Guitar Strings

[Rhythm Thief]

Firstly, I can't afford to have all his guitars professionally set-up and secondly, I want to learn how to do it myself. I've bought two books on it and watched quite a few videos on line. Most of the adjustments seem simple enough. To be honest, my only concern is the nut, as I don't have nut files, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I spend half my life figuring out ways to do things without the proper tools.

I usually use a flat file and half a hacksaw blade for the nut, then once I've taken too much off the bottom of it, I cut a sliver off my debit card to put underneath the now - too - small nut. Then I go out and buy a new one.

On an electric guitar the adjustments are dead easy, as you've already worked out; all you need is a tiny allen key for the bridge saddles and a cross head screwdriver for the intonation and pickup height adjustments. An acoustic guitar is worth having professionally set up and most places won't charge a fortune. What make is your son's Tele?

 

[Mr Pig]

It's an SX telecaster and is total junk! They have a fervent following but it seems that quality varies wildly. The ones sold in the US seem quite good but the ones sold from Belgium are typical cheap, made in China fare. I don't think there was a straight screw on it. The amount of faffing around, filing, drilling, filling and shaping I've had to do is unbelievable. Not much on the guitar was good, I wouldn't recommend one.

I wouldn't touch an acoustic guitar other than to change the strings. He's got two but never plays them, one's a nice Spanish-made one too.

 

[Mr Pig]

once I've taken too much off the bottom of it, I cut a sliver off my debit card to put underneath

Bought some guitar books. What you can do is put powdered bone dust into the slot and a drop of super glue. Once dry you can file it down to the right hight. Credit cards are for shimming the neck ;0)

 

[BigonaBianchi]

seems to be a lot of truss rod fear here...I see no problem with tweaking them (gently does it especially if the neck hasnt been adjusted for a while)...I use a neck shim on some of my strats...

 

[Mr Pig]

What do you use for the shim and how does it effect tone? This tele needs a shim, the saddles are right down and the strings are still too high. My son's not bothered, he says it's ok as it is, but I'll need to fix it eventually.

I still need to buy new tuners and strings, these strings are terrible, but here's the finished guitar:

Spot the first ding? ;0)

 

[Mr Pig]

This is what it used to look like. You'd never think it was the same guitar!:

 

[mikeitup]

re

+1 for D'Addario strings. I always think you get a better tone with a set of 10s anyway. Get a multi pack deal off ebay.

Those Wilkinson tuners are not very good. Get a decent set of Gotohs or Grovers. If you want locking one's then I would recommend Sperzel Trimloks.
Had em on my US strat and are now on my '88 Squier.

Perry is also correct. It will be well worth taking it to you local Luthier and get him to set it up to your preference.

Best of luck.

 

[Mr Pig]

+1 for D'Addario strings.

That's what I'm going to buy, they're pretty cheap and seem well liked. Have to say though that the two best sounding guitars he has have Elixir strings on. The Lag Roxanne sounds fantastic, even when it's not plugged in! Three times the price of D'Addarios though so too bad ;0)

Those Wilkinson tuners are not very good.

They'll be better than the originals and they are cheap. The Grovers look good, they have cast bodies and baseplates, but I grudge the money for such a cheapo guitar.

 

[mfin]

All this string stuff is so over talked... we all have favourites, but if you can't play (yet) and are about to start learn you're not going to hear the slightest bit of difference in 'tone' between any major make. The end.

The strings will be buzzing about as little fingers fail to get them pressed down efficiently, because of fingers that need to strengthen up combined with the uncomfortable feeling on soft non-players fingertips.

Just get some 9 - 42's ...thats completely normal to start on. 10s will be unneccessary for little hands. Ernie Balls, Daddarios, Fenders ...whatever. Set it up as best as possible... put it the hands of someone who can really play for their opinion? ...and off you go.