Very succinct and important little "motto" at 1:16:00 (or thereabouts) Sam! "If you can't tell the difference, then I haven't set it up yet" Exactly!! Another great vid - thanks Sam! 🙂
Thanks Martyn. It's cheesy so I never 'used' it in anger in a marketing sense, but for a long time I've used it as a 'touch-stone' for what I do - and sometimes, at an appropriate moment, I'll use it in conversation with a customer.
Sam it’s been a pleasure watching your detailed set up online. I now fully understand the level of accuracy and diligence you apply to fulfilling your brief. Yours is truly a labour of love I feel and the enthusiasm you show is infectious. I have already endorsed you to friends as a go to for the best set up around. As a new guitar player I feel privileged and inspired Thank you🤟 Troy.
Hello Sam, thank you very much for your fantastic videos. Sometimes when I have a problem with one of my guitars, I always find the best solution on your channel 👌👍
I'm a long term watcher and view all your videos for the full length Sam. I have learnt many things from you. I cant thank you enough for your content. Many thanks - Mike. I just bought a PRS SE CE and managed to set it up properly with the relief and string height from your tuitions.
That's good to hear Mike - and thanks for your kind feedback message. PRS's are pretty good 'off the shelf' too. It's no surprise that I've only seen a couple of them through the workshop. The last one a customer brought over for a check-over went home with him with a "see how you get on for a couple of months and IF you want the action lowered, you know where I am" advice. :D
@@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars I'm trying, even now. But surely that's the point of online tutorials, there's always someone somewhere who's had a lot more experience making musical instruments more 'playable'.
I love the variety of guitars you’re working on. I have a Les Paul Special 2 and came to your channel a few years back to watch you install new pick ups on one and stayed. Love the content and that you allow us to peak into your method.
Thanks for your support & kind comments! I love seeing all the different instruments that come in too. One of two I get severe hankerings after… thankfully I then get distracted quickly so I forget them and my wallet doesn’t get raided!
Hello Sam! Another unique work from you! Your customers will now also understand your ability to A-Z, use correctly! It's nice to see the feedback you get, hey My guitar wasn't as easy to play when new as it is now. She is now a completely different caliber of play! Wonderful feeling... (tune stable)..Nice Work Have a nice weekend from Lake Constance, Healthy greetings, Andy M.🎸🎸🎸
Thanks Andy! I’m just arriving at the workshop to do some spraying; the only down side is that the nice weather that’s good for spraying is also good for lying in the hammock! :D
Thank you for the feedback! I do recommend my eBook - shows you how to make and use the levelling beam seen here and do all other aspects of the set up using very very inexpensive tools! facebook.com/relovedguitars/posts/pfbid0dU5qfMArBQwpu3Ek2YXwJ6M3nS9xTzBAFXDrRJaUguevJJyPxWXqJPh47Yh1jNhYl (Forgive me for double-plugging this in the same comments stream!) :)
Hello Sam, another great video. I’m your fan since 3 years ago when I did my first guitar setup. Thanks to your guides it ended up beyond my expectations. I have a question for my current setup, if I may. Using 9s or 10s string I have slight backbow near the headstock. With 11s I get dead flat neck. Truss rod (single action) is completely loose. I have read about 2 possible solutions a) tighten truss rod to back bow, level frets and then release back the truss rod, b) clamp the neck to up bow and heat fretboard, then let cool down and hope it will keep the relief (c) sell the guitar) What would you do? Many thanks for your time and reply Or if you already have a video/guitar where you dealt with this kind of issue, I would love to watch it.
Hi MrD. Glad to hear my set up approach has worked for you. Sorry for the late reply. Sooo.... yes, heavier strings is the simplest (but less desirable) approach. You're forcing a reluctant neck to bend since there's no alternative with a one-way (tighten or slack) truss rod. Since you're a time-served Banana operator here's a trick I have used in the past in that situation: calibrate the Banana on your almost flat neck - then manually dial in a little more curvature into the tool than exists in the actual fretboard. Applying this very lightly with a lot of repetition (and limited side to side movement) i've found can 'scoop' a tiny bit of space out of the middle frets.... it's incredibly subtle ie. how much metal is removed but it HAS created that required bit of 'spin space' for the strings in such a situation in the past. Ideally, a stiffer Banana i.e. a U-Channel rod BUT they've changed the way they manufacture these and they need some grinding to prep them properly.
Hi - couple of ways to do it - my eBook '5 Steps to Guitar Set up Heaven' facebook.com/relovedguitars/posts/pfbid0dU5qfMArBQwpu3Ek2YXwJ6M3nS9xTzBAFXDrRJaUguevJJyPxWXqJPh47Yh1jNhYl Shows how to make and use the 'Banana' tool* - including all other aspects of set up, using the least expensive tools throughout. Or I sell a kit for £80 + P&P which includes: • 1 Download of '5 Steps to Guitar Set up Heaven' (price £24.99) • 1 Download of '6 Steps to Guitar Build Heaven' (price £24.99) • Premium 445mm U-Channel Truss rod (same as I use in my videos) • 6 strips of 400 grit self-adhesive paper (1 on beam, 5 spare) • 3 brass dome nuts • Rubber / plastic string spreader * Banana shown in eBook features the simpler truss rod which is cheaper (or can be removed from any broken guitar neck), narrower but slightly more flexible. This does a great job and I used it for the first couple of years of doing fret levelling with this method. I've since moved up to the U-Channel style rod for its extra stiffness, however it is more expensive. Email me at samdeeks@gmail.com for info how to buy either eBook or Premium Banana package :)
Some companies do have their guitars Plek’d and that treatment seems to be 95% effective… I’ve used the banana technique to get that extra 5% on already-Plek’d guitars.
Hi Mike - zero frets are good in so far as they set a beautifully low 1st fret action (thanks to the basic geometry of an averagely low set up) but the down side is that the constant pressure of the strings on the metal causes it to notch very quickly. This isn't often a major problem - but becomes annoying if you like to bend strings down near the nut as you get 'clicks' that you can feel and hear as the string rides up and out of the notch. Zero frets seem to notch even if they're made of stainless steel; the 24/7, 365-days-a-year pressure of string on nut is relentless. Because of notching, I don't use zero frets in my own builds - but this is also because I'm used to getting great 1st fret actions with Tusq nuts so the zero fret doesn't give me anything that improves on that.
@@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars thanks for that great response to my question, I first heard of them many years ago when Tony Iommi had john birch make him a custom SG and he basically said he couldn't understand why Gibson didn't use zero frets.
@@Organic_ape As do Brian May guitars - I had one from new and the zero fret notched just hanging on the wall hanger. Mind you, Brian May apparently has never changed any of his frets - zero included - and they’re rutted like crazy. But I still stick with Tusq nuts 😊
@@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars I say one needs to know how to replace fretwire anyway and do it himself if zero fret worn out. It's a simple skill really and lots of fun as with all things guitar repair.
Very succinct and important little "motto" at 1:16:00 (or thereabouts) Sam! "If you can't tell the difference, then I haven't set it up yet" Exactly!! Another great vid - thanks Sam! 🙂
Thanks Martyn. It's cheesy so I never 'used' it in anger in a marketing sense, but for a long time I've used it as a 'touch-stone' for what I do - and sometimes, at an appropriate moment, I'll use it in conversation with a customer.
Sam it’s been a pleasure watching your detailed set up online.
I now fully understand the level of accuracy and diligence you apply to fulfilling your brief.
Yours is truly a labour of love I feel and the enthusiasm you show is infectious.
I have already endorsed you to friends as a go to for the best set up around.
As a new guitar player I feel privileged and inspired
Thank you🤟
Troy.
1963 was a good year wasn't it? :D You're very welcome, my pleasure to be able to do what I love!
Hello Sam, thank you very much for your fantastic videos. Sometimes when I have a problem with one of my guitars, I always find the best solution on your channel 👌👍
You're welcome - as always, and thanks for your long-time support!
This is the MASTER CLASS!!!
That’s kind of you :) I do think I covered just about everything I need to in this one video!
I'm a long term watcher and view all your videos for the full length Sam. I have learnt many things from you. I cant thank you enough for your content. Many thanks - Mike. I just bought a PRS SE CE and managed to set it up properly with the relief and string height from your tuitions.
That's good to hear Mike - and thanks for your kind feedback message. PRS's are pretty good 'off the shelf' too. It's no surprise that I've only seen a couple of them through the workshop. The last one a customer brought over for a check-over went home with him with a "see how you get on for a couple of months and IF you want the action lowered, you know where I am" advice. :D
@@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars I'm trying, even now. But surely that's the point of online tutorials, there's always someone somewhere who's had a lot more experience making musical instruments more 'playable'.
I love the variety of guitars you’re working on.
I have a Les Paul Special 2 and came to your channel a few years back to watch you install new pick ups on one and stayed. Love the content and that you allow us to peak into your method.
Thanks for your support & kind comments! I love seeing all the different instruments that come in too. One of two I get severe hankerings after… thankfully I then get distracted quickly so I forget them and my wallet doesn’t get raided!
Sam thanks for this video i hope i can remember all this
Luckily the video doesn't go away and you can consult it over and over!
Hello Sam!
Another unique work from you!
Your customers will now also understand your ability to
A-Z, use correctly!
It's nice to see the feedback you get, hey
My guitar wasn't as easy to play when new as it is now. She is now a completely different caliber of play! Wonderful feeling...
(tune stable)..Nice Work
Have a nice weekend from Lake Constance,
Healthy greetings,
Andy M.🎸🎸🎸
Thanks Andy! I’m just arriving at the workshop to do some spraying; the only down side is that the nice weather that’s good for spraying is also good for lying in the hammock! :D
You're so great at explaining things, you make me feel like I could even do some of these things myself. Any must have tools you recommend?
Thank you for the feedback! I do recommend my eBook - shows you how to make and use the levelling beam seen here and do all other aspects of the set up using very very inexpensive tools!
facebook.com/relovedguitars/posts/pfbid0dU5qfMArBQwpu3Ek2YXwJ6M3nS9xTzBAFXDrRJaUguevJJyPxWXqJPh47Yh1jNhYl
(Forgive me for double-plugging this in the same comments stream!) :)
I have one of these, and used your banana method on it a few years back. Plays a treat.
Hi William, good to see you here :) thanks for your support; living proof that the banana method works!
Hello Sam, another great video. I’m your fan since 3 years ago when I did my first guitar setup. Thanks to your guides it ended up beyond my expectations.
I have a question for my current setup, if I may.
Using 9s or 10s string I have slight backbow near the headstock. With 11s I get dead flat neck. Truss rod (single action) is completely loose.
I have read about 2 possible solutions a) tighten truss rod to back bow, level frets and then release back the truss rod, b) clamp the neck to up bow and heat fretboard, then let cool down and hope it will keep the relief
(c) sell the guitar)
What would you do?
Many thanks for your time and reply
Or if you already have a video/guitar where you dealt with this kind of issue, I would love to watch it.
Hi MrD. Glad to hear my set up approach has worked for you. Sorry for the late reply. Sooo.... yes, heavier strings is the simplest (but less desirable) approach. You're forcing a reluctant neck to bend since there's no alternative with a one-way (tighten or slack) truss rod.
Since you're a time-served Banana operator here's a trick I have used in the past in that situation: calibrate the Banana on your almost flat neck - then manually dial in a little more curvature into the tool than exists in the actual fretboard. Applying this very lightly with a lot of repetition (and limited side to side movement) i've found can 'scoop' a tiny bit of space out of the middle frets.... it's incredibly subtle ie. how much metal is removed but it HAS created that required bit of 'spin space' for the strings in such a situation in the past. Ideally, a stiffer Banana i.e. a U-Channel rod BUT they've changed the way they manufacture these and they need some grinding to prep them properly.
Really been learning so much watching your vids. Just one question, where can i get a leveling bow?
Hi - couple of ways to do it - my eBook '5 Steps to Guitar Set up Heaven'
facebook.com/relovedguitars/posts/pfbid0dU5qfMArBQwpu3Ek2YXwJ6M3nS9xTzBAFXDrRJaUguevJJyPxWXqJPh47Yh1jNhYl
Shows how to make and use the 'Banana' tool* - including all other aspects of set up, using the least expensive tools throughout.
Or I sell a kit for £80 + P&P which includes:
• 1 Download of '5 Steps to Guitar Set up Heaven' (price £24.99)
• 1 Download of '6 Steps to Guitar Build Heaven' (price £24.99)
• Premium 445mm U-Channel Truss rod (same as I use in my videos)
• 6 strips of 400 grit self-adhesive paper (1 on beam, 5 spare)
• 3 brass dome nuts
• Rubber / plastic string spreader
* Banana shown in eBook features the simpler truss rod which is cheaper (or can be removed from any broken guitar neck), narrower but slightly more flexible. This does a great job and I used it for the first couple of years of doing fret levelling with this method. I've since moved up to the U-Channel style rod for its extra stiffness, however it is more expensive.
Email me at samdeeks@gmail.com for info how to buy either eBook or Premium Banana package :)
If Gibson used the banana and first fret action then they would be justified in charging what they do!!! Right? 👍
Some companies do have their guitars Plek’d and that treatment seems to be 95% effective… I’ve used the banana technique to get that extra 5% on already-Plek’d guitars.
Frets don't need to be pleck if put in right in the first place
Your videos are like watching an artist. Can I ask are a fan of zero frets Sam?
Hi Mike - zero frets are good in so far as they set a beautifully low 1st fret action (thanks to the basic geometry of an averagely low set up) but the down side is that the constant pressure of the strings on the metal causes it to notch very quickly. This isn't often a major problem - but becomes annoying if you like to bend strings down near the nut as you get 'clicks' that you can feel and hear as the string rides up and out of the notch. Zero frets seem to notch even if they're made of stainless steel; the 24/7, 365-days-a-year pressure of string on nut is relentless. Because of notching, I don't use zero frets in my own builds - but this is also because I'm used to getting great 1st fret actions with Tusq nuts so the zero fret doesn't give me anything that improves on that.
@@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars thanks for that great response to my question, I first heard of them many years ago when Tony Iommi had john birch make him a custom SG and he basically said he couldn't understand why Gibson didn't use zero frets.
Burns London and Rapier guitars love zero frets it seems.
@@Organic_ape As do Brian May guitars - I had one from new and the zero fret notched just hanging on the wall hanger. Mind you, Brian May apparently has never changed any of his frets - zero included - and they’re rutted like crazy. But I still stick with Tusq nuts 😊
@@SamDeeksRelovedGuitars I say one needs to know how to replace fretwire anyway and do it himself if zero fret worn out. It's a simple skill really and lots of fun as with all things guitar repair.
It's funny how the same people who rubbish bolt-on necks on Gibson sing praises to Fenders that are all bolt-on. Go figure.
Exactly. Play a Gibson sonex 180 deluxe and be blown away
@@mikerauter1859 It's simple, it's elegant, it's brilliant.
Exactly. Rock and Roll didn't turn its nose up at a bolt-on neck, did it?
Great video do you have a Facebook page
Yes just search ‘Reloved Guitars’ on Facebook.