OK RUclipsrs. Take Note! THIS is how you do a tutorial video! No need for flashy intros, or trailing off the subject or trying to be overly humorous. Just organize the content ahead of time and not try to wing it. Get straight to the point and offer close-up shots of the actions to be taken. Very nice job sir! Kudos! I have been balking on buying some of the setup tools for my acoustic, but I think I'll invest so I can make my own adjustments. Thank you!
@@mikewilliams258 haha...that's the difference between people. I was so caught up in his excellent demo that I wasn't even aware of the background music!
As a guitarist of over 50 years and guitar repair tech of nearly 40, I have to say that you are one fantastic teacher. Your video taught this subject so distinctly and thoroughly, and yet in a language that anybody can understand. You rock! Great work, man.l
Holy moly, it's about time someone posted a video that can talk THE ENTIRE process of adjusting an acoustic WITHOUT talking over someones head. This dude is an absolute pro. Smartly articulated and the visual aids are spot on. This guy wants you to succeed at adjusting your own stuff. The use of some clever techniques I'm already familiar with but never thought to apply the way he does is incredibly helpful. For once, I actually feel like I can attempt to maintenance an acoustic without issue. An absolutely outstanding job on this video! By far the best I've seen to date.
I want to thank the guy in the video for making these tutorials and explanations. Regardless of how many views they got at the time of upload I think (I hope) these videos will remain on RUclips for many decades. It’s a good service to any musicians, guitar amateurs, and public in general.
I had an acoustic that felt really stiff to play as he was describing in this video. After doing what he demonstrates in this video, I measured that my action at the bridge was 1.25mm too high, so I followed his process to sand down the bridge to lower the action and it's like a totally different guitar. Plays so much easier. What a well done video! Thank you StewMac, this was extremely helpful.
I searched "how to adjust acoustic guitar action," and this is the first video that popped up. Now I know why. This is the perfect instructional video. Visual aids and clear, concise explanations. Well done, sir.
What a great video. This bloke has a relaxed manner and delivers the material succinctly. He should do a whole series of "How to do..." on guitars. Thanks dude, you rock!
I've followed Dan since the 80's when he had his 'Repair-tip' articles in Guitar World mag. He does know his stuff. His milk glass is on my Xmas list. Please consider selling a StewMac/Dan cap!
The action on my acoustic guitar has been fighting me for over a year. I was confused on how to adjust this but thanks to this video I have solved my problem. I’m so happy that my guitar is now playable. Thank you so much !
As a beginner 2 weeks into practice, yeah i can play a few chords in a song and have ok strumming. But from day 1 til now now matter how hard i try, some things in the littlest way seem off. This video explained shit like a boss. And literally changed learning guitar for me. I was pushing down so hard in 1st fret to keep a chord or buzz feed back in bass strings for no reason. Now its like butter. This is how you teach people. Thanks bud
This is, without a doubt, the best tutorial that I have seen on adjusting string height on an acoustic guitar. It was succinct and to the point, while still being comprehensive. If only all tutorials on RUclips were as well done we wouldn't be drowning in an ocean of misinformation. Kudos to StewMac and the big guy. Well done, indeed.
Love this video. I've just sat through a load of You Tube vids looking at setting up an acoustic and none of them have covered so much detail, in an easy to understand way, as this. Kudos.
This is the simplest, most informative, and straight to the point video I've seen on this topic. Everyone else has confusing instructions and none of them agree with each other. Long story short, I liked this guy. Thanks for the help dooder! -Charlie
I've been playing 35 years ..This is THE ONLY Video /Instructor I have ever seen that was Comprehendable, Layman terms ,simple and THOROUGH ... I like the BAIL OUT point options as well .. I Could Do ANY of this ..I am sure Not over Confident Just It's choice me with time management and is it work or Fun ... I enjoy WORK just NOT when I'm exhausted from Playing Etc
@Keith Clark And your ignorance is what separates you from a guitar player and a musician. Musicians stick together, no judgement, you sir, are just a guitar player.
I don't know what I admire more. This gentlmans vast knowledge of guitar care or the fact that he is an amazing teacher. When is comes to mechanical tasks, I need small simply words. Your instruction was super easy to understand. As a side note, thank you for not wasting my time with flowery self reviews regarding how able you are, long irritating intro or subscription begging. You are a champion!!!❤🎉🎸🎶
Definitely a tutorial worth keeping. With my failing eyesight and worn out fingers at least when I take my acoustics to the repair shop I’ll sound like I know what I’m talking about when I ask them for a full setup. Thanks from the UK for sharing & cutting straight to the chase, excellent video & graphics without the usual “fluff”. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you! This is super helpful - So many new students come in with terrible cheap guitars that their parents buy online. They don't know that they need to be set up and the truss rods are always completely loose for shipping, the plastic nut is always too tall... Making these adjustments on them makes them at least playable. They still don't sound amazing, but definitely much better, and makes it possible to learn on without getting injuries, or quitting immediately because they're just too hard to play and sound awful!
Really great video. My Ibanez 12 fret mahogany parlor took the following measurements to play easy and beautifully just the way I like it: A fresh set of 12’s .008mm relief in the neck, 1.5mm string height at the high E 2.0mm string height at the low E Plays like a dream, made a $550 guitar sound and play like a $2000 guitar. Solid advice, clearly communicated, A+ would recommend to anyone.
I would just like to say thank you very much for your video. It was easy to follow even for a novice like me. I have a 1972 Sigma / Martin (Japan) Acoustic that I am just learning on as I'm a beginner. I checked the action and found it to be very high which I thought would not help my left hand as they had to press on the strings very firmly. I adjusted the truss rod and put in a new bone saddle in which I sanded down for a low action. The result is fantastic. The Guitar not only is easier to play but sounds excellent. I'll just have to put the hours in now and learn to play :) Thank you once again. Warren (Kalgoorlie Australia)
Simple and direct instructions and examples with very good photography ( I think that's the first time I've ever said that on RUclips) is what makes this tutorial stand out. I bought an acoustic that I really love, from a guy who had it set up with 12 gauge strings, which I really don't love and I am going to go back down to 10's. I know this will cause all kinds of buzz if I don't adjust at least the truss rod and possibly the nut. After watching this video I feel confident that I can make the adjustment on my acoustic, just as I have on my electrics.
been playing guitar now for almost 5 years .. all self taught ,,, youtube / apps . watching this makes me want to kick myself in the butt for not taking lessons or getting real instruction before developing bad habits and have no idea how my guitar works , i learned so much in this video and it answered so many lil questions i had of why my guitar had buzz or why i had to press so hard for notes . liked subscribed and shared ! keep up the good work , you've honestly changed the way i look at my guitar for the better :-).
Knowledgeable AND he’s written a script for himself, so there’s nothing extraneous. And the video is edited effectively. I wish all tutorials were this good.
This is the perfect instructional video. Easy to follow, it's to the point, and the segways keep it from getting boring. I hate to see a continuous shot of someone droning on. This was refreshing. Thank you, Sir, you're a gentleman and a scholar.
Great video! Couple of things to mention if I may: String gauge will have an impact on truss rod tension, also its not advised adjusting this while strings are off. Another little cool trick: when setting intonation, the distance between the nut and the 12th fret, should measure the same distance as the bridge and the 12th fret. Lastly, a quick intonation check can be simply making a harmonic at the 12th fret, then comparing the tone to the note on the 12th fret of the same string; should be the same. Hope this helps!
Doug, you are right!... Especially your last sentence about the 12th fret harmonics!! I used to always have a comb in my pocket for my hair, and if in a guitar shop, (especially 2nd hand ones!), I would use the back edge of my comb lightly touching the strings after first plucking the strings, to check the harmonics. (The Perfect 5th 3rd harmonic on the 7th fret, is a good one too!!)... In one shop, they approached me saying they've never seen a guitar checked with a comb before!! hahahaha.....
I had played years ago, and had stopped to raise a family. In 2009 I'd had a stroke that left my right hand not working so well. For therapy I picked up a Mitchell D100 MD for $100 bucks. After a while knew it needed some work. So I sanded down the saddle and worked the nut. One night I was doing an open mix and there were some luthiers from Bourgeois guitars.(crafted about two miles from my house) Everyone played that Mitchell all night and were surprised at what I'd done to it and how well it played and sounded.
Just want to echo the many other comments and say this was a great video! Concise yet detailed, all the important info is covered, and there's something very likeable about this guy. StewMac's how-to videos are a treasure trove of useful information!
Ive taken up the bass as my new passion so im practicing daily. I recently scored an imitation fender jazz bass. 50.00 i figured cool ill do surgery on it and if i mess up no big. First thing half an octave out of tune. Once this was done the tention on the neck was lessoned to better. 1/8 turn loosining the rod, tuning and better again. One more time adj and tune and its actually much much better. I moved on to my 5 string and did the same. Played them and checked. Great. Now my musition friend said oh you shouldnt adjust that. To late. Now the bridges on both guitars are readjusted and very playable. When i work on the frets and flatten them ill continue watching your videos. Every thing felt correct with these settings and have a better action 250% thank you.
Wow. This was phenomenal. I searched high and low and watched a lot of confusing, even conflicting content. I cherish my little Washburn and I needed something this involved to gain the confidence I needed. Cheers!
this is amazing! everything is straight to the point. combined with the animations i understood more from this video than any other videos i watched here. please make more of these videos.. they are seriously good
Thank you so much for the easy-to-understand vid. Along with the StewMac "how to change strings on an acoustic" vid, you just saved me about €60, and not to mention the time it would have taken to deliver the guitar to a shop/tech, picking it up again, etc. My lil' parlor rings like a bell again after getting the action back in check.
I have experience teaching (College Professor) and, I have to say that this guy is amazing. His teaching style is is bang-on. I have learned so much from this video. Thanks so much.
I second Charles Alvear's top comment. StewMac's colleague doing this video and the video itself is excellent. My kind of bedside manner... Gets right to the point, with good, clear, short intro; good, clear, detailed, APPROPRIATE images/closeups, speaking, explanations, lighting, split-screens, comparisons, background music & volume, and text/arrow overlays, minus any cutesie/useless/inappropriate/distracting image/animation popups/flythroughs, general visual crud, obvious disorganization, attempts at humour, or assorted exaggerated mannerisms, etcetera. 10/10
I've been meaning to lower the action on my acoustic for years and had no clue how to do it or wanted to invest the time. After watching this, I found out just how easy it was by turning the truss rod a few times. Thank you sir!
Only ultra patient people can do this, even in this lockdown period i’m still hoping that i can send my guitar to a repair shop, this guitar professor gives very informative lecture btw, salute!
@@400_billion_suns Some people don't work with their hands well. Taking things apart and fixing them is a lot different skill that playing a guitar. I can see how it would be scary to take some sandpaper to something you spend a lot of money on.
The measuring seems like the hardest part to me, learning guitar (especially by ear where you don't deal with numbers at all) and keeping track of what to measure and what numbers you're supposed to want and stuff are very different skills
To all the peeps that get way to excited about this guy making the video, relax. He's at stewmac, no doubt he's a top bloke who knows what he's doing with a great delivery of Infos. Stewmac are getting insanely good at making guitar repair/maintenance/building look damn easy where it really isn't - it's a really complex activity with a lot more pitfall than you can think, the more you learn about it, the more there is to learn about it! That's their business to sell tools! And man, aren't they good at it too! There are probably 25 people involved in the making of this video! Between the camera, editing, animation, production, and the actual workshop where its been made! It's a great tutorial, but again I have seen too many guitarists being great players having no sense of sensitivity when it comes to adjusting a truss rod, or feeling a neck relief or even able to tell when the radius profile at their saddle and nut is off... Be careful before you get on the tools, and don't be a turd when you go to the repair shop when the guy gives you the face after you told him that you tried to do something but it went wrong !!! That being said, keep it up stewmac, I can't pay my rent because of you again this month!!
@@funkster007 i just bought a near new martin from a friend, he "didn't like how it plays". i wouldn't either, with factory action. lol. gonna set up the action and let him play it again. can't wait to see the look on his face. XD
Fig Jam, a newer one I could fix. I bought mine VERY used with a questionable neck. But yeah I'm sure your friend will regret it when you get it tweaked. :)
Oh man, working on my first acoustic guitar's action has been puzzling me for a while, but you have answered questions I've been asking for years! Thank you so much!
Just got my first guitar, pushing 41 years old...great video and gives me a good knowledge base to start with. I will take all the measurements and then drop this sucker off at the shop and measure again on its return. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
aaaannnd.... these stew Mac vids are the reason I have not made any for my business yet - the bar is so dang high. Honestly, for me Stew Mac on the tube is some of the best of what the internet can be.
This was very helpful, as a young man at our church has a desire to learn the guitar. The Pastor had an older acoustic in need of TLC. I did what I could, but noticed the action was high and would discourage not encourage learning. So thanks this helped
Now that is how you deliver how too adjust a acoustic guitar. Simple straight forward directions that you can totally understand. Great job my man!! No BULLSHIT
It's weird, I'm a lifelong fixit guy and I deeply understand this stuff but I'm only just trying to adjust an acoustic I got for $100 bucks. I've watched several other videos and this one just simplified it. I've adjusted the truss rod, now I need to sand the bridge. The matter of fact presentation here was really nice. Thanks.
I checked out every video about the subject since 2008... and this by far the best.. short accurate and with a plenty of useful informations.. By the way I bought Mc Donald’s primary tools.. very useful.
Finaly someone who actualy does it in video many others just do all the talk but they never do it this is worth yet droping your guitar at Repair shop best solution let them do it
Before sanding a saddle to lower it, check to see if there are shims under it. Removing a shim may be all you need to do. I was able to do this with one of my guitars. If you need to raise the saddle, there is also the question of whether the use of shims will change the sound. If so, then installing a new saddle with the exact height you want may be better.
Agreed. One of the best videos I’ve ever seen on any subject. This guy did a bang up job. I’ve got all the equipment for this job so I’ll be working on an old acoustic I have later today. 🤘
My Breedlove saddle is starting to wear grooves in it, and the Low E string is little too far from the A string, maybe time to get a bone nut to replace the plastic
What a great video. No mind numbing banter or personal opinion. Straightforward and very useful information and video description. Well done! Thank-you StewMac for a first class video on guitar action.
Great job on a very hard subject. I do repairs and setups and thanks to StewMc I have tools and and a place to learn! Been using you for years, about 15yrs. Don't like some of the comments about measurements. I am very glad you take time to share your knowledge. All there do an outstanding job! Reminds me, need to order some parts! And a few more tools! Gotta run!
Great comment! Although, the measurements comments seem to be all in good fun! Seems like we all love this demonstrator and want him full time doing this for us to learn!
I changed my bridge because it was cracked from hole to hole. I am not a Luthier, but I took a shot and it came out nicely. 5 months later, it started to buzz near the 12th fret, so I used a shim under the saddle and it worked like a charm . HOWEVER: I wish I was as talented as this guy . It’d be nice for you to leave us your contact information. The other CGG (certified guitar genius) I had the pleasure of exchanging a few emails with , is Dan Erlewine. A true Luthier and nice guy, which is always nice ~ ~
Thank God I found this video. Been stumbling through U tube for an hour listening to nonsense. This guy gets right to business and no b.s. thanks for the info bro. Now I feel confident I can adjust my guitar.
I've tried adjusting my acoustic before and it was a big disaster... I've ended up selling that poor thing. Tomorrow I'm getting new guitar but this time I'll take it to my local guitar shop. Nice video, informative and even tho I won't be touching my guitar watching this tutorial was so relaxing... I'll check some other videos of yours! All the best from Japan! Kris
Great video. Very clear and concise. He writes the numbers down so I can stop and read them. I am half way through a new nut and saddle install on a parlour guitar. After watching this, I need to go back to the nut and make a few more slot adjustments. Best acoustic set up video I have seen.
OK RUclipsrs. Take Note! THIS is how you do a tutorial video! No need for flashy intros, or trailing off the subject or trying to be overly humorous. Just organize the content ahead of time and not try to wing it. Get straight to the point and offer close-up shots of the actions to be taken. Very nice job sir! Kudos! I have been balking on buying some of the setup tools for my acoustic, but I think I'll invest so I can make my own adjustments. Thank you!
and he's cool, easy and straightforward in person. worked on a vintage acoustic of mine.
I'd rather he were a little more humorous and lightened up a bit, but still; awesome video!
Someone please tell me the ideal action for an acoustic guitar. Mine is 3.9 mm and I'm a beginner. Is it too much? How much should it be ?
It would be even better if he lost the unnecessary, distracting background music.
@@mikewilliams258 haha...that's the difference between people. I was so caught up in his excellent demo that I wasn't even aware of the background music!
As a guitarist of over 50 years and guitar repair tech of nearly 40, I have to say that you are one fantastic teacher. Your video taught this subject so distinctly and thoroughly, and yet in a language that anybody can understand. You rock! Great work, man.l
I love to play but my rent is tight and a lot of people doesn't like the noise
@@Tholin-tm7psIndeed...
Headphones?@@Tholin-tm7ps
Holy moly, it's about time someone posted a video that can talk THE ENTIRE process of adjusting an acoustic WITHOUT talking over someones head. This dude is an absolute pro. Smartly articulated and the visual aids are spot on. This guy wants you to succeed at adjusting your own stuff. The use of some clever techniques I'm already familiar with but never thought to apply the way he does is incredibly helpful. For once, I actually feel like I can attempt to maintenance an acoustic without issue. An absolutely outstanding job on this video! By far the best I've seen to date.
I want to thank the guy in the video for making these tutorials and explanations. Regardless of how many views they got at the time of upload I think (I hope) these videos will remain on RUclips for many decades. It’s a good service to any musicians, guitar amateurs, and public in general.
I had an acoustic that felt really stiff to play as he was describing in this video. After doing what he demonstrates in this video, I measured that my action at the bridge was 1.25mm too high, so I followed his process to sand down the bridge to lower the action and it's like a totally different guitar. Plays so much easier. What a well done video! Thank you StewMac, this was extremely helpful.
Awesome! So glad it was helpful!
I searched "how to adjust acoustic guitar action," and this is the first video that popped up. Now I know why. This is the perfect instructional video. Visual aids and clear, concise explanations. Well done, sir.
Thanks for the feedback!
What a great video. This bloke has a relaxed manner and delivers the material succinctly. He should do a whole series of "How to do..." on guitars. Thanks dude, you rock!
Hé did
This guy talks like a professor who has a degree in guitars and its maintenance 🤟🏼
Plot twist:he really got guitar degree
He has a PhD in Guitarology.
@@davidbeyers7674 From Dan!
I've followed Dan since the 80's when he had his 'Repair-tip' articles in Guitar World mag. He does know his stuff. His milk glass is on my Xmas list. Please consider selling a StewMac/Dan cap!
@@john564holloway I will. We would fight over who got to read the new catalog! I was a woodwind repairman...
But loved the Tool ideas!
Best acoustic guitar setup lesson ever! Why not have this guy do an electric guitar setup video too. He’s so easy to follow
The action on my acoustic guitar has been fighting me for over a year. I was confused on how to adjust this but thanks to this video I have solved my problem. I’m so happy that my guitar is now playable. Thank you so much !
Great to hear!
As a beginner 2 weeks into practice, yeah i can play a few chords in a song and have ok strumming. But from day 1 til now now matter how hard i try, some things in the littlest way seem off. This video explained shit like a boss. And literally changed learning guitar for me. I was pushing down so hard in 1st fret to keep a chord or buzz feed back in bass strings for no reason. Now its like butter. This is how you teach people. Thanks bud
Absolutely the best video tutorial on these, potentially complex, adjustments. This man really knows his stuff.
This is, without a doubt, the best tutorial that I have seen on adjusting string height on an acoustic guitar. It was succinct and to the point, while still being comprehensive. If only all tutorials on RUclips were as well done we wouldn't be drowning in an ocean of misinformation. Kudos to StewMac and the big guy. Well done, indeed.
Love this video. I've just sat through a load of You Tube vids looking at setting up an acoustic and none of them have covered so much detail, in an easy to understand way, as this. Kudos.
What i learned watching this video is to drop my guitar at the repair shop
Same here. I'd love to learn all this someday but right now I'd rather have it done for me
😂😂😂😂 same here
I was like how hard can it be, after watching i decided to take it to the shop lol my brain cells died with all that measurements :)
Same )
Lmao😀
This is the simplest, most informative, and straight to the point video I've seen on this topic. Everyone else has confusing instructions and none of them agree with each other. Long story short, I liked this guy. Thanks for the help dooder!
-Charlie
I've been playing 35 years ..This is THE ONLY Video /Instructor I have ever seen that was Comprehendable,
Layman terms ,simple and THOROUGH ...
I like the BAIL OUT point options as well ..
I Could Do ANY of this ..I am sure
Not over Confident Just It's choice me with time management and is it work or Fun ...
I enjoy WORK just NOT when I'm exhausted from Playing Etc
Couldn't agree more, been playing for 8 years myself and have search far and wide for a tutorial that explained in detail yet easy to follow.
I never SHOULD on MYSELF...
@Keith Clark And your ignorance is what separates you from a guitar player and a musician. Musicians stick together, no judgement, you sir, are just a guitar player.
@Keith Clark OK Boomer. Get back to your geriatric hair metal cover band.
I don't know what I admire more. This gentlmans vast knowledge of guitar care or the fact that he is an amazing teacher. When is comes to mechanical tasks, I need small simply words. Your instruction was super easy to understand. As a side note, thank you for not wasting my time with flowery self reviews regarding how able you are, long irritating intro or subscription begging. You are a champion!!!❤🎉🎸🎶
Definitely a tutorial worth keeping. With my failing eyesight and worn out fingers at least when I take my acoustics to the repair shop I’ll sound like I know what I’m talking about when I ask them for a full setup. Thanks from the UK for sharing & cutting straight to the chase, excellent video & graphics without the usual “fluff”. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you! This is super helpful - So many new students come in with terrible cheap guitars that their parents buy online. They don't know that they need to be set up and the truss rods are always completely loose for shipping, the plastic nut is always too tall... Making these adjustments on them makes them at least playable. They still don't sound amazing, but definitely much better, and makes it possible to learn on without getting injuries, or quitting immediately because they're just too hard to play and sound awful!
Awesome information. As a guitarist of over 30 years, I still learnt so much from this video. Thanks for posting.
Really great video. My Ibanez 12 fret mahogany parlor took the following measurements to play easy and beautifully just the way I like it:
A fresh set of 12’s
.008mm relief in the neck,
1.5mm string height at the high E
2.0mm string height at the low E
Plays like a dream, made a $550 guitar sound and play like a $2000 guitar.
Solid advice, clearly communicated, A+ would recommend to anyone.
I would just like to say thank you very much for your video. It was easy to follow even for a novice like me. I have a 1972 Sigma / Martin (Japan) Acoustic that I am just learning on as I'm a beginner. I checked the action and found it to be very high which I thought would not help my left hand as they had to press on the strings very firmly. I adjusted the truss rod and put in a new bone saddle in which I sanded down for a low action. The result is fantastic. The Guitar not only is easier to play but sounds excellent. I'll just have to put the hours in now and learn to play :) Thank you once again. Warren (Kalgoorlie Australia)
Simple and direct instructions and examples with very good photography ( I think that's the first time I've ever said that on RUclips) is what makes this tutorial stand out.
I bought an acoustic that I really love, from a guy who had it set up with 12 gauge strings, which I really don't love and I am going to go back down to 10's. I know this will cause all kinds of buzz if I don't adjust at least the truss rod and possibly the nut.
After watching this video I feel confident that I can make the adjustment on my acoustic, just as I have on my electrics.
met this guy, he's straight up. won't BS you on your guitar repair, great work too.
How much did he charged you?
been playing guitar now for almost 5 years .. all self taught ,,, youtube / apps . watching this makes me want to kick myself in the butt for not taking lessons or getting real instruction before developing bad habits and have no idea how my guitar works , i learned so much in this video and it answered so many lil questions i had of why my guitar had buzz or why i had to press so hard for notes . liked subscribed and shared ! keep up the good work , you've honestly changed the way i look at my guitar for the better :-).
Knowledgeable AND he’s written a script for himself, so there’s nothing extraneous. And the video is edited effectively. I wish all tutorials were this good.
This is the perfect instructional video. Easy to follow, it's to the point, and the segways keep it from getting boring. I hate to see a continuous shot of someone droning on. This was refreshing. Thank you, Sir, you're a gentleman and a scholar.
Great video! Couple of things to mention if I may: String gauge will have an impact on truss rod tension, also its not advised adjusting this while strings are off. Another little cool trick: when setting intonation, the distance between the nut and the 12th fret, should measure the same distance as the bridge and the 12th fret. Lastly, a quick intonation check can be simply making a harmonic at the 12th fret, then comparing the tone to the note on the 12th fret of the same string; should be the same. Hope this helps!
Doug, you are right!... Especially your last sentence about the 12th fret harmonics!! I used to always have a comb in my pocket
for my hair, and if in a guitar shop, (especially 2nd hand ones!), I would use the back edge of my comb lightly touching the strings
after first plucking the strings, to check the harmonics. (The Perfect 5th 3rd harmonic on the 7th fret, is a good one too!!)...
In one shop, they approached me saying they've never seen a guitar checked with a comb before!! hahahaha.....
I had played years ago, and had stopped to raise a family. In 2009 I'd had a stroke that left my right hand not working so well. For therapy I picked up a Mitchell D100 MD for $100 bucks. After a while knew it needed some work. So I sanded down the saddle and worked the nut. One night I was doing an open mix and there were some luthiers from Bourgeois guitars.(crafted about two miles from my house) Everyone played that Mitchell all night and were surprised at what I'd done to it and how well it played and sounded.
Just want to echo the many other comments and say this was a great video! Concise yet detailed, all the important info is covered, and there's something very likeable about this guy. StewMac's how-to videos are a treasure trove of useful information!
Ive taken up the bass as my new passion so im practicing daily.
I recently scored an imitation fender jazz bass. 50.00 i figured cool ill do surgery on it and if i mess up no big.
First thing half an octave out of tune. Once this was done the tention on the neck was lessoned to better. 1/8 turn loosining the rod, tuning and better again. One more time adj and tune and its actually much much better. I moved on to my 5 string and did the same. Played them and checked. Great. Now my musition friend said oh you shouldnt adjust that. To late. Now the bridges on both guitars are readjusted and very playable. When i work on the frets and flatten them ill continue watching your videos. Every thing felt correct with these settings and have a better action 250% thank you.
One of the best, most concise high-level summaries of acoustic setup I've found.
Wow. This was phenomenal. I searched high and low and watched a lot of confusing, even conflicting content. I cherish my little Washburn and I needed something this involved to gain the confidence I needed. Cheers!
this is amazing! everything is straight to the point. combined with the animations i understood more from this video than any other videos i watched here. please make more of these videos.. they are seriously good
Thank you so much for the easy-to-understand vid. Along with the StewMac "how to change strings on an acoustic" vid, you just saved me about €60, and not to mention the time it would have taken to deliver the guitar to a shop/tech, picking it up again, etc. My lil' parlor rings like a bell again after getting the action back in check.
This was by far the best tutorial on any subject I have ever seen on RUclips. Great job!!
I have experience teaching (College Professor) and, I have to say that this guy is amazing. His teaching style is is bang-on. I have learned so much from this video. Thanks so much.
Thanks for not rambling about aunt Ida's lumbago. I wish every video was this clear and only spoke about the subject.
Great name for a band. Aunt Ida's lumbago.....
I wanted to find out how she was, maybe in part two he'll let us know
My aunt has a Winnebago does that count?
What the hell is a lumbago? Is it anything like libido?
Uncle from RDR2: LUMBAGO
I second Charles Alvear's top comment. StewMac's colleague doing this video and the video itself is excellent.
My kind of bedside manner...
Gets right to the point, with good, clear, short intro; good, clear, detailed, APPROPRIATE images/closeups, speaking, explanations, lighting, split-screens, comparisons, background music & volume, and text/arrow overlays, minus any cutesie/useless/inappropriate/distracting image/animation popups/flythroughs, general visual crud, obvious disorganization, attempts at humour, or assorted exaggerated mannerisms, etcetera.
10/10
I’ve been playing decades, and this is the best video I’ve seen on this topic.
I've been meaning to lower the action on my acoustic for years and had no clue how to do it or wanted to invest the time. After watching this, I found out just how easy it was by turning the truss rod a few times. Thank you sir!
Only ultra patient people can do this, even in this lockdown period i’m still hoping that i can send my guitar to a repair shop, this guitar professor gives very informative lecture btw, salute!
If you don't have the patience to do a task like this, I can't fathom how you had the patience to learn to play guitar at all... ?
@@400_billion_suns Some people don't work with their hands well. Taking things apart and fixing them is a lot different skill that playing a guitar. I can see how it would be scary to take some sandpaper to something you spend a lot of money on.
The measuring seems like the hardest part to me, learning guitar (especially by ear where you don't deal with numbers at all) and keeping track of what to measure and what numbers you're supposed to want and stuff are very different skills
To all the peeps that get way to excited about this guy making the video, relax. He's at stewmac, no doubt he's a top bloke who knows what he's doing with a great delivery of Infos. Stewmac are getting insanely good at making guitar repair/maintenance/building look damn easy where it really isn't - it's a really complex activity with a lot more pitfall than you can think, the more you learn about it, the more there is to learn about it! That's their business to sell tools! And man, aren't they good at it too! There are probably 25 people involved in the making of this video! Between the camera, editing, animation, production, and the actual workshop where its been made! It's a great tutorial, but again I have seen too many guitarists being great players having no sense of sensitivity when it comes to adjusting a truss rod, or feeling a neck relief or even able to tell when the radius profile at their saddle and nut is off... Be careful before you get on the tools, and don't be a turd when you go to the repair shop when the guy gives you the face after you told him that you tried to do something but it went wrong !!! That being said, keep it up stewmac, I can't pay my rent because of you again this month!!
This guy is f****** awesome. Great video!!!! More please, hire this guy full time!!!!
We did :)... he works in our R&D department... and you're right, he is awesome.
I wish he lived in my area. My Martin would be going straight to him.
@@funkster007 i just bought a near new martin from a friend, he "didn't like how it plays". i wouldn't either, with factory action. lol. gonna set up the action and let him play it again. can't wait to see the look on his face. XD
Fig Jam, a newer one I could fix. I bought mine VERY used with a questionable neck. But yeah I'm sure your friend will regret it when you get it tweaked. :)
Came to the comments just to make sure someone has mentioned it
Cool guy, I like him
And great video
Oh man, working on my first acoustic guitar's action has been puzzling me for a while, but you have answered questions I've been asking for years! Thank you so much!
Gotta have good maysurements
And don't forget to check your maysurements
I kept watching just to hear it more.
JoshL117 😂😂😂
Be honest, you like how he says it.. because I do
Thank you for writing this...I was hoping to find a comment, haha!
Just got my first guitar, pushing 41 years old...great video and gives me a good knowledge base to start with. I will take all the measurements and then drop this sucker off at the shop and measure again on its return.
Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Really enjoyed this video. I realized that I don't have the patience to attempt this but I gained respect for the people that do. :)
aaaannnd.... these stew Mac vids are the reason I have not made any for my business yet - the bar is so dang high. Honestly, for me Stew Mac on the tube is some of the best of what the internet can be.
Wow have never seen a more perfect tutorial video. Thank you! time to bring my old accoustic back to life!
This was very helpful, as a young man at our church has a desire to learn the guitar. The Pastor had an older acoustic in need of TLC. I did what I could, but noticed the action was high and would discourage not encourage learning. So thanks this helped
Easily the clearest, best in every way tutorial on any topic ive seen on youtue. this is how its done. thanks Stewmac!
Now that is how you deliver how too adjust a acoustic guitar. Simple straight forward directions that you can totally understand. Great job my man!! No BULLSHIT
One of the better guitar maintenance tutorials I've seen in a while. Awesome job! 🤘🤘🤘
It's weird, I'm a lifelong fixit guy and I deeply understand this stuff but I'm only just trying to adjust an acoustic I got for $100 bucks. I've watched several other videos and this one just simplified it. I've adjusted the truss rod, now I need to sand the bridge. The matter of fact presentation here was really nice. Thanks.
Nice video. Good pace, clear speech, easy to understand.
Great visuals and inserts too
No muss, no fuss, just the stuff you need to know with enough detail. Fantastic!
I checked out every video about the subject since 2008... and this by far the best.. short accurate and with a plenty of useful informations..
By the way I bought Mc Donald’s primary tools.. very useful.
Best tutorial video I have ever seen. You sir should become a teacher, we need people like you out there.
Quick tip, when filing nut, use compressed air to clean up the space that way the shavings don't give you a false measurement
And file at a slight back angle to avoid buzzing at the nut, critical.
This should be called the “definitive guide to guitar action adjustment”. Just great, thanks a lot.
By far THE BEST video about this topic. Took some time to find it.
Finaly someone who actualy does it in video many others just do all the talk but they never do it this is worth yet droping your guitar at Repair shop best solution let them do it
No fluff! This guy knows his stuff. Refreshing!!
I've looked at loads of these videos and yours was by far the best and to the point.
The best tutorial video I have ever seen in any category!
Before sanding a saddle to lower it, check to see if there are shims under it. Removing a shim may be all you need to do. I was able to do this with one of my guitars. If you need to raise the saddle, there is also the question of whether the use of shims will change the sound. If so, then installing a new saddle with the exact height you want may be better.
Agreed. One of the best videos I’ve ever seen on any subject. This guy did a bang up job. I’ve got all the equipment for this job so I’ll be working on an old acoustic I have later today. 🤘
That’s was good, I’ve played guitar for over 40 years and never really understood how to adjust an acoustic action properly. Thank you.
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
My Breedlove saddle is starting to wear grooves in it, and the Low E string is little too far from the A string, maybe time to get a bone nut to replace the plastic
Consider Tusq or other synthetic options as well. More consistent material.
My Breedlove got me to watch this, I’ve always been a 12 gauge player acoustic but have been thinking about going to 10s like my electric
We don't have repair shop were I live but great info
What a great video. No mind numbing banter or personal opinion. Straightforward and very useful information and video description. Well done! Thank-you StewMac for a first class video on guitar action.
After three months I purchased the tools neededTo set my action check my truss rod and grind down and reinstall the saddle. Thank you
Best video on this topic on RUclips !!!!
12 Jan 2020...274 dislikes. Defies logic...how can anyone not like such a well prepared presentation?
Sir ur talking style is so beautiful and humble 👏😃& this lesson is so helpful....thanksss Sir ✌😎🎸🎶❤
I JUST DID THE TRUSS ROD STRAIGHTEN ON MY GUITAR NOW THE HIGH ACTION IS GONE MY FINGERS ARE SAVED!! THANK YOU!!
Wow good for you, mate! I wish my stupid guitar too HAD a truss rod to adjust! The action is 1 cm!
@@praveenanookala4457 yeah that sucks. must be a cheapo guitar if it dont have one
Best video I've seen on the subject. Awesome.
Great job on a very hard subject. I do repairs and setups and thanks to StewMc I have tools and and a place to learn! Been using you for years, about 15yrs. Don't like some of the comments about measurements. I am very glad you take time to share your knowledge. All there do an outstanding job! Reminds me, need to order some parts! And a few more tools! Gotta run!
Great comment! Although, the measurements comments seem to be all in good fun! Seems like we all love this demonstrator and want him full time doing this for us to learn!
This was THE best tutorial I have ever seen on RUclips!
Well, i am gonna go to a shop, and leave the work for professionals to do. Great video for knowledge 🤘🙂
Great job ,Thanks forget the dislikes some one posted they are the ones who hate everthing..
Incredibly helpful. Thank you very much. I've been afraid to touch my truss rod for 25 years...
Best tutorial ive come across. excellent info and easy to follow. thanks so much.
I changed my bridge because it was cracked from hole to hole. I am not a Luthier, but I took a shot and it came out nicely. 5 months later, it started to buzz near the 12th fret, so I used a shim under the saddle and it worked like a charm . HOWEVER: I wish I was as talented as this guy . It’d be nice for you to leave us your contact information. The other CGG (certified guitar genius) I had the pleasure of exchanging a few emails with , is Dan Erlewine. A true Luthier and nice guy, which is always nice ~ ~
WELL DONE!..... Many a Utuber could learn how to PROPERLY do a "How to" vid from you my man!
How to basic is good too...
I think...
Thank God I found this video. Been stumbling through U tube for an hour listening to nonsense. This guy gets right to business and no b.s. thanks for the info bro. Now I feel confident I can adjust my guitar.
i feel like understanding my guitar even more. also he has a cool expression while explain this. awesome man!
Remember to MAYSURE lol first.
This. is. the. best. Video. Ever. So easy to understand without going into unnecessary details. Perfection! Thank you so much!
Great video. Very informative and concise. Thus guy is terrific!
Awesome guide! I just sanded down the saddle on my Martin 00-15M to get the perfect action. Worked like a dream thanks to this tutorial. Many thanks!
Great content.
Well explained, easy to follow (even with my A.D.D. in tow), and awesome graphics/editing. Good job!
I've tried adjusting my acoustic before and it was a big disaster... I've ended up selling that poor thing. Tomorrow I'm getting new guitar but this time I'll take it to my local guitar shop. Nice video, informative and even tho I won't be touching my guitar watching this tutorial was so relaxing... I'll check some other videos of yours! All the best from Japan! Kris
Beautifully done. Concise and methodical. Covered everything! Thank you very much.
Thanks man! I haven't played this guitar in over a year and my E string was buzzing. Turning the truss rod fixed it.
Very useful content specially for me who loves to play acoustic guitar. Thank you for this. 😉
Great video. Very clear and concise. He writes the numbers down so I can stop and read them. I am half way through a new nut and saddle install on a parlour guitar. After watching this, I need to go back to the nut and make a few more slot adjustments. Best acoustic set up video I have seen.
Superb video; clear and concise with great instruction. I’ve watched so many videos like this but this is exceptional
That's what I'm talking about.
Solid information, delivered clearly with no fluff. Brilliant!