setup sequence - what first

[fourmations]

hi all

i have just got a sx pj ash and the nut is well high,
it needs a setup after changing the strings anyway

so is there a sequence?

nut first, then rod, then saddles?

im sure one adjustment will affect the other
what do i approach first?

many thanks

4

[JustDavid]

They definitely do interact, & to a fair degree will change each other.

I think of setup per string as two supports for a straight line with an arc underneath, one support being the nut, one support being the saddle, the straight line between the being the string, & the arc being the neck (with relief).

I'd dial in about 0.015" of neck relief first: that's about what I like. Then adjust saddle height. I don't slot my own nuts yet, which definitely colours my style & procedure, but you can remove nut height from the equation by capo'ing on the 1st fret: if down the neck plays poorly normally but nicely with the capo, that means the nut slots are an issue.

[ByF]

Originally Posted by fourmations

nut first, then rod, then saddles?

Yes, that's the right sequence (since you already know the nut is too high). But first you make all your measurements and inspections so that you know what you're going to going to do before you do it. And I would add inspecting for high or low frets, while you're at it.

And you might have to go through the sequence a few times, and sneak up on the final settings. Don't cut the nut slots to the final, lowest possible depth until you've set the relief and action--you might not be able to go as low as the book says you can.

Ed

[fourmations]

thanks guys

i got feeler guages today

there is a high fret which is affecting one note on the g string
i have never done a fret before but will give it a small touch
with a very fine file i picked up today, its a tiny rise only on one note

any links to the ideal setup measurements
(patriculalry the nut measurement)

regards

4

[ByF]

The ideal height for the nut depends on the height of your frets. Put a straightedge across the first two frets and use your feeler gages to measure the gap underneath (to the fretboard). Measure several places and take an average. Add .010 inch (.25 mm) to that, and that's a good starting point for the gap under the string, right up against the nut, on the treble side. Add about .002 the bass side.

Don't start filing on your frets until you know that the fret is not loose. Press on it and see if it goes down. Use your thinnest feeler gage to check for a gap under the fret. You may be able to knock it down with a mallet (not a metal hammer!) and not need to file it. Or you might be able to glue it down with superglue.

And remember to have fun!

Ed

[Zooberwerx]

Relief first > nut > saddles.

Improperly set relief can skew your measurements at the nut (fret at 3rd, gap between string / 1st fret @ ~.003").

Riis