Pro Guitar Tech's Most Hated Things (and how to fix them)

Rhett Shull

Rhett Shull

16 min, 30 sec

Detailed guide on setting up and maintaining an acoustic guitar, including restringing, fretboard care, and intonation.

Summary

  • Visited Big House Guitars in Atlanta, Georgia to meet with guitar tech Ben Calhoun for a guitar setup tutorial.
  • Discussed the correct process of restringing, including the number of wraps on the tuning pegs.
  • Covered the proper way to clean frets using ultra-fine steel wool and protecting the fretboard.
  • Explained how to oil a fretboard correctly, emphasizing not to leave the oil on for too long.
  • Demonstrated how to set the guitar's neck relief and action, and intonation for optimal playability.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Acoustic Guitar Setup

0:00 - 35 sec

Introduction to the importance of acoustic guitar setup and maintenance.

Introduction to the importance of acoustic guitar setup and maintenance.

  • The setup and care for an acoustic guitar differ from an electric guitar.
  • The purpose of the video is to explain the setup process for better playability.

Chapter 2

Ben's New Location and Pet Peeves

0:41 - 53 sec

Ben Calhoun shares his move to Big House Guitars and discusses pet peeves as a guitar tech.

Ben Calhoun shares his move to Big House Guitars and discusses pet peeves as a guitar tech.

  • Ben has moved to Big House Guitars after nine years at his previous location.
  • He shares his frustration with common mistakes in restringing guitars.

Chapter 3

Restringing an Acoustic Guitar

1:40 - 1 min, 7 sec

A demonstration of the correct method to restring an acoustic guitar.

A demonstration of the correct method to restring an acoustic guitar.

  • Proper restringing technique includes the appropriate number of wraps on the tuning peg.
  • The method demonstrated ensures strings lock in place and don't unravel.

Chapter 4

Fretboard Maintenance

4:07 - 2 min, 12 sec

Guidance on cleaning frets and conditioning the fretboard.

Guidance on cleaning frets and conditioning the fretboard.

  • Using ultra-fine steel wool to clean frets and a guard to protect the fingerboard.
  • Proper method of applying and removing fretboard oil to avoid damaging the wood.

Chapter 5

Restringing Technique Continued

6:29 - 38 sec

Continuing with the correct restringing technique, including tips on avoiding common mistakes.

Continuing with the correct restringing technique, including tips on avoiding common mistakes.

  • The string should lock at the bridge pin to prevent it from popping out.
  • A detailed explanation of how to align the tuning peg holes and secure the strings.

Chapter 6

Setting Neck Relief and Action

7:24 - 1 min, 53 sec

Instructions on setting the neck relief and action for proper guitar setup.

Instructions on setting the neck relief and action for proper guitar setup.

  • Neck relief is crucial for avoiding fret buzz and ensuring good sound quality.
  • Describes the use of a capo and feeler gauges to measure and adjust neck relief accurately.

Chapter 7

Intonation Adjustment

11:18 - 3 min, 23 sec

Explanation of how to correctly set the intonation of an acoustic guitar.

Explanation of how to correctly set the intonation of an acoustic guitar.

  • The need to check intonation at multiple frets, not just the 12th fret, for accuracy.
  • Understanding the pattern of string length adjustments based on the fretted note being sharp or flat.

Chapter 8

Conclusion and Acknowledgements

15:39 - 43 sec

Closing remarks and acknowledgments to Ben and Big House Guitars.

Closing remarks and acknowledgments to Ben and Big House Guitars.

  • Thanks to Ben Calhoun for sharing his expertise on guitar setup and care.
  • Mentions of Big House Guitars location and the tools used in the video.

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