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Wildhorse

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Is a dealer setup on a new EBMM more likely to make for a better playing instrument for the buyer than the way it left the factory? I can’t decide whether to let them fiddle with it or ask for it to not be altered by them. Thoughts?
 

xjbebop

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This ^^^
Plus, it all depends on who's doing the set up...
Learning to do the basics yourself is always the best answer. It's not that hard...
 

Bill S

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I am learning this is such a personal thing. I own two second hand EBMMs, so I don’t know how they left the factory for sure. With my 2008 JP6, it arrived mint and played like a dream - I couldn’t imagine it could be better with anyone fiddling with it. In fact it never crossed my mind.

With my far newer BFR Cutlass, when I got it, I knew it needed something. I had string buzz in some places and the action seemed high in others. So I took to a local guitar guy who transformed this thing - only subtle adjustments were needed, but boy, it is absolutely my go to guitar now.

So...it depends. I think you just know.
 

Wildhorse

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Thank’s for the thoughts guys. I bought the guitar yesterday as a gift, but like it too much to give away. I’ve already decided to keep it for myself and shop for a gift again not looking at guitars I’ve been lusting over for me. I’m bad at that apparently. So I now have a Red BFR Cutlass. My poor wife.... The things we do to get another guitar in the front door... I might have even tricked myself on this one...
 
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TripHazard

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Nice

Btw, jus to be the voice of the flip side, I always get the dealer to do a set up for me, cos I’m gonna have to do it anyone due to playing lights strings than they come with
 

johnnyboogie

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Thank’s for the thoughts guys. I bought the guitar yesterday as a gift, but like it too much to give away. I’ve already decided to keep it for myself and shop for a gift again not looking at guitars I’ve been lusting over for me. I’m bad at that apparently. So I now have a Red BFR Cutlass. My poor wife.... The things we do to get another guitar in the front door... I might have even tricked myself on this one...

Hahahaha, nice!!
 

Bill S

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Thank’s for the thoughts guys. I bought the guitar yesterday as a gift, but like it too much to give away. I’ve already decided to keep it for myself and shop for a gift again not looking at guitars I’ve been lusting over for me. I’m bad at that apparently. So I now have a Red BFR Cutlass. My poor wife.... The things we do to get another guitar in the front door... I might have even tricked myself on this one...

Whoops :) think you need to post a photo of the guitar in question
 

Fro

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Everyone should learn how to do a basic setup. It's not a hard thing to do. Quite simple really.
 

DrKev

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Is a dealer setup on a new EBMM more likely to make for a better playing instrument for the buyer than the way it left the factory? I can’t decide whether to let them fiddle with it or ask for it to not be altered by them. Thoughts?

Only if I'm doing it! :D

But seriously, I've been that guy. With many brands, factory setup is a myth, even at top prices. Having a dealer look over it can make sure the guitar is in good playing condition when it hits the back of the UPS truck. With Music Man, in principle the guitars are actually setup when they leave the factory. Yes, the neck relief could change (which will simply require a truss rod adjustment) but nothing else really can or should change on their own. Assuming nobody else gets hold of it first. :)

Then again maybe the factory setup isn't to your liking. What then?

Everyone should learn how to do a basic setup. It's not a hard thing to do. Quite
simple really.

True. It's not rocket science, at all. In the absence of an EBMM setup guide, the Fender's strat setup guide is a great place to start for all guitars.
 

Wildhorse

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Sep 3, 2020
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Yep, I’m going to call and decline the setup today. It’s currently scheduled for setup tomorrow morning and then shipping later in the day.. Thanks again guys..
 
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