Storm Guild Electric Guitar

Fret Polishing System

Basic Guitar Set-Up is Affordable and Unavoidable

The matter of setting up a guitar is not a new vibe, especially if you are a regular reader of my blog. My enthusiasm for a good playing guitar is compelling and becomes infectious to people. One more time, if you want to play at your top level, than your guitar needs to be set-up, or adjusted properly, which is a rarity for a new factory guitar. Needless to say your guitar will sound better too.

Realistically speaking, any equipment that is not in proper working order or out of adjustment is a hindrance to your success and can be frustrating. An out of tune car, runs poorly, gets bad fuel mileage and is not much fun to drive, get it?

Simply put, here are the steps considered to be etched in granite for a competent, quality guitar set-up:

#1. Talk to your customer and find out as much about their playing style as possible. If you have an opportunity to watch them play their guitar, that is an added bonus. Perhaps you can make a recommendation.

#2. Inspection of the whole guitar is imperative, we need to repair anything worn or broken before we actually start our set-up procedure.'Sight' the neck for straightness and for any warp-age. So the first thing to do is to check the relief, or bow of the neck with a special tool and then adjust the truss rod. Briefly, the guitar must be strung and tuned to concert pitch to check and adjust relief. We go as far as checking relief in the normal 'playing position'. We try for a flat neck, flat necks play and sound better.

#3. Once the neck is flat the frets must be leveled and dressed up. Meaning that rarely will you find a guitar that all the frets are exactly the same height. If not, we use a precision ground leveling file and make sure the frets are all even, then polish them up with a super fine grade fret dressing file. If you have some custom measurements you would like to use, then this is the time to give them to me.

#3. The act of lowering the string action, meaning, getting the strings the proper distance between the frets and strings is a very precise job, and a mess-up requires a new nut to be cut, so we are very careful at how slowly and accurately we go. Measuring the distance with a dial indicator in a special tool is the most accurate way of checking distance. Other ways such as a feeler gauge is a popular and accurate method as well.

That being said, we use special width diamond files to cut the string notches deeper in the nut, using small increments. Until we have the correct distances set for all strings. We also stagger the heights, to put it in terms you understand, the high E string would be the lowest string, then the B would be two thousands of an inch higher. Each string there after, the B, G, D, A & low E and would receive about the same 2 thousands of an inch in height increase over the string before it. A nice touch that makes the guitar easier to play.

#4. Setting the final height of the strings, which is generally measured at the 12th fret is done by adjusting the tremolo or bridge height. The technicalities of this sort of adjustment vary from guitar to guitar. Don't discount it, especially if you play a lot of lead above the 12th fret. Either way, it is a difference maker.

#5. Lastly, and with great precision we need to set the intonation. Intonation is a way of making sure it is in tune anywhere on the neck you are playing. Without getting detailed, the guitar is almost impossible to have and keep in perfect tune. Mainly due to the design, where pushing a string down to the fretboard actually stretches the string a bit and therefore makes perfect tune everywhere on the neck impossible. By intonation of the guitar we get the best of both worlds.

#6. Lastly, I play the guitar for a short while, then recheck and readjust my work, wait until the morning and recheck it again. Then I call my customer. When my customer arrives, I have them play it,and make sure they like it too.

Bottom line, don't get set-up with a guitar that is not set-up. The cost is cheap and the results are "priceless"!

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Planet Waves Fret Polishing System $5.99 Planet Waves Fret Polishing System

Polishing Pad $52.95 Create your own bevels with the Bevel Max Beveling System 7900. Use the Polishing Pad as the fourth and final step in the 4-step beveling process. Use with the Bevel Max Beveling System to create your own custom bevels or modify bevel clusters. Use with Polishing Compound 7914. For creating beveled inside curves use the Beveling Cone Set 7905.

Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill Kit $85.99 Women's 4pcs . Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill Kit: 1x Deep Cleansing Blush 1x Polishing Crystals 56g/2oz 2x Foam Exfoliators

DDF Revolve 400x Micro Polishing System $98 No need to go to the doctor for microdermabrasion with the DDF Revolve 400x Micro Polishing System Unique from any other home polishing device, the DDF Micro Polishing System does 400 rotations per minute for more heat transferred to skin. The selfwarming crystals and foam exfoliator polish surface of skin for healthy, radiantlooking skin....

Ddf Revolve 400X Micro Polishing System $98 No need to go to the doctor for microdermabrasion with the DDF Revolve 400x Micro Polishing System Unique from any other home polishing device, the DDF Micro Polishing System does 400 rotations per minute for more heat transferred to skin. The selfwarming crystals and foam exfoliator polish surface of skin for healthy, radiantlooking skin....

Dunlop Micro Fine 65 Polishing Cloth $21.9 Micro Fine Fret Polishing Cloth will polish your frets to remove all wear elements and tarnish, while gently restoring the luster to your frets.

GHS Gorgomyte Fret Cleaning Cloth $18.95 The GHS Gorgomyte Fret and Fingerboard Cleaning and Conditioning Cloth works on both your frets and your fingerboard. Developed by world-renowned guitar tech Jimmy Johnson, the Gorgomyte cloth is used by professional guitar techs everywhere! Here's how to maximize your use of Gorgomyte Cleaning Cloths: cut the polishing cloth into 2" squares. Use one square for the entire neck. Store the remaining squares in the resealable bag for future cleaning and conditioning. The frets and fingerboard of your guitar get more hands-on use, and often abuse, than any other area of the instrument. The fine wood gets gummed up with finger oils and dirt. The frets collect these impurities too, making them dull and less than smooth. Yet, this is the one area we seem to neglect when it's cleanup time. The reason is that it has always been a messy, delicate and time-consuming job. Getting the wood back to its original luster and the frets shining meant using potentially damaging and abrasive products like steel wool. Turn an hour-long task into just a few minutes and get results you never thought possible with Gorgomyte. You WILL be amazed.

Apollo Polishing Station $289.95 The Grinding/Polishing cartridge for the Apollo Ring Saw expands the capabilities of the saw, allowing the user to bevel, grind, and polish glass, stone, jewelry, and more. The quick-change Grinding/Polishing cartridge sets-up easily on the Apollo Ring Saw ( 57309). The grinding and polishing disc rotates vertically, allowing you to easily obtain precise 90-degree edges. The cartridge sports an independent, gravity-fed water system for cooling and lubrication; the water is dispersed through the center of the discs for clean, optimum performance.

Triple Fret $11.49 Triple Fret

Don't Fret $12.49 Don't Fret

Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill Kit by DDF $85.99 Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill Kit: 1x Deep Cleansing Blush 1x Polishing Crystals 56g/2oz 2x Foam Exfoliators Scent: Original

Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System: Micro Polisher + Foam Exfoliators + Cleansing Blush + Polishing Crystals + Batteries $107.99 Women's 5pcs . Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System: 1x Micro Polisher 1x Deep Cleansing Blush 1x Polishing Crystals 56g/2oz 2x Foam Exfoliators 2x AA Batteries

Glastar Felt Polishing Pad For G-15 $59.95 One 6 replacement polyester felt polish pad for the Glastar G-15 Bevel Star Grinding and Polishing System (item 32500). Image courtesy of Glastar. Polishing pads sold individually.

DDF Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System: Micro Polisher + Foam Exfoliators + Cleansing Blush + Polishing Crystals + Batteries 5pcs $100.5 Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System: 1x Micro Polisher 1x Deep Cleansing Blush 1x Polishing Crystals 56g/2oz 2x Foam Exfoliators 2x AA Batteries Ideal both for personal use & as a gift

Polishing Compound With Brush $26.95 Polish glass and beveled faces in a single step. Acts like Cerium Oxide as a quick and effective polish. Designed for use with Inland and 39;s Beveler Kit and polishing discs. Can be used with other beveling and polishing machines, like the Diamond Max Beveling System 7900 and the Crystal Master Pro 6910. Use as a final polish for beveled glass faces or to remove light scratches from glass surfaces and mirror. 4 ounces. Comes packaged with a Foam sponge applicator brush.

Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System: Micro Polisher + Foam Exfoliators + Cleansing Blush + Polishing Crystals + Batteries by DDF $107.99 Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System: 1x Micro Polisher 1x Deep Cleansing Blush 1x Polishing Crystals 56g/2oz 2x Foam Exfoliators 2x AA Batteries Scent: Original

Revolve 400X - Micro-Polishing System (5 piece) $95 Restore your skin’s radiance, by buffing away pore-clogging dirt and dead skin cells with DDF Revolve 400X - Micro-Polishing System. With the ability to deeply cleanse and give you 8x more the exfoliation than a regular scrub, it gently, but effectively smoothes and refines your skin. Self-warming DDF Micro-Polisher digs deep to penetrate your pores, allowing post-treatments to quickly penetrate the skin. A pair of double A batteries are included so you can be on your way to brilliantly glowing and healthy skin. Revolve 400X - Micro-Polishing System includes: Deep Cleansing Brush 2 Foam Exfoliators DDF Micro-Polisher DDF Polishing Crystals(2 oz.) CEW 2011 Beauty Award for Anti-Aging Prestige.

Glastar G-15 Bevel Star Grinding And Polishing System $774.95 Create, repair and hand bevel glass projects yourself simply and easily with the Bevel Star System. A complete, multi-functional beveling station designed for grinding and polishing straight edges and outside curves. Bevel Star comes with all the features you want. Direct water hook-up, with adjustable waterspout makes it easy to put water flow to any area of the grinding disc. Our splash guard controls overspray. The flush mount system allows you to use the entire 6 diamond grinding surface. And changing between grinding and polishing pads is quick and easy. Available in 220/240 Voltage Product is also available in 220/240V for our international customers. Click Here for pricing and information.

Polishing Compound - 4 Oz. $19.95 Polish bevels and cold worked glass to a smooth, flawless finish for professional looking results in your fusing and stained glass. Use this cerium oxide polishing compound with grinders and bevelers like the Diamond Max Beveling System 7900 and the CrystalMaster Pro 12 Lap Grinder 75401.

DDF Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill Kit 4pcs $70 Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill Kit: 1x Deep Cleansing Blush 1x Polishing Crystals 56g/2oz 2x Foam Exfoliators Ideal both for personal use & as a gift

DDF Kit Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill 4pcs $210.5 Kit Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System Refill : 1x Blush Deep Cleansing 1x Exfoliante Polishing Crystals 56g/2oz 2x Espuma exfoliante Ideal para uso pessoal ou para presente

Lansky Super Sapphire Polishing Hone $26.91 The ultimate accessory for your Lansky Sharpening System. The new Super Sapphire Polishing Hone lets you achieve the ultimate factorystyle finish on an already sharpened blade.

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light Blue $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light White $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light Green $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret OptiX Color LED Module for Fretmarker Light Multi-Color $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Color Led Module For Fretmarker Light White $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses

Fretlord Fret Optix Color Led Module For Fretmarker Light Multi-Color $9.99 Fretlord's Fret OptiX system illuminates your fret board position markers with LED light. This LED module enables quick color changes and works with your existing fiber optic cable. One LED provides up to 12 points of light across a single fiber optic.Each high output LED module is powered by (1-2) replaceable lithium coin cell batteries (included) with up to 20 hours of battery life. (Color specific)How to determine your scale length:Measure the distance from the fret board side of the nut to the middle of the 12th fret wire. DO NOT include the nut. (This distance in inches x2 equals the scale length of your fret board ) Ex. 17" x 2 =34"Red fiber optic lightEasy Peel & Stick FiberTransparentDesigned by a GuitaristMicro Size DiameterFits 19 to 24 Fret Lengths (9-12 Markers) Scale SpecificPre-Sized For Guitars & Basses