Author Topic: Guitar Techs (Read 4494 times)

Bainzy · « **on:** December 07, 2005, 07:17:32 PM »

Where do you guys take your guitars to be set up?

I'm after a truss rod adjustment and nut cut on my custom guitar, but I can't afford to get the tools to learn how to cut nuts myself so I figured I'll pay for a pro setup and nut cut.

Someone/somewhere close to West Yorkshire is ideal, that I can be confident will do a professional job on the compound radius fretboard it has. I've seen prices for this at £40 or around that price, does that seem reasonable? I wouldn't be able to pay much more than that, although I could do free amp work instead! :lol:

Gary · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2005, 07:29:02 PM »

£40 sounds quite cheap for a setup and a new nut.

The truss rod can't be adjusted in isolation as it will affect the action and intonation. This can all be done at home with just a couple of allen keys and a screw driver (for a Strat). The main thing you need is the confidence to have a go.

The tools you'd need for the nut would cost you much more and it would be better to get that done by a pro anyway.

Can't recommend any techs in your area as I take mine to Feline (in Croydon).

Bainzy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2005, 07:49:55 PM »

Yeah if it was just the truss rod I'd work on it myself, but I would think a nut cut would require a professional setup anyway so I might aswell leave it until then.

Ratrod · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2005, 10:32:09 PM »

I'm pretty much my own guitar tech. Nobody knows how I like my guitar better than me. I can do some minor adjustments to the nut myself with a simple nailfile. (doesn't work past the G-string, tho). If I need a brand new nut, I'll have one made by a proper luthier. I could work it out myself but I don't have the tools. Raising the nut slots isn't too hard either. File off a piece of bone, pour the dust into the slot and add some glue, press down with a guitar string and repeat untill it's right.

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2005, 01:42:29 AM »

£40 for a basic set-up including cutting the nut is about right

Replacing a nut at the same time will usually cost extra

HJM · « **Reply #5 on:** December 08, 2005, 11:55:59 AM »

Shane Haigh at Haigh guitars, also goes by the name of String Surgeon. Tel number is 01924 277930. Did a good job on a new nut and frets for one of my Ibanez guitars. He's at Horbury Bridge near Wakefield/Dewsbury.

March · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2005, 10:14:16 AM »

I use Leonard Lamprell in London and have done for several years now. His setups go beyond perfection!

His attention to detail is spot on and he runs a very professional service, including a check sheet when you get the guitar back that details everything that has been done to the guitar in a manner that puts most car workshops to shame!

I've had four guitars set up by him and I am taking another one down to him next Saturday. Highly recommended.