Factory Setup, do you get your SG re-done?

[offender_uk]

I have had my SG (2005 model, made in February) since August. I am pretty pleased with the Factory setup, but none-the-less having had guitars in the past I have felt they have benefited from having a proper setup done.

How have you found your SG's from the store with a factory setup, have you had them re-done?

 

[ZubinSG]

of course

 

[CharlieB]

You gotta realize that the factory "sets" the guitars such that they're going to be playable, even if not so great.... when they arrive and are displayed at the dealer's.

Why is this? Its because there exists great temperature and humidity variations between the factory, storage, transport, more storage, and display.... then it goes to your house. Each environment is different and each guitar is going to react a little different too.

Here's a little known, but easily understood point: A guitar that "buzzes" is worse, in the eyes of a consumer, than a guitar who's action is a bit high. Players normally say... I'll have it set up, if the action is high, but if it buzzes, thats perceived as a "problem".

So... expect greater than normal relief, and sort of high action when you get your guitar.

You'd do well to get a ruler that measures in 1/64 inch increments, a capo, a magnifier or eyeloup (to read the ruler under the strings), and an electronic tuner. Given those, and the neck wrench that comes with your guitar, and possibly a screwdriver for intonation settings, you ought to be able to set up your own.

 

[CharlieB]

Think of it this way, getting the simple tools is something that will cost less than a good setup, and once you learen, you'll be on your way to saving money on each guitar you have, and be able to keep them in top shape all by yourself.

 

[Voxman]

Didn't think that what I was playing even had a factory setup? I always thought it was hit or miss with these production guitars cept Hamer, PRS, Heritage or Tom Andersen

 

[CharlieB]

I remember seeing the pictures... they're on the net someplace.... of the line in Nashville.

Basically a guy sets the length of intonation with a marked wooden piece. The nut has been prefit. The strings are hammered onto the bridge sections. The elevation is set with a gauge block thing under the strings after the truss rod has been tightened a little bit... retune, and out she goes. So yes, the setup is rather casual, and they know it, since its that way by design.

 

[CharlieB]

Here's another thing -

Truss rods settle in BIG time. The wood compresses as the rod is tightened and that will happen after factory stringing and continue till after you've had the guitar a while.

 

[lazybones]

Your axe should come with a free setup service. I generally take it home and let it acclimatize to the temperature/humidity at home and then cash in my free setup a month or two later when I've had more test-drive experience.

 

[guitargoddsjm]

[quote author=lazybones link=topic=4592.msg61429#msg61429 date=1129132658]

Your axe should come with a free setup service. I generally take it home and let it acclimatize to the temperature/humidity at home and then cash in my free setup a month or two later when I've had more test-drive experience.


[/quote]

I guess that's only in canada :cry:

I know that my local shop charges around $45-50 for a set up, I guess I'll need to learn how to do it myself

 

[Angus1343]

I personally set-up all of my guitars to my liking. O0

 

[lazybones]

[quote author=guitargoddsjm link=topic=4592.msg61470#msg61470 date=1129144641]

I guess that's only in canada :cry:

I know that my local shop charges around $45-50 for a set up, I guess I'll need to learn how to do it myself
[/quote]

I always thought that a free setup was a standard thing - you should call the shop where you bought it and pretend you were told about a free setup. I guess the only way to learn is by doing, but my the first setup I did myself went BADLY, so you may end up having to go to the shop anyhow. Ask if you can hang out and watch while they work on it.

cheers dude

 

[TNT]

[quote author=guitargoddsjm link=topic=4592.msg61470#msg61470 date=1129144641]

I know that my local shop charges around $45-50 for a set up, I guess I'll need to learn how to do it myself
[/quote]
Look no farther than your favorite forum for guidance! http://www.everythingsg.com/setup.htm