Does a new Fender need a setup? This one did. A brand-new Fender Jazzmaster came in with the factory action higher than the owner wanted. Set to the owner's spec in 45 minutes, nothing replaced.
- Instrument
- Fender Jazzmaster, new, blue
- Tech
- Dave Eastwood
- Customer complaint
- New-guitar setup
- Diagnosis
- Factory action a little high for the owner's liking
- Work performed
- Set up to a spec the owner was happy with
- Parts
- None
- Bench time
- 45 minutes
- Outcome
- Played great with low action
What Came In
A new blue Fender Jazzmaster, in for a setup before the owner started playing it.
What We Found
Nothing wrong with the guitar. The factory action was a little high for the owner's liking.
What We Did
Set the guitar up to the spec the owner was good with. About 45 minutes on the bench.
Result
Played great with low action, in Dave's words.
Does a new Fender need a setup?
Often, yes. A factory setup is one height that has to work for everyone who might pick the guitar up. It is not a setup for you. A new guitar that plays fine out of the box usually plays noticeably better once the action and intonation are set to the person who owns it.
Related
- The Repair Vault
- Guitar Setups at Paul's Guitar Hideout
- What a Guitar Setup Includes and Why It Matters
- When Should a Beginner Get a Guitar Setup?
- Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster: Tuning Instability and Swapped Saddles
Bring It In
Just bought a guitar and it feels stiffer than it should? A setup is the first thing to do with it. Setups at the Hideout.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If stairs are difficult or you're bringing in something you don't want to carry up, call or text us and we'll arrange access.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5 PM
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com