Tools for doing guitar setups

[JeffV]

So I'm finally learning to do my own setups. I got a book and am looking for the right tools to get the job done. So far I have a feeler gauge and a small stainless steel ruler. I'm looking to get some decent straightedges too. The book I have suggested both an 18" and 24". Does this seem like a good way to start out? Is there anything else I should look into getting?

I found a link to these straightedges from on older thread:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Straightedges/Precision_Straightedges.html

They're kind of pricy, but I figure it's worth it in the long run.

 

[SteveB]

Jeff,

I bought a set of these rock and roller neck rests from stewmac (a shallow one for electrics and a taller one for acoustics). They are great when you're doing a little work on the old gitarz.

 

[Roubster]

Hey Jeff, I'm actually into starting to set up my own guitars as well. I'm thinking of doing it as a side job at SOME POINT. However right now I only know some theory about what to do and so on. Which book did you get to help you out, and did you already succesfully do some kind of a set up with the help?

 

[JeffV]

The book I got was this one:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0879302917/qid=1124903720/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/102-7032317-6072142?v=glance&s=books&n=507846"]Amazon.com: Guitar Player Repair Guide: Dan Erlewine: Books[/ame]

I started reading it, but haven't actually tried anything with a guitar. I wanted to wait until I got a straightedge. I've tried eyeballing the amount of relief in the neck but it always looks straight to me, no matter what i do. So I don't trust myself until I have a decent straightedge that shows me exactly what's going on.

Those neck rests look cool. What's the real benefit to them? Is it just to give more support on the neck while making measurements or adjustments?

 

[SteveB]

Jeff,

Yes, the neck rests allow the neck to lay at two contact points to sorta distribute the 'load' of the body more evenly. It helps keep the neck from bending under the downward weight of the guitar body, I guess.

The parts that contact the neck are lined with cork, so it won't scratch your beloved axe.

I really like 'em. Nice for when you're cleaning a fretboard or if you had to do any fret dressing. I also use mine when changing strings. Just put a towel or some sort of soft mat under the guitar body.

They're fairly cheap, too, and they ought to last for years and years.

 

[tommyindelaware]

So I'm finally learning to do my own setups. I got a book and am looking for the right tools to get the job done. So far I have a feeler gauge and a small stainless steel ruler. I'm looking to get some decent straightedges too. The book I have suggested both an 18" and 24". Does this seem like a good way to start out? Is there anything else I should look into getting?

I found a link to these straightedges from on older thread:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Straightedges/Precision_Straightedges.html

They're kind of pricy, but I figure it's worth it in the long run.

i think the 12 & 18 will be better.
the 12 can check middle spots....& the 18 can check over all......
a
i also use a 6" alot .................... ( shut up keith ! )

pricey ????? ha !!!! this is the tip of the iceberg if ya wanna get serious.......

 

[JeffV]

If a 12 & 18" is better, that's fine by me since it's less money. And yeah, I don't doubt that these aren't that pricey for the serious guitar tech. But for my purposes, I don't think I need to get too super serious. I'm just sick of playing my guitars with poor setups. I can't stand string buzz!

 

[Raz]

I'm also thinking of doing it for others on the side, especially since they charge mega bucks and the wait times are ridiculous...

 

[fsmith]

i also use a 6" alot .................... ( shut up keith ! )

Tommy, I think the important thing to take away from this is that you're using it, alot.