Setup Services

Professional setup and maintenance for your instruments

There are many variables to consider when setting up your instrument, and in many instances we are dealing in tiny fractions of millimeters between a poor setup and a great one. I tailor each service to meet your specific needs, ensuring the best possible performance and playability.

Below is a list of some common guitar setup services I offer — although by no means exhaustive — with a guide price. We have to consider each job individually to achieve the best results and depending on the issues presented by your instrument it may require a different set of remedies.

Electric Guitar Setup

£90
  • Adjust truss rod for optimal relief
  • Check nut height; clean slots & lubricate
  • Clean and oil fretboard
  • Clean switches and knobs
  • Check wiring and pots
  • Adjust pickup height
  • Adjust bridge height
  • Reset intonation
  • Re-string with Elixir Optiweb strings

Acoustic Guitar Setup

£95
  • Adjust truss rod for optimal relief
  • Check nut height; clean slots & lubricate
  • Adjust saddle
  • Ensure strings are set to correct height
  • Polish frets (recrown if necessary)
  • Clean and oil fretboard
  • Clean body
  • Re-string with Elixir Nanoweb strings

Restringing

£??
  • Brand new strings
  • Fit strings
  • Stretch
  • Tune

Re-fret Service

£??
  • Delicately remove old frets
  • Clean fret board
  • Fit brand new fret wire
  • Perform fret level and polish
  • Smooth fret edges

Nut Replacement

£??
  • Remove old nut carefully
  • Clean nut slot
  • Shape and fit new nut
  • Cut and file string slots to proper height
  • Polish and finish nut

Pickup Replacement

£??
  • Remove old pickups safely
  • Install new pickups
  • Solder connections properly
  • Set pickup height for optimal tone
  • Test all electronics and switching

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm just a beginner. Surely setups are for advanced or professional guitarists?

Quite the opposite! A proper setup is arguably even more important for beginners. When you're just starting out, you're developing muscle memory and building finger strength. If your guitar is difficult to play due to high action, sharp fret edges, or poor intonation, you might think the problem is your technique when it's actually the instrument. A well set-up guitar is easier to press down, stays in tune better, and makes learning much more enjoyable. Many beginners give up not because they lack talent, but because they're fighting against a poorly adjusted instrument. A professional setup can be the difference between frustration and falling in love with playing guitar.

I've just bought a brand new guitar. Surely the setup is already perfect?

Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Factory setups are typically done quickly to a generic specification that aims to satisfy the average player, but every guitarist has different preferences and playing styles. Additionally, guitars undergo significant changes in temperature and humidity during shipping and storage, which can affect the neck relief, string height, and intonation. Even high-end instruments benefit from a personalised setup once they reach their new home. I'll adjust the guitar specifically for your preferences/playing style. Think of a factory setup as the starting point, not the finish line.