When you setup your guitar, do you wing it or use one of these...

[RDM]

...cool tools from StewMac? I've always just winged it myself....but curious to see if this stuff has helped anyone here.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Measuring_tools/Basic_Setup_Kit.html

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Measuring_tools/String_Action_Gauge.html

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

 

[Martian]

I've always winged it and have always gotten the desired results.

 

[Majin GeoDooD]

I wing it and encounter no problems.

 

[Pete Galati]

Those straight edges could come in handy.

I don't have any of that stuff.

 

[RvChevron]

Except for using a steel ruler to measure exact string height at the last fret, yea, wing the rest.

 

[jackaroo]

by feel mainly

 

[seafoamer]

You gotta just eyeball that shyt.

 

[Hippæ]

I have used the gauges before, but my preferred method is to adjust the string, see how it feels under play, adjust it some more, and see how it feels in relation to the other strings. Its time consuming, sure, but in the end its worth it

 

[MartinPiana]

I have used the gauges before, but my preferred method is to adjust the string, see how it feels under play, adjust it some more, and see how it feels in relation to the other strings. Its time consuming, sure, but in the end its worth it

I typically do that when I first get an instrument, then make a note of the string height at the 12th fret for future truss rod adjustments.

Alternately, I'll measure the height to what I think it should be, then play it and make fine tuning adjustments from there.

 

[a1briz]

I bought that string action guage a while back. No regrets. Handy little tool. Comes handy for pickup height adjustments too.

I always use 'recommended' or 'standard' settings (use the tool) as a base point. I adjust from there (with no tool, by feel instead).

However, I once read the entire manual that came with my bicycle before I actually rode it. And I'm also a closet neat freak.

 

[smorgdonkey]

I just wing it but if I was into doing my own fret work then maybe I'd have to consider a new tool or two...

 

[Dave Orban]

Wing it. It's all about feel, IMO...

 

[althrax]

Straight edge and ruler.

 

[deoreo]

Always, a straight edge and ruler.
But, I don't make the guitar conform to a set measurement, I play and listen to the instrument, and set it up accordingly.

But, um, yeah, always a straight edge and ruler for precise, repeatable results.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Straight edge and ruler.

Yes. I use these plus radius gauges & fine tune from there.
Dan Earlwine is a godsend.

 

[RDM]

Interesting responses.

 

[whitehall]

I have a good assortment of tools but none came from SM--love their catalogs BTW. For example his $35 dollar straightedge I got in a home depot for 8 dollars. Most all his stuff can be duplicated for less than 1/2 if you know where to look. A lot of cycling tools are highly adaptable to guitar repairing. I love Dan though, he's the only guy I know who requires a welders mask and a snap-on truck full of tools to change a set of strings.

 

[Bluewail]

Yes. I use these plus radius gauges & fine tune from there.
Dan Earlwine is a godsend.

+1.

Tools first and then fine tune by feel. Add a set of feeler guages to the kit for relief adjustment and clearance at the 1st fret too.

 

[edward]

IMHO, gauges are for consistency and speed (to reduce your labor time). This is for techs that make a living on such work and maximizing their labor. For an indiv owner, you can get it right w/o such tools.

When yout hink about it, a good setup doesn't depend on a numerical measurement ...a given "value" is irrelevant. What you want is that it plays as best as it can, for you, given what you've got.

Edward

 

[bazooka47]

I have all those tools but I use the straightedge the most, and usually for fretwork. For setups, I guess I am in the "wing it" camp.

One of the best things I have gotten from STEWMAC is that nut-string- spacer-template-whatchamacallit. It REALLY helps get the string spacing right on new nuts, especially for a non-pro tinkerer like myself.