Vid for Dads: Indio Cali Classic Guitar Setup

Inexpensive guitars (this one was purchased in 2021 for about $100 USD) often times may need a bit of TLC. This vid takes you through some basic ways to make such a guitar play easier and sound better.
For newbies, the most important part of this tutorial is adjusting the tremolo. Guitars made for beginners frequently need this loosened.
The sound samples were recorded directly into a digital recorder.

[@mintfresh6547]

Thanks, received my Indio Cali Classic guitar and these instructions were easy to follow. The screws for the Tremolo Claw was all the way screwed in for my guitar too making it a decked tremolo bridge, which was weird because it came with a vibrato bar in the bag

[@jhors7777]

Thank you for posting this helpful and detailed video

[@guitarhowtos2148]

You're very welcome!

[@luciasabrinadimaria614]

In-depth. Nicely done.

[@MotorRoseMusic]

Great video! I wish I would've seen this sooner. I would've linked it to a video I did on this guitar; it would've complemented it nicely.

[@daviddigital6887]

In most of the "guitar tool kits" they include the fretboard guard thing, you just move it fret to fret. Could save you from the taping. I use and steel wool or the block with it. Just my opinion but u can lose that first tree too. The frets are crappy an small on the Indio, it's the weak spot on the guitar but it will jam for 100$ plus a few upgrades like I did to mine. Pretty guitars! I have a vid of the vintage rolled saddle and 40mm trem block an locking tuners I put on mine. Fairly cheap an made the trem very usable without all the sticking an going out of tune so fast.

[@dennismullin3052]

Always enjoy your videos. Funny I was thinking-hey How To hasn’t made a video in a while-and BOOM-there you are. I have this guitar for just about a year now. I just love the feel and the tuning is amazing. Only changed the strings and set it up which was minimal. $84 delivered. So what do you think of it? I liked it so much I bought the DLX Quilted Top and also the Idyllwild A/E. I think they’re a steal? And thanks for the tips on How To adjust the Trem system. Would you buy another Indio? Take care. Look forward to more of your videos!

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Hi Dennis! Nice to hear from you. Here is some additional off-camera things I did: 1. Tightened the truss rod by about 1 1/2 turns (it didn't need it, but I like a straight neck), 2. Lowered the bridge saddles by about 1 turn each (again, it didn't need it, but I like low action). 3. There was no 'fret sprout'. I have yet to adjust the pickup height. It may not need it, but I like to experiment a bit. They were fine right out of the box as in the sound samples. I bought this guitar for a few reasons: 1. If a player wants to play my guitar as a guest at a gig, I'd rather have them play this one then any older guitars that I have...although I would not want this beauty to get scratched! 2. To improve the playability of it, if needed. 3. To demonstrate to those who may be new to guitar - or just have an interest - some basic adjustments. I may have been better off timewise using a block in the trem, but likely most people may not have one available. Agreed: the tuners are great!! They have a wide 'fine-tune' ratio, unlike most tuners in this price range. They turn on demand and are comfortably smooth. It's nice that they protected to strings from banging on the frets with that piece of brown paper. Also, including the 2 hex wrenches and the gig bag is a nice touch. I love the color!! :-) Yes, I would buy another one! No question! I may look at the black one or the white one and change out the pickguard for esthetics. Because I'm a bit late to this Monoprice product, I have to ante up $100, but an extra $10 or so bucks from what you paid, is the price for me to pay to protect my other guitars at gigs. Good luck, Dennis, with your guitars - and thanks for commenting. :-)

[@frankb518]

Nice touch up work! Makes a difference! Have done similar things to several guitars! That Indio Strat is Deff. On my Bucket list to get,. I have a Fender Tele. But no Strat ..... And my Washburn Acoustic. And I'm very impressed with Xavier LP style PRO 550 I think? Great affordable Guitars!

[@franciscoortega6291]

Hey bro !, do you know what size the bridge is on this guitar? 52.5 or 54 millimeters from the center of the sixth string saddle to the center of the first string saddle. Sorry for my English 🤘

[@tacobob891]

Anyone know what size the bone nut is? I tried replacing the plastic one with a strat bone nut and the strat nut is too short by 1-2mm.

[@jerryrussell2600]

He did not show the intonation adjusting

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Hi Jerry! Intonation covered on other vids.😊

[@indiedavecomix3882]

Was that Vaseline you put on the nut?

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Hi Dave! Yes.

[@balakays550]

Would that tight bridge cause strings to buzz around the third fret? My Indio has the relief maxed out in upbow and it buzzes on the third fret and action is super high

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Hi Blake! You may have a high fret.

[@balakays550]

@@guitarhowtos2148 how can i counter this? Sand down the fret a little bit?

[@guitarhowtos2148]

@@balakays550 Try tapping it down first. If high, the fret may not be seated properly.