Excellent. I have an inexpensive strat style guitar that was giving me fits. Buzzing, rattling, out of tune, the whole nine yards. I was about to give up (and buy another one lol) when I stumbled on your instructions. Did everything you said- in order, in addition, swapped out the nut for a bone nut with pre cut slots (off of Amazon for $9) tuned to Eb, she sounds AMAZING for the Hendrix/Trower/SRV stuff. Ringing, singing sustain, no buzz, no rattle AND plays like butter. THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU SAVED ME A BUNDLE (not to mention what's left of my hair.)
John, Your tutorial on the Stratocaster setup are by far the most thorough and easy to understand of the ones I watched. You helped a 68 year old beginner get my guitar set up right! Thank you very much for doing these videos!
Man, this series of videos plus the "set up you Bass" videos, are THE BEST that I've found in youtube, straight forward, exact numerical values, no weird stuff like, use a card, or a coin, or whatever. best setup videos ever man !!
Thank you John, very helpful indeed. Makes such a change not having to sit through 5-10 mins of someones very predictable guitar playing. Before you get to learn anything. Keep it up matey, you're a goodn.
Many thanks John - your videos are super and appreciate sharing your '45 year experience'. That is quite something and is evident in your videos !!! TOTAL RESPECT
Thank you very much for the logical and methodical approach you have given to all players that would like to adjust their own guitars. Your instructions are understandable and very well explained. You have done it again with these four videos letting all of us know the first thing to be done and then work through to the final step of intonation. You are one of the very few that does this and I greatly appreciate it. With your videos I have successfully been able to take guitars and basses that were either difficult to play or had issues with difficult action as well as buzz or intonation problems and been able to make them very playable with great action that I have had no problem selling what I put on the market when I want to upgrade my instrument collection. Thanks again.
+mmarsbarr "Alright maggot listen up! there's more guitars to be set up and by god i'm not letting you steal form my profit margin! so get to work fuck stick!"
If you play from 0:25 to 0:45 with the sound off he looks like a kidnapped person reading their captor's demands, lol. The tips are great though, really appreciate it!
Hi John , thank you so much for this informative and ``to the point ´´ set up video Ive searched long and hard on YT and all Ive found are a load of ``cool dudes ´´ just talking and playing at being rock stars . once again thanks PB
hi can you explain better the truss rod setup? when you use the capo and the press the last fret you measure the space between string and fret over the 7 fret , correct? how deep this space must have to be? if my string touch the fret how i have to setup the truss rod thank you again for this beautiful video Angelo
how about looking from the saddle to the neck headstock view to see the neck in cross section, like aiming a rifle- is that necessary? Should it be straight? I checked my strat- seems like neck in cross section isn't straight, I mean, it's leaning deeper on bass side (strings 4-5-6)
Thank you so much for this video. It's to the point and very clear on what is to be done and why people choose the 7th or 8th fret to gauge the spacing. Will the spacing still be 0.01" regardless of whether I got 9's, 10's or 11's ? In my guitar (vintage style stratocaster pawnshop 51 MIJ, I had to take the neck off to do this), and so would like to make sure I don't have to do this too many times.
The measurement is taken at the 7th-8th fret, because that is half way (the middle of the sting) between where the capo is and where you are placing your finger on the 17th fret. The measurement is the same for any string gauge, since you are measuring from the bottom of the sting to the fret board. If you were measuring from the top yes this would change depending on sting thickness. As long as you keep the same gauge strings on the guitar you should not have to do this very often if ever again (Unless you drop your guitar LOL). But if you change string gauges in the future, this will put more or less tension on the neck than the old strings and may require an adjustment again.
Instead of having too much space my string is touching the fret and moves when I try to slide something underneath. So instead of tightening the truss rod I guess I need to loosen it?
I was given an Ion electric guitar apparently it was being tossed out ... I tried to adjust to the gap in the video but there doesn't seem to be much different and I think I turned the rod as far as it will go. If the high is suppose to be .010 on the 7th fret with a capo on the first then it's way too high ... lot of play. It's one of those cheap beginner guitar so do you think the rod is shot?
John, when following this part of the tutorial, I wanted to tight the truss rod. When i did it, was kinda not wanting to go, I loose the strings, push a bit harder and it sound kinda loud when i could turn it a bit... (I turned less than 1/4 clockwise) so I preffered to stop rather than thighten more... The guitar hasn't damaged, but I do want to tight it a bit more, what can i do? Oh and all ur tutorials are fkin great!
@Eldererr Actually no...a credit card is about double the gap required..just buy the feeler gauge its not even 10$ at most hardware stores...just don't touch your guitar too much after using it...as most of them are very oily and might dirty your guitar
Hi John. When you adjusted the truss rod do you still have the strings under tension? Reason I ask is I've seen people take the tension off the strings first then adjust the truss rod. Only asking as I want to adjust mine and any advice would be great.
John, I'm surprised that you would support the instrument that far up the neck. The weight of the guitar is going to cause a slight bending of the neck at those support points. Isn't the proper support point where the neck joins the body....or even halfway up the neck?
What if the saddle pins are badly adjusted and the action is too high when you're checking though? Wouldn't that kind of mess up the truss rod adjustment because you'd need to do like a billion turns to cancel out the bad bridge setup
Jack, you can buy a capo on eBay for a few bucks. My feeler gauges, I bought them at Canadian Tire, but maybe try Checker Auto Parts, Pep Boys, or Napa in the states.They sell them. Don't buy a capo at a music store. Sorry no links or pics, but the websites will have all that. TIp: Buy a capo from Asia on eBay. Most of these characters(sellers) offer free shipping. to North America. They work just fine.
I set my guitar's relief to the suggested amount, but now it buzzes even more? My bridge action is at 6/64th on both sides (Floyd Rose)and my nut relief is almost perfect as well. WTF
Shreddy Krueger 3000 yeah, happened to my bass too. This video is a very helpful process guide, but at the end of the day, its you who's gonna decide which value is best. I followed his bass setup to its tiny details, I even bought a new feeler gauge, new nut even a nut file set so I can have all his steps covered, end result = buzzing string. So I did lots of trial and error, especially on truss adjustment stage.. until I eliminated the buzz. I finally found the optimum setup for my instrument, but sadly action is a bit high :(
Saiga S Before anyone says anything, I realise it comes down to personal preference but fenders recommendations do not match what he does: First, check your tuning. Affix a capo at the first fret and depress the sixth string at the last fret. With a feeler gauge, check the gap between the bottom of the string and the top of the 8th fret-see the spec chart below for the proper gap.Note: In either case, if you meet excessive resistance when adjusting the truss rod, if your instrument needs constant adjustment, if adjusting the truss rod has no effect on the neck, or if you're simply not comfortable making this type of adjustment yourself, take your instrument to your local Fender Authorized Dealer. Neck Radius 7.25" 9.5" to 12" 15" to 17"Relief .012" (0.3 mm) .010" (0.25 mm) .008" (0.2 mm)
Saiga S Wherever the neck joins to the body, on most Strats its at the 17th. A 24 fret Ibanez for example would probable join at a higher fret. BTW he is not depressing at the 12th, he is holding the string down "where the neck joins to the body (16/17)" and using his index finger to tap and determine if there is any play.
He isn't using factory specs, he's using his FORTY YEARS of experience as a luthier to attain the best setup for a Stratocaster. By the way, the man worked at Fender for 11 years.
im totally buying his book....im new to the whole maintenance thing and ill be honest...i'd rather do it myself then pay someone 100$ to fix up all this stuff
+Ryo Watanabe hmmm I checked in my fender manual and you might be right. I'm sorry. I tuned my guitar last month and was doing the conversion in google. But for me 2mm seemed like the right height... 0.2 is nothing!!!!
haha, yeah, in the end it's just preference and what suits you the best i guess. i'm an indonesian so i have a very small hand, thus have to set my guitar with a veeery low action.
...he said .254mm or .010 inches...yes that is very thin because he is setting the truss rod to how much the neck is bowed, which is very very little, most people cant see it, thats why you use a very thin feller gauge. If your neck is not set with this tiny bit of bow you will have fret buzz all over the neck...
I have the feeling one important information is missing in this video. If you make your measurement you hold down the string on the 14th fret. Without that all measurements are wrong
iCubaZ It will do but being a replica of a 60s strat the adjustment will be at the heel end of the neck (near the pickguard). This will require more work because accessing it is more difficult.
Excellent. I have an inexpensive strat style guitar that was giving me fits. Buzzing, rattling, out of tune, the whole nine yards. I was about to give up (and buy another one lol) when I stumbled on your instructions. Did everything you said- in order, in addition, swapped out the nut for a bone nut with pre cut slots (off of Amazon for $9) tuned to Eb, she sounds AMAZING for the Hendrix/Trower/SRV stuff. Ringing, singing sustain, no buzz, no rattle AND plays like butter. THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU SAVED ME A BUNDLE (not to mention what's left of my hair.)
We're glad that you found this video helpful!
John, Your tutorial on the Stratocaster setup are by far the most thorough and easy to understand of the ones I watched. You helped a 68 year old beginner get my guitar set up right! Thank you very much for doing these videos!
Within 50 seconds this man broke down the principles of guitar setup. Bravo!
Man, this series of videos plus the "set up you Bass" videos, are THE BEST that I've found in youtube, straight forward, exact numerical values, no weird stuff like, use a card, or a coin, or whatever. best setup videos ever man !!
Thank you John, very helpful indeed. Makes such a change not having to sit through 5-10 mins of someones very predictable guitar playing. Before you get to learn anything. Keep it up matey, you're a goodn.
This very straightforward series of four videos has enabled me to transform my cheap Encore strat into a much more playable instrument. Thank you.
Short and sweet! These 4 videos explain it ALL.
I love John Carruthers' videos, its great how he can summarize a topic. Thanks!
Many thanks John - your videos are super and appreciate sharing your '45 year experience'. That is quite something and is evident in your videos !!! TOTAL RESPECT
John is a great teacher!! I bought a capo, and feeler gauges for about 15 bucks.
I'm waiting for his book from Amazon.
Thank you very much for the logical and methodical approach you have given to all players that would like to adjust their own guitars. Your instructions are understandable and very well explained. You have done it again with these four videos letting all of us know the first thing to be done and then work through to the final step of intonation. You are one of the very few that does this and I greatly appreciate it. With your videos I have successfully been able to take guitars and basses that were either difficult to play or had issues with difficult action as well as buzz or intonation problems and been able to make them very playable with great action that I have had no problem selling what I put on the market when I want to upgrade my instrument collection. Thanks again.
Thanks John... for all tutorials and Elixir Strings... Now 2022 and still helpful advice ! ☘...
Glad you like them!
Brother John hey - I thank you for our great videos - clear, easy to follow, to the point. thanks to you I can adjust guitars and basses. Thanks again
Great video. Fast and to the point with all the details I was looking for. Thanks!
Thanks very much John, you made it real simple to understand about guitar adjustments,
"most humans only have two (hands)"
LOL!!!
Great video, thanks! But that face at 2:22 makes me feel as though you're being held against your will, hope everything is ok man!
+mmarsbarr hahahahahha
+mmarsbarr "Alright maggot listen up! there's more guitars to be set up and by god i'm not letting you steal form my profit margin! so get to work fuck stick!"
haha..someone should edit this video and add a soundbite of a gun being cocked at the end.lmao
@Bandana Dee Isaac Looks more like a Wild Turkey drinker to me.
ROFLMAOOOOOO 😂
Thanks for your help John. Mt Strat is now awesome.
If you play from 0:25 to 0:45 with the sound off he looks like a kidnapped person reading their captor's demands, lol. The tips are great though, really appreciate it!
Alex G imho it’s the combination of wobbly tele prompter & probably he forgot his eyeglasses 😂
Swear I could see him blink in Morse Code. S.O.S.
Hi John , thank you so much for this informative and ``to the point ´´ set up video Ive searched long and hard on YT and all Ive found are a load of
``cool dudes ´´ just talking and playing at being rock stars . once again thanks PB
Very helpful videos. You should do a series like this for acoustic guitars as well.
Excellent Video and Amazing Products - Thank You . 🇨🇦🇺🇸🎸
Glad you enjoyed it
thank you...I like your vids the best.......down to the point and very easy to understand.
Great, clear tutorial. Thanks!
Just ordered the book. If it's anything like the videos I'm sure I'll be happy with it.
Chris Mann thinking of getting one, any good in it?
the best video on this thanks!
Glad you liked it!
best demo vid. plain and simple
thx for the video, i've tried it on my annoying tons of buzz hard to setup guitar, in to a comfortable playing guitar!! thx to you sir!!
hi
can you explain better the truss rod setup?
when you use the capo and the press the last fret you measure the space between string and fret over the 7 fret , correct?
how deep this space must have to be?
if my string touch the fret how i have to setup the truss rod
thank you again for this beautiful video
Angelo
I have tried to setup my new Telecaster, but I wonder how you can tell if I need a truss rod adjustment or an action adjustment.
Any thoughts on this?
Good Video, Best part: We need three hands and most humans have two lol.
If u dont have a feeler gauge to set the neck what else could u use ??
A string with the height you need. Anyway these things cost about 5 dollars shipped off ebay
Question :
When exactly we adjust the truss road?after we adjust the strings action or before we adjust the strings action?thx
In the first step are the strings up to pitch when the capo is placed at the first fret?
My man don’t blink
what if you don't have the tool and how high would normal guitar height would be?
how about looking from the saddle to the neck headstock view to see the neck in cross section, like aiming a rifle- is that necessary? Should it be straight? I checked my strat- seems like neck in cross section isn't straight, I mean, it's leaning
deeper on bass side (strings 4-5-6)
Hey John , is the 4 step procedure the same, meaning. Measurement, for a Mini Strat
Thank you
Thank you so much for this video. It's to the point and very clear on what is to be done and why people choose the 7th or 8th fret to gauge the spacing. Will the spacing still be 0.01" regardless of whether I got 9's, 10's or 11's ? In my guitar (vintage style stratocaster pawnshop 51 MIJ, I had to take the neck off to do this), and so would like to make sure I don't have to do this too many times.
The measurement is taken at the 7th-8th fret, because that is half way (the middle of the sting) between where the capo is and where you are placing your finger on the 17th fret.
The measurement is the same for any string gauge, since you are measuring from the bottom of the sting to the fret board. If you were measuring from the top yes this would change depending on sting thickness.
As long as you keep the same gauge strings on the guitar you should not have to do this very often if ever again (Unless you drop your guitar LOL). But if you change string gauges in the future, this will put more or less tension on the neck than the old strings and may require an adjustment again.
simple and good guide
Instead of having too much space my string is touching the fret and moves when I try to slide something underneath. So instead of tightening the truss rod I guess I need to loosen it?
I was given an Ion electric guitar apparently it was being tossed out ... I tried to adjust to the gap in the video but there doesn't seem to be much different and I think I turned the rod as far as it will go. If the high is suppose to be .010 on the 7th fret with a capo on the first then it's way too high ... lot of play. It's one of those cheap beginner guitar so do you think the rod is shot?
John, when following this part of the tutorial, I wanted to tight the truss rod. When i did it, was kinda not wanting to go, I loose the strings, push a bit harder and it sound kinda loud when i could turn it a bit... (I turned less than 1/4 clockwise) so I preffered to stop rather than thighten more...
The guitar hasn't damaged, but I do want to tight it a bit more, what can i do?
Oh and all ur tutorials are fkin great!
Hi John! My question is doesn't the saddle height have a bearing on the amount of space between the fret and the string when using the feeler guage?
Hi J.B., Mr. Carruthers is unable to respond. We suggest that you contact a local luthier for assistance. Thanks for watching.
Thank you sir!
If it’s a vintage style strat with the truss rod accessible at the body end of the neck, do I need to remove the neck completely to adjust the rod?
I haven't got gauge that he's using, any examples of things that are .1" or 0.254 mm thick? (credit cart way too thick)?
that guitar is so beautiful.. anybody know what model is it?
My nut I am forced to replace which is step 4 so what do I do in a case like this because adjusting the trust rod without a nut isn't wise?
Does tightening the rod increase the bow/bend in the neck or decrease it? Tightening the rod straightens the neck?
He doesnt talk pickup height on this series? please do on the next one.
Thanks! What is gauge thickness - 0.01'' 0.254mm
@Eldererr Actually no...a credit card is about double the gap required..just buy the feeler gauge its not even 10$ at most hardware stores...just don't touch your guitar too much after using it...as most of them are very oily and might dirty your guitar
Great video
Hi John. When you adjusted the truss rod do you still have the strings under tension? Reason I ask is I've seen people take the tension off the strings first then adjust the truss rod. Only asking as I want to adjust mine and any advice would be great.
Definitely better to loosen the strings which I didn't and broke the Truss rod so had to buy a new neck
Hello,Do you think it is better to use 7th fret and where neck meets body,or 8th fret and last fret on neck?Thank you!!!
John, I'm surprised that you would support the instrument that far up the neck. The weight of the guitar is going to cause a slight bending of the neck at those support points. Isn't the proper support point where the neck joins the body....or even halfway up the neck?
This was great! Thanks for the Hints ;)
Another good upload, thanks
Where can I get a mini feeler guage set like John is using please ?
What if the saddle pins are badly adjusted and the action is too high when you're checking though? Wouldn't that kind of mess up the truss rod adjustment because you'd need to do like a billion turns to cancel out the bad bridge setup
That's what fretting near the bridge is for. You're pressing down so both ends are at neck level.
Is there something of similar thickness to a feeler gauge that I could use? A pick? Credit card?
Hi William, Mr. Carruthers is unable to respond to your questions. We suggest contacting a local, trusted luthier. Thanks for watching!
should it be difficult to enter the wrench in the rod hole? i cant seem to really stick it in there....
Good video great personality
Thanx! Very interesting.
what if the truss rod is all the way loose but the neck wont bend? force it with clamps overnight?
love that man
is there an alternate to the feeler gauge? like something around the house?
I've seen guys use credit cards, business cards, and coins.
lol 11 years late
A medium pick!
He pressed the 17th fret. What is the theory behind looking at the 7th fret? Half way would be fret 8.
Never mind. Someone answered another thread. Thanks
which way dod you adjust it!
Dumb question but does the guitar need to be tuned?
Not dumb
Jack, you can buy a capo on eBay for a few bucks. My feeler gauges, I bought them at Canadian Tire, but maybe try Checker Auto Parts, Pep Boys, or Napa in the states.They sell them. Don't buy a capo at a music store. Sorry no links or pics, but the websites will have all that.
TIp: Buy a capo from Asia on eBay. Most of these characters(sellers) offer free shipping.
to North America. They work just fine.
Thank you very much!!!
@tronicdude6 I use a string of .10 gauge!
I set my guitar's relief to the suggested amount, but now it buzzes even more? My bridge action is at 6/64th on both sides (Floyd Rose)and my nut relief is almost perfect as well. WTF
Shreddy Krueger 3000 yeah, happened to my bass too. This video is a very helpful process guide, but at the end of the day, its you who's gonna decide which value is best. I followed his bass setup to its tiny details, I even bought a new feeler gauge, new nut even a nut file set so I can have all his steps covered, end result = buzzing string. So I did lots of trial and error, especially on truss adjustment stage.. until I eliminated the buzz. I finally found the optimum setup for my instrument, but sadly action is a bit high :(
For any setup specs to work, the frets need to be level with one another. No set up specs are going to work f your frets aren't level.
i dont got no feelr gauges
LOL, I used a spark plug gap thingy for a feeler guage.
um, that IS a feeler gauge..... that's what luthiers use, spark plug gap feeler gauges......
Thank you!
Aren't you supposed to depress the string on the 1st &17th fret and not the 1st 12th?
Saiga S
Before anyone says anything, I realise it comes down to personal preference but fenders recommendations do not match what he does: First, check your tuning. Affix a capo at the first fret and depress the sixth string at the last fret. With a feeler gauge, check the gap between the bottom of the string and the top of the 8th fret-see the spec chart below for the proper gap.Note: In either case, if you meet excessive resistance when adjusting the truss rod, if your instrument needs constant adjustment, if adjusting the truss rod has no effect on the neck, or if you're simply not comfortable making this type of adjustment yourself, take your instrument to your local Fender Authorized Dealer.
Neck Radius
7.25"
9.5" to 12"
15" to 17"Relief
.012" (0.3 mm)
.010" (0.25 mm)
.008" (0.2 mm)
Saiga S Wherever the neck joins to the body, on most Strats its at the 17th. A 24 fret Ibanez for example would probable join at a higher fret. BTW he is not depressing at the 12th, he is holding the string down "where the neck joins to the body (16/17)" and using his index finger to tap and determine if there is any play.
He isn't using factory specs, he's using his FORTY YEARS of experience as a luthier to attain the best setup for a Stratocaster. By the way, the man worked at Fender for 11 years.
bluwng
Gotcha
Is a index card close to 0.10?
Use a ruler if you aren't sure
im totally buying his book....im new to the whole maintenance thing and ill be honest...i'd rather do it myself then pay someone 100$ to fix up all this stuff
so 'the string' meaning the low E? I'm learning here..
Sorry, Mr. Carruthers is not responded to these comments. We suggest that you contact a local luthier for assistance.
On top of the first fret?
Yes, directly on top of the fret. You are basically using the string as a straight edge to measure how much curve the neck has.
Thanks :)
0.10mm ?
I bought your book
2.54 mm not .254 mm gauges
+Alexandre Gareau are you sure? cuz 2.54 mm is very high :/
+Ryo Watanabe hmmm I checked in my fender manual and you might be right. I'm sorry. I tuned my guitar last month and was doing the conversion in google. But for me 2mm seemed like the right height... 0.2 is nothing!!!!
haha, yeah, in the end it's just preference and what suits you the best i guess. i'm an indonesian so i have a very small hand, thus have to set my guitar with a veeery low action.
...he said .254mm or .010 inches...yes that is very thin because he is setting the truss rod to how much the neck is bowed, which is very very little, most people cant see it, thats why you use a very thin feller gauge. If your neck is not set with this tiny bit of bow you will have fret buzz all over the neck...
I have the feeling one important information is missing in this video. If you make your measurement you hold down the string on the 14th fret. Without that all measurements are wrong
He did say to hold down the string at the fret where the neck meets the body. That's usually the 14th.
That's what she said
Useing a credit card has a guide would be good since we all have one
My girlfriend dosen't truss my rod
***** try different knobs
MOST HUMANS ONLY HAVE TWO!!!! :D
my 60s classic player strat doesn't even have something to adjust the truss rod...
iCubaZ
It will do but being a replica of a 60s strat the adjustment will be at the heel end of the neck (near the pickguard). This will require more work because accessing it is more difficult.
Arthur Wigderowitz
0.25 mm at the 7th fret eh? ok.
Most humans only have two hands hahhahahaha!
lol
You need to slow them chops down son. You're talking way too damn fast. I having to rewind every 5 seconds.
thanks for the comment!
Slow the video down
marketing bullshit. have you heart fender have bi-flexi truss rod? watch 300guitars for real truss rod adjustment
This very straightforward series of four videos has enabled me to transform my cheap Encore strat into a much more playable instrument. Thank you.
Does this technique work the same on G&L guitars? ( since they're designed by Leo Fender )