FENDER TELECASTER (TELE) - How to Setup your Guitar, Step-by-Step

[@CuriousCaine]

In a word, WOW! I've been involved in high tech company education and marketing for my entire career. The clarity and quality of this video is absolutely at the tippy top. Extremely articulate presenter makes the previously mystical become easy. Tools on order and I can't wait to apply this education to my Tele!

[@EnigmaticAnamoly]

Minus the g*ddamn persistent lip smacking.... I love the info he shares but as someone who is misophonic, his lip smacking drives me absolutely bonkers

[@p.s8950]

Undoubtably the best set up tutorial on KZbin or anywhere for that matter. Thank you.

[@dustinadair7893]

15 years of playing electrics and I rarely tinker with them myself or set them up. Always pay someone else to do it. This gave me the confidence to go ahead and buy this kit and try it myself. Thanks!

[@thadstuart8544]

i have all of your gauges and most of your your nut files. i am so pleased with the ease of use. regarding the radius gauge, i have found that if i shine a flashlight from behind the gauge, it will clearly show which strings are touching the gauge and which ones are allowing the light to shine through because there isn't any contact. just a tip in case you haven't tried it. thanks again

[@mikehihz]

Geoff has not only been taking care of my guitars since 2009, but I also took his setup course in person and it has been working for me for a very long time. He only sees me when I have a Plek or more serious job to do. Listen to the man and get the tools. You can do this!

[@geo5772]

Ha! Geoff, imagine my surprise when I found “my” luthier teaching me online! My Strat came out as beautiful as can be. Can’t believe what a Plek can do and cant wait for the P-Bass to be done as well. A Telecaster to follow shortly. Sonoma County and SF Guitarworks are the best in the North Bay. Thanks for the education boys, great collaboration…more to come possibly? Hope so! Best to Seth, Heather and the crew!

[@sferguson1130]

Great video. One thing I haven’t heard you mention yet though, and something I’ve found with my guitars, is a little buzzing, when fretting acoustically, doesn’t always mean that it’ll buzz, when amplified. My Tele plays beautifully when amplified, all the way up the neck, but when played unplugged, I get a bit of buzzing on my low E.

[@jonjenkins5253]

To be honest, this is the most professional guitar setup I’ve seen online. At last, someone who actually knows what they’re doing.👍😎

[@pariahgaming365]

I don't think I can ever thank you guys enough for this video! My Tele now feels, plays and sounds like it's ready to make a platinum record!

[@charlesflint9048]

I recently bought a used Tele Baja, and wanting to get the best out of it, I found this the most informative tutorial ever on setting up my guitar. It is already my favourite and I want to get the best from it. Thank You!.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Gnasherism]

Brilliant video guys, currently building my first ‘partscaster’ and this is gonna be my bible! Great stuff cheers

[@guitarman4242]

I've follow Geoff's set up instruction for my Martin and Taylor. Both turned out perfect following his tutorials. Couldn't be happier.Tele is a different animal. Take away was the difference of nut filing angle for the tele ( nearly parallel) as opposed to a slight angle toward the head stock on the acoustics. Very well done. Can't wait to try this on my CS Tele. Thank you Geoff. I'm in Marin. Good plug for Nomad also.

[@livergen]

This has been an outstanding video on set up, I was actually looking for a telecaster set up video And this honestly touched on every issue in the setup process for most all guitars. You sir should be complemented On such an outstanding job and good explanation of the process. And yes, having the proper tools will definitely make your job much easier and more straightforward in the process, I wish my workbench looked like yours but it's close, And also definitely makes life so much more enjoyable. Thank you guys and stay safe.

[@TommySprocket]

Well, after thoroughly fine sanding my neck pocket to get a good string alignment on my partscaster build I put the Nomad tools to use on my truss rod, nut slots and string radius then I set the intonation when I got to the b string and was tuning it to pitch it broke :( I will have to wait until tomorrow to finish my setup but I would like to thank you for the concise video presentation I could not have done it without you.. :)

[@MusicNomadCare]

You can fast forward to the specific task below: 1:00 Pre-Setup Steps 4:23 Truss Rod 13:56 Action of Strings 20:23 Radius of Strings 26:20 Nut Height 37:59 Intonation 44:16 Pickup Height

[@scottmeli]

Fantastic video on intonation for a three-saddle Fender Telecaster bridge. Tele’s can be a nightmare to set up…but your video makes that task a lot easier. My Tele is in tune…thank you!

[@MusicNomadCare]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottmeli]

@@MusicNomadCare Very helpful! Thanks again.

[@MyFudgeyou]

I like how he nails the neck relief perfect and then instantly drops his elbow in the middle of the neck 14:09 :)

[@stockholm1752]

Ha ha, yeah, that’s weird. I don’t see what all the praise is for. I found this video tedious and too much about selling their products. There’s tons of good setup videos out there, especially for Telecasters.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I have to replace the nut on my telecaster.... since I bought the guitar used, I'm going to get the kit and straight edge.... thanks you make it sound easy to do.... I will let you know when I get it done 👍‼️

[@Zen-Mit-Chips]

An excellent and comprehensive guide, very well delivered and explained.

[@ZachKTS]

Thank you. This video is the holy grail for setting up a guitar. I was doing it wrong for years. I will buy your products when I need new tools.

[@paulbush8881]

This without a doubt the best tutorial I´ve ever seen ...

[@paulweddle9250]

I did exactly as you showed, and my Telacaster plays perfect! My string height was all over the place before. Thanks!

[@juanespinosa8064]

I,d like to thank you for your instructional video on how to set up a tele.I,ve learned so much from watching this.Jeff ,you made it so understandable and easy to follow.I own an Amercan tele,which play at home and gigs at medium size venues.I noticed that my guitar started sounding flat and losing it,s strength.I will follow these instructions as you show here, but i first need to buy a repair kit.Thanks again.

[@DARKSXDYTGaming]

thank you so much i know how to set acoustic and les Pauls up but when it came to my telecaster i had no idear how to thank you so much works very well

[@JMM440xi]

Want that guitar now. Like the combination of colors on the body and the neck is very nice.

[@BartoszXIV]

Brilliant video! Everything clear and very well shown. Thank you!

[@patvidal8932]

Congratulations ! Simple the BEST video. greetings from CHILE

[@SuperRicky57]

Geoff and his crew are the best!

[@ArtMacasinag]

superb explanation for properly doing a setup. Thank you so much !!!!

[@KingDM83]

Best guitar set up video I have ever seen. I will def be ordering your products from now on. Thank you. 😊

[@MusicNomadCare]

Awesome, thank you!

[@michaelthornton2235]

Very clear and very thorough. Thanks a lot!

[@MusicNomadCare]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ilikepicking]

What a wealth of knowledge thank you very much.

[@paul1060]

good video… clear.. concise… methodical . i follewed along and adjusted my # 1 Tele

[@Bag-Of-Toys]

my new Fender Mod-Shop was full of problems (no relief in neck, wonky bridge and pickup heights). This completely solved them all. 🤘🏻

[@MusicNomadCare]

It’s feedback like this that inspires us every day to be the leader and raise the bar in equipment care.

[@robertwilliams1770]

Thank you sir for time and Knowledge Very informative

[@mjtejero]

very detailed :) and so helpful. thank you very much!

[@applepiede876]

This is by far the most comprehensive and best structured video covering this topic. I just built a Telecaster clone from a kit and with the help of your instructions I was able to make it sound real nice. Thanks so much for sharing your in-depth expertise.

[@MusicNomadCare]

You're very welcome! I'm happy to hear our video helped you build your clone Telecaster. Tag us on Facebook & Instagram if you're sharing on social! Would love to see it

[@jmberrysonoma]

Great helpful tips. Decided to start to intonate my guitars myself. Clear and concise info. Thanks team!

[@MusicNomadCare]

Rock on!

[@daveszutenbach6096]

I have a 91 Mexican Tele. Played it literally thousands of hours on stages and at home. I change the strings and adjust the saddles occasionally. Other than that...I've never needed to touch anything else. The Tele is the F-150 of of geetars. Change the oil and keep her clean.

[@nickster5286]

What an amazingly thorough and informative video. Thank you for putting out such a great product!

[@guitarsgoats]

I do my own guitar work and maintenance and still bring my guitars to Geoff. :) I was fortunate enough to live blocks away from his San Francisco location and coincidently, we both moved to Sonoma County, so he's still a short drive away. Looks like I need more Music Nomad tools. Nut files!

[@Fatherflot64]

The nut cut has got to be the single most underestimated factor in guitar playability and sound.

[@67er_matze97]

stellar demo of how to set up these wonderful instruments !! 👍

[@andyritchie2408]

Absolutely fantastic stuff guys! Thanks!

[@Togglefree]

OMG, this is a great video!! Well explained!! Thank you!!

[@patrickruesken4207]

Fantastic video! Really enjoyed the watch and learned a ton!

[@SenkuDarwin]

That's an amazing setup video. Mr. Christoph Waltz turned out to be an exceptional guitar tech. JK. Thank you!

[@johnrenshaw9688]

Hi from Spain. This is simply the best presentation of how to set up a Telecaster. I have a Fender Jaguar that I rarely played until I followed your step by step procedure. I already have some of the tools required and had to improvise a but would benefit from a complete set from your company, but the cost in Spain is very high due to postage costs, import duty, customs administration costs and 21% IVA tax. One question I have is would you set up a 335 hollow body electric guitar to a similar specification?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Glad you found it helpful. We have a distributor in Spain Maga Music, you can find info on our website and you can email them for getting our products. We have a set up video we did for a Gibson Les Paul, check out that to help with your 335 hollow body setup.

[@dandylion6]

Thank you. This helped me take care of my American tele. Though it should be noted that when you install new strings, stability will be wonky until they break in some. Therefore, intonation within the first 48 hours of new strings is hard to pinpoint. At least that was my experience. After that, she plays like a dream.

[@jtwidz]

Just setup a used G&L ASAT that was really out of whack and wanted to say thanks. It plays beautifully now.

[@MusicNomadCare]

That is great to hear! thanks for all your support

[@jorgetome7089]

Thanks for the content. Very useful video

[@robphillips8351]

Nice setup guide.. well done 👍👍

[@michaelruiz3167]

Thanks for the sound explanation. I really like your line of tools which I will look into and am already using your care products.

[@alwatts9713]

Excellent stuff. Thanks for the video.

[@wcarneirofilho]

Very good. Great job! Thank you! Very educative!

[@shanegolden3948]

4/64” Straight across all strings at the 12th Fret. After adjusting string height, always tune back up to pitch, as this can affect the height adjustment. Rinse and repeat 😁.

[@rickcurtis2983]

Excellent instructional video...will subb today!

[@JeffreyKahnartist]

Thank you so much. I’ve been watching a lot of videos on this very topic and yours is the most clear and helpful.

[@Larry_left_a_comment]

Stings ring out a bit sharper initially than later. Should I only pay attention to the earlier? James Taylor would tune certain strings a certain number of cents low. He does video of it and shows how may cents low he tunes each string.

[@MusicNomadCare]

regarding intonation we give you starting point but they can be dialed in for your specific playing style, email our guitar tech at [e-mail] your questions so we can help dial in your intonation that works best for you

[@sthengr]

Excellent video series, thanks!

[@rockhoundingeasternwashing5308]

Was hoping you'd talk about and work on neck angle. fret leveling and fret crowning and polishing. Great video though. Thanks!

[@marcohermans3207]

The neck relief you suggested of 006/0,15m When youm instead of Fender Specs 010/0,25mm feels so much better !!! I never tought that a minor adjustment makes so much difference. My Tele plays like butter now...One question ; when you set up your action, do you press the string at the first fret? Because when setting up a P-Bass you fret the first fret..... Thanks guys !!

[@MusicNomadCare]

You can use our pick capo to hold the string down on the 1st fret or you can use your finger and press down right behind the 1st fret to have the string fretted on the 1st fret.

[@allstopblue5717]

I’ll have to try because yeah I’ve never seen any kind of recommendation below .010 for neck relief. That seems incredibly straight

[@EnigmaticAnamoly]

Why do you do over the strings with your radius gauge rather than underneath?

[@paulcox6566]

Should you use the pick capo to hold low E string against the first fret, when measuring the string height/action? Its not shown in this video, but is done in the Fender Stratocaster setup video and mentioned in your 24 page manual.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Yes, you would use the pick capo on the Low E and High E when adjusting string action. In the flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from.

[@paulcox6566]

@@MusicNomadCare thanks

[@Fatherflot64]

For a three-on-a-side headstock (like a Gretsch), don't you have to angle the D and G slot outward on the exit from the nut towards the tuners? Is that a lot harder to do than with a straight pull headstock?

[@chrisdiceart]

Really well done! 🙂

[@MusicNomadCare]

Thanks, how did your setup go?

[@chrisdiceart]

@@MusicNomadCare It went well! Just a truss rod adjustment. It had a lot of releaf, 1/4 Turn and it's night and day better! Right at .006 😃

[@oinkooink]

I just went to record a killer song. Picked up my Tele...song starts with open E chord. Outrageously out of tune. Even pinpoint tuning...every string pings the electronic tuner right on the money...strum the chord...outrageously out of tune...ugly. Want to smash guitar onto the floor. I hope this video can save my guitar. EDIT: It worked. The only thing was the low E string was too low at the nut measurement and it was buzzing when plucked open. Wasn't up for filling and recutting a nut slot so had to compromise and raise the E string at the bridge a bit. Eliminated most of the buzzing. Thanks for the video. Very clear and well done.

[@joeycovington4681]

Thanks!

[@slobodanilkic8136]

As I see in the video, bridge cylinders are not mutually parallel. Is that because of intonation? Should they be perpendicular to the strings?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Great question! We'd be happy to discuss this with you if you email us at [e-mail] and we can dive into that together. Thank you.

[@virgilmaralit7817]

8:08- "Fret at the 12th fret" but you're fretting on the 13th? please explain thank you for this video

[@MusicNomadCare]

The string must terminate on the 12th fret. You can push down on the 12th fret or push behind it on the 13th fret so the string terminates on the 12th.

[@WilRockQ]

At 11:40 you adjust the truss rod saying "that's about right." It would be helpful if you say specifically how much you turned it. Was it a quarter? Half? It would be helpful to know -- not that we're going to turn by your exact amount, but that we see how much your expert does it as guidance. Thanks

[@MusicNomadCare]

You will want to adjust the nut 1/8 of a turn maximum at a time

[@FrankEatonMusic]

Do you have a video for setting up a Tele Custom with humbucker for neck pickup? or is it as simple as looking for a video on adjusting a humbucker to supplement these instructions? I assume the six-saddle bridge on mine would be easier to intonate? Thanks for the video! This is very helpful!

[@MusicNomadCare]

You can follow this video but when you get to the pickup height you can follow our starting recommended pickup heights for humbuckers and dial it in from there. here is a link to the instructional booklet and on page 21 we give pickup recommendations www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/

[@dynamn]

Very helpful information. But what Bridge Radius should I set for my tele with compound 10-14 fretboard please?

[@MusicNomadCare]

With your strings off, you will still measure the fretboard radius at the last fret. You will then match your string radius to the fretboard radius. it should be 14 but you will want to double check yourself.

[@chrisford7033]

This should have millions of views.

[@josephliptak]

Anyone know what model this Fender Telecaster is? Is it a custom shop?

[@Krispy1011]

when you set string height - do you have to fret the 1st fret? or do you set string height with string open? it looks like you fretted the 1st fret but you did not mention it

[@MusicNomadCare]

You do need to fret at the 1st fret. In the KISS flow, string height comes before nut height. The measurements we have are based on using the pick capo at the first fret. Since the nut has not been addressed yet you would be using a height reference point that could be off. The first fret is a fixed height to adjust from.

[@billysmether6237]

Great video! Thanks!!!

[@MusicNomadCare]

Glad you liked it!

[@chrisrsp2025]

Hi ,great video. I'm learning how to do all my own setup work on my Tele. Question,, When setting the High and Low "E" strings action height do you capo the 1st fret????

[@MusicNomadCare]

You can pick capo or use your finger. You need to make sure you have your fixed point at the first fret.

[@jimmck123]

Really great setup video !!! Question: Can you use those Music Nomad nut files on a brass nut ?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Our files will cut metal saddles, but it is only recommended to do light cleanup (polishing, deburring) due to the fact that metal will reduce the life of your files. You can do it but just be aware of the possible consequences to file life.

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

44:17 Pickup Height 3/32 inch to 2.4 mm = bridge 1/16 inch to 1.6 mm = neck

[@tomrudd1118]

Thanks.

[@mattsiddons733]

Am I seeing things or @8:10 when measuring neck relief,you say fret at the 12th, yet it appears you are fretting the 13th fret?

[@MusicNomadCare]

The string needs to terminate on the 12th fret. You can press the string on top or behind the 12th fret to assure the string is sitting on the 12th fret while measuring your neck relief.

[@jav6187]

than you!!

[@luissaints7082]

Excelente Very thanks!

[@leemp337]

when measuring action. does the string at the first fret need to be pushed down before measuring? It looked like you were pushing it down but i could really tell.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Yes, the string needs to be held down at the first fret when taking your measurements.

[@lrobe52993]

is there a rule of thumb on how much to turn the truss rod to achieve relief? It looked liked you made about a 1/4 turn to go from touching the fret to .006. Is that about right?

[@MusicNomadCare]

How much you adjust/turn the truss rod depends on how far off the relief is. There is no rule of the thumb on how much to turn the truss rod to achieve the proper relief for your guitar. Using our gauge and KISS setup method allows you to see how much or how little relief you have. Use smaller adjustments, 1/8" - 1/4" turns then measure until your reach the proper relief measurement listed on the gauge for your instrument. Email [e-mail] for more information.

[@HeySlick96]

This is such a good video, yasss

[@knox20b]

Hey I set up my telecaster with your help, but the intonation is not good as my Gibson les Paul per example. I think I must admit little intonation compromises to have a right action on 3 saddle bridge. Am I right ?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Yes you're correct, you may need to sightly compromise.

[@eilisniaisi5954]

Hi, I set up a telecaster with these directions and a day later the action is kind of high, much higher than where I set it up, it changed all of a sudden. Where do you think I've gone wrong? I must have followed step one wrong with the truss rod? I haven't touched the nut because i don't have the files yet

[@eilisniaisi5954]

I was busking yesterday in the heat as well that may have had an impact

[@MusicNomadCare]

Hi Eli - since the setup wasn't finished (adjusting nut height), it's hard to say what went wrong. Since the guitar was in the heat, we recommend letting it acclimate to a standard environment and doing a complete set up. Please send us an email at [e-mail] if we can help further.

[@jimoverly5386]

In the old days, we just picked up the damn guitar, and, played it times change

[@benink5690]

I cannot find a pickup height I'm in love with on my tele. I might buy new pickups now

[@kezstone1]

Great info thank you. I have a three saddle version and have found when they are angled to the neck radius (two outer ones angled), the string spacing at the bridge is uneven. Is this normal?

[@MusicNomadCare]

The string spacing should be constant at the bridge, if you need additional help please email our guitar tech at [e-mail]

[@allstopblue5717]

Definitely not normal. Unless you have them severely angled for some reason. I Usually set the string height for low e and high e and don’t touch them anymore. Then set the remaining strings to the radius without touching those 2 outer string heights anymore

[@davidmaher1313]

If starting with a brand-new Tele 3-saddle bridge, is it good practice to set the saddles to the middle of their run on the intonation screws, to allow plenty of forward and backward adjustability during setup? Also, along the same lines, is there a good starting position as to saddle height, prior to setting for correct high and low e-string height, and neck radius, as part of setting up of a Tele the 1st time? I can't seem to find anywhere, those basic very general starting points for a brand-new, never installed Tele bridge.

[@MusicNomadCare]

There is no starting point, it comes out of the factory already setup. You will want to use the KISS method along with the gauges and tools to check the setup out of the factory and then you can dial it in more from there if you need too.

[@DavidBowers-t9d]

Good job 👍

[@kevinking2927]

What if you set your high and low e action but when you set the radius the low e does not hit the radius gauge

[@MusicNomadCare]

Email [e-mail] to assist you on setting the radius for your specific guitar.

[@rzh3443]

I presume , with a compound radius fingerboard , the radius at the bridge should match the highest radius ; I.e. that at fret 12/15 ?

[@MusicNomadCare]

With your strings off, you will measure the fretboard radius at the last fret. You will then match your string radius to the fretboard radius.

[@rzh3443]

@@MusicNomadCare Thank you so much ! I love these videos and bought several of the tools ( better than my small engine tools for this purpose).

[@Sherman1862]

What size Hex or Allen key dose the truss rod take? And also what size to lower and raise the micro screws at the Bridge? Thank you! : )

[@MusicNomadCare]

Check out our trussrodwrench.com to find the truss rod size for your Fender. For the micro screws pick up our MN229 Tech Screwdriver & Wrench set, that will have all the bits you need for the screws on your instrument. www.musicnomadcare.com/Products/Guitar-Tech-Tool-26-pc-Set/

[@Sherman1862]

@@MusicNomadCare

[@Sherman1862]

I just bought the KISS 3 Pack Kit for $149.00 I think, I grew up in Santa Rosa on Beaver St , SRHS '81, SRJC '85, SSU '90", I see your in Sonoma, so I thought I'd send some money, back to "The County".. Lol.. Anyway, I prob have some of these tools scattered about, but it will be nice to have them all organized in three kits.. Thank You!!!! Will be setting up all my Guitars with the help of your Videos.. : )

[@timrod1984]

The 1st thing you should do is measure everything & write it down, with the old strings still on. You have to know where you are at, to get where you want to go

[@chrishammonds72]

Really good detailed video but and a big but is being an Australian or say someone else from the UK or other country these measurements are lost on me. We work off millimetres so it would be useful to make these videos more worldwide friendly and include other measurements used by the rest of the world and not just focus on American players

[@MusicNomadCare]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@komapilot1]

Why they didn't put 64ths measurement at the end of the ruler for pickup height adjustment made the string gauge ruler harder to use then a regular ruler. its very hard to find somewhere that lists the treble and bass measurements for both bridge and neck on a tele in 32nds online. I resorted to this video but he just says a 16th on (the treble side?) for the neck pickup then moves on. I love all their other products though

[@MusicNomadCare]

Thanks for the feedback and back in 2022 and after this video was released we did change our Pickup Height Ruler to have inch factions so it has 1/16", 3/32" etc. to correspond to what manufacture specs call out.I think we are the only ruler that does this. See our website for the most up to date photos of the pickup height ruler. Also our website has a free 24 page setup guide in our Setup Hub that lists the most popular pickup height specs you need to know.

[@dalewoodring5887]

Quick Question: Why didn't you start with the Nut Height? Does it matter? Thank you.

[@MusicNomadCare]

In the KISS method the nut height is the last step because its a linear process and all the previous steps are using a fixed reference point at the 1st fret so if your nut height slots are incorrect it doesnt change the other measurements and adjustments you made in the previous steps. If you start with the nut height and cut your slots first you are not cutting your nut slots based off the proper measurements from the previous steps.

[@dalewoodring5887]

@@MusicNomadCare Thank you for explaining that! Great video!