"Mastering the Setup": Perfect Tuning and Playability on a Telecaster Guitar"@StringTechWorkstations

TIPS FOR GUITAR ENTHUSIASTS @StringTechWorkstations
I have always been passionate about openly sharing valuable insights into the world of guitar repair and maintenance.The StringTech Workstations and the accessories that we offer, were all designed to help you work safer / easier and more efficiently; allowing you to achieve more precision with less effort. The Fretting Kits, Bridge Slotting Jigs, Neck Surgery Kits, and pre-profiled compensated nut blanks will help to speed up your output and augment your repair offerings.
This video covers the detailed process of tuning and setting up an American Telecaster guitar, as explained by the Michael McConville. He demonstrates the tuning process, emphasizing the importance of fret wear and professional playability. Key steps in the setup include adjusting the truss rod, levelling and crowning the frets, and creating a compensated nut to improve tuning stability. He highlights the precision and attention to detail necessary for a successful setup, showcasing the expertise needed for excellent intonation and playability. The video concludes, with Michael demonstrating the improved tuning stability and playability of the guitar after the setup, by playing along the full scale length of the fingerboard. This job, when completed; ensures years of long-lasting effortless performance.
#telecastersetup@StringTechWorkstations
#telecasterfulltreatment@StringTechWorkstations
#guitartechtips
#guitartechtools
#guitartechworkstations
#perfectlytunedtele
American Telecaster @StringTech
790 + Videos, offering a deep resource of information for Luthiers / Guitar Techs and Guitar Enthusiasts.
No Workshop ? .... No Problem.
With the explosion of Kit-Guitars on the Market; many are now choosing to set up a home workshop and to assemble their kit guitars and make adjustments in the comfort of their own home.
The GPS and XLT model TechDecks that you see in all of the instructional videos; are being shipped World-Wide to Guitar Techs / Guitar Enthusiasts and Luthiers from Germany / Indonesia / Japan / South Korea / UK / Slovakia / Slovenia / Australia / New Zealand / New York / Nashville / LA / Los Vegas / Toronto / Vancouver / Ottawa / Montreal / Houston / Boston / Washington / Maryland /
Texas / California / Calgary / Winnipeg / London / Paris and dozens of other US and Canadian destinations.
These workstations and accessories have opened up a whole new world for Guitar Techs and Guitar enthusiasts.
I remain ever grateful for the encouragement and support from all of my Students / Patreon Subscribers / Customers / TechDeck owners and KZbin Subscribers, as we all continue to "Make the World a Better Place" ... one guitar at a time.
Gratefully in your Service, Michael McConville.

[@lord_beethoven1169]

I just got chills when he started playing chords on it after the treatment. 😯

[@pmcm-ih1ep]

Similar effect of amazement on me too...perfect chords.

[@UCEg7z1wK]

Yeah not much guitar techs are good both work and play, he’s awesome!

[@eddy.maldonado.r]

This is by far the best work I've seen form a pro. Amazing!

[@raceface_m2579]

Beautiful. Just absolutely beautifully magnificent work. That Tele just sings and sounds right.

[@alessandroracchetti9910]

Tremendously well done! Extremelly interesting. Thanks

[@faustohernandez3434]

I'm impressed by the intonation of that tele, is perfect. Great work.

[@shafiksalamoon7255]

Wow. That tele played so beautifully. My hats off to you sir. I have never heard a guitar that is so perfectly in tune before it gave me goosebumps. Two fingers in the air rock and roll salute to you sir.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Ya ... it's pretty crazy Shafik. You can see why every customer I've done this for .... returns with every guitar they own.

[@tonyabram9281]

thank you, your wonderful video made my morning. I watched it from the start until the very end, which is so rare. Your work is an art. I feel really happy there are such people like you who love their work that much. Wish you all the very best, and thank you one more time!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@drdbailey]

Who was that masked man?! Good lord that guitar sounded amazing when you finished! You are extraordinary.

[@godawg1023]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@ClarenceHW]

Excellent running commentary from a real pro, much appreciated.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@dkpick]

Nicely done!! Talented guitarists make the best Luthiers!

[@ronnienose8608]

Greetings from England! That was beautiful work, those chords had a wonderful chime to them. You do superb work sir.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Many thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@rodlanthier7402]

Wow....memorized. I played professionally 25 years ago, got married and sold all my stuff. Telecaster was the best with the ronk-a-donk Stones sound. You have motivated me to find a great used one and start it up again. Thanks man!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you Rod ! I am delighted to hear this ... life is so short ...dig in !

[@josephfelice601]

Awesome job! Thanks for posting!

[@ruso9660]

Hats off to the very excellent Michael McConville. What a lesson.

[@davidfrank2824]

I love videos like this. My friends laugh at me saying that they think I'd like working on everyone's guitar more than I like playing. Most of my friends are too scared to do things other than change the strings on their guitars. The few times that a couple of them tried to do a little bit more ended up screwing up their guitar and they have to bring it to me to fix what they broke. I enjoy watching your videos I look to learn different ways that people do different things. In most cases working on something it isn't just one way that works all the time there's different reasons why you might need to do a different technique. I look forward to watching more of your videos

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you David. I am happy to have inspired you. MMcC

[@clinkman007]

You are a master of your craft, thanks for this and sharing your talent

[@BrianAlexSinger]

Love the video. Thank you for making it.

[@john-di1mz]

That things sounds like HEAVEN ...well done indeed!!!

[@rockers2rockers616]

The best fretwork, intonation repair on KZbin. This man is a perfectionist.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@hiker64012]

Wow! Excellent work and set up.

[@carpdog7934]

I would love to play that tele now,, ,,great craftsmanship 😀

[@davidnefesh]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful skills in this video, great stuff!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@redstrat1234]

Amazing

[@mikemclenison8200]

Great job! Love your videos!

[@jamesthompson8775]

Such a pleasure watching him!

[@Cigarsnguitars]

Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of fret dressing. The next one I do I will emulate your steps and do so confidently. You’ve taken a lot of the trepidation out of being somewhat aggressive in working the frets back to playing conditions. I own 15 guitars and I have a few that could use a good once over. Thanks again. I look forward to more of your videos. Stay home and stay safe. 😷🤘

[@StringTechWorkstations]

I am delighted to have inspired you. Now ....back to the workbench ... lots more videos to come \m/ !

[@sapsfm]

Couldn’t stop watching, utterly fascinating!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@doug941]

This is the most in depth Video I've ever seen for guitar setup secrets! Thank you! Subscribed with the bell!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Awesome, thank you! Best in 2024 !

[@abehaddad]

If only every time I took my Fenders in for a setup they came back as good as this Telecaster you've just transformed hat off to ya mate wished you lived in my town or even country

[@KenjiKitahara]

I also do this kind of work if you happen to live in Perth. Cheers, Kenji

[@noamhemsky]

How do you not have more subscribers? Great stuff. I learned a ton! Thank you!

[@f33fifofum]

Thanks mate, this is one of the most instructive guitar maintenance videos I've seen in years

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Wow, thanks! MMcC

[@enzosmith5371]

Perfect intonation on the finished item. Well done !

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad you enjoyed it ! MMcC

[@jasonstapley6822]

Wow that sounds so sweet. Great job!

[@John375PD]

I must say, BEAUTIFUL JOB!

[@rbadum]

Great Video. Thanks for a great overview. You are a true Craftsman!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@gib412]

Very nice indeed!

[@marceli155]

super ! you are the real master ! thanks for it !

[@StringTechWorkstations]

You're welcome! MMcC

[@jjjacobs]

Great job and very clear explained. Much appreciated!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad it was helpful! MMcC

[@T1nCh0]

What an amazing channel. I'm so happy I came across this videos.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@v12dot]

Same calming voice and attention to detail as the great Uncle Doug :)

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@jonnybeck6723]

Amazing Thanx man Just beautiful...

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad you liked it! MMcC

[@bluesingmusic3443]

Very impressed! Had no idea the compensated nut (plus the levelling etc) could make so much difference. Fabulous job! Well done.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad it was helpful! MMcC

[@richardsisk1770]

Amazing work! Thank you 😊

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you! Cheers! MMcC

[@gRosh08]

Bravo!

[@mileswilkinson5041]

This was an amazing video! Best I've seen!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you Miles ;^ ) !

[@snotbog]

love your work

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you so much 😀 MMcC

[@DaySleeper403]

In the first 20 seconds of watching your video I knew i could trust you with my guitars!

[@wesleycunningham855]

Exceptional Video! Very informative! Thanks

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@ShineDawg]

"I'm not death gripping this" LMAO thank you for sharing, I just love the tele. All the best

[@stephantubeman]

Great work. thx for sharing.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@djgaryowens]

What a super job you do very very professional.

[@campfireguitars]

Wow, now that's perfection

[@Blues-man.]

Such a craftsman, really interesting, a true professional

[@pbstratocaster]

Nice pro job and video. BRAVO.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you very much!

[@jep3305]

Superb work, Sir! And some very nice playing, too…

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Glad you like it! MMcC

[@PowMusic]

awesome video!

[@thirtyeight4558]

Great video. Awesome teaching insight.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you 38. I appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed. There is lots more to come. Cheers MMcC \m/ !

[@Cowboy-e1c]

That was hell of a job 😮👏👏👏

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Aaaah .... but the end result ! Nirvana !

[@tediraia707]

Excellent work, very professional.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you very much! MMcC

[@roderickgful]

I’m SO GLAD I found this channel. Been a player since 74? I’m a GIT/AIM, still learning!✌️🙏💜

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Welcome aboard! MMcC

[@localbod]

This man is a magician. It sounds lovely and in tune. I wish I could get my 1996 U.S. standard to him.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@LenLochmiller]

At last! I have found someone that knows their stuff. A fan forever. Very well done.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Len ! Welcome aboard the Patreon channel. Thank you for your vote of confidence ! Let me know if there is anything specific that you are looking for ... I know it can be pretty daunting scrolling through the 400 + videos in my Patreon library. I will find what you need much more quickly and send along a personal tutorial to-boot ! Stay safe ... and play more guitar ! ;^ ) MMcC

[@robertorochamartinsrocha7041]

cool... 👍👍👍

[@gRosh08]

A Beautiful 1,6,10!

[@robertbrown6874]

Thanks, great info!!!!!!

[@rwbz28]

Thank you! I learned something today. Subscribed.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Welcome!

[@gematria125]

Marvelous .... respect!!!!!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@ricksalt6860]

Excellent work 👌

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you! Cheers! MMcC

[@richardsavarese7539]

Excellent tutorial

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@glyn50]

An incredible insight into the art of setting up a neck. So precise intonation. 100% Perfection. Wish I could find a tech in the UK like you.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Wow, thank you! MMcC

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Do you know Steve Curtis in Manchester ? He is getting set up to do the comp nut thing. Give him call. Nice guy ... very talented.

[@lepappy]

@StringTech Workstations Similarly I'm watching this video in Sydney, Australia wondering how I can possibly find a Luthier that will pay this much attention to detail in installing a compensated nut and intonating one of my guitars to this degree of accuracy. If you happen to know someone who could do this kind of work here in Aus, let me know! Really enjoying watching your videos by the way, super impressed with the final product and I'd love to have a play of one of these guitars post-surgery.

[@Semikolon628]

Good job ,well done !!!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jswear2077]

I just found this little gem of a channel. The way I knew he is legit is that he uses an acoustic guitar brace as a pointer. Solid teacher. And not a roll of masking tape was harmed in the making of this video.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Lol !!

[@wilsondouglashall8193]

that was as perfect as I've ever heard.

[@timwatsonphotography]

Same here.

[@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782]

You just did such a tremendous job with this Tele that I had to subscribe. Thank You.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@BlessedMe11]

Beautiful , impressive craftsmanship! I really enjoyed this video and learned a lot too. Thank you, for sharing your talent and knowledge, Sir.

[@davidratliff807]

I’ve watched this several times and still amazed. My teles are going to this guy!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

I appreciate the sentiment David ( and your faith ). But realistically; I am a one man shop ... and I don't "stockpile" repairs. I am booking for early April at the moment. Best to reach me at [e-mail] Cheers ;^ ) !

[@gw2031]

I love this man,,😇

[@peterpedersen1641]

Just watched your video... I have worked on my own guitars for decades. I thought I was setting them up very good. BUT, after watching this, I am pulling out my 50's tell and other vintage and going over all them with your "fine tooth comb". And will make sure I am on point on all points on the neck. Great learning experience for this old man.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thank you Peter ... I am delighted to have inspired you into action. Gratefully yours, Michael

[@peterpedersen1641]

@@StringTechWorkstations I currently am working on restoring my 1951 Gretsch 6030 large body jazz guitar. It fell off a wall bracket. Knocked the neck out at the body about 1/16 or less, but totally screwed up the playability and set. What do you think is the best way to take this neck off for a reset? I have steam here. Just not sure of the glue and temperature/time it would need. Many thanks if you can give input. Stay safe in your shop.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

This video will give you a good idea of what you are dealing with : kzbin.info/www/bejne/an3IimaleaqYbdU

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Hi Peter, If you join my Patreon channel, I do devote a bit more attention to detail to my 3rd Tier Level subscribers. It can be a bit daunting scrolling through 400+ videos. Patreon support allows me to take the extra time to address the individual needs with pertinent video links and follow up tutorials. Give it some consideration. It sounds like it would be fun to work with you. Respectfully, Michael

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

I love the craftsmanship side of guitars just as much as learning to play them. Great video mate 🤙

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thanks Pal ! Glad you got something outta this... \m/ !

[@mboyer68]

I totally agree with you on that. I find it amazing how little I saw when I looked at a guitar before a started playing and learning about them.

[@NobuhikoIZUMI-cr9ki]

Thanks!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

You bet!

[@KenjiKitahara]

Great video. And it's great to come across someone else who does this kind of intonation work. We're a rare breed :)

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Is it Perth Australia where you are ? We just shipped a couple more TechDeck GPS Models to Australia this past week.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

I just had another Aussie asking for someone down under for his guitars. Do you have a website or contact info that I can give to him ?

[@KenjiKitahara]

@@StringTechWorkstations Thanks for that! I'm on the west coast in Perth. I have a website, which is due for an update... kenjikitahara.com and I'm on instagram @kenjikitahara Thanks again!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

BTW: I did send your info to him ... he should be contacting you. He was in Melbourne ... is that near you ?

[@KenjiKitahara]

@@StringTechWorkstations Thanks for that! Melbourne is way over on the other side closer to Sydney... and Perth is the most isolated city on the planet :) I'm happy to chat with him and recommend someone in Melbourne.

[@melody6840]

Thanks for posting this..I'm a new subscriber now!!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Thanks for subbing! MMcC

[@Splattle101]

Excellent! Subscribed.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@wcountyrednecks]

impressive

[@guitarman4242]

I would not want to do this on my own. Makes it look easy but I know better. Making it look easy is the give away that its not easy. Years and years of practice and numerous mistakes to get to this level of expertise? I I had a pro set my my CS tele so I can now adjust the truss rod and string height as seasons change. But that's all I'd try and do. Wish you were in the Bay Area, CA. I'd bring my beloved tele to you without reservation. Well done video. Very educational.

[@sean550]

Best ive ever seen..👍

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@robertbrown6874]

outstanding

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@georgemercer3013]

WOW ...WHAT CAN YOU SAY ...GREAT JOB LEARNED ALOT

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@mjallenuk]

Bloody hell that was impressive!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@boassinfield3]

Lovely job my friend.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOkh4Rrh6xlmac

[@champ10ns08]

The man's a Shakespeare 👌😍

[@brianknowles2384]

Wow, sounded amazing when you were done

[@user-no3xz9bv8v]

Спасибо!Ви хороший мастер и музыкант.

[@HaydenMZ79]

I just happened upon your channel today and love what you are doing! I’m a self proclaimed amateur luthier and appreciate you sharing your methods. Thank you!

[@StringTechWorkstations]

After teaching Guitar Repair and Design courses for 23 years ... I have turned my attention to making these videos for my former students / Patron subs and KZbin fans ..... Enjoy ! Thanks for your comment .. subscribe / share / like / Best MMcC !

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Michael McConville's Guitar Repair and design Studies on Patreon. mcconvilleguitars.blogspot.com/

[@patrickcarroll1754]

This Tele went to the spa. Brilliant work.

[@deanmccaskill5495]

You're my new hero. I got a Les Paul that's got me puzzled. I'm gonna try a bunch of these things. I love to just send it to you.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

[e-mail] / Text 519 275 1008 I generally book with a lead it time of 2 / 3 weeks. MMcC

[@richardbaker4797]

New to the channel. What a wonderful sound, you are clearly gifted sir.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Welcome aboard! Thank you !MMcC

[@JillandKevin]

I'm a guitar builder (Turbocaster Guitars), and have found that taping off the fingerboard between the frets before filing anything helps a lot. (of course after straightening the neck with the truss rod) After taping the board, and before milling the frets I use a black felt pen, and blacken the crowns of the frets. (I also use a fret rocker). I can then easily see exactly what I've taken off. After the fret tops are even, I then re-blacken the frets before crowning them. I can then see exactly how well they're crowned. It's usually very hard to see how the crowning is going without using the black pen, unless your lighting is just right, but with the pen, one can easily see how much to take off, as it leaves a very thin line on the crown when it's just right. It might take a little bit more time, but is WAY easier to see. I also discovered that when dressing the fret ends for fret sprout of poor fretwork, it's far easier if you put a piece of transparent Scotch tape over the fret ends first (be sure to pull it as tight as you can when applying). One pass of a fine file takes off the tape over the fret ends, and the fingerboard is now protected!! Especially nice on a lacquered fingerboard, where a little slip can remove the lacquer on the fretboard edges.

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Nice. Thanks for sharing. I have had several students over the years in my College classes that have used the black marker trick and I do understand and appreciate this approach. The only cautionary suggestion: make sure you don't get any black marker onto those maple necks ! I love your scotch tape edge dress tip. I'll try that next time. Thank you. Stay safe. MMcC

[@JillandKevin]

@@StringTechWorkstations Yeah, the marker does make a permanent mark on a finished maple fingerboard (guess how I know that?). The scotch tape trick I just figured out a few weeks ago, and aside for removing the tape, it works great!! VERY nice video BTW!!! Thanks

[@user-ui1nh4cu8m]

I gotta admit i was skeptical while watching the work being done, but after hearing it, im a believer. 👍

[@StringTechWorkstations]

Ya' ... it's pretty crazy to look at John. Lol ! Cheers MMcC