Billy Penn's Guitar Set Up Guide. Billy Ph.D. Penn

      I began my career as a guitar (and amplifier) tech out of necessity and pure love for the instrument. As far back as I can remember I was always interested in how things worked, came apart and went back together. I completely disassembled my first guitar when I was about 11 years old and put it back together. The music store owner said I did a pretty good job but the intonation was off by a mile. I had no idea what that was at the time and why it did not play in tune. I quickly learned what intonation was and after it was intonated properly I purposely messed it up so I could put it back correctly.

      Around the age of 19 I got a job at Kramer Guitars in the stock room which was right next to the repair department. I used to hang out and watch to see how some repairs were performed. As I got older I started playing in bands but my full time day gig was as a Union Electrician. My band mates and their friends would give me their broken guitars and amps and I would fix them. I couldn't decide which I loved more, playing them or fixing them. So I decided that it would be cool to be the best I could be at both.

      I then worked in various music stores doing repair work. I actually created a repair tech job at Outlaw Guitars which specialized in vintage guitars and amps. I got an education of a lifetime there working on all the different prized gear you can think of. I used to stay late and open every amp and guitar to see how they were built and how they all were different. I really got more interested in amps during this time and decided to start a boutique amp company. Big dreams at the time. There weren't many builders then nor the internet.

      Around this time the playing bug started to gain strength and I found myself touring for part of the 90's and spending a little time in Nashville. Being on the road and in the studio was another great education. This was the other side of the bench as I like to call it. Needless to say I took care of everyone's gear but I didn't mind at all.

      So after about 20+ years working on countless guitars and amps (some pedals too) and having my own Pennalizer brand of amps I decided to go online with my passion and started 300guitars.com. A place on the web where I could share my knowledge and experience with all who wanted some info. I love my job and get excited every morning when I wake to get to work. Some projects are tedious and require a lot of focus but it's really not so much like work to me plus I love dealing with musicians. I actually have my own band called the Inside Drivers and play gigs regularly and record. I like to keep that aspect of myself “plugged in” so I can constantly learn more music and come up with ideas to better help players with my services.

      My Guitar Set Up Guide is my first published work and I am very excited to share it with you. The information is based on my years of setting up guitars to play their best. A great playing guitar can make it easier for the player to create his or her own music. This guide will help you understand what is involved in the set up process and give you the information you need to set up and maintain your own guitars. So without further ado lets get going!

      For best results, please read the guide completely, look at all the helpful photos and watch the bonus videos before you attempt to set up your guitar. It’s the little details that I’ve included to make sure you will be successful with your own guitar.

      There are 4 parts to this set up guide.

      Part 1: Removing strings, overall check, cleaning then re-string.

      Part 2: Adjusting the truss rod, setting the radius and setting action.

      Part 3: Setting the intonation.

      Part 4: Adjusting pickups.

      Some of the information in the guide will only apply to electric guitars and some only to acoustic guitars. I will address the special needs of setting up electric guitars that have a locking bridge and nut system (Floyd Rose for example) in a separate upcoming ebook. Make sure to use the information that pertains to your individual instrument. I will make notes along the way for each type of guitar and also include some tips and tricks I have picked up over the past 20+ years during my journey as a guitar player and tech.

      I cannot stress the importance of a good set up enough. It makes no difference if your guitar is very expensive or moderately priced. Your guitar playing potential can be limited by a guitar that is out of adjustment and not set up properly. Imagine having your car for one, two, five or ten years and never changing the fluids, servicing the motor or brakes but only changing tires. Your car would barely run, if at all! Your guitar is like this, it needs more than new strings and a tuning and it can feel and play at it’s best only if you take the time to give it the TLC any guitar deserves.

      Part 1: The Basics

      What we will cover:

      What you will need:

      To begin with you will need to gather some tools and set up a space to work on your guitar.

      The Tools:

      These are simple tools you will need at the ready during your set up.