Why it's worth letting a pro setup your guitar!

Sometimes it's worth spending the money to have a great tech setup your guitar - even if you can manage on your own. Guitar Center gets a lot of negative vibes at times, but the one here in Naples has been great so I decided to let their tech set up my Takashi Kato Stratocaster!

Below are some affiliate links, don't buy stuff you don't need but if you're going to ignore me at least use one of these to do so it would really help the channel!

If you're interested in supporting this channel stay independent you can become a member here!

If you're ready to start really understanding music theory and are serious about taking yourself to the next level, it would help the channel and myself out a lot if you were to use my affiliate link to check out the Signals Music Studio Theory and Songwriting Course -

[MrRafaztar]

what's this, am I dreaming, 3 days in a row?? You're absolutely spot on this, I have taken a few guitars sometimes and if I manage to explain exactly what I want an experienced tech has made me value my guitars much more and for cheaper that any new gear.

[rsuazon]

A good setup can absolutely make a guitar sound and feel like a completely different guitar! Also, I recently switched to the XS strings and it is the only coated strings I've ever really liked. I find that they also help with tuning stability.

[starshineraiser]

I want to go on record to state, for decades, my Guitar Centers have been amazing to deal with. They take care of me any/every time I need them. I can’t say enough, just the coolest people.

[IanNorsworthy]

Another amazing video - a proper setup definitely makes the difference!!!

[jamespaivapaiva]

C'mon Jim, you set us up for this! Good to see you putting out content, I have been out of commission myself.Letting someone work on your instruments can be scary, great that you found it's all about being able to talk to your tech and them listening. Peace & Love.

[bluwng]

My first electric guitar I hung out with the luthier and I asked a ton of questions…..people who are good like to talk shop. After I learned, practiced and saw a few videos….i became my own tech.

[VladCotrus]

Great vieeo! A guitar set up correctly makes a hude difference. I've been a guitar player for 14 years and the last 3 years I also began making luthier jobs. I love to give the guitars back to the owners in their best shape possible.

[ectoplasm]

I love the color of that Stratocaster. I've been thinking about getting my hands on an MIJ Stratocaster and getting it refinished like the Takashi Kato Stratocaster.

[GoodmanRecordingsTokyo]

XS are my main strings. They last forever and have low finger noise.
I've mostly had bad luck with pro setups. I'm not the best player, but I run a studio full of instruments that need to be kept in good playing condition for recording artists. So I learned how to do my own setups. Cost of all the tools is about 2-3 setups. Though I'm not sure about the GAS. You get tech GAS as well. This tool and that tool. Lately my thing has been replacing electronics and fancy shmancy pickups.

[jamesmgreen]

Nice. So many places I have used seem to think a generic set up (check) is all you need. Many moons ago, I thus, bought a couple Haynes manuals. Even now a lot to be said for a properly edited instruction manual v piecemeal YT often. Back then we played instore to make sure the basics were right and I quite enjoyed the fine tweaking (acoustics really know how and where and why particularly). On used guitars I found a really good place for more advanced work (time and skill when you really look at neck curvature). Their PLEK service with a skilled tech following their card filled out with all you mentioned is well worthit, IMO. Sadly, they recently pulled out of selling guitars saying no way in this market (basically), but another story.

[richarde]

I got my guitar Plek'd and it was worth every penny. It played so much better after! 😃🎸

[brncrw]

Totally agree with getting a pro setup! My luthier also recommended D'Addario XS. 11-49 for me. Love the feel.

I also think it's important to learn about your instrument and understand how to set it up. I'm still pretty timid around offsets, though. They're still new to me, but I'm digging in and figuring out how to make mine more enjoyable. Thank goodness for instructional videos!

I see you upgraded the bag! FE610? Why can't MIJ provide these stock??? Amazon has Fender branded Classic series wood cases marked down to $129 occasionally 😉

[aminahmed]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day

[Barbarapape]

The hard part is finding a good luthier or tech thst can setup a guitar correctly, there are plenty who can't. I agree with Jim. Learn how to do it yourself, only you will know exactly how you want your setup to feel right, anyone else will just do a standard setup thati might not be to your requirements.

[andrewkrodel]

What string height on low E and high E did they set it for funk? The XS strings do stay in tune. They are a little slippery if you are used to uncoated though. I actually like the XT better.

[ereimul]

hows those strings holding? what's the difference you noticed from EB?

[imyourpassenger]

What tech in San Diego did your friend take his guitar to?

[Markleford]

Lovely blue! Yeah, it's a bold move to take it to most GC shops, but if the tech has a good rep (and you can guarantee THEY are the one working on it) then it's a good relationship to foster.

[wills]

You meaning TAKIMG it to someone. Bringing it would be actually going to you.

The shop wants the customers to bring itnto them but as the customer, you're taking it in.

[nathann]

It’s almost like you wanted to break into a blues solo but you stayed in funk mode lol. I bet you kill at blues.