How to Setup Your Guitar Like a Pro by Jonny Blackwood

Author:Jonny Blackwood
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: guitar, guitar maintenance, guitar repair, guitar setup, luthier, luthiery, how to repair guitars, guitar care
Publisher: Blackwood Guitarworks
Published: 2013-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

The first image above showing bridge parallel with the body, set approx. — 1/8” high.

The second image above showing the bridge angle set slightly higher for more upward pull

The bridge height is generally set at the factory to allow full use of the tremolo. Although the bridge can be set higher or lower to varying effect, it will generally influence the string height and overall setup the most. As with most tremolo bridge guitar setups, it may be a matter of experimentation to determine the best configuration.

Procedure

The bridge height is adjusted by tightening or loosening the two bridge bolts (see the next image). On most guitars, it is best to adjust without string tension to avoid any potential damage. If there is no bridge height specification available for your guitar, you can leave it as it is, or adjust it to measure 1/8” off of the guitar body (equally on both sides), as a generic setting. You may need to have it higher or lower in some cases. NOTE: Fender American Standard Strats are set to 3/32” above the body.

Once the height is correct, adjust the bridge angle (if required). The bridge angle is set by adjusting the spring tension in the back of the guitar (see the next section Adjusting Bridge Angle). Loosening the spring tension will set the bridge angle higher to favour more upward tremolo play while tightening the springs will do the opposite by pulling the bridge down towards the body. It is common for modern bridges to have individual saddle height adjustments as well as bridge height, like those pictured next.

Once the bridge height and angle are set, adjust the string height as explained previously in Individual Saddle Height Adjustment.

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