Guitar Setup 101: Make your instrument easier to play!

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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:24 Playability
2:14 Step #1: Check the Action
3:46 Step #2: The saddle
5:12 Step #3: Filing nut slots
6:32 Step #4: Polish
7:27 Step #5: Shim the nut
9:25 Step #6: Oil the tuners
10:05 Conclusion

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#brandonacker #guitar #classicalguitar

[brandonacker]

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[apupoj]

my dad just gifted me his (very old) nylon string guitar. this videos timing could not be better!

[aylbdrmadison]

When sanding down the bottom of the saddle, it's a good idea to mark the bottom edge so you can see how much you're sanding off. With time you can do as Marshall does it. But in the beginning having a reference is important so you don't take off too much. Just run a small felt marker lightly along the bottom corners. If you want to take off a little more on one end, just press a little harder gradually as you head to the other side when marking it.

Better yet, use painters tape (usually blue) to cover the upper part so the mark doesn't spread up too high. Make sure the tape is exactly to the edge of where you want to stop. Then lightly run the marker across the bottom corners. Better still, use only the tape, but you need a sharp eye for that.

Note: I'm *not* a luthier (though I'd love to learn), but I was a professional woodworker for 3 decades, and as a guitarist and instructor for 4 decades, I know a few things about setup. Just enough so I haven't forgotten what it's like being a novice. But if someone like Marshall says I'm wrong, it's probably wise to assume they know better. 🙂

[changbou]

Thanks. Marshall, you are right on the point without garbage! Straight and simple presentation. Thanks. Chang from California

[tardisaframe]

Thank you. I have only now (after 30 years) realised how high my action was on my classical (bought from new). 4.5mm - 4.5mm . Have now rectified and wow! What a difference.

[Drop-G]

I had to do this to a new guitar only 2 weeks ago, only that I bought a left-handed model (so the shop told me) however it was a right-handed model with the strings swapped round. This meant the saddle was way to high on the treble side and to low of the bass side (the saddle was setup with a ramp up to the bass side and once the strings were swapped around it was horrible).
I took the saddle and flipped it around then used a file to re-cut the top (where the stings contact), making it a defined edge as Marshall talked about in the video with Rob Scallon.
With a quick bit of filling on the nut, I managed to get it playing super easy, no fret buzz or intonation issues, and ending with 3.1mm on the bass side and 2.9mm on the treble side, and since I have a very light playing style, its works a dream.
All this I have learnt from both yourself (Brandon) and Marshall, Thank you for all the gems of knowledge, and been an inspiration for classical guitar players all over the world.

[YTOTYO]

Marshall the coolest luthier out there… thanks for this great partnership. Such a wealth of knowledge between you two.

[elverdaderojavier]

The most import thing that people forget to mention: You cannot determine the action on your guitar or take any meaningful measurements unless your guitar is IN TUNE. Your guitar has to be IN TUNE every step of the way during a setup and you need to keep RETUNING it after every little adjustment. If the guitar is out of tune you cannot take any meaningful measurements and you will make a mess out of the setup.

[toneen]

cheers! I did it on my Cuenca 50R n it is now a lot easier to play and the sound has improved too! 😊

[davidg]

Excellent info and well presented. This is stuff that every guitarist should learn, even if they never attempt to do any of the work themselves, so they know what problems to look out for.

[CookyOfficial]

I actually ended up changing my string tension after watching a video where you mentioned light tension string. I had no idea that existed and it has made quite a difference in my playing, made it more comfortable, and I realized the strings weren't exactly replaced right either.

Thank you for all the videos you make with Marshall. They are always so educational and it heightens my interest in the guitar so much more! Can't wait to see more and hopefully I'll get to be there for your class next month!

[davinciandiversity]

Wow, I was literally examining one of my guitars the other day and thinking,

“gosh, my action sure is pretty extreme, I wonder what I could do to modify it.”

Look at you guys coming in to save the day

[elessin]

This is amazing, thank you so much. I've played on and off for years but never done my own bridge or nut work. Let the experimenting begin!!!!

[kirbymarchbarcena]

These guys are so amazing to watch when they work together

[carlossantamaria]

Thanks for sharing guys! I have a Cordoba C7 that I was about to return because it was not very playable due to the high action; I followed these simple steps and WOW what a difference! I can not thank you enough!

[bassmasta]

Ever since that video with the $300 Yamaha that was set up properly, I've really been wanting a Yamaha flamenco guitar. This video will help should I ever get one!

[MrAltissimo]

Literally got a new guitar to learn on and thankfully had a friend recommend I have it looked over, and thankfully I had a friend who is also a luthier take care of it for me! Great timing on the video!

[coaststrings]

Step #4 was a nice new tip. Hadn't thought of adding a mild abrasive (car polish) to the old bass string to polish the nut slots.

[woodsideguitars]

That was helpful - thank you so much. I have one guitar that measures fine for action on the 12th fret, but turns out was too high at the nut. Your guidance helped me make the changes at the nut, and it has made a big difference! Hats off to you gents! 🙏

[jeremygomez]

Always love videos featuring Marshall!!!