Ok...where should I start in learning to do my own setup?

roburado

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Commerce, MI
Ok...where should I start in learning to do my own setup? I moved here to this area two years ago. After some bad experiences in small-town CA, after some good experiences in the NY area, I've decided that I don't want some idiot fooling around with my guitar. Where do I begin?
 
Jon will be able to help you through some of the basic steps. He's really good. I've learned a lot by hanging out here as well as my local shop. I've become really good friends with a lot of the people at my local shop and i've been allowed to use their area and tools to work on my gear. (Obviously when they're not too busy). But for learning JON is the best!
 
MikeVt said:
After reading the FAQ and some of Jon's posts, then search for posts from Raz. He posted a lot of good tips, and apparently didn't get a pat on the back for it. ;)

MikeVt
Wow thanks MikeVt, that made my day...


Yeah roburado, there are a few ways to go about this. The web is definately a source, I can send you a link that describes how to level a floating trem (Unfortunatley its on an IBZ guitar :eek: ). There are books :

[ame=http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/0879306017/qid%3D1098800640/702-9691952-7840036]Dan Erlewine[/ame]

Theres software for inntonation work:
Strobosoft

Much cheaper this way. Of course the best place is here :D
 
Raz, I would think that he would want to get this one instead, it's the one that I got and mostly everybody recommended.

[ame="http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/0879302917/ref=pd_bxgy_text_2/702-9691952-7840036"]Guitar Player Repair Guide: Amazon.ca: Dan Erlewine: Books[/ame]

Glenn |B)
 
I think #1 is to be fearless. If you're afraid of messing it up ... don't bother with it. Mistakes will happen. Be careful, but don't be afraid of it. Within reason of course ... I'm only recently getting into doing all my own work, and I've made mistakes ;) Mind you I'm not doing anything overly technical, you can't mess too much up just doing a basic set up.

Maybe get an older, less valuable guitar, if you have one, or a yardsale special. To practice doing things with.
 
When I was addicted to Jemsite, like Jimi D was, I saw much things of this guy, Rich Harris.

He do one of the best setups in Ibanez, but the idea is pretty much the same, and worth to see the link.

Lots of trick not just refered to trems.

http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/index.htm

I learned by myself trying, but with no fear, just be careful when using tools near your guitar.
 
tommyindelaware said:
i think #1.............a good set of straight edges are a godsend. especially for beginners. 12"& 24".

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Straightedges/Precision_Straightedges.html

The other thing I found useful was a simple ~$1.99 depth gauge I got from Radio Shack. It's basically a simple steel 6" ruler that is flat at one end, and is marked in mm and 64ths. It helped me see exactly what my adjustments were doing...

Oh, and Raz, you're welcome! I knew you were feeling a little neglected. ;) In all seriousness though, I did find your posts helpful!

MikeVt
 
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