Guitar Setup and Adjustment
Perfecting playability through the precise adjustment of your instrument's mechanical and acoustic parameters.
A perfectly adjusted instrument is the fundamental prerequisite for any musical expression. Many guitars leave the factory or the retail store with standard settings that are not tailored to the individual playing style of the musician or the specific climatic conditions of Graz. A professional setup corrects these discrepancies, transforming a difficult-to-play instrument into a responsive tool that supports the musician rather than hindering them.
At the Bashkirixa workshop, we view the guitar as a complex interplay of tension, pressure, and resonance. Adjustment involves far more than simply setting the string height; it is about finding the optimal balance between minimal effort when fretting and maximum sound projection without unwanted buzzing. By utilizing our controlled workshop environment with a constant humidity level of 45-55%, we ensure that the adjustments remain stable and effective over the long term.
The Adjustment Process
Analysis and Inventory
First, a thorough inspection of the instrument is carried out. We check the neck curvature, the condition of the frets, and the integrity of the bridge. Every instrument is examined for structural defects before the actual adjustment begins.
Geometric Correction
We precisely adjust the neck radius (truss rod) to achieve the optimal curvature. This forms the basis for the entire string height and prevents unnecessary buzzing in the first fret positions.
Nut and Saddle Adjustment
The slots of the nut are optimized and the saddle inserts are precisely filed. This results in a uniform string height across the entire fretboard, which massively improves intonation and the overall feel of the instrument.
Final Intonation and Quality Check
In the final step, octave accuracy is checked at every fret. A final test run ensures that the instrument is precisely intoned in all positions and exhibits the desired playability.
Who is this setup for?
Our adjustment services are aimed at a wide spectrum of musicians. Beginners benefit enormously from a low string action, as gripping chords requires significantly less force, avoiding frustration during the learning process. Advanced players and professionals who utilize demanding techniques such as bending or fast solos require exact adjustment to maintain maximum control over their instrument.
Collectors who wish to maintain their instruments in optimal condition, or musicians preparing their gear for a tour or a recording session, will also find the necessary precision here. A setup is particularly important after a change of season, as wood reacts strongly to the humidity levels in Austria.
How the workshop process works
After you drop off your instrument, we perform a free diagnostic. We discuss your specific preferences—for instance, whether you prefer an exceptionally soft feel or a higher string action for a more powerful attack. Only after this coordination and the creation of a cost estimate do we begin the work.
The processing takes place in our specialized environment. We use precision tools to correct fractions of a millimeter. Throughout the entire process, the instrument is carefully protected. The average processing time is approximately 4 days, as we allow time for the wood to settle after adjustments.
What to prepare for the drop-off
To accelerate the process, we ask that you bring the instrument in a clean condition. If you have specific preferences regarding string gauge (e.g., .010 instead of .011 for electric guitars), please inform us at drop-off or bring a set of your preferred strings. This is crucial, as the adjustment depends directly on the tension of the strings used.
Please also bring a short note regarding known issues, such as specific buzzing at certain frets or difficulties in tuning individual strings. This helps us to make the diagnosis more precise.
The Result: What you receive
You receive your instrument in a technically optimized state. In addition to the physical improvement in playability, we provide a detailed work report. This documents all changes made, such as the set neck curvature and the exact string heights at the 12th fret.
Additionally, you receive individual recommendations for the care of your instrument, based on the specific characteristics found. Upon request, we can provide before-and-after photos of critical areas (e.g., nut slots) to illustrate the optimizations performed.
Timeframes and Appointments
The duration of a standard setup is generally 4 days. For more complex interventions, such as a premium setup including fret polishing, this period may be extended. We operate on the principle of maximum precision over speed. Please note that we coordinate drop-off appointments by agreement to ensure individual attention for every instrument.
Scope of Service: What is NOT included
A setup covers the adjustment of existing components. Extensive repairs are not included in the standard setup, such as fixing cracks in the body, re-gluing neck joints, or a complete electronics overhaul. Should we detect such defects during the diagnosis, we will inform you immediately and create a separate offer.
Furthermore, we do not perform work on instruments made from protected materials (e.g., Brazilian rosewood or ivory) without the corresponding CITES documents. Similarly, repairs to mains-powered amplifiers are not part of our service offering.
Pricing and Value Added Tax
Our prices are transparent and based on the actual workload. The amounts listed in the price table include the statutory Austrian Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20%. For commercial customers (B2B), we list the net amount separately. Billing occurs upon completion of the work, and we grant a payment term of 30 days for B2B customers.
Included Services
- Inspection and adjustment of neck curvature (Truss Rod)
- Optimization of string action at the nut and saddle
- Verification and correction of intonation (octave accuracy)
- Check of fret height and general fret condition
- Cleaning of hardware and optimization of tuning mechanics
- Final playability check-up across the entire fretboard
Price List for Guitar Adjustment
| Package | Price incl. 20% VAT | Price excl. VAT | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Setup | 85.00 € | 70.83 € | per Instrument |
| Premium Setup incl. Frets | 140.00 € | 116.67 € | per Instrument |
All prices are based on our standard rates. Individual additional work is charged after prior agreement. Detailed conditions can be found in our Terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a guitar be adjusted?
We recommend at least one professional check-up per year, ideally during the change of seasons. Since wood reacts to humidity, the neck curvature changes, which affects the string height. A setup ensures that the instrument remains optimally playable over time.
Is the diagnosis really free?
Yes, the initial analysis of your instrument is free of charge. We check the condition and discuss the necessary steps. Only when you agree to the proposed procedure and the cost estimate do we begin the actual adjustment.
What happens if I do not pick up my instrument immediately after adjustment?
We store your instrument for a period of 14 days free of charge in our climate-controlled workshop after completion. After this period, storage fees may apply to make room for new projects.
Is there a warranty on the setup?
We provide a warranty of 6 months on our craftsmanship. Please note that this warranty does not cover natural changes in the wood caused by extreme climatic conditions outside our control or improper handling.
Further Information
To keep your instrument in top condition over the long term, we recommend reading our guide on Guitar Care During Seasonal Changes. There you will learn how to minimize the effects of temperature and humidity in Graz.
If you wish to visit us or have a specific inquiry about your instrument, you can reach us at any time via our Contact page or arrange an appointment. An overview of all our offered services can be found on the Services page.