Guitars are living, breathing instruments — wood moves with humidity and temperature, hardware loosens over time, and strings wear out. Even the best guitar in the world needs regular maintenance. Here are five signs yours is overdue for a setup.
1. Fret Buzz
If you hear a metallic rattling when you fret notes, especially on certain frets, your neck relief or action likely needs adjustment. A little buzz that doesn't come through the amp is normal, but if it's audible in your signal, it's time.
2. Tuning Instability
Does your guitar go out of tune constantly, even with fresh strings? This could be a nut issue (slots too tight or too loose), tuning machine problems, or even a neck that needs attention. A setup addresses all of these.
3. High Action That Developed Over Time
If your guitar used to play great but now feels like the strings are a mile off the fretboard, the neck has likely shifted. Changes in humidity, temperature, or just time can cause the truss rod to need adjustment.
4. Intonation Is Off
Play a note at the 12th fret, then play the harmonic at the same fret. If they don't match, your intonation is off. This means your guitar won't play in tune up the neck, no matter how well you tune the open strings.
5. It Just Doesn't Feel Right
Sometimes you can't put your finger on it (pun intended). The guitar just doesn't inspire you to play. More often than not, a good setup brings back that magic. Fresh strings, proper action, good intonation — it's like getting a new guitar.
Don't Wait
Regular setups aren't just for pros. Every guitar benefits from professional attention at least once or twice a year. Think of it like an oil change — basic maintenance that keeps everything running smooth.