Question: What is a setup, and how do I know I need one?
Answer: A setup is a step by step procedure that ultimately determines the action on a stringed instrument. The action is the relationship of the strings to
the fingerboard and should be tailored to each individual’s playing style & gage of strings. Regardless of how well designed & well constructed an instrument may be,
it cannot perform up to its potential unless it is properly setup & adjusted. Volume, intonation, tonal balance, and playability can be noticeably affected by
variations in action settings and by the manner in which these settings have been achieved. The player will be forced to struggle with their instrument if the
setup is improper. Many an aspiring artist has been discouraged from continuing with the instrument because of playing difficulties that could have been eased
dramatically by a few simple adjustments.
Setup is the final step, in making your instrument feel good to you to play and in sounding its best. Ironically, it is this final step that is so often given
little attention leading up to the sale of a new instrument. If you hear funny noises, buzzing, get sore fingers or fatigued, if you have tuning or intonation
problems to name a few - You Need A Setup!
Proper setups are best done by Luthiers and Professional Repair people like myself, who do this work every day and where your instrument can be tailored specifically
for you and your playing style. |
