String Instrument Setup

Mandolin, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass

Many years of experience have honed my skills as a luthier. I enjoy applying these skills to setup every instrument I sell.  Our setup service is also available for customer owned instruments.

This illustration describes a problem with fretted instruments that can be eliminated as part of a setup.  Even with new instruments sometime the frets are not level, in this example a high fret is causing fret buzz.  The fret buzz can be eliminated by leveling the frets.  The leveled fret must then be crowned again to have a proper shape for good tone.  With the frets level and properly crowned the action can be low so the instrument will play easy and sound good.

Low action and no fret buzz when the frets are level

Another common problem with new instruments is they are difficult to play because the nut channels are too high.  The nut channels of a fretted instrument can match the height of the first fret allowing the instrument to play easier closer to the nut.

 Low string height at nut makes for easy playing

There are other factors to consider in a complete setup like the amount of fingerboard relief, neck angle, bridge height, bridge position for proper intonation, etc.  All of these factors are taken into consideration and we are proud to offer the best setup available anywhere!

Please email me at kyle@stringfest.com if I can answer any of your questions about our setups on new instruments or if you would like to discuss what a setup can do to make your instrument the best it can be.