Petrucci Guitar Tech REVEALS Setup | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 47 | Thomann

John Petrucci's guitar tech, Maddi explains us how John likes his guitars set up.
This is an in-depth setup video with all the infos you need and some cool stories on top.
Grab your guitar, some tools and a coffee and enjoy the video!
John Petrucci interview: • John Petrucci | Dream ...
John Petrucci live rig: • John Petrucci Guitar R...
Truss rod setup video: • How to adjust the trus...
Intonation setup video: • String Intonation: In ...
Gear used: tho.mn/2qg7z
We use Triad-Orbit stands for our cameras, lights and mics: tho.mn/triad
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/uadx1
Monitors optimised through Sonarworks: tho.mn/sonar
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
1:26 First thing about guitar setups
2:51 How long does Maddi work for Dream Theater
3:28 Let's change the strings | Which gauge?
7:05 How Maddi cleans the guitar
8:47 STORY | Dream Theater is in the studio
9:18 How to put on the new strings
13:53 String stretching
16:31 STORY | Some players like their guitars dirty
18:27 STORY | Liquid Tension Experiment in the studio
19:49 The guitar setup: tune and stretch again
22:11 Setup: check the bridge
22:33 John's string action and neck relief preference
26:53 Truss rod adjustment
32:18 Slight bridge saddle adjustment
33:05 John's guitars are like Formula 1 cars
36:18 Intonation setup
39:35 Bridge balance setup
42:09 How often do you change strings
43:57 It's time for a test ride
44:39 Who's guitar tech do you want to see next?
Webshop: www.thomann.de
Facebook: / thomanninternational
Twitter: @thomann / thomann
Instagram: @thomann.music / thomann.music
Pinterest: / thomannde
Visit our blogs:
GER: www.thomann.de/blog/de/
ENG: www.thomann.de/blog/en/
FRA: www.thomann.de/blog/fr/
ESP: www.thomann.de/blog/es/
ITA: www.thomann.de/blog/it/
NED: www.thomann.de/blog/nl/
FIN: www.thomann.de/blog/fi/

[@soheil_zk]

This video wins the internet today!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Haha! Cool man, that's quite a compliment. I absolutely loved doing this, Maddi is my guitar tech hero. //Kris

[@myguitarcloud5987]

No doubt about that!!!! 😂

[@alextavera741]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Hi Kris. I’ve just discovered these series. Awesome document , man. If you can invite Rene Martinez (JohnMayer SilverSky setup), Trace Foster (Angus, JPerry), Dallas Schoo (Edge), and Joe’s Bonamassa tech, that would be historic content for years to come.

[@satchrules101]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses please can you have satriani's tech mike come on to ur show ... that would be Gold if you could..

[@vitorisaia]

Maddi's voice and Rick Beato's voice: THE SAME

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Haha! I also had a moment were I thought... wait a second! Is that...?! Hahaha //Kris

[@vitorisaia]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Hahaha! they should interview each other

[@AlexisGitarre]

Mack and Riddi

[@cappuccino4366]

For me they sound differently.

[@vitorisaia]

@@cappuccino4366 not identical, but similar for sure

[@davidepannone6021]

Probably the first time ever i've seen maddi chuckling/smiling/laughing.

[@Gorbyrev]

So cool. We were chanting "Maddi!" before the Glasgow DT show last year. How many guitar techs get that!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

That's so awesome! Maddi is such a cool dude and a top shelf guitar tech. My tech hero for sure! //Kris

[@moeddan85]

The rockstar guitartech, for a rockstar guitarist!

[@kaukarangkarang]

Steve vai's Thomas

[@dstrats]

Thank you for posting this. It was comforting to hear Maddy say, JP likes his action low and it will buzz a little. As a tech who works at a guitar shop, the paranoia over “buzz” is remarkable. And I always say to my customers, “if you want low action, there will be a slight buzz, depending on the quality of the fretboard (straightness) and frets (same height), makes or breaks low action”. But in reply I get, “I want no buzz”. Lol Aw Anyway, I so hope many heard this. It’s an important message for those embarking on the journey of being a guitarist.

[@feebypeels2883]

Customer:"It's buzzing and going out of tune." Also the customer:Presses down on the 2nd fret as hard as possible.

[@gerrykavanagh]

Yep. I do my own setups and can generally get buzz-free action around 1.75mm on the bass side and 1.5 on the treble side, for a flatter radius fretboard, and about 2mm/1.75mm on a strat or something with a rounder fretboard. Not super low, but fine for me. Any lower will have buzz. but still be playable. This is with about 0.2mm relief and 0.5mm at the first fret.

[@graygunter698]

True ive been playing for 30 yrs now and spent 25 of those yrs obsessing over buzzing now ive learned if u cant hear it through the amp then drop go as low as you want. I set mine at 1.2ishmm low E and 1.0 high e and get plenty of buzz acoustically

[@UltimateEngineering]

@@graygunter698 You can hear it, especially through the Clean-Channel. Guthrie told in an interview that he increases his string action to get a better tone.

[@AlfredNazGates]

I prefer the same setup, feels optimal. The sound matters when your actually plugged in not when your playing unplugged. I learned this when I was setting up guitars for my dad and brother. We all had instruments and couldnt afford to have them set up through out the year.

[@Optimoe89]

Maddi is a legend, so is Kris. They both know so much about guitars. I've learned a lot. Did the process on my majesty, it feels even better.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks so much! That's so cool to hear. What was different about the setup? the neck relief? Cheers //Kris

[@Optimoe89]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Hey Kris, had some struggle with changing strings, because it is my first and so far only guitar with a floating tremolo. And than, for sure the neck relief. Did the 1.00 mm and 1.50 mm setup and it feels perfect! It was so much easier setting the guitar up after I changed the strings the proper way.

[@Desanusor]

@@Optimoe89 he does it right I do it one string at a time even faster for the next steps since you dont allow the trem to move even more thant 2-3 strings at a time ! Never change all strings on a trem at once or block it with a wood block or 9v battery in the cavity.

[@Optimoe89]

@@Desanusor thanks mate 🙏🏿

[@audionutmike]

LOL I just sat down to change strings on my Majesty and here this gem is!

[@J-Allen19]

It's an EB, not an Ibanez :P

[@louislemoine_magicman]

kris…thank you so much for producing this episode. i just purchased a jp60 (stealth black version) and attempted to do a complete setup, something that i have never ever done before, by following every detail that matti went thru. i am actually proud of myself as i believe that it it actually as great as it can be. i love this guitar. i am 69 and always willing to learn something new. matti is amazing as well as you chris. keep up the awesome job.

[@nickx1754]

I really enjoy nerding out over how different artists prefer their guitars setup. As well there are some really good tips! I hope we keep getting more of these!

[@CompleteProducer84]

This is the best video on KZbin (for me). I have been DYING to know JP's action height. As soon as Maddi mentioned 40 thousands of an inch, I bought the Dunlop action tool he has. It arrived today, and I lowered my action to 40 thousandths on the Majesty. I managed to get it without too much fret buzz, and I am tearing up the neck like I never have in my life!

[@_SWLW]

I have been waiting for this video for 5 years. Thank you Thomann!

[@saarangnarayan123]

This was so much fun, Kris! Now you HAVE to get Thomas Nordegg on!!!!!

[@BobbyMeeks]

Great to get to nerd out today!!! Thanks for the video. Playing and setting up my own guitars for 30 years and still able to learn something new.

[@rion4590]

Oh my gosh!! Thanks to both of you!! I purchased the JP 20th anniversary several months ago. The setup was so far off. My preferred luthier is so backed up I've just dealt with it. I had no idea what to do until this video. The intonation was off, but the bridge was so jacked up you couldn't get to the adjustment screws. I'm kind of surprised it came from the factory like that. Maybe the store did it. I don't know for sure. I was afraid to touch it. I've always been a bit shy about adjusting guitars. Figured I would break something. Until now that is. This video was a class with a master! I now have the confidence to do things. "Level the bridge to the plane of the body" I'm now in tune. THANK YOU!! I can't run to the store every time the seasons change my set up or I experiment with different strings, or I just need a tweak. Now I never will have too again!! I can tell the skill set will take a while to get proficient. But the journey has begun. Can't thank you enough.

[@chadr1003]

Maddi, this made my day, thank you for letting us in on your tips,tricks, can't wait to see more!🤘

[@sambunz654]

this video is very helpfull. just going to pick up my first ever majesty today and needed to know how to set it up properly. thanks guys.

[@jbaranowski1990]

Now it's time to show how John Myung setup his basses guys. Please do that! Thanks!

[@cheeneedejesus3537]

Maddi is just inspiring... He knows that being a guitar tech is not just a work, but an artform.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

These videos are cool. Love them. Thanks. I tune and strech the hell out of the strings until they stay in tune, THEN Adjust the truss rod if needed where the neck is almost straight, but there is just a few thousands relief. You're not moving the string that much picking it. Then I check tuning again, and then adjust again if needed, then adjust intonation if needed. Then check everything one past time. If using a floyd I block it, get it in tune and then adjust springs using tjner to get to 440 A bad the block comes right out. Then check truss rod and tune again, erc, until it's good, then check intonation. Then I'm done! I've done it so mucu I can really do it quickly. Been playing over 40 years. Thanks again. Great videos. .

[@mikemikemike701]

This video was absolute gold. Thank you so much Thoman for putting this out there and for John’s guitar tech super awesome information.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

You're absolutely welcome! I believe this is useful for many of us players. And yes, Maddi is an absolute legend! :) //Kris

[@joegonz1983]

This is going on a loop on my living room Tv.

[@noslang5539]

Excellent ! Thanks for this deep insight into guitar adjustment tips with some very cool guys 👍

[@filipkaczmar]

This is worth it’s weight in gold! Thank you Maddi, thanks to Kris and Thomann’s Guitars and Basses!

[@michaelgreen5206]

Excellent video!! Thanks for showing how to change strings, adjust truss rod, adjust floating tremolo & intonation on a JP Majesty guitar! This axe is one of my favorite guitars cause it looks, sounds and has a neck that is super comfortable to play!!!

[@DVTOM]

I was fortunate to be able to be a part of Ibanez and John's old Ibanez tech offered to set my JPM up to John's specs....OMG It plays amazingly!

[@shichen4805]

what a great joy to learn from the top guitar tech! full of practical details! learnt a lot! thank you so much to make this video!

[@SamutusMaximus]

Thanks guys for doing this awesome tutorial! I've played guitar and bass for well over twenty years and always been too afraid to adjust the rod myself. You explained everything well and gave me the confidence I needed. Thanks again, will check out more of your content!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

That's so cool to hear! Have fun setting up your babies! Cheers //Kris

[@BorisGolik_]

Thank you guys!!! You're doing such a great useful job!!! The value of this information is insane!

[@endezeichengrimm]

22:58 That little bit of fret buzz. That is the question I had for YEARS!. Thanks for finally answering that directly. And it was good that they gave the Metric measurements.

[@luisangelperez9469]

YES, most shredders use super low action, but there's no way I can pluck aggressively and not buzz, there's your answer, they just don't! 🤔

[@endezeichengrimm]

@@luisangelperez9469 You mean they just do?

[@luisangelperez9469]

@@endezeichengrimm I meant JPs playing style is what allows such low string action, which in turn speeds him up.

[@endezeichengrimm]

@@luisangelperez9469 What I meant was that you cannot lower the action without some buzz.

[@luisangelperez9469]

@@endezeichengrimm yup, you'll get buzz somewhere on the fretboard and under some circumstances

[@fabioscanferla1038]

OMG the red majesty is a beauty!!! Also great video, there's so much to learn. Thank you very much

[@CalanReichel]

This is probably the best setup video I have seen. Great job and thanks!

[@JakobStrand]

I SO wanna hear Maddi play the guitar! Great video! As a Music Man guitar owner I´m loving this and saving it for future references. :D Thanks guys!

[@bryancabrera876]

This was amazing!!!!! I set up my JP just like his now and it feels fantastic!

[@migueleespinosa2632]

for stretching strings i tune and then go string by string and tune them up a whole note and bring it back. It allows for the whole string to settle with out just have the string stretch unevenly. Works really great for me. Regarding the Majesty neck truss rod adjustments i find i have to do it often if there is a about 10 degree temp shift from case to venue. A multi piece neck is the way to go..

Amazing video. Love it. You should do a video explaining what/how the settings on the back of the majesty affects the sound.

[@J_Braz_]

Awesome!!! I can't believe I just now discovered these videos. I used to do like Maddi, I'd look at pictures in guitar world back in the day trying to see what string heights different guitarist use. I'm working on setting my 2013 Les Paul. I've tried straight neck, slight relief, lot of relief. High action, low action, medium. Eventually I'll find the "sweet" spot soon, I hope.

[@C2ARNY85]

Best setup video yet. Great info. Funny how I used to run a guitar with .012" of relief back in the day and wonder where my sustain is. I've learned much on this channel 🤘

[@RobvandenBoogaard]

This is more than a reveal, it’s a master class!

[@CesaTiroCesa]

This should be the only thing we allow aliens to see... so they believe we’re superior

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hahaha! Thanks man! //Kris

[@ZackSeifMusic]

Maddi is such a great guy, thanks for the episode!

[@Barry101er]

I like this format! Very informative.

[@guitarste]

Excellent info thanks Kris

[@josephhughes9490]

Kris, Great video and tech work. The part of the video where you mentioned working for Thomann and being surrounded by all the great musical toys. Like a candy factory for musicians. I want my Thomann job now..lol

[@HeavayMetal]

Good to see you with this cool section of Thomann channel Kris! Keep it going!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot man! //Kris

[@sjsphotog]

Fantastic video. Thanks. JP is my hero.

[@player_v1.073]

Wow thank you so much, this is simply just eye opening and saves me from confusing myself with all the redundant information on the internet. I got to learn the best from the best...for free!

[@giuseppiallegro]

Maddi is a gem. Great information.

[@Bking7string]

Awesome, good to know I've been setting up my guitars like a pro tech for the last 25 years. I thank my highschool music teacher for teaching me the right way from the start.

[@canadiancombatwombatthe3rd782]

This video is honesty a god send, I can now save the $100 on setups and do it myself. Also for people finding Johns 1 mil action to be too low, try a 1.25 height. I've found and most definitely for extended range stuff, a 1.25 mil action is still fast but abit easier to catch a note on the fret board while also keeping enough clearance for the low strings to really rumble with minimal buzz.

[@flywithoutwingss]

That's 1.25 on fret 12th without pressing any other fret right?

[@canadiancombatwombatthe3rd782]

@@flywithoutwingss Yes it would be but these days I am using the Tosin Abasi settings found on the Abasi Concepts FAQ its low though so just a heads up when setting your guitar up.

[@flywithoutwingss]

@@canadiancombatwombatthe3rd782 do you mean the video where it's says 3/64 the first 4 strings, and then 4/64 the next 3? Cheers

[@canadiancombatwombatthe3rd782]

@@flywithoutwingss yes indeed, but you'll take these measurements at the 17th fret for the abasi settings.

[@Virtual-Media]

Hands on best string change video I’ve seen. Thanks for the posting, subbed and shared.. Wish a Majesty was in the budget, it’s a majestic masterpiece.

[@endtropi]

Than for the excellent video! Great tutorial from experts

[@74Bagas]

... And thanks for having Maddi, unsung hero

[@iNDERUdmg]

Thanks for this. I've changed the strings on my Majesty several times - and adjusted the truss rod. I always checked if the bridge was level and didn't need to adjust it so far (I adjusted the spring tension on other guitars though). Never tried to adjust intonation - I might try now.

[@angusorvid8840]

Not only an excellent video, but a great reminder of why I stopped using trems in 1988. I just don't care for all the tuning issues, and I was never big using trems anyway. Just not my thing. Maddi is an awesome tech. Dude knows his stuff.

[@boomerbassmeme]

Awesome interview and tips! Well done Kris! 😎👍

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks! Qho would you like to see in this format? Cheers! //Kris

[@meespeeters826]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses maybe a bass tech?

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

@@meespeeters826 yess, this would be brilliant

[@carloslema5400]

What a great find-Maddi thanks for sharing your gold

[@periclesrocha]

What an awesome video. I've been playing guitar for 30 years and I learnt so much. Thank you!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Glad to hear that man, cheers! //Kris

[@karltucker4173]

Awesome video! I wonder if there is already a video explaining the routine on the road for a guitar tech? Like before load-in, before sound check cheklist, etc... Basically a cheklist or to-do list to make sure the guitarist is in good hands after all his/her demands/personnal preferences. Thank you very much!

[@Jaundice__]

Really helpful stuff here. I’ve picked up many tricks over my years as a player, but it’s nice to see some tips from a pro.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks Jon! //Kris

[@Drtydeeds]

Maddi is such a pleasant dude, wish I'd seen this video sooner. Thanks for making it :)

[@bubuAndBass]

great episode !! 🌟

[@ernestsguitarandmusicchann6938]

Interessantes Video. Viel Eindrucksvoller fand ich die kleine Dem am Schluss. Wow! Hut ab! (Mich haben auch die kleinen LTE Gesprächsfetzen sehr erfreut) super!

[@capwillard9156]

amazing content as always!

[@Urxiel]

such an informative video. thank you very much for making this video! top notch!

[@wakinginfinity]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@WhipsterCZ]

EPIC stuff - thanks so much

[@jonrivera]

I though my Kiesel felt good and I literally performed all the checks along with this video and wow it feels like a pro now. This video is more inspiring than it is (already) informative

[@didyma]

Thank you so much for this.

[@Jay-wo8du]

Great video guys !!! Thanks

[@yoshiki.g1450]

Maddi is such a legend!

[@skeletonbow]

The way the 2 cameras are stacked on the right makes it look like Maddi has really short arms if you mentally join the videos together, it's pretty funny LOL Great video, love seeing this kind of content from the pros like Maddi on maintenance and tech etc.!

[@jpizzleforizzle]

I noticed this, too! It just adds a little more entertainment value to this already excellent video.

[@garyofalltrades]

Damn it, now I can’t unsee that! LOL

[@marcotobia2331]

That's what I realized too - and couldn't stop laughing myself loud haha

[@kelainefes]

Maddi "T-Rex" Schieferstein

[@divingcowboy]

A great demonstration. Thank you

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks for watching! Cheers! //Kris

[@lokmankamal]

doesn't matter how many time I setup my guitar,when it comes to intonation..it still confused me how it works..haha .. until I read somewhere many years ago about the tips to remember it. it was 4F ..fretted flat, forward to fingerboard.. helped me everytime.

[@Alek_Archer]

More interviews with Maddi please!

[@clanofhousecats8079]

I have multiple Majesty's and this is so nice to learn from Petrucci's tech himself!

[@InvictusBananman]

Are they worth the cash?

[@clanofhousecats8079]

@@InvictusBananman I believe they're worth every penny. You reminded me that I should make a video talking about the Majesty and about if they are worth the money. Here's a more recent video of me using one of mine kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmnMY418hcdrrJY My reviews on them are dated though, I'll have to make better ones in the future.

[@InvictusBananman]

@@clanofhousecats8079 NIce. I will watch that

[@clanofhousecats8079]

@@InvictusBananman I hope the future video helps people on the decision making for owning a Majesty or not.

[@kevinmcguinness1113]

@@InvictusBananman absolutely YES. I have a 2017 Majestic Purple model and it is hands down the best sounding, best quality built, most versatile in terms of pickup configuration (including the acoustic pick up built into the bridge and on-board 20dB boost circuit), most comfortable-to-play, most stunning guitar I have ever owned in 40+ years of playing. And they do tend to hold their secondhand / resale value, after you factor in ~30% drop from buying new. Only thing I would say is that the neck feels really small in comparison to other guitars - e.g. Les Paul, Jem - but blisteringly fast once you get used to it. If I were to put together a features list for a custom dream guitar, it would basically be a Majesty with adjustable-height pickups and a scalloped neck.

[@triugooo]

Well this is a great video, I can actually take a couple of lessons from here... Thanks!

[@ianinman7586]

It's really good to imagine the two angles of Maddi being one

[@blackcroworchestra8824]

Finally. Someone did it. Great videos.

[@tejedaAlex]

Thanks for sharing this man, this is gold!, btw, subscribed!, p.s.: more of this stuff (interviews with guitar techs of high profile guitar players)

[@naruto199797]

The guys behind the scenes dont get enough credit they are the ones who make sure everything goes smoothly all the musicians have to do is get up and play depending on what level they are at if they cant afford a tech they have to do all the maintenance themselves

[@ckjams1961]

Awesome video! I finally changed the strings on my Majesty Monarch. They were the originals and I held off because I thought I would mess up the floating bridge. I had issues with a Floyd Rose years ago on an Ibanez. And, since took it to a shop for restringing. Easy Peasy, with Maddi's method. Plus I love the EB system much better than the FR. Then again I love my Majesty over my Ibanez many times over. lol Anyway, thanks for the detailed instructions to both of you.

[@creationinspired200]

I absolutely love these setup videos you should try and find Claptons old guy and do one in his memory ❤

[@Julione7]

Great video! Thanks!!!!!

[@jameskidwell5427]

Wonderful advice !😃

[@Spider._.dust_music]

Thx for the killer video🎸🔥🤘

[@istillsuckatguitar]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@Steven_SK]

Kicking it up a notch buddy!

[@franky-161]

That is one really good video, ty so much

[@Scott__C]

Great info, always cool to see how the guys who earn their living setting up guitars do it. Thanks!

[@derNasenmann]

eines der besten Videos in diesem Bereich auf YT! 🤟

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Vielen Dank Florian!! Wir hoffen, dass es vielen helfen wird. Ciao //Kris

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

Okay, I bet I'll be watching this in parts but I'm already excited Thank you ❣️

[@g2guitars191]

Wow! Great video! 👍

[@tompparmp9928]

MAD RESPECT!

[@yanickmeloche3154]

Great video as always. No mention of pickup height. So I will assume they're body mount with no adjustment.

[@droidfan]

I am saving this video cuz... someday... someday... that will be my main guitar! Probably a good upgrade from my Harley Benton S-620 TR (hey! which I love!)

[@moonshine_messiah]

Great video! And that red seven string majesty is my absolute dream guitar🤘❤️

[@user-uu4kz7lx9s]

Same, i registered to the majesty 7 giveaway around a minute after it opened

[@miaoupha2370]

God bless you for those videos, fantastic to watch those pros.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks so much!! :) //Kris

[@nathancloud6344]

Great video!!!!!

[@larryfleming7295]

You seemed to enjoy that MusicMan ... I have a Sterling JP60 and that thing is AMAZING !!!! I could only imagine how awesome the REAL DEAL is like.OMG Ibet its next NEXT LEVEL

[@universalglimpse]

fantastic interview, really really interesting! 👍

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks so much! //Kris