Fender Stratocaster Full Setup - Anyone Can Do This!

[@jimmyleyba3455]

Awhile back I had put new strings on my Strat and it still sounded dull and had a rattle every time I hit the low F&G notes on the E string. I’ve been meaning to take it in and get it worked on, but just hadn’t done it yet. I searched KZbin and found your video and decided to try it myself. I bought the measuring gauges and tools, put new strings on and dove in. I followed step by step what you instruct here and found that everything was off a little bit. After I was all finished with the adjustments I plugged it in my amp and started playing. I was blown away at how awesome it now sounds. Clear, crisp and in tune all over the fret board. Thank you so much. I am very happy.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey Jimmy, that's great. Really glad the video was helpful and thanks for the comment!

[@CrazyBeatlesFanatic]

Thank you for this video. I remember being taught "never mess with the truss rode unless you're a professional", and that doing slight adjustments would basically cause it to explode. This video gave me the confidence to finally try to adjust my guitar on my own.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment SuperCoolDude!

[@andybown68]

Thanks. Awesome video!

[@giratina5644]

I saw that same video and it's complete bullshit and scares people from actually doing it themselves

[@ciaranflanagan6693]

I was taught the same. 20 years in I finally have the confidence lol

[@nickshall1]

Me too. Thanks so much

[@jeremyrfarkas]

I've been playing guitar for nearly 17 years and have always been too afraid to try a set-up myself. Thank you so much for this video, just did a full set up on my strat and it's playing and sounding marvelous!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@dzarz23]

Strats are new to me as I've been playing LP style guitars previously. I've come back to this video for reference multiple times. I landed me right where I wanted to be each time. I like the way each section had a what the 'guy did before me, what the factory says, and what I like' explanation. It reflects your own experience and I think I paid closer attention because of this. Thank you.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks David, I really appreciate the comment!

[@Tom-th1oy]

Just wanted to say you did a very good job of explaining all the basic procedures to setup a Strat.. Simple and to the point, using basic tools, maybe taking the fear away for guitarists who have never done a setup before.. Well Done

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Tom.

[@gerharddohne2980]

Comprehensive, well explained, and easy to follow - great clip. I just set up my first guitar following this video, and it sounds great!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gerhard, I am really happy you found the video useful!

[@emmettw123]

Great video! Put up that Stratocaster. Now pick up mine! 👍😂

[@jeffrey7663]

The best and easily understandable vidio on strat setup ive seen thanks man!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Jeffrey.

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

I do appreciate the fact you mentioned pickup height is up to each individual, but we're not talking huge differences, just a little higher, lower.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment CmmnSenseRules. Yeah a little goes a long way.

[@mir9302]

Thank you for this. I have been searching for a clearly explained strat setup tutorial . This one is really the easiest to follow.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks MIR, glad the video was helpful!

[@chrisdoyle2783]

Really good instruction here. Helped me get rid of some fret buzz I had going on by just starting at the beginning and working my way through it. Got the neck adjusted in easily and the action came out great!

[@hoganshideout]

Glad to hear that, thanks for the comment Chris!

[@JohnnyCoxTunes]

Best one I've viewed on this subject yet. Great explanation.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Johnny!

[@johnnyboy9461]

That you Hogan, you saved me about $60. Great explanations, I not only knew what I was doing, by why I was doing it. Perfect content!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Johnny, I'm really glad the video was helpful and thanks for the comment!

[@AlexVegaGuitar]

Best thing i ever did was teach myself how to setup my guitars and man it is a life changer. I almost sold a guitar because i didn't like the way it felt and played. All it needed was a setup. Guitars play so much better, alot smoother and barely take any effort to play, when setup properly.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Alex!

[@jimmy5634]

Pickup height is completely subjective. I like the most quack I can get. I set up the bridge and the neck first. The constant is that the low “E” side measurements are farther from the strings on all my pickups. Once I’ve gotten the bridge and neck set to my ears preference, I set the middle pickup to get maximum quack. That usually means a low setting and farther from the strings. As an aside, the hotter the pickups, the less quack.

[@dandalee]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this complete video. I just set up my Strat and it sings. It has become a total joy to play. Cheers, brother!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Dandalee, really glad the video was helpful!

[@John-nl4vu]

Thank You for the great video, I really needed this super handy set of instructions. I've had my guitar for about 4.5 years and just discovered the neck was crooked like a "banana. And even though I kept putting new strings on it, it just didn't sound right. Recently, I remembered seeing your video and decided to revisit it, and there it is. My Strat came out awesome, and to think I almost traded it in for a new one. Enjoy your holidays!🤓

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John, glad the video was helpful and thanks for the comment!

[@John--]

Thank you for this!! I've watched countless setup videos but this was the easiest to follow! Adding it to my lists!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John!

[@John--]

@@hoganshideout np! my strat is playing like new or even a bit better now, the notepad trick worked like a charm!

[@SmokoYt]

I cannot thank you enough. No wonder this Strat was in such clean condition but for sale for such a good price, all the guy needed to do was follow this video. Looks like I beat him to it. First Strat, and probably not my last now.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Smoko, glad your Strat is playing great!

[@luismedina8502]

The BEST set up guide I found on YT. Thank you very much!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Luis!

[@marcocastellanos1529]

This is one of the better videos ive seen on this subject. Thank you

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Marco!

[@migo33]

Thanks for spending the time showing us an easy and straightforward way to setup a Strat. Please try to add metric measurements in the future as most of the planet moved a long time ago from imperial units.

[@johnbuell8035]

So you want the dude to show you how to do a setup for free, AND convert his units to yours, for YOUR convenience. How about you get off your lazy ass and do the conversion in Google? Or perhaps you want him to come to your house and make you a sandwich while he’s looking it up for you? Jeez…

[@joekatchmar5235]

Murica

[@TheRealEdgarSchmidt]

I just got a new Strat and I’m going to follow these steps to fine tune the action and the pickups (the setup I got has them pretty low - the low E side of the neck one is flush to the pickguard). Thanks for the comprehensive explanation!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Edgar, I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheRealEdgarSchmidt]

@@hoganshideout Hogan, do you know if the “default” of 2.4 mm (and 1.98 on the treble side) is a good starting point for “Hot 50s” pickups? I searched yesterday but I couldn’t find any info.

[@hoganshideout]

@@TheRealEdgarSchmidt I think anything between 1.5mm and 4mm would be fine if it sounds good. The closest pickup I saw in the Fender manual is the Texas Special and that had a suggested setting of 3.6mm on the bass side and 2.4 mm on the treble. Might be a good place to start. Hope this helps!

[@TheRealEdgarSchmidt]

@@hoganshideout thanks! I tried searching for info in the pickup documentation but didn’t see anything. I’m going to try looking for a Strat manual like the one you showed. You are the best, Hogan!

[@hoganshideout]

@@TheRealEdgarSchmidt There are a bunch available here: fendercustomersupport.microsoftcrmportals.com/en-us/knowledgebase/article/KA-01959

[@accentontheoff]

Comprehensive, detailed and patiently done, thanks!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks I really appreciate the kind comment!

[@daft4682]

Pick trick blew my mind. I've never done this "the right way" with a feeler gage bc I'm too lazy to buy a capo. Now I can set my neck right. I'll be playing like hendrix in no time. Cheers.

[@jimmygass-UT]

Brother Hogan .. Finally someone has come along and provided bottom line - no nonsense information to set up a Strat. I see the strat I have is doubled in price but what is more important is, since I followed your advice to the letter, the Strat has never played so well. Thank you and you really deserve 10 stars ..

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the kind words, James, glad the video was helpful!

[@Forest0922]

This is by far the best setup video ive seen, really painted the whole picture

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Justin, I really appreciate the comment!

[@frankhenton1439]

Have just set up a Johnny brooks strat copy black and white one in good condition anyway just done the Truss rod and set the pick ups and you know what I'm so surprised how good have got it the action is perfect thanks so much for your help.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Frank, I'm glad to hear the video was helpful.

[@amosandy123]

Tremendous video. Really instructive. I only wished you had shown a side shot of the pickups with the strings both before and after you had adjusted their height, just to show the differences.

[@peterprice8897]

Thanks . Set up my own instruments now , what a difference. Especially getting the pickup height right. Makes the world of difference. 😊

[@Jason-Samurai]

This was a great video with excellent straightforward explaination. Thank You Sir.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Jason!

[@kolkmeiester]

Thank you for this walk through on setting up a strat. I followed each step and it worked really well!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment, glad the video was helpful!

[@Mike_Ums]

Let’s go! You made me excited to get to work. Thank you for your guidance.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Mike!

[@geraldbrown2875]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I love the notepad Tremolo Bridge trick! 🎸 🇨🇦

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gerald!

[@buckchaser4725]

Good job of explaining the setup procedure. And I like that football in the background, ROLL TIDE!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Buck, ROLL TIDE!!🐘

[@CastingwithKirk]

Just bought my 1st strat and watched this video. So informative and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing this information. Time to set up my strat the right way 👍

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Kirk!

[@seekeroftheways]

Really helpful instructions especially the notepad trick. Genius. I just wish the US finally converted to metric. For the life of me I get lost whenever I hear 6/64ths football fields per Ford 4x4

[@wedrivebynight]

You mean 3/32 football fields per Ford 4x4

[@Will-BKK]

Thank you for this, I just setup my new MIJ Strat with your guide and it is so much better.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks Wi, I'm happy the video was helpful!

[@MrNeedlekiller]

Great video mate. I’ve been doing my own Strat set ups for years but always check guides in case there are things I didn’t know, this was the best and most comprehensive guide I’ve seen to date. Kudos! Have you considered doing another one on the Carl Verheyen interval term set up? Be good to see your solid guide to that.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks, I really appreciate that. Next time I have a cool Strat to work on I'll try to go over the trem interval stuff that Carl Verheyen talks about.

[@keithday1804]

Excellent, straight forward presentation! I am basically an acoustic player, but picked up a used player strat. I am swapping out the tuners for lockers and the tremolo for the American pro trek system. The tool selection, the video along with the printed fender specs should have this strat singing in no time! Thanks again:)

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment Keith!

[@DaveRossignol]

Outstanding. You are very articulate and coherent. Thank you

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Dave!

[@TheTznon]

Thank you for a very detailed explanation!

[@dalerothgordt8329]

you glossed over setting the radius on the bridge after setting string height. with a under string radius gauge :)

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment Dale. I generally just measure every string at the 12th fret but an under string radius gauge would work great for setting strings height off of the outside strings.

[@888jimm]

I just do 4/64ths all the ways across... radius done. 👍 Set-up in my neighborhood is up to$175.00 plus strings WOW​@@hoganshideout

[@MrAges-yi2fc]

Just bought a new Player Series Strat, used your video to set it up. Everything went well including a slight truss rod adjustment (strings were a bit high). Thank you for making this video. 😎👍

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Mr. Ages, I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@reddottx]

Loved the tremolo set up. 5 minutes. Done. Thank you!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks reddottx.

[@JamesBrown-wm2xt]

great video, all guitar players should know this stuff, I have been playing a very long time and just now going to learn to setup my guitars, great job thanks

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks James. Btw, the tuner is a Sonic Research ST200 strobe tuner.

[@thesidenadventure3796]

One of the best I've seen. Great job.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks, I really appreciate the kind comment!

[@Krullmatic]

Thank you, so much! I just bought myself a Fender Player HSS Strat off of Reverb. I got a great deal on it, because it was a B-Stock. But, I can't find a blemish on it. It was just badly in need of a setup. The strings were rusted and stuff. I've been playing for 40 years , and this is the first time I even remotely thought of working on a guitar myself. I've got it in good playing order, except I haven't tried to intonate yet. It wasn't off by too much though. I'll probably try that tomorrow . I believe it's got a couple of high frets. They're definitely in need of servicing, especially since those strings were on there that long. I'm not brave enough to try that out yet lol, so I'm still gonna take it in and have everything professionally done. I didn't have any gauges to measure anything, so I rednecked it, and got some cardboard that was pretty close to them lol.I've had it for a couple of days, and I was itching to play it! So, I found your video by trial and error. Your video is by far the best at explaining things. Thank you again, and when I have it done the right way, I'm confident I can keep up the maintenance! God Bless!🙏❤️💕❤️❤️🎸🤟😝🤟

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the kind comment and I'm really happy the video was helpful.

[@davidnorthfield1471]

Great video - did this on a Yamaha Pacifica I've had for 15 years and the difference in how it plays is night and day. Just needed sone feeler gauges and a couple of screw drivers.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment David.

[@kenmorgan9470]

FINALLY changing the pickguard on my (white on white) Player. Have tinkered here or there but this will be my first full set-up. Thanks for this artiiculate instruction!

[@timmoroz3203]

Very great video sir, getting my first guitar this week. And Every other vid I watched was confusing, but this was informative and simple. Thank you

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks timmoroz, really glad the video was helpful. Enjoy the new guitar!

[@markolsen4394]

Very few player's are good with A whammy, its an art form all its own, show us what you got, all do respect.

[@Slamo28]

This answered my question was so confused about the 2 point trem system. Thanks man!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment Slamo!

[@phwifty3197]

Best video on KZbin for guitar set up imo Just a quick comment for the U.K. & Europe (metric) feeler gauges The 0.10” feeler gauge is the 0.25mm (not the one that has 0.10 written on it because that is in millimetres) I pretty sure a previous comment is incorrect ( but please correct me if I’m wrong)

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment phwifty. Should be .010 = .25mm

[@sboy1955]

Added to favorites, thank you 🤙🏽

[@hugomartinez5134]

Good job on the procedures you went thru, I have learned alot

[@rccarsandmusic2641]

Excellent step by step bravo I will setup my fenders now

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment SandMusic!

[@controlhunteradventures449]

Very helpful video. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks!

[@bigjohnrabbit1393]

Thank you for a great video. This was very helpful and worked perfectly to set up my strat. Was going to take it in for a set up, but this was much better!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John, I really appreciate the comment and happy the video was helpful!

[@davidwellings2783]

Snappy, to-the-point, clear thinking and explanation! 👍👍🎸🎸

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks David!

[@peterschmitt415]

Thank you for a nicely presented and well explained set up video for a complete set up.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Peter, I really appreciate the feedback!

[@tombudinger3857]

Thank you!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Tom.

[@austinsandefer649]

Bravo maestro. Much appreciated!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Austin!

[@roadtorockstar7848]

10:39 That'S the way you do it! THANK YOU!

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks for the comment Rockstar!

[@roadtorockstar7848]

@@hoganshideout Thank you for this Awesome Video!

[@garynorton7618]

Great trick with the picks, I can't find a capo either. 😁 saved this one, thanks for the video.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gary!

[@nickboutall]

Great video appreciate it. Now to go through all of my strats and set them up properly haha

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Nicholas!

[@SasquatchLovesMe]

The best guitar set up video instructions I've seen. Extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Mark I really appreciate that!

[@davechapman7735]

a great info clip thanks, and also great production quality, I learned lots, cheers NZ

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Dave!

[@sonicidiot]

Brilliant. Everything you need to know. Thank you.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey, thanks for the comment!

[@zoggaming88]

Thanks for the video, I'm having a litttle bit of complication beacause my frets are quite used now but im pretty happy with my setup now :)

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment zoggaming.

[@wagonet]

Thanks! Something that seems super daunting isnt so bad

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment wagonet, glad the video was helpful!

[@aarondurham75]

Great video! I need to tighten my two pivot screws. They’re not down all the way.

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks Aaron!

[@i.c.9343]

Me too i love 1/3/5, i use 2 and 4 just when i record funky for a background riff

[@michaelsteven1090]

Great video..I too hate the 5 position switch..

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Michael!

[@InsideTheStadium]

You Rock Man, thanks for all the knowledge, means alot to a begginer like me, your a legend. 🍻

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks, I really appreciate that!

[@ltgray2780]

Some recommend lowering the pickups when intonating, as the magnetic field can affect the strings.

[@hoganshideout]

Pickup height can definitely affect intonation, due to magnetic pull, if the pickups are too close to the strings.

[@mmg781]

Really well done, thank you!

[@hoganshideout]

Hey thanks WH, really appreciated!

[@darthmorbous]

Best video on the topic...except for the cumbersome imperial measurement system, which is not your fault. Great,great video

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Darth!

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

It's a skill issue if you find the imperial system cumbersome.

[@guadalupefreyre5900]

10:42 11:32 13:18 12:48

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

That’s definitely a useful tip to push the neck slightly to adjust the truss rod.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks John, appreciate the comment!

[@cgdoublezerorc]

This looks very good. I'll have to recheck my Strat with your process. How do I adjust the trem float on the '83 Dan Smith era? That's the one with the Free Flyte Tremolo. 00

[@hoganshideout]

I have never worked on a guitar with that tremolo and I can't find a Fender manual with instructions to adjust it. There is some info here that might be helpful: www.fuzzfaced.net/standard-smith-strat-en.html Forum post here with some instructions: strat-talk.com/threads/simply-key-to-use-properly-freeflyte-tremolo-system.448049/ Also, on that webpage they mention that Chip Todd designed that tremolo. Chip Todd is the "T" in the Peavey T40 bass and T60 guitar. Good luck.

[@bonnyr6246]

What about setting the neck angle correctly ? Dropping the saddles is ok to a point , but keeping them high as possible via correct neck angle setting allows for a steeper string angle over the saddles ( better tone) and avoids risk of shredding your palm on the saddle screws if they stick up too much . Shims ( or micro tilt ) are an important part of a set up .

[@hoganshideout]

Some Fenders have a neck angle adjustment screw, for others a shim can be necessary. Generally neck angle is fine from the factory but I'll try to do a video in the future explaining that a bit more. Thanks for the comment Bonny.

[@winterhear]

gotta save this for later , thanks man! my tremolo is rock solid from the delivery... it's like cemented to the wood and won't move at all when pushing lever lol. i guess factory ''settings'' have the screws tightened all way in the wood from the back side? going to check it out when i get home...

[@johnsenior2566]

Thanks man. Quality advice.

[@neilmcleanmusic]

This is great thanks so much very relaxed and cool approach to setup 😊👌🎸👍

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Neil, I really appreciate the comment!

[@nickshall1]

Fantastic Video. Thanks so much!

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Nick!

[@infoscholar5221]

I'm in my fifties, now, and I almost exclusively play Strats and Teles and their offbrand copies, too. The Strat is the AK-47 of music. It can, and does, play any gtenre of music, and plays them well. The Tele...that's another story.

[@hoganshideout]

I hear you infoscholar, Strats are my favorite too and cover every style of music. Thanks for the comment!

[@c1arkj]

Great video. Easy to follow.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks J.

[@garysbraccia4980]

great useful info. saved me a lot of money.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Gary, glad it was useful!

[@vinnier6]

Great video….I believe Clapton decked his trem vs blocked

[@tdog_]

you will never guess what my parents got me for christmas

[@hoganshideout]

Awesome!!

[@davidsummerville351]

Great demo

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks David!

[@FingalPersson]

hold on, you have the springs straight, i have one straight, and the others shaped like sort of a V where the middle is straight, so is it better to have the springs like you have? and yes i want the bridge to be flush with the guitar

[@everyday_easily2022]

great video very insightful 👍

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks for the comment everyday_easily.

[@Jeff-hb1qq]

Stratocaster sound their best when they have string buzz mate😊

[@kitmoore9969]

Hey, great video. Floating the trem: Insert your 1/8" pack of post-its Tighten the trem springs to hold the pack in place Tune to pitch Gradually slacken the trem springs until the pad falls out :)

[@gusdog436]

Great job but I still have an issue intonating the high E-string. I have an American Strat. It has two bolts / screws in front securing the bridge. My strobe shows the high E string slightly flat and I cannot shorten the string anymore because the saddle mechanism is right up against the bridge bolt. Neck relief and string height are set to spec. Do you have a solution? Thanks.

[@hoganshideout]

Hi Gus. Have you tried a different string? Sometimes certain strings can have a problem. Also, if you float the bridge a little more (by loosening the tremolo spring screws) it may allow the saddle to drift forward a bit more. Also, raising the action on the string will cause the intonation on that string to go sharper too.

[@JustARegularNormalGuy]

thank you very very much sir! very informative and on point

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Nick, I appreciate that.

[@kodibassInsideoutboards]

Thank U, Bout time someone made a video for me ( a simpleton) kb

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Inside Outboard's!

[@riffdigger2133]

Great video. Always bugs me when the A at the G2 rings sharp. My 2020 EC Strat had an extended Truss Nut plug that I noticed late in the game and had the entire guitar replaced by Fender under their 24 month warranty. The 2nd Strat, I had PLEKKED by Canada’s top Luthier, because I really like the guitar and considered it a fine adjustment investment for low action. I know a lot more after 2 years and I noticed that when I bend the high E at the 20th and 21st fret the note doesn’t ring out. I should have done this test with the Plek guy. The Fret Rocker shows no rock but I see contact on the fret before. I may try a gentle level with the StewMac Fret Kisser. I see guys with Strats on KZbin, blues guys and their notes at that area just ring and sing, and it’s not compressors or effects. Any advice would be welcome.

[@hoganshideout]

Hi riff, thanks for the comment. Sometimes it is difficult to get the action as low as you want on the high strings and still have clean string bending on a Strat. You are fighting the radius and the fact that the string has to be bent further than on a non trem guitar to get to a desired note (if the bridge is floating which I prefer). As you have also pointed out, if the frets are not level or if there is too much relief in the neck that can also effect string bending. On some Fenders you just have to have the high strings a bit higher for really clean bends.

[@timothy5974]

Thank you. Perfect video.

[@hoganshideout]

Thanks Timothy!