***How to Care for your Guitar***

[Kahn]

anyone know the proper term for a "guitar tune-up" if there is one? My guitar is starting to play a little differently and just want a tune-up. What does a normal one entail?

Thanks

[Kahn]

no one?

[taparoo]

Usually it's stuff like adjusting the neck/intonation. Some might offer a cleaning, too. It depends on what you want them to do to your guitar.

[Grachi]

anyone know the proper term for a "guitar tune-up" if there is one? My guitar is starting to play a little differently and just want a tune-up. What does a normal one entail?

Thanks

a "set up" i think is what they call it... And ya, they will usually clean the guitar, which means they'll probably just wipe down the body and put some lemon juice on the fretboard. They will fix the frets if they need it (only if its an older guitar), adjust the neck if it has a forward or back bow... they might fix the action for ya if even after adjusting the neck and everything it's still too high or too low...

I think if you just tell them you want a setup they will just go through the motions and fix whatever they see that needs fixing. But if there is anything specific, like if the action is too high, then they will take care of that for you too if you ask them. Or if you noticed something like one of your tuners is loose or the bridge or saddle is loose or something (even though they would probably pick up on that anyway) they will take care of stuff like that too.

[Coldchillin]

I believe set up is correct. I usually took mine to Sam Ash since it was free with my warranty.

[Kahn]

thanks bros

[GuitarGuy305]

anyone know the proper term for a "guitar tune-up" if there is one? My guitar is starting to play a little differently and just want a tune-up. What does a normal one entail?

Thanks

a "set up" i think is what they call it... And ya, they will usually clean the guitar, which means they'll probably just wipe down the body and put some lemon juice on the fretboard. They will fix the frets if they need it (only if its an older guitar), adjust the neck if it has a forward or back bow... they might fix the action for ya if even after adjusting the neck and everything it's still too high or too low...

I think if you just tell them you want a setup they will just go through the motions and fix whatever they see that needs fixing. But if there is anything specific, like if the action is too high, then they will take care of that for you too if you ask them. Or if you noticed something like one of your tuners is loose or the bridge or saddle is loose or something (even though they would probably pick up on that anyway) they will take care of stuff like that too.

Set up is the right term. But they would actually use lemon oil on the fretboard. I used to do this myself but now that I have 9 guitars I simply don't have the time to keep them all in perfect condition all the time.

My local music store does either a Setup I (truss rod) or Setup II (truss rod and bridge adjustments). Usually seasonal setups (due to changes in humidity levels/temperature) are just a quick truss adjustment. They'll throw a new set of strings on too usually for like $25 total with the setup I. Setup II is usually like $40 with a new set of strings.

I've heard bad things about getting setup done at Guitar Center or chain stores. I'd find a local guitar shop/tech that knows what he's doing. My guy is really good and will file the string openings on the nut and stuff if he notices they're a little snug or just do other minor repairs, which he usually doesn't charge for.