What is set-up?
Set-up is the art of making a generally unwieldy, painful instrument into an instrument that is controllable, comfortable, and good sounding. There are countless variables and details in set-up, so for now I’ll just present the basics.
The following are the primary and least expensive components to coordinate for the best sound and playability for your particular instrument and style.
With regards to instrument playability, I look for:
- bridge crown arch
- bridge height
- string spacing at the bridge
- string spacing and height off fingerboard
- nut height
- string spacing at the nut
- fingerboard shape (scoop and arch)
- tailpiece and bridge relationship to the ‘F’ stops
- sound post fit and relationship to bridge
- type of bridge adjusters
- end pin fit
- string selection
Some additional variables that relate externally to the tone of the instrument and stretch the ear a bit further to hear the subtle changes include:
- density and variety of wood used in components
- density of material (wood, metal) used in bridge adjusters
- thickness of the crown and feet of the bridge
- variation of sound post placement
- wood endpin post instead of metal
Internal variables that effect the tone adjustment include:
- bass bar thinning or replacement
- top re-graduation
- lining thinning or replacement
- back braces (flat back only) thinning or reshaping
- neck angle adjustment
I've included this list to help illustrate the number of variables that may exist in any given instrument. The right set-up will reveal an instrument’s hidden potential.