In the first part of this article, I discussed the elements of a basic setup. These include checking the neck relief and the action at the first and twelfth frets, as well as installing new strings and performing a few other basic adjustments. In part two, I will explain some relatively inexpensive improvements that you […]
The Importance of a Good Setup, Part Three
In the first two parts of this article, we have looked at basic setup services, which include setting the neck relief and string action, as well as new string installation and other basic adjustments. We have also discussed some improvements and repairs that can greatly increase the tone and playability of your guitar, such as […]
Humidity, Temperature, and Your Guitar
Maintaining your wooden instruments at an appropriate level of humidity year round is vital to their health and well-being. It is surprising how many owners of expensive instruments are unaware of this. I suppose that the primary reason is a lack of educating customers at the time of sale. But I know players who ignore […]
The Science and Theory of Tonewoods
Search out any discussion about tone and tonewoods on the internet and you will quickly find a wide variation of opinions among players and builders alike. However, the majority will almost always list “tonewoods” and/or specific species of Spruce and Cedar as the key to getting the desired tone from a guitar. Indeed, many beginning […]
Baking Tops
A number of guitar builders (including a couple of well-known factory-made brands) follow the practice of baking the Spruce tops in an oven at low heat prior to using them in the construction of an instrument. This practice has caused a lot of discussion among luthiers and more than a little skepticism. According to some, […]
