There are a number of arguments against using measurements. The fact that changes occur between set ups is the reason for the set up. It has nothing to do with measuring. In fact, that is what is being measured.
Logging and maintaining data is the only sure way to repeat a desirable set up. Like a screwdriver, it is merely another tool.
Those who "go by feel" are measuring with their fingers and eyes. Stradivarius didn't have a long throat dial caliper to measure the thickness of the spruce when graduating his violin tops. He measured by eye and by feel. And while the local tech might not be a Stradivarius, he is doing the exact same thing. So is everyone else who works with their hands.
Preamble
Set up is, and always should be, a cooperative affair between guitar, player, and tech. Note that guitar comes first in this relationship and that they are in order of importance. Since the guitar cannot speak to the tech the player must make their wishes know first. A set up, like just about every other thing in the world, is only as good as the data provided by the player and the guitar itself. The only way the guitar can speak is for the tech to take measurements, either by eye or by device.
A man walks into a bar...
The average player walks into a repair shop with their instrument. They ask to have their instrument set up. The tech asks them how they want it. The player replies, "As low as it will go without buzzing." The tech sets the instrument up to that specification. When the player gets the instrument and plays it he is unhappy. He blames the tech for not following the instruction, or incompetence, or a host of other crimes against nature. But the tech did as he was told.
There is plenty of blame to go around for everyone and everything (including the instrument) in this typical scenario. Leaving blame out of the picture, it comes down to poor communication on both parts. How to fix this?
Communication Breakdown
First things first, the player and tech need to define some terms up front. One man's buzz is another mans joy. So what exactly does the player mean by his terms. Low? Buzz? What they can do talk about the current set up. Is it good? Too high? Too low? Too buzzy? Not enough buzz? The player should then be asked to play for a few minutes so the tech can observe their technique. Does the player dig in or have a feather light touch? Does the left hand skate across the strings or is there heavy use of side to side vibrato and bending? All of these things need to be known if the tech is to be successful in producing a set up that will satisfy the player's demands.
Having a few instruments set up differently would go a long way to helping. That would mean having at least three electric guitars, three acoustic guitars, and three basses in stock. Each instrument is set up high, medium, or low, hanging on the wall for folks to play and see what they like. That means several thousand dollars of extra "tools" hanging in the shop. Of course, those instruments will require regular maintenance including new strings. Not out of the question for a music store but not realistic for most dedicated repair shops.
...but not in front of the others!
Most players don't know enough about their instruments to communicate their desires clearly. That's why it's important for them to play for the tech. Most players are unwilling to do this. That's because most players never take their guitar out of the house and so they are uncomfortable playing in front of people, even an audience of one.
Approval is important in any relationship
Another thing that should be a part of the process: The player should play the new set up in the shop before paying and leaving. Immediate feedback should be given to the tech. If time permits, any changes can be made on the spot.
Once the set up is approved, the data is logged by the tech. The next time the guitar comes in it is a simple matter to return it to the optimum set up. Or, if the player decides to take a crack at himself, he can use that data to quickly set up his own guitar.
So who's in charge here?
The player is always in control of the set up. However, we've left out the third party in all of this: The guitar itself. The guitar is going to determine what can and cannot be done. For example, it is not unusual that the player is unhappy with the set up when the problem is that the frets need to be dressed. Believe it or not, many (most?) players are not aware that frets can be dressed. The loyal readers of H,S,&R aside, many players think that either frets don't show wear, that they don't play enough for the frets to wear, and assume that the frets must be removed and replaced to remedy the situation. Many players believe their guitars to be perfect when they leave the factory. The fact that most guitars come from the factory with just o.k. fretwork doesn't register. In this situation, sometimes the tech doesn't want to tell the player for fear that they will think that he is suggesting expensive repair work to make more money. Or if the tech does inform the player of the need for this service the player turns it down. This is just one possible situation of which there are many.
These are just a few solutions to solve the problems and that exist in the guitar, player, and tech relationship. Communication goes a long way to solving these problems. Measuring and logging data is a tool that defines the process.
Logging and maintaining data is the only sure way to repeat a desirable set up. Like a screwdriver, it is merely another tool.
Those who "go by feel" are measuring with their fingers and eyes. Stradivarius didn't have a long throat dial caliper to measure the thickness of the spruce when graduating his violin tops. He measured by eye and by feel. And while the local tech might not be a Stradivarius, he is doing the exact same thing. So is everyone else who works with their hands.
Preamble
Set up is, and always should be, a cooperative affair between guitar, player, and tech. Note that guitar comes first in this relationship and that they are in order of importance. Since the guitar cannot speak to the tech the player must make their wishes know first. A set up, like just about every other thing in the world, is only as good as the data provided by the player and the guitar itself. The only way the guitar can speak is for the tech to take measurements, either by eye or by device.
A man walks into a bar...
The average player walks into a repair shop with their instrument. They ask to have their instrument set up. The tech asks them how they want it. The player replies, "As low as it will go without buzzing." The tech sets the instrument up to that specification. When the player gets the instrument and plays it he is unhappy. He blames the tech for not following the instruction, or incompetence, or a host of other crimes against nature. But the tech did as he was told.
There is plenty of blame to go around for everyone and everything (including the instrument) in this typical scenario. Leaving blame out of the picture, it comes down to poor communication on both parts. How to fix this?
Communication Breakdown
First things first, the player and tech need to define some terms up front. One man's buzz is another mans joy. So what exactly does the player mean by his terms. Low? Buzz? What they can do talk about the current set up. Is it good? Too high? Too low? Too buzzy? Not enough buzz? The player should then be asked to play for a few minutes so the tech can observe their technique. Does the player dig in or have a feather light touch? Does the left hand skate across the strings or is there heavy use of side to side vibrato and bending? All of these things need to be known if the tech is to be successful in producing a set up that will satisfy the player's demands.
Having a few instruments set up differently would go a long way to helping. That would mean having at least three electric guitars, three acoustic guitars, and three basses in stock. Each instrument is set up high, medium, or low, hanging on the wall for folks to play and see what they like. That means several thousand dollars of extra "tools" hanging in the shop. Of course, those instruments will require regular maintenance including new strings. Not out of the question for a music store but not realistic for most dedicated repair shops.
...but not in front of the others!
Most players don't know enough about their instruments to communicate their desires clearly. That's why it's important for them to play for the tech. Most players are unwilling to do this. That's because most players never take their guitar out of the house and so they are uncomfortable playing in front of people, even an audience of one.
Approval is important in any relationship
Another thing that should be a part of the process: The player should play the new set up in the shop before paying and leaving. Immediate feedback should be given to the tech. If time permits, any changes can be made on the spot.
Once the set up is approved, the data is logged by the tech. The next time the guitar comes in it is a simple matter to return it to the optimum set up. Or, if the player decides to take a crack at himself, he can use that data to quickly set up his own guitar.
So who's in charge here?
The player is always in control of the set up. However, we've left out the third party in all of this: The guitar itself. The guitar is going to determine what can and cannot be done. For example, it is not unusual that the player is unhappy with the set up when the problem is that the frets need to be dressed. Believe it or not, many (most?) players are not aware that frets can be dressed. The loyal readers of H,S,&R aside, many players think that either frets don't show wear, that they don't play enough for the frets to wear, and assume that the frets must be removed and replaced to remedy the situation. Many players believe their guitars to be perfect when they leave the factory. The fact that most guitars come from the factory with just o.k. fretwork doesn't register. In this situation, sometimes the tech doesn't want to tell the player for fear that they will think that he is suggesting expensive repair work to make more money. Or if the tech does inform the player of the need for this service the player turns it down. This is just one possible situation of which there are many.
These are just a few solutions to solve the problems and that exist in the guitar, player, and tech relationship. Communication goes a long way to solving these problems. Measuring and logging data is a tool that defines the process.
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