If you’re stuck at home with a neglected guitar, fixing it and inspiring you to keep playing is essential. While professional setups are recommended, DIY repair can be a viable option.
Sometimes, it is necessary to seek the advice of an experienced professional. In this case, a luthier or local guitar store is best for you.
Once more, only attempt these operations if you are confident in your ability. Bring your guitar to a professional. If you’re determined to proceed, start with an instrument you are okay with messing up.
Here are some steps that you can follow to get the most out of your guitar lessons.
Play your instrument
Just plug it in and start playing. Take mental notes about the feel and sound of the instrument. Do you think either is strange? While working, keep these notes in the back of your mind.
Evaluate the Neck and Truss Rod Adjustment.
The neck of a guitar is a crucial and potentially dangerous step in the process. One can see the neck when evaluating the neck, but this is a quick assessment rather than an accurate measurement.
To assess the neck, hold the guitar and look down from the headstock along the top edge of the bass side where the frets end. Look for an “up-bow,” back-bow,” humps in the neck, and high or lose frets.
Similarly, to evaluate the neck, use a straightedge and feeler gauges. Place your thumb on the low E string and your index finger on fret 1 to create a straightedge. If there is too much space, tighten the truss rod, or if there is too little space, loosen the rod.
So, use caution and avoid sudden movements. If the truss rod ceases to move, stop and leave it be. Adjusting truss rods with the wrong size wrench is not recommended, as it can lead to severe issues.
Making Bridge Adjustments
To set a bridge, ensure a minimum break angle 30o between the strings and saddles. Adjust the bridge saddle to the scale length, adjust the distance of the 2nd and 3rd strings, and set the 4th and 6th strings parallel.
Hence, Personal taste determines most adjustments. Pre-set the basic intonation of your guitar by measuring the nut to the 12th fret and double that measurement.
Check electronics
It’s a good idea to inspect the electronics while the instrument is hooked in to ensure correct operation. To check whether anything cuts out, gently jiggle the guitar cable at the output jack.
Adjust the tone and volume settings to your preferred level, and listen for any scratching. Try flipping any selector switches back and forth and hear any pops or cracks.
So, you’re safe if there is silence throughout. If not, take note of the situation and deal with it when the guitar’s strings are off.
Check the Nut
To adjust nut height and file slots, practice and skill are required, and tools are expensive. Place your index finger on the first and third frets to measure the nut and tap repeatedly.
If there is too much space, the fret is too high, and if there is little movement, the slot is too low. Suppose the nut is not where it needs to be. So, further skills may be required.
Check electronics while the instrument is plugged in to ensure everything functions correctly. If everything is silent, the nut is in the clear, and if not, make notes and address the situation when the strings are off the guitar.
