Guitar Set Up Tools

[SGJarrod]

So I think its time I learn how to do my own set up work on my guitars.... I love the feel of a professionally set up guitar but the prices just seem to keep rising and I keep getting more guitars...

So does anyone know where to get a good tool kit aimed at this, everything from leveling frets to filing nuts and saddles?

and maybe some good reference material to help in the learning process?

And any other advice?

Thanks All....

[taylornutt]

www.stewmac.com

[chemistforhire]

If you don't own this book go and buy it. I found it to be extremely helpful.

[SGJarrod]

If you don't own this book go and buy it. I found it to be extremely helpful.

does it include fret leveling?

Edit.... I just looked at it again and noticed I could flip thru it online and see it does have fret work......Thanks

[benecol]

I do a fair bit (admittedly, not fret dressing, mind...) with:

- Small pair of snips (string ends, mainly)
- Needle-nose pliers (pulling things that are stuck/bent)
- Very fine grain sandpaper (gently expanding nut slots)
- Small pot of vaseline with pencil lead sandpapered into it (nut slot lube n00b) and a pin to apply it with.
- String winder (don't tell Mike)
- Old toothbrush (to scrub frets, fretboards, bits - not my bits, you understand)
- Jewellers screwdrivers
- Small allen/hex keys.
- A metal ruler.
- Capo
- That Dan Erlewine book up there ^
- A tuner

I keep all the above in a cigar box (except the book and tuner). Haven't wanted for owt in years of Jazzmaster ownership.

[SGJarrod]

I can adjust the neck and set the intonation and action with no problems, but I have never filed a nut or done fret work and that is what I want to learn...

Currently, whenever I change strings I always lemon oil the fretboard (rosewood boards of course), take 0000 steel wool to the frets and set the intonation and action....but I'm ready for more....a fret level runs $80 and If I can do it then thats $80 in my pocket


Edit: Fuck Me!....the fret tool kit from Stewmac is $175!.....was not expecting that..... this may be a bad idea...lol

I figured the $80 would cover the tools

[lorez]

I do a fair bit (admittedly, not fret dressing, mind...) with:

- Small pair of snips (string ends, mainly)
- Needle-nose pliers (pulling things that are stuck/bent)
- Very fine grain sandpaper (gently expanding nut slots)
- Small pot of vaseline with pencil lead sandpapered into it (nut slot lube n00b) and a pin to apply it with.
- String winder (don't tell Mike)
- Old toothbrush (to scrub frets, fretboards, bits - not my bits, you understand)
- Jewellers screwdrivers
- Small allen/hex keys.
- A metal ruler.
- Capo
- That Dan Erlewine book up there ^
- A tuner

I keep all the above in a cigar box (except the book and tuner). Haven't wanted for owt in years of Jazzmaster ownership.

shit I was reading that and thinking Tim's been in my room I keep mine in a £1 tool box from Wilkensons with a multimeter, soldering iron, insulation tape and multimetre

[benecol]

Currently, whenever I change strings I always lemon oil the fretboard (rosewood boards of course), take 0000 steel wool to the frets and set the intonation and action...

That's a bit overkill my old love: if it's a like for like string change, action and intonation setting should be unnecessary, plus unless you're only changing strings once a year (or you live in the desert), you're putting too much lemon oil into that fretboard. Once every couple of years is ample - too much and it'll rot.

[SGJarrod]

Currently, whenever I change strings I always lemon oil the fretboard (rosewood boards of course), take 0000 steel wool to the frets and set the intonation and action...

That's a bit overkill my old love: if it's a like for like string change, action and intonation setting should be unnecessary, plus unless you're only changing strings once a year (or you live in the desert), you're putting too much lemon oil into that fretboard. Once every couple of years is ample - too much and it'll rot.

I change strings prolly 3-4x a yr...depending on how much I play that paticular guitar.... my one guitar that I never touch has had the same strings for a yr in a half

when I say set the intonation and action it really more of a check....ur right action usually does not need done but the intonation usually needs a tweak here and there depending on seasonal changes....the seasonal changes are quite drastic in STL.... hell the weather is quite different from week to week

and with the lemon oil I do not let it sit there forever and soak all in, I usual rub it all in/off...... still to much?

[benecol]

Yep, far too much - once a year is on the 'too much' side of ample. Rosewood doesn't need it, really.

[SGJarrod]

Yep, far too much - once a year is on the 'too much' side of ample. Rosewood doesn't need it, really.

Thanks for the tip brosiff.....

I do not want my babies rotting and looking like a blue waffle