You just went right past the comment because 'skosh' means what you want it to. To anyone else, it means nothing.
@bridgeplatepuller If that is what works for you then use that method. If you have to substantially adjust your saddle then you should dial this in better during your build process.
Happy Building!
Ottimo grazie...
Thanks for sharing! Presentation was well done, too, BTW.
Doug
San Francisco, California
Great video! This is just what I do to make a $100 guitar player like a $1000 guitar. I file down to a stack of feeler gauges for a nearly foolproof nut adjustment - but same result.
If you have never adjusted a truss rod then by definition you do not know what you are doing. How are you going to learn? First get a cheap guitar for your first subject. You probably have one. Then LOOSEN the truss rod first - 1/4 turn or so - even if you need to tighten it. Now as you tighten it if it suddenly gets really hard to turn (after going that 1/4 turn) you know it is bottomed out and not just a little tight.
Many people do this but the action adjustment is secondary. If you adjust the truss rod you will affect the action but the purpose of the truss rod is to dial in the correct relief in the neck not the action of the strings
Great tips thanks. I live in the midwest where it is HOT and HUMID in the summer but COLD and DRY in the winter. Is there a preferred time to do a setup?
Thanks
@johntrik I have no idea. Scale length, string gauge and tension, top stiffness etc. all play a factor in playability
Sensacional Robert.
@jhaley12 The truss rod is not for adjusting the action but rather the amount of relief in the neck. You must follow the steps I outline in the video to do a set up properly.
I also assume that the fretboard has been leveled/radiused properly and the frets are installed and crowned correctly. If so then you should be able to set up your guitar. However, there comes a point where you start defying the laws of physics if you go too low. Good luck.
great video!
many thanks!
Nice work!
Thanks for a really clear an concise video of a set up. The only things I was not clear on was when setting the relief how thick is a skinny business card? And on the nut height action, I know how much a 1/64" is at the 6th string but how much is a "scoash" above the 1st string?
even more a big hug and thank you for attention
Great video, thanks!
Thanks for this!
@RedLedZep That is certainly a viable method.
@RedLedZep Ideally you want to know what the RH is where the guitar is stored. Your approach doesn;t allow you to know that. Keep the guitar between 40% and 50% RH and that should do it. However, I think you have bigger issues at this point.
I have my takamine Gseries needs a fret job ..but I was scared watched a lot of vids...they all said BUY THIS TOOL GO TO STEWMAC$$$...but you sir explained it so well( not scared anymore) I am also retired this was the best video I thank you sir.
@FrenchyBunnyStudio My pleasure!
@MrVoodoo72 Several acoustic guitars do actually have adjustable bridges (Gibson Humming Board is one) I'm not sure how this could be used on guitars with under saddle pick ups though as myold Cimar 12 string humming bird copy was always used with a sound hole magnetic pick up. (necessitating steel or nickel wound strings)
I believe that was Cobalt Blue. Laurence Juber said I could use any of his original music and I think that is what I used for this video.
@OBrienGuitars thanks!!
when you filed the bridge, did you did grooves like you would do on nut??
cheers
Could you please tell me whether you use a capo at the 1st fret while taking measurements of the action at the 12th fret? Thank you. Love from Nepal
perfect. haha 'and you have been living right'
best vid on this
@verydab1 A skinny business card is a good solid skoshe thick.
@chriss869 You need to follow the instructions in the video. Check the relief of the neck under tension and adjust the truss rod if needed to get the correct relief I mention. Yes, string tension makes a difference and therefore you need to run your guitar through a set up if you change string tension.