Help with learning to do a setup

[dd12939]

So I've been meaning for quite a long time to learn to do my own setups on my guitars. The one time I've ever had my SG actually done up by a tech was soooo nice, and I'd like to be able to recreate that (since that tech, who never charged me, left town) myself. I was moved to ask now because I really want to play my blueshawk, but sitting unplayed while I was away at school did something bad to it. When I got home and put new strings on it, the low e string was buzzing absolutely wretchedly at the 1st fret. All the other strings were ok (not phenomenal), and if I fretted the low e, it was ok too. Either way though, it is unplayable.
A) What tools do I need that I don't already have (screwdrivers, wrenches, all the normal stuff)
B) What do I need to do to fix it (and set up the other guitars too)
C) Are there any good reference books out there?
Thanks much!

 

[tone4days]

Re: Help with learning to do a setup

dan erlewine's book "how to make your electric guitar play great" ... not too expensive and very clearly written ... it has alot of stuff in there about resurrecting really old and battered guitars, but it has plenty about just doing the basics ... he also goes into which tools are good to have on hand ... he has another book about repairing guitars that includes acoustics, etc .. it's very good to and very comprehensive .... but the first one sounds like it fits your needs

i own them both and really dig them - i am sure you can find it on amazon


i've heard that mr seymour w. duncan has a little road case filled with the tools he needs to do setups / adjustments .. i wonder if evan could get us a run down of what the boss keeps in his bag of tricks for travel maintenance and repairs


as for your guitar, sorry to raed it is not in top shape right now ... sounds like a truss rod tweak if all that happened is that it sat unplayed for a bit ... hopefully it isnt a twist ...

good luck
t4d

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: Help with learning to do a setup

dan erlewine's book "how to make your electric guitar play great"

+1 Also his first book is a must have "Guitar Players Guide....."

 

[More-Gear-Than-Skill]

Re: Help with learning to do a setup

Setup is really a step by step process, with all factors playing a role. I have
"Guitar: A Complete Guide for the Player by Dave Hunter" which is a nice hard cover book, that covers many sides of playing, maintaining, and GASSing... Very good explain and pics of setup process.