How to adjust the action on your guitar.

[@NighthawkEnforcer]

This is the absolute best explanation of playability of an acoustic guitar that I’ve seen. I can’t believe I’m just finding this video!

[@rejerh8731]

100% agreed

[@lowden7268]

@@rejerh8731 AMEN!

[@flouisbailey]

For visual learners this is excellent not for everyone however great to watch at 2:30AM when you can’t sleep.

[@paulsullivan9117]

Leaves no doubt about whats needed when you can so easily see what's going on!!

[@tower_studios_dave]

I set up acoustic guitars professionally for my customers at my studio here in England. This is not only the best and clearest demonstration of the setup process I have ever seen, but also a demonstration of your passion for your craft in creating that brilliant model. Props dude. I'm so glad I found this channel. You're killing it. Love your work 🙂

[@NiechoBGCSL]

How much do Luthier's usually charge for set ups?

[@tower_studios_dave]

@@NiechoBGCSL I only charge a nominal amount, because I do it as an extra service for my customers at my studio. I've just been speaking to a friend of mine tonight though who is a well known luthier, and he charges £80 for a comprehensive setup. He has made guitars for David Gilmour though, so shop around and ask for recommendations from other guitarists in your area. All the best!

[@azcoyote007]

$90 at Bronson’s in Arizona. Best money you will spend on a guitar.

[@tower_studios_dave]

@@azcoyote007 Believe me, I wish I was in Arizona to get a setup. The summer has been non existent here in England this year 🤣

[@azcoyote007]

I’ll send you sun. You send us rain. :)

[@GreenMach1ne]

Single-handedly the best explanation of this that I’ve ever come across on the Internet. Thank you so much.

[@MegaTubescreamer]

that model is a stroke of genius in understanding applied mechanics its practical and provides instant recognition of the problems every responsible guitarist should be aware of, great stuff ,

[@NormeeShays]

30 years of experience playing guitar. I’ve seen hundreds of setup videos. This one is the absolute best one. My hat’s off to you!

[@mboyer68]

You would've been a very successful engineer. The things you do, especially the accelerated failure mode testing... measuring the bow of the top, measuring the depth of the dents using a dial indicator, etc. Now you build a model, a very functional teaching model, and are using it to help your viewers understand a guitar setup...you ARE the man. Thank you so much. Who'da thought that James Franco had this level of engineering and teaching skills...and I thought you were just a stoner Hollywood actor!

[@carljohnson4691]

I’ve been playing for over forty-five years, doing my own setups for almost twenty, and worked as a guitar tech for about a year before being recalled into the military, and this is the best explanation of how to set up a guitar I have ever seen. Excellence!

[@ruisousa4835]

Hi Chris, this is really the best explanation about guitar setup i have come accross. Your setup simulator is absolutely fantastic, it helps so much to be able to see the impact of a modification on the nut or saddle, or neck relief instead of just a theorical explanation. You really did a great job here, thank you very much.

[@bluesingmusic3443]

Great video. I have an old $100 beater acoustic/electric I've had it for almost 20 yrs. Could never get it to intonate. So I tuned it for slide. However saw another builder's video, a guy described exactly what was wrong my old beater. The guy said "check your nut". 1st I lowered the action by shaving the saddle, that helped, but it still was sharp along the fret board. Decided it was an inexpensive guitar, so I did the half pencil trick, all the strings were too high. I filed the slots to the point I had .020 at the 1st fret, the old guitar came to life. Every fret was in tune on all the strings (to my amazement). The guitar is basically plywood, but she actually sounds Great! I decided to do the same with a newer 335 copy I bought for $150, that, a fret leveling & crowning, a new set of $20 humbuckers, set the action to Gibson recommendations, that guitar sounds good (the pups are $20 so ididnt expect it sound like a real 335), plays like a dream as well. I've been playing 50+ yrs, & never realised how a few thousanths on a nut, could make such a difference. I've got a '92 Fender Telecaster that only needed a bit of saddle adjustment, it's always played great. Of course the guitar companies do set their guitars up with high action, (so they don't buzz when people try them out). Funny how a few tweaks can turn a cheap guitar into 1 that plays well, & sounds pretty good.

[@Imjustboredd-2]

Humble hardworking patient , help him get these videos out people . As i continue to watch this channel i now know what a good guitar is .

[@choiceblade]

I cannot thing of nor have I seen anywhere such an eloquent and accurate visual depiction of guitar build and action. Answered a slew a questions I had. Thank you!

[@mikevasquez8270]

Wow! Do you know how many videos I had to watch just to learn what you taught me in just a few minutes? What a great teaching tool. That model you made is an excellent visual tool that makes it simple to understand the concept of what is causing the action on a guitar to require adjustment and how to troubleshoot to know where the adjustment needs to be done. Thank you for taking the time to make that model and for this video. Now I feel more knowledgeable and educated and confident about setting up my guitar. A million thanks.

[@piemmetubo]

That's the best explanation about setting I've ever seen. Thanks a lot for your generosity in making and sharing it.

[@rrvirus]

how come anyone that watch this video ended up not subscribed to your channel? it confused me. i own taylor, yamaha and epiphone. hopefully one day i can order a guitar from you. amazing work sir.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Thanks for saying that.

[@tommydiehl6794]

How has this guy been around since 2007 and I've never heard of him?? Completely underrated. This guy is amazing, his guitars are some of the best I've seen, the inlay work is kickass. Awesome job Chris. Now I need to go rob a bank so I can own one of these someday.

[@hkguitar1984]

Ditto

[@NiechoBGCSL]

Ditto x2 .... Bank heist, anyone? LOL

[@buschovski1]

I feel the same man. Hes a genius. His guitars are awesome

[@Tarheelbluez]

Simply said, thank you for this. This is by far the best setup content I’ve seen.

[@jfan4reva]

Thanks! Your demo tool does a good job of illustrating how changing different parts will change the relationship between the nut, neck, saddle, the frets and the strings. Never thought about how a string change would affect the geometry of the guitar, or how to tell what's making an instrument that used to play well, play poorly now. Very informative! Everyone who watched is now smarter. Thanks for the video!

[@danserogermusic104]

OMG the guitar model is a masterpiece! You really should sell them to every luthier! It's really the best visual presentation I have seen of what and mostly how certain factors affect the acoustic guitar's shape and playability! Thanks man for that!

[@tommc49]

The model is certainly not silly. It is a brilliant tool to demonstrate all the adjustments you showed. I learned a lot. Thanks for posting.

[@stanlee-eq7lu]

As for me, I take any of my five acoustics to the local music store for annual tuneups. I've noticed a big difference between a tuneup from an independent music store as opposed to Guitar Center. Only once I went to GC. I felt very shortchanged whereas at the local music store, they do a far better job for only about ten dollars more and the drive getting there is further away. I don't mind the extra money and distance. They can use my business much more than GC. Plus, since I go there alot, they give me free swag, free packs of guitar pics, guitar straps at wholesale prices, even a discount on whatever strings I want to buy. If possible, tell GC to stick it and support your local mom and pop music store. You'll be treated as part of their family and you'll never regret it.

[@WS-bk7uu]

The best explanation of acoustic guitar action on the internet!

[@siyaram2855]

This is the best video on the internet on this topic. Period.

[@NiechoBGCSL]

The model was a wonderful learning tool to allow us to see how the physics of the guitar work and how subtle factors affect playability. Thank you so much!

[@Kevin.odonnell]

That is by far the best teaching tool I’ve ever seen. I wish you’d sell these so I can use it to demonstrate!

[@mvmkr1]

I want to echo what others have already said, by far, this is the best explanation of the mechanics of an acoustic guitar and how the adjustable pieces affect each other. Great job!

[@unmeshvaity2052]

You’re the first guy I’ve ever seen who explains guitar stuff precisely well with the model... That was soo cool..keep it up!

[@WindOfTheWisp_Janine]

Wow...I've been setting up my own & other folk's guitars for many years, but I still watch as many videos as I can, as I always learn something new! But as many others have commented, this has got to be one of the best demonstrations out there! Absolutely love the model, as it allows a visualization of situations that one could not easily demo with a real guitar. Especially appreciate you going over in detail which situations cause which areas of the fretboard to buzz, & emphasizing to always check relief first...so many folks don't cover this.Thanks so much for all of your time & effort to put this together!!🙂🎸

[@mikerobinson579]

Not only is this by far best vid on playability adjustment I've ever seen, it has got to be among the best presented vids, on any subject, on the whole of KZbin. Thanks. I've learnt a lot.

[@rayr6060]

Clear, concise, employing a clever, self-made demo device, an overall and very useful revelation for most guitar owners, thanks.

[@zackmerrill1573]

This was awesome. Appreciate your time and energy making this video. Hands down the best visuals on guitar setups and care!

[@vespafetish]

Chris that model is extremely useful, for both acoustic and electric guitar fundamentals. It clarifies the multiple factors that will impact a guitar's playability. I think people often think there is a silver bullet approach, when in fact its' more likely to be a few small adjustments of the 3 main points. (neck relief, nut height, saddle height) Well done.

[@WheelmansOutdoorChannel]

I can’t tell you how many times I have reviewed this video. It is an exceptional explanation of guitar dynamics and your visual aid should be used in classrooms. The work and time you have put into your videos is not unnoticed. Keep up the great work!

[@soundguitar]

Excellent video! I'm exploring learning how to do my own guitar setups for the first time and this was super helpful :)

[@jerrygill931]

Watched this today. The best setup video ever. Pure genius. Thank you for taking the time to explain it so thoroughly. That example you made works visually and virtually perfect.

[@DeepFriedHallelujah]

Whoa, you guys are serious about education in an incredible way. The fact that you designed and built this is amazing!

[@seanmurphy1614]

Superb demonstration and your model is brilliant. I learned more today about nut, saddle, and truss-rod relationship than years of 'explanation' by others. You know your craft inside-out and it shows. Plus...your teaching ability is second to none. Thank you sincerely.

[@roadshowautosports]

The best acoustic guitar setup video bar none!!! You cover every aspect of the problems and causes answering which course of action and setup steps to correct it! You’re THE MAN!!!! Thank you so much for what you do for us!!!!

[@KimbrellBrad]

The thought and time that you put into this video is amazing! And the fact that you are willing to share your process says so much about you. Obvious confidence and competence! Making that model was a great idea - not many would have put so much time and care in doing that. Thanks for what you do!

[@kinunshele]

Fantastic. I'm 50 and have been playing and tinkering with guitars since doing so with my grandfather as a kid. I wish he'd seen this! He'd have loved it

[@johnsee7269]

Wow! As with others below, let me add two thumbs up for the best video on KZbin about adjusting the action or playability of a guitar. Thank you!

[@kweinfurt]

I’m SO happy that KZbin put this video on my Home Screen. Hands down the clearest, best explanation of this I’ve ever seen. The model is AWESOME.

[@dougbateman6613]

I have been building and setting up guitars for decades, and this is absolutely the most helpful video I have ever watched. Thank you for sharing this valuable information with others.

[@brettc6132]

Man, this video should be part of a luthier apprentice course because in just 20 minutes or so a person with virtually no understanding of guitars can come away with a clear understanding of the fundamentals of these mechanics. That model and the entire presentation is one of the best examples of effective instruction I’ve ever seen for any subject. It’s for real very cool to make something like this, and I hope the creator is proud of his work! Edit: I’d give anything to have a conversation with any of the 5 people that have downvoted this video (at the time of this post) so I can better understand what exactly makes someone so joyless and miserable 🤣

[@abelinolopez1957]

Best explanation in the world. This guys is so professional and we see his dedication

[@lefthandpath1587]

By far the single best description of setup and the principles behind it on the internet. I send everyone who's ever asked me a questionon this right here. Chris, If you ever decided to offer a guitar maintenance course (video or in person), you could charge $$$.

[@jonahguitarguy]

That model is perfect. And you explained guitar geometry very well. I've been enjoying your videos very much. Thanks Chris.

[@derekwalton16]

This is the finest explanation of hows and whys of set up and visually makes everything so clear and obvious.

[@Jason_Megibow]

Hands down the best acoustic guitar "set up" demonstration and tutorial video!!! And... huge props for the clever ingenuity of that model. Thank you !

[@xpursangjock8724]

Awesome simulator! Well done! By far, the best comprehensive explanation of guitar playability in the universe!

[@davepontrello4159]

You have done a great service to the guitar playing community. And guitar mechanics as well. I plan on sharing your video to all my playing friends. I was planning on making my own video someday on how to evaluate a used guitar and you have covered every aspect in this video. Thx.

[@salceti]

I must add your voice is clear and having no foreign accent is a plus. Easy to follow spoken word description and clarity and exceptional sound quality is a pleasure to follow.

[@Firas-R]

Just got my first acoustic guitar, and setting it up is a lot more tricky than any of my electrics so I appreciate the detailed explanations and the visualization on your guitar model along with all the helpful tips.

[@bearhandcrafted]

Chris is an AMAZING teacher. My go-to for instructional videos. This demo tool is terriffic at showing the mechanicals of adjustment!

[@carlbussmann7559]

Easily the finest explanation of all the items that make your guitar the most playable; I had not thought about string tension and other factors which bring it to PERFECT ! Thank you much.

[@mandolin-george-uk]

This video, your presentation and the intricate model is an another level. This is qualitatively different from anything else on the internet - a true gold standard. Masterclass. Outstanding.

[@jimclayton2982]

Great video. It might be the most instructional video I have ever watched about setting up a guitar. Well done!

[@EddyfyingArt]

This visualization model is pure genius! Excellent job!👏🏻

[@ScottDickman]

Pretty much all has been said that can be said 😅 about the effectiveness of your teaching model. Superbly executed - this should be required viewing for any serious guitar student. Bravo-inski and thanks a bunch!

[@greenatom]

Very lucid explanation. I understand much better than before. EVERYONE who plays should see this.

[@MrBillmechanic]

BRILLIANT!!!! ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT TEACHER!!!! YOU ARE A GIFT TO ALL GUITARISTS!!! BRAVO!!WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF YOUR TEACHNG ON THIS CHANNEL !!!

[@MrPab1lb]

I am in the process of building a Baritone Acoustic guitar as a project at the Australian Guitar Making School, which is fantastic. Big shout out to my teachers Steve Toscano of Toscano Guitars and Vernon Zamora. But WOW. This is such an incredibly perfect way of describing the complexities of the guitar in such a simple manner. Despite owning far too many guitars, and soon Two I've built myself, I'm going to save my pennies and get Chris Alvarado to make me a guitar. He is amazing. And his guitars are beyond goreous.

[@jmc2567]

Thankyou for taking the time to create that model guitar for us,it certainly aided in your description of problems with guitars,Best wishes to you and all your viewers and subscribers, from, Auckland, New Zealand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍✅❤🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@buckwheat7673]

You truly, truly have the gift for teaching. Very rare believe it or not.I'am so inspired. Thank you!

[@jeffmaestro]

Excellent sir! This is the most complete and thorough examples I’ve ever seen. I learned to set up my own guitars after spending $250 for buzzing issues that still were present after the work. Didn’t make a fuss about it…I took it as a good lesson to never trust anyone with something you can learn yourself (if it’s important enough to you). Great explanation

[@danherrick5785]

I'm still fussing in my head!!! And it won't stop. I need a model to teach me how to stop the fussing in my head. Nut the buzzing, but the fussing...

[@jeffmaestro]

Haha! Don’t know if there’s a model for that.

[@matthewharper9615]

You've inspired me to attempt a much needed setup on my old Seagull S6. As others have said, this really is the best explanation of what a setup is and how to go about it. I love the model. I'm already looking for more videos where you use it.

[@tonygoacher7659]

This is the best explanation of set up I've ever seen. Your model is brilliant along with your explanation. Thank you.

[@rutherfordcountyline8402]

Absolutely the very best visual explanation of how various parameter adjustments on the instrument can affect the overall setup. You sir, should patent that model, sell it and become known as “that multimillionaire dude that still tinkers with gitfiddles.” Good teaching!

[@alexmoll8372]

What a fantastic model. I can't imagine a better visual tool to help truly understand the various adjustments. Thank you.

[@petemitchum3198]

I had no choice but to subscribe after watching this awesome video! I'm also impressed that you took the time/effort to build the great working teaching aid you used. Much better than drawing diagrams on a whiteboard, or computer illustration. Your knowledge and teaching techniques are top shelf. Thanks!

[@Nashville663]

What a great and informative Video. I feel the model helps demonstrate the different areas for potential adjustment that may be required, and also the effects on the complete setup. Probably the most informative & practical demonstration I have see. Thank you.

[@petec4302]

Hi Chris, I just watched this after seeing your latest "guitar tech" video. I have to say that I have watched many different setup videos over the years and this one is the most clearly explained of all. The model you made is a genius idea...Even though I do my own setups this is a great way to show what actually happens with all the interactive parts.

[@MrPhotomiked]

where did you learn your craft? Who did you apprentice with? This is pure genius as a teaching tool!

[@bangaujam]

Best explanation of acoustic guitar setup with an amazing training aid I've ever seen. ❤

[@noakwesterberg]

Awesome! I just leveled and crowned the frets on my Furch, cut the nut to the optimal height as well as reglueing the bridge which was coming loose. Unfortunatelly the string height is still not great with nearly zero relief. This video led me to the conclusion that it might need a neck reset as well. Thanks!

[@toobhed3496]

Fantastic demonstration. Anyone who is unsure about setting up their own guitar should watch this video. It is so clear. I never thought about the humidity affecting the body, always seemed like the neck to me. Even old dogs learn new licks.

[@DelisaRenideo]

Fantastic explanation of how to evaluate where the problem might be when having problems with playability. I'd also like more information on how to actually adjust the nut, truss rod, and saddle. Thanks so much!

[@afreemanreigns]

Very creative way to show and explain what goes on concerning the most important part of any stringed instrument. Thanks for sharing this visual explanation, breakdown of the basic principles of the setup. As an artist I am visually able to learn much better then any other way, see it being done, workings thereof make it very simple to figure out.

[@briandesjardins728]

This is hands Down, the best video on setups I've ever seen! Well done man, I've really been enjoying your videos lately. Wish I could play one of your guitars! I will say, I'm a huge fan of Furch guitars, they have patents on their CNR neck joint. It's an aluminum block in the heel and also a extension that runs from the 10 to 14 fret , I can go from lights to mediums and they never move at all! Furch are amazing...

[@ronfish5388]

Excellent visualization and explanation of the variables involved and how it reflects to different aspects of playability. What a great teaching aid you built! I learned a ton!

[@matthewgearhart2073]

I am late to the game here, but I love this channel and the work you do! This is an amazing video and explanation the playability of an acoustic guitar! You are a great teacher. Thanks for putting these videos out and providing this content!

[@scottbaekeland9750]

Like your Beatles picture. Sign of a man of good taste. Nice video.

[@johna3322]

Fantastic video man. Super informative and easy to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us.

[@ronaldscholtens103]

A better explanation than this is not possible. Thank you very much for all your effort to explain this item with your fantastic cnc model.

[@davidwhitehead7760]

DUDE!!!! Dude this is AWSOME!! You’re a freaking GENIUS! I’ve never seen a model like this. I have seen some pretty interesting things on your channel but this is amazing. I’m just a novice and could never afford one of your works of art but I do appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge. FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing

[@kirbyrohling8392]

I just bought a cheap guitar to practice setting up so I can work on my nice guitar’s as needed and your model is a great teaching device. I will be watching your channel to learn more. Thanks

[@capohd28]

Although I am already familiar with all this and do my own set ups and make my own nuts and saddles, I had to watch this as that demo is just fantastic. Great teaching tool!

[@steveb9325]

I've always been told by luthiers : 45 to 55 percent is safe. Never heard of 30% that's definitely new information to me. Been playing and guitars for 43 years. I really enjoyed this. Knew about 90 % if your video only cause of all my experiences. Wish I had this information 43 years ago! Ha thank you

[@SuperRingoffire1]

Never knew the complexity of guitar physics ...really great explanation, thank you 👍

[@SuperNarcissius]

Your single plane model with the articulation features is genial and if it were me, I would claim a patent on it. A wonderful idea that is very easy to visualyse. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@10asians]

Thanks for this video Chris! I love your channel! You are one gifted teacher! Your explanation of guitar setup is pure genius! I love that you took the time to design a model. The visual representation of how string tension, neck angle, nut, and saddle heights, and humidity changes were so easy to follow along with the model. I don't know much about guitar setups but I feel like this video is an amazing start, and it doesn't make it mystical or scary. Keep making great videos, and thank you!

[@andylane8815]

Bro, I was so afraid to adjust my truss rod. I did and messed it up and then I saw this. Way more confident and I finally have a project to play with. Thank you for helping my confidence and teaching us. I however cannot do the nut. Buy many blanks, that's my advice.

[@JohnBuckley-p8f]

That model is amazing!! Very clever aid to help explain all the principles in an intuitive manner… love it and great job!!!

[@ardumus]

Great model. Really made it easy to visualize the concepts you were presenting.

[@markthomas1462]

This is brilliantly presented. This guy is the best luthier out there. Seriously high-quality guitars.

[@takedo63]

Brilliant ! Thanks a lot for the time spent making the acoustic guitar string simulator (best ever pedagogical device) and clearly explaining the whole thing in detail. Kudos !

[@tomopie4296]

So many players are afraid to adjust the truss rod. This video shows why we need to from time to time. Bought a notched metal straight edge on Amazon and have been adjusting my guitars with no fear. Just Google which way to turn the truss rod if your not sure. A little at a time. Thank you for a well illustrated and well explained video on acoustic guitar workings!

[@louvorelementar]

This guy is not normal, he is a genius. Thanks for this amazing explanation, I watch all your videos. I hope one day go to your shop and order my ultimate guitar.

[@M2Texas]

I've always wanted to maintain my own guitars but thought it was voodoo or black magic. The algorithm brought me here but this explanation is what's keeping me here. I hope this comment makes the algorithm happy because this was brilliant and more people should know this. Thank you! Liked and subbed.

[@1rockscar]

The guitar model alone earned my thumbs up The craftsman level info earned my sub Excellent job

[@kennyayala6189]

Fantastic explanation and demonstration of all the factors involved! I love the cross-section/"slice" of a guitar side-view model you came up with -- really neat idea!

[@tunemaking]

Exceptional video explaining the various nuances affecting a guitar’s action!