Eddie88 said:
Everywhere I go, I hear and see people talking about how bad a very good guitar can be if it's not "set up properly" and how good the guitar CAN be if it's set up properly. What does this really mean? What things can you "set up"? Does it make THAT big of a difference?
Im not a exactly a tech guy, so the only thing I can come up with is the string action? But that is kinda up to what each person like...
So, what can you setup that can really make a difference on the guitars sound, playability etc etc...?!
Several things affect a guitars overall setup that make a substantial difference, in tone and playability, and ill list them in no particular order.
1st. we have overall string height. Too high or low of an action for your particular style will adversely affect your tone, and or intonation/sustain. Particular heights are useful for slide, tapping, sweeping etc.
2nd. Pickup height will affect your tone in a few very odd ways, too close and you may become victim to stratitis, when the magnetic pull of the pickup adversely affects your strings vibration. Too low and your tone will become weak and muddy.
3rd. Intonation is one of the most important factors as it directly will affect your ability to play chords in tune no matter how well tuned your open strings are. This is adjust one most guitars at the bridge saddle itself.
4rd. Flutter ability, although not as substantial as others but too stiff of an action or string gauge will cut back on your ability to do subtle vibrato tricks and or flutters.
5th. Floyd rose functionality is one of the biggest issues of setup addressed on this site, and there are just too many factors to go into, but most of these affect tuning stability, style preference etc.
Anything else?
