Guitar Setups
So, what is a setup?
A setup is the process of finely adjusting the key components of your guitar or bass — such as the truss rod, action, intonation, and nut — to ensure it plays and feels its absolute best. In short, it’s about optimising your instrument for comfort, tone, and playability. We’ve all had the experience of playing a guitar where the strings are a ‘mile high’ from the fretboard - it’s not fun!
Why does my new guitar not play right?
It’s more common than you’d think for new guitars and basses to arrive playing less than perfectly. Manufacturers often slacken the neck and ship instruments in a ‘pre-setup’ state to protect them during transit. Once they reach the retailer, most simply don’t have the time to perform a full setup before selling — and even if they did, setups are highly personal. What feels “just right” varies from player to player, depending on their style, technique, and preferred genre.
The Solution
A professional setup transforms how your instrument feels and responds — improving tuning stability, eliminating fret buzz, and tailoring the action to your exact playing style. Whether it’s a brand-new guitar or one that’s been gathering dust, a proper setup can make it feel like a completely new instrument.
Setup Packages
The Classic Setup
Cost: £45
Guitar clean, fretboard conditioning, Re-string, lubrication of contact points & a standard setup comprising of: Truss Rod Adjustment. Nut Height, Saddle Height and Intonation.
Acoustic Guitars - £5 extra
Strings not included. I endorse Kemp Strings, which can be supplied for £12. Alternatively, we can use the strings you provide
The ‘Lazarus’ Setup
Cost: £75
Bring that old guitar back to life! This package leaves no stone unturned and features a: Guitar deep clean, fretboard conditioning, Re-string, lubrication of contact points, standard setup, pickup height adjustment and basic fret polish.
Acoustic Guitars - £5 extra
Strings not included. I endorse Kemp Strings, which can be supplied for £12. Alternatively, we can use the strings you provide
Wiring & Pickup Replacment
Cost: Price on Application
Happy with the guitar but not the sound? Pickups can make a significant impact on the tone of your guitar. Changing pickups can easily breathe a new lease of life into your old guitar.
Get in touch and we can have a chat about your modifications
Guitar Setup – Frequently Asked Questions (Horsforth & Leeds)
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A buzzing sound or stiff feel is usually caused by the Truss Rod being too tight (poor setup) rather than a fault with the guitar itself. Common issues include string height, neck relief, or uneven frets. A professional guitar setup in Horsforth or Leeds can dramatically improve playability, tone, and tuning stability, making the instrument far more enjoyable to play.
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Most guitars benefit from a professional setup once or twice a year, or whenever you notice changes in playability or sound. This usually takes place in line with the seasons. Factors such as temperature, humidity, string gauge changes, and regular use all affect your instrument. Regular guitar setups help keep your guitar playing comfortably and sounding its best.
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Yes — a professional guitar setup is one of the best upgrades you can make. A well-set-up guitar is easier to play, stays in tune better, and sounds clearer. Many players are surprised at how much difference a proper setup makes, often feeling like they’re playing a new instrument altogether.
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I provide professional guitar setups in Horsforth and the wider Leeds area, working with both acoustic and electric guitars. Setups are tailored to your playing style, string preference, and musical needs, ensuring your instrument feels and performs exactly how it should.