Things You Should Know

Question: Why is the key to a properly performing instrument a good setup?...

Sourcing musical instruments that musicians can fall in love with, is our first goal. Since used guitars can sometimes have serious issues, we intensely focus on acquiring only the finest second-hand instruments, which are then repaired and setup by our expert luthiers.

Answer: Fully 60% of the performance of a guitar depends on a proper set-up. However, during the manufacturing process, even new guitars are not removed from the assembly line to be prepared for sale. That would add an extra hour or two for each guitar. Musical instrument companies simply do not allocate time for that. This is why second-hand instruments we sell will often perform better than when purchased new.

Guitar Necks

One thing common to all guitars are necks. The neck of a guitar is so crucial. This is where musicians will generate all the notes, chords, and emotions for the songs they play. If there is a defect in the neck, it may be uncomfortable and hinder the player to the point that this musician will be unable to express what is intended. For a beginner, the discomfort can cause the student to give up altogether.

The good news is that most neck issues can be addressed with a proper setup. However, there are instances where the defect is so significant that the cost and effort of a repair would not be worthwhile.

Examples could be;

If the value of the instrument is low.
If the material or construction of the guitar is poor and compromised.
(ie. Water damaged)

This problem exists in both used and new guitars. Recently, we had a client who wanted us to set up his newly purchased guitar. We discovered a serious defect. The neck was twisted. Although this could have been repaired at considerable cost and inconvenience, it was still under warranty, so we recommended to our client that it be returned.

Used guitars, especially those kept in environments exposed to extreme changes in humidity and or temperature, can also be subject to neck issues. Also, if you feel like your current guitar is losing some of its “magic” or if you are acquiring a new or used one, please have it inspected by a qualified guitar tech or luthier, especially before your warranty expires.

(Kitchie Nadal)