Basic Setup

Basic Setup Service at The Hobbit Luthier

At The Hobbit Luthier, I know that a well-set-up instrument can make all the difference in your playing experience. My Basic Setup Service is designed to ensure your guitar, bass, mandolin, or banjo is playing at its best, providing you with optimal comfort, sound, and performance.

Initial Assessment and Consultation:

I conduct a thorough evaluation of the instrument, discussing the player's preferences, playing style, and specific needs. This helps ensure that the setup is tailored to the player's requirements and goals.
       
Cleaning and Inspection:

The instrument is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, grime, or residue that may have accumulated. I inspect the instrument for any visible damage, such as cracks, loose hardware, or fret wear.

Neck Adjustment:

The truss rod, a metal rod inside the neck of the instrument, is adjusted to achieve the desired amount of relief or curvature in the neck. This ensures that the strings have the proper clearance over the frets, preventing buzzing and ensuring comfortable playability.

Action Adjustment:

The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. I adjust the bridge and/or saddle height to achieve the optimal action for the player's preferences and playing style. Lower action typically allows for easier fretting and faster playing, while higher action can provide more volume and sustain.

Intonation Adjustment:

Intonation refers to the accuracy of the instrument's tuning across the entire fretboard. I adjust the length of the strings by moving the bridge saddles (or reshape the saddle on an acoustic guitar) to ensure that each note plays in tune with the corresponding fretted note. Proper intonation is crucial for ensuring that chords and melodies sound in tune across all positions on the neck.

Nut Adjustment:

The nut, located at the top of the fretboard, plays a critical role in determining the guitar's tuning stability and string action. I may adjust the nut slots to ensure that the strings sit at the correct height and spacing, minimizing string binding and ensuring smooth tuning stability.

Electronics Check:

If the guitar is equipped with electronic components, such as pickups, switches, or potentiometers, I check for proper functionality and makes any necessary adjustments or repairs to ensure optimal performance.

Final Inspection and Test Play:

Once all adjustments have been made, I perform a final inspection of the instrument to ensure that everything is in proper working order. The guitar is then test-played to verify its playability, sound, and overall performance.

My Commitment

At The Hobbit Luthier, my mission is to breathe new life into every fretted instrument that crosses my threshold. The Basic Setup Service is a key part of this mission, ensuring that your instrument is performing at its peak.

Don't let a poorly set-up instrument hold you back. Bring your instrument to The Hobbit Luthier for a professional basic setup and experience the difference expert care can make.

For more information about my Basic Setup Service or to schedule an appointment, please visit my shop or contact me directly. Let’s get your instrument playing perfectly!

Setups do not include strings and tax.