Setups and repairs to acoustic and electric guitars and basses form at least half the output from this lutherie. Most instruments are dealt with within a day or two after delivery and are given whatever treatment is necessary to make them play as well as possible. The majority of guitars and basses would benefit from a proper setup when new and it is surprising how many beginners give up very quickly because of the difficulty of playing a badly set up instrument. .
A setup is charged at £35 plus strings and any necessary parts.
Repairs to instruments are carried out on an ‘ability to do’ basis. If a repair needs particular skills outside the scope of this workshop, someone can usually be recommended. Repairs such as broken headstocks and split tops on acoustics are regularly carried out .
The Clifton Setup
Check electrics *
De-string and set neck level
Light fret levelling/de-grooving
Clean and oil fingerboard
Restring and set truss-rod
Set bridge height for appropriate action
Check and file grooves in top nut
Play to check for suitable action
Set intonation *
Check all screws and nuts for tightness
Lubricate as necessary
Set pickup heights * ( * where appropriate )
In order to get the best from your setup, it’s useful to know playing style; especially if you use a slide. Setups on guitars with floating tremolos usually cost a bit more.
If you have badly worn frets they can often be levelled or, if necessary, the neck can be re-fretted. (usually £90 - £120) or sometimes a partial re-fret can be carried out if you have serious grooves in just a few places around the 1st to 4th frets. (In which case you should play some different chords!)
