I can't believe there's such in depth tutorial like this on how to use the tools. It's so wholesome for a beginner like me who wants to start setting up a guitar by myself. Thank you Music Nomad!
I used this gauge on strat-style bridge and I like to share a few tips. 1) Lower all the strings and set the high and low E strings to desired heights. 2) Use a flash light behind the radius gauge to observe the gap between the inner strings and the gauge. 3) Detune the strings to avoid stripping the saddle screws and raise each string. Tune and check then repeat. then move to the other strings.
At last someone who has done what I have been looking for! Recently purchased epiphone sg bridge radius is nowhere close to neck radius ! Thanks to you I can now sort this Thanks again Philip
This is a great video. I'm anxious to set up my Stratocaster, but I just put new strings on and I don't know the fretboard radius. The guide on the website says "most modern models (post-1980s)", so I can't be sure since I got my guitar in 2006. How about a version of your radius gauge that has notches for strings so I don't have to unstring my guitar.
Thank you for the suggestion. Feel free to reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com if you'd like to discuss your specific Stratocaster's fretboard radius further. We'd be happy to help you out.
Great video. Please, I would like to ask you a few questions. I have a 2011 fender strat american deluxe guitar. According to the specs it has a compound radius of 9.5" to 14". What radius should the bridge have?. One more detail. I normally set the height of the high E and low E strings at the 12th fret to 1.6mm and 1.8mm respectively. Will these heights alter the correct setting of the bridge radius?. I ask this because I feel like the E strings should be the same height. Thank you very much for answering.
I really feel that over string radius is kinda wrong. I know it works, but the string gauges play into the final result. When I check the string heights after over radius, the g and d are always slightly higher and off radius! I like the idea that I can change gauges and I still have a workable radius, but this requires and under string radius gauge. I hope I don’t come across like a pest, just a personal observation… thx for the great videos
So at 2:09, you show to measure the fretboard radius. How? Where are the points of measure to start? It looks like you are holding it above the pickup. What shows the radius? When the two ends of the gauge are tight to the board? When they are just above the edges? Just trying to figure out how to use it.
Hi @BurtWizeman At 2:09 Geoff is explaining how to verify the radius of the fingerboard. One would use the radius gauges on the last fret with the strings taken off and determine what the radius is. If you look closely the gauge sits on top of the fingerboard right at the end of the fingerboard, not above the pickup. The radius gauge should touch the fretboard in all spots, not just the ends. You'll want the gauge to match the fretboard as it spans across it. You may have to try the different radius gauges to find the one that matches the fingerboard at the last fret with the strings off. Feel free to reach out to tech@musicnomad.com if you'd like to discuss further. Thank you!
An informative video; thank you. Maybe I missed it, but how do I determine the fretboard's radius? I have several inexpensive guitars that I have not been able to discover snr specs on, and want to know their fretboard's radius before I sting them up after polishing their frets and replacing their nuts. I have a set of gauges similar to yours. Plus, I am refinishing an older Rickenbacker 420 that I need to know the fretboard's radius. Please advise.
Our fretboard radius gauges give you the instructions on the gauge for how to measure your radius. Our gauges are also black and make it easier to see the radius of your strings. You measure your radius at the last fret. This video explains radius very well.
so having a dilemma. using the radius gauge. how are you determining whats proper radius? will the gauge sit flush with the fretboard or not? because your video shows a bit of space in between the gauge and fretboard. i would think no gap at all would be proper
You are correct that there is a very slight gap between the gauge and fretboard. The gap would be much more drastic on any of the other radiuses. That slight gap does not affect the radius being performed at the bridge that would be noticeable. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email our in-house tech at tech@musicnomad.com
thanks, just wondering: when you softly press the gauge against the strings in front of the bridge; and hear strings buzzing when playing them, is that a good thing? so if for example 5 strings buzz against the gauge, and 1 doesnt, that one is too low? or shouldnt there be buzzing?
Yes, light buzzing on all the strings shows they are in the proper radius. The one string not buzzing needs to be raised a bit, or the others need to come down. In our How to Setup Your Electric Guitar Videos, there is a section on the radius of strings - Geoff explains this further there. Feel free to also email tech@musicnomad.com if you have additional questions. Thank you!
What would you use (15 or 16) if your Guitar has a R400 mm (15 3/4") radius? (IE anything in the Yamaha FG/FGX or FS/FSX series - Actually I think the majority of the Yamaha Acoustics)
You will want to use the 16 size radius as it is so close to your 15 3/4". With your strings off, you can measure the fretboard radius at the last fret.
I've got all strings to touch the radius apart from the high e but the string is the right height is it ok just to leave it as is My ibanez is a 15 3/4 I used a 16 radius gauge
@@MusicNomadCare thankyou yes yes the action is fine it's 1.50 on most or there about on most strings apart from high e it's 1.25 not too far off radius I've left it no buzz and it's a lot lower
On a fixed radius bridge like on this Les Paul, you are not able to adjust the individual saddle heights up or down to set the radius as you are able to on individually adjustable saddle guitars like a Stratocaster. Filing your saddle slots are they way to achieve proper radius on a fixed radius bridge.
Yep I’d think the same thing. I know the OP’s response says you can’t adjust the individual saddle heights up and down BUT….you can replace the one low saddle with a new item and basically start from new.
You will want to take the radius gauges and measure at the last fret to determine what your radius is, then you will set your bridge to match that radius.
The general rule is that the file should be the same size as the string, up to no more than .003" - .004" larger than the string. For a .026" string you would use the .028" file. If you go much larger, the slot can become so large that the string vibrates in the slot, causing a buzz. If you use a file smaller than the string, the slot will be too tight, causing tuning issues.
Check out page 3 in our setup manual you will see there are 2 different flows depending on what type of bridge you have will change the flow of the setup. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/
Can the Acoustic Nut File set be used on nuts/bridges where heavy gauge electric strings are used(.011-.052 for example)? As it seems the Medium file set for Electric guitar would be too small(.010 to .046). Please let me know.
The rule of thumb is you can use a file that is the exact string size or up to a 3-4 thousand larger file than the string size. For example: .011 you can use .013, .026 can use .028, .052 can use .056 and so on. With that being said we believe the Acoustic Kit will work for you as it follows the rule of thumb on sizing
@@martinmurillo9468 The Gauge is 8.5cm wide so measure the board you are working on, should work for 7's for sure, but with this measurement you can check all.
Frets don’t come in contact with the top of the strings, it makes no sense to measure them from the top like that. Using “Under-String Radius Gauges” is the way to go because string height is measured from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string.
So, does that mean you cannot put a 9 gauge set on a 10 gauge string guitar ,this means we have to buy individual Guitar (or bridge) for each set of string , thats a very dumb thing done by the designer of a bridge not taking care of individual string gauge ,right ! What if I want to change my string set to 13 that just cost me a new guitar or a bridge with capabilities to fit one right on its position .
the radius of your neck is set to your bridge no matter what string size you use. If you change your string gauge it doesn't not change your radius but you may need to go check your truss rod and string action to make sure it set at the proper measurements after you have changed your string gauge
We respect the different ways manufacturers and repair techs approach setups. Our collaboration with Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell and his 20+ years, two high volume guitar shops setting up 10,000 plus guitars, teaching 100’s of students in his setup workshops, in house Plek experience, plus we asked a handful of other top repair shops the most common setup measurements using the KISS method with it's gauges and tools. Email tech@musicnomad.com for more information.
I can't believe there's such in depth tutorial like this on how to use the tools. It's so wholesome for a beginner like me who wants to start setting up a guitar by myself. Thank you Music Nomad!
Glad it was helpful!
I used this gauge on strat-style bridge and I like to share a few tips. 1) Lower all the strings and set the high and low E strings to desired heights. 2) Use a flash light behind the radius gauge to observe the gap between the inner strings and the gauge. 3) Detune the strings to avoid stripping the saddle screws and raise each string. Tune and check then repeat. then move to the other strings.
Damn you explained radius so well, I’ve read and watched videos on this for years and you explained it the best
At last someone who has done what I have been looking for! Recently purchased epiphone sg bridge radius is nowhere close to neck radius ! Thanks to you I can now sort this
Thanks again Philip
Extremely thankful for all the info! Will FOR SURE be buying the precision setup set. Thanks so much.
Awesome...You and your guitar will love it!
Thanks for making this detailed video . I’m definitely going to buy my tools from you all now.
This is a great video. I'm anxious to set up my Stratocaster, but I just put new strings on and I don't know the fretboard radius. The guide on the website says "most modern models (post-1980s)", so I can't be sure since I got my guitar in 2006. How about a version of your radius gauge that has notches for strings so I don't have to unstring my guitar.
Thank you for the suggestion. Feel free to reach out to us at tech@musicnomad.com if you'd like to discuss your specific Stratocaster's fretboard radius further. We'd be happy to help you out.
So helpful! So well articulated. Thank you very much.
Music Nomad makes some great, quality products!
This is amazing and so easy 😊
All musicnomad items are really usefull and good quality, I suggest.
Great video. Please, I would like to ask you a few questions. I have a 2011 fender strat american deluxe guitar. According to the specs it has a compound radius of 9.5" to 14". What radius should the bridge have?. One more detail. I normally set the height of the high E and low E strings at the 12th fret to 1.6mm and 1.8mm respectively. Will these heights alter the correct setting of the bridge radius?. I ask this because I feel like the E strings should be the same height. Thank you very much for answering.
Thank you for reaching out to us! Can you email us at tech@musicnomad.com, and we can discuss your instrument's specific needs? Thanks!
I really feel that over string radius is kinda wrong. I know it works, but the string gauges play into the final result. When I check the string heights after over radius, the g and d are always slightly higher and off radius! I like the idea that I can change gauges and I still have a workable radius, but this requires and under string radius gauge. I hope I don’t come across like a pest, just a personal observation… thx for the great videos
My tune o matic has the low side saddles flipped ... Would i still angle file towards bottome of guitar body ? Thanks 👍🏼
Thanks for reaching out. Can you email us at tech@musicnomad.com, and we can discuss your instrument's specific needs further? Thanks!
My Acoustic the string is not leveling..some string have height..and Low..wht im gonna do..anyone can help?
So at 2:09, you show to measure the fretboard radius. How? Where are the points of measure to start? It looks like you are holding it above the pickup. What shows the radius? When the two ends of the gauge are tight to the board? When they are just above the edges? Just trying to figure out how to use it.
Hi @BurtWizeman At 2:09 Geoff is explaining how to verify the radius of the fingerboard. One would use the radius gauges on the last fret with the strings taken off and determine what the radius is. If you look closely the gauge sits on top of the fingerboard right at the end of the fingerboard, not above the pickup. The radius gauge should touch the fretboard in all spots, not just the ends. You'll want the gauge to match the fretboard as it spans across it. You may have to try the different radius gauges to find the one that matches the fingerboard at the last fret with the strings off. Feel free to reach out to tech@musicnomad.com if you'd like to discuss further. Thank you!
An informative video; thank you. Maybe I missed it, but how do I determine the fretboard's radius? I have several inexpensive guitars that I have not been able to discover snr specs on, and want to know their fretboard's radius before I sting them up after polishing their frets and replacing their nuts. I have a set of gauges similar to yours. Plus, I am refinishing an older Rickenbacker 420 that I need to know the fretboard's radius. Please advise.
Our fretboard radius gauges give you the instructions on the gauge for how to measure your radius. Our gauges are also black and make it easier to see the radius of your strings. You measure your radius at the last fret. This video explains radius very well.
You saved me man
so having a dilemma. using the radius gauge. how are you determining whats proper radius? will the gauge sit flush with the fretboard or not? because your video shows a bit of space in between the gauge and fretboard. i would think no gap at all would be proper
You are correct that there is a very slight gap between the gauge and fretboard. The gap would be much more drastic on any of the other radiuses. That slight gap does not affect the radius being performed at the bridge that would be noticeable. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email our in-house tech at tech@musicnomad.com
thanks, just wondering: when you softly press the gauge against the strings in front of the bridge; and hear strings buzzing when playing them, is that a good thing? so if for example 5 strings buzz against the gauge, and 1 doesnt, that one is too low? or shouldnt there be buzzing?
Yes, light buzzing on all the strings shows they are in the proper radius. The one string not buzzing needs to be raised a bit, or the others need to come down. In our How to Setup Your Electric Guitar Videos, there is a section on the radius of strings - Geoff explains this further there. Feel free to also email tech@musicnomad.com if you have additional questions. Thank you!
What would you use (15 or 16) if your Guitar has a R400 mm (15 3/4") radius? (IE anything in the Yamaha FG/FGX or FS/FSX series - Actually I think the majority of the Yamaha Acoustics)
You will want to use the 16 size radius as it is so close to your 15 3/4". With your strings off, you can measure the fretboard radius at the last fret.
@@MusicNomadCare thanks for your quick response
I've got all strings to touch the radius apart from the high e but the string is the right height is it ok just to leave it as is
My ibanez is a 15 3/4 I used a 16 radius gauge
Hi Rebecca - if the Hi E is close but not touching the radius gauge and the action is fine, we recommend you leave it as is.
@@MusicNomadCare thankyou yes yes the action is fine it's 1.50 on most or there about on most strings apart from high e it's 1.25 not too far off radius I've left it no buzz and it's a lot lower
Why not replace the G string saddle & adjust it or don't they sell individual saddles?
On a fixed radius bridge like on this Les Paul, you are not able to adjust the individual saddle heights up or down to set the radius as you are able to on individually adjustable saddle guitars like a Stratocaster. Filing your saddle slots are they way to achieve proper radius on a fixed radius bridge.
Yep I’d think the same thing. I know the OP’s response says you can’t adjust the individual saddle heights up and down BUT….you can replace the one low saddle with a new item and basically start from new.
tbh I believe your fretboard radius is 14 at the end of the fretboard you can even see the gap?
Great Video and products. So my guitar has a 15.75 radius. Which gauge would I use? 15 or 16.
You will want to use the 16" radius side on our radius gauge
Thank you !
On a guitar with a compound radius like 9 to 12 inches, do we adjust the bridge to the 12 inches radius? Thanks
Yes that is correct!
hi which size of gauge should i use for a special floyd rose on my 24 fret LTD?
You will want to take the radius gauges and measure at the last fret to determine what your radius is, then you will set your bridge to match that radius.
I use a wound 26 gauge G string should I get the 24 or 28 file
The general rule is that the file should be the same size as the string, up to no more than .003" - .004" larger than the string. For a .026" string you would use the .028" file. If you go much larger, the slot can become so large that the string vibrates in the slot, causing a buzz. If you use a file smaller than the string, the slot will be too tight, causing tuning issues.
At what point does this step occur? Is this the last part of the entire setup??
Check out page 3 in our setup manual you will see there are 2 different flows depending on what type of bridge you have will change the flow of the setup.
www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/
but should we measure the radius under the strings to match the fretboard radius, instead of measuring above the strings?
Whether you measure your string radius from the top of the string or the bottom of the strings you should have the same radius either way you measure
Can the Acoustic Nut File set be used on nuts/bridges where heavy gauge electric strings are used(.011-.052 for example)? As it seems the Medium file set for Electric guitar would be too small(.010 to .046). Please let me know.
The rule of thumb is you can use a file that is the exact string size or up to a 3-4 thousand larger file than the string size. For example: .011 you can use .013, .026 can use .028, .052 can use .056 and so on. With that being said we believe the Acoustic Kit will work for you as it follows the rule of thumb on sizing
@@MusicNomadCare Thank you!
Love It
Will Music Nomad release a radius Gauge for Extended Range Guitars?
Martin, at this time we have the 8 most popular sizes that cover the majority of guitars and basses.
@@MusicNomadCare You mean this covers 7, 8, 9, and 10 string guitars?
@@martinmurillo9468 The Gauge is 8.5cm wide so measure the board you are working on, should work for 7's for sure, but with this measurement you can check all.
What about a 13.75? What do I use?
You will want to use the 14" radius side on our radius gauge
Model, color, year of that Les Paul? Please. Anyone??
VR it's a Gibson LP Standard, 1990. It's a custom color, Gibson did around 200 in this color that year.
@@MusicNomadCare wow. Thank you
Frets don’t come in contact with the top of the strings, it makes no sense to measure them from the top like that. Using “Under-String Radius Gauges” is the way to go because string height is measured from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string.
So, does that mean you cannot put a 9 gauge set on a 10 gauge string guitar ,this means we have to buy individual Guitar (or bridge) for each set of string , thats a very dumb thing done by the designer of a bridge not taking care of individual string gauge ,right ! What if I want to change my string set to 13 that just cost me a new guitar or a bridge with capabilities to fit one right on its position .
the radius of your neck is set to your bridge no matter what string size you use. If you change your string gauge it doesn't not change your radius but you may need to go check your truss rod and string action to make sure it set at the proper measurements after you have changed your string gauge
Isn’t the right tool, you have to read the radius UNDER the stings, not over. The thickness of the strings gouge will disturb the read.
We respect the different ways manufacturers and repair techs approach setups. Our collaboration with Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell and his 20+ years, two high volume guitar shops setting up 10,000 plus guitars, teaching 100’s of students in his setup workshops, in house Plek experience, plus we asked a handful of other top repair shops the most common setup measurements using the KISS method with it's gauges and tools. Email tech@musicnomad.com for more information.
I bought the kit, my guitar Yamaha pacifica has a 13-3/4" (350mm) Radius, whick one should I use?
You will want to use the 14" radius