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Setting up
If you want to set up your guitar differently to how it is already
then what follows is a guide to the steps to take.
The Action
The
most important factor in the playing feel of any guitar is the distance
between the strings and the neck. This string height is known as
the 'Action' of the guitar.
Each of the strings fits across an adjustable metal 'saddle' at
the bridge. The saddles are adjustable up and down for the string
height and backwards or forwards for the string's 'intonation.'
To change the action you must first loosen the strings, then use
the small allen key provided to change the string height by inserting
it into the allen screws on each side of the saddle. Turning clockwise
will raise the saddle or anti clockwise will lower it.
Make only slight adjustments, then re-tune the strings and play
to ensure that they do not catch on any of the frets or pickups.
If they catch on the frets then the action is too low and you will
need to raise the saddles. If the strings catch on the pickups,
then you can adjust the height of each pickup individually.
Pick-up
height adjustment
You can adjust the height of the pick-ups using the screws directly
alongside the top and bottom of each individual pick up.
Press down all the strings at the last fret and ensure clearance
of all the strings above the pole pieces of all the pick ups. The
bass strings should be slightly further away than the treble strings.
Turn clockwise to raise the pickup and anti clockwise to lower.
Experiment to find the exact position which gives the best sound.
Intonation
Although
the intonation of the guitar should already be set, adjusting the
height of the strings can cause enough variation for the guitar
to need the intonation re-setting.
Plug your guitar into the guitar tuner and tune the strings to correct
pitch. Now check the tuning of each string individually at the 12th
fret. If higher in pitch (sharp), lengthen the string by turning
the screw at the back of the bridge behind the saddle of that particular
string, moving it backwards. If lower than pitch (flat), shorten
the string by turning the screw to make the string shorter, moving
he saddle forwards. Once set up in this way the guitar should be
perfectly in tune with itself all the way up the neck.
Finally.....
When you first start playing your guitar, it may slip out of tune
initially. After tuning play for a few minutes to let all the strings
settle, then retune and enjoy!!
All the
information supplied here is as a guide only as there are so many
different ways of setting up a guitar. If you get into any difficulty
you can always contact your dealer who should be able to help you.
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