In guitar tuning, a temperament is a tuning system that slightly
bends to find middle ground to the pure intervals of pure intonation.
Most modern musical instruments are tuned in the equal temperament
system. So “perfect tuning” is a search never mastered. It’s an ideal
never realized in guitar tuning.
Trussrod view relax and tighten for better action and intonation
“Temperament, in music, the accommodation or adjustment of the
imperfect sounds by transferring a part of their defects to the more
perfect ones, in order to remedy, in some degree, the false intervals of
those instruments, the sounds of which are fixed; as the organ,
harpsichord, piano-forte, etc. Temperament is what the Italians call participatione, or system temperato,
because it is founded on temperature; that is, on the diminution of
some intervals and augmentation of others, by which it partakes of the diatonic and chromatic systems.” according to Wiki Musical temperament notes.
Perfect Guitar Tuning
Can
perfect guitar tuning be achieved? Sorry, it cannot. But we can get
very close. It is impossible to place the frets on the guitar so that
all notes on the instrument will be perfectly in tune in every key —
simply impossible, because of the way tuning works. However in the shop,
when building and setting up guitars, we take all of this into
consideration.
Proper intonation is what makes a guitar’s strings
play in tune as you fret different notes on the fret board. If the 12th
fret note is flat or sharp, your intonation is off. On most electric
guitars you can adjust the intonation for each string individually at
the bridge with each saddle.
A fret notched straightedge for guitar neck being checked for string buzz, action and intonation in The Haywire Custom Shop
Very often, the strings are too high at the nut. As with the action when it is too high, chords will be very difficult to play, particularly near the nut. Normally, the strings at the nut should barely be higher than the height of a fret.
Locking tuners just make string changes faster and have a cleaner look. Locking tuners do nothing for tuning stability.
Anyone who says they do doesn’t know how to properly wind a string
around a traditional tuning peg. What they will do is take a well
balanced guitar and make the neck nose dive from the huge extra weight
added. Is that what you had in mind?
12-Tone Equal Temperament
12-Tone
Equal Temperament guitar tuning is difficult. This is the musical scale
which “ordinary” guitars are constructed for – in theory. In reality,
the best that can be achieved is a close approximation to Equal Temper.
How
do we solve the problem of imperfect guitar tuning? We set the guitar
up properly, cut the nut slots just right, radius the strings to the
neck. Then we set the action low, lubricate all friction points, set the
intonation at the saddles correctly. In addition, and get the action
very low, check again to make sure the truss rod is set perfectly.
Lastly we tune the guitar with an accurate digital tuner to get to notes
dialed in perfectly.
Rick Mariner Mr.
Rick Mariner Owner and Founder and CEO of Haywire Custom Guitars Inc.
He is a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
(A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree
from University of Md. and a Masters degree from George Washington
University. Rick developed his exclusive 8 – Point “Gig- Ready” guitar
process that allows for Custom Guitars that are “GIG-READY”. With Rick’s
many years of development and guitar set-up experience, Haywire Guitar
shop “Builds satisfied players… one Haywire guitar at a time”.
This is a guitar world now of changing your own parts. Players
mistakenly think they are experts when they change a part and it works.
In a perfect guitar world that happens. As you know it’s not a perfect world.
We do it all. We’re not simply “parts changers” but Luthiers, techs and craftsman.
We build from scratch and refurbish used guitars as well. Craftsman are
no longer getting into the fields of Art in Industry, refurbishing or
woodworking. Luthery skills are not taught in schools.
We are a custom guitar shop in South Carolina and have been building guitars for over 30 years.
Sometimes we build our own necks. However, we will add whatever our customers want.
We are not beholding to any company. We do neck shaving, profiling, installation etc.
Our necks are branded sure, on the head stock designs we create.
Musicians working for musicians
We have lots of guitars in the store, but if we have nothing set up exactly how a player needs it-then we get “real custom”.
Therefore, if it requires a change to another neck with a new install
to get you a smaller, thinner profile, we’ll do it. We can use one of
our necks, but if a customer desires to send a neck to install on a new
guitar we can remove the existing neck and add the one they choose.
Everything is done here that you can’t get in a music store. We are musicians working for musicians.
The goal is the get the right guitar in the right hands and a happy guitar player results.
When customers can state a very specific need, the outcome is naturally better. Above all, we listen.
In many cases, a player will ship a favorite neck to be duplicated for size, width and thickness.
Therefore, one of our necks can be used for that. It’s called a “baseline” neck.
A “baseline neck” is a starting point to create the final product for your perfect guitar world.
Guitar Neck shaving in the Haywire Custom Guitars-Custom Shop
This is a guitar world now of changing your own parts
Meanwhile, if a customer has huge hands and we have to start from scratch, but say Warmoth, Fender, Allparts, USA Customs
has one already built that is close-then that is the route we’ll take.
The cost varies according to what companies will charge for their “baseline” neck.
Our baseline neck has always been a very reasonable: $135. We work quickly and accurately.
The turn around time to add a neck is maximum 2 days and usually just one day.
Most importantly, these are just some of the things that we think about every day to make your custom guitar
exactly right for the guitar player who needs a great instrument for
his or her passion-PLAYING GUITAR in a perfect guitar world!!
We’re building satisfied players….. One Haywire Guitar at a time!!
When someone contacts the Haywire Custom Shop to re-build a guitar or
do a repair sometimes it’s the same feeling that a doctor has about
operating on his own child. It’s hard to let go of the guitar-even
for some minor updating and modifications.
So, trust is the key. Once the player has faith that we care and will do a good job then the process begins in earnest.
We also have available: “One Day Urgent Care Guitar Services“
for any special needs guitars needed. We’ll do it in one day.
Mr. Rick Mariner Owner and Founder and CEO of Haywire Custom Guitars
Inc.
He is a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
(A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree
from University of Md. and a Masters degree from George Washington
University. Rick developed his exclusive 8 – Point “Gig- Ready” guitar
process that allows for Custom Guitars that are “GIG-READY”. With Rick’s
many years of development and guitar set-up experience, Haywire Guitar
shop “Builds satisfied players… one Haywire guitar at a time”.
When selecting parts for your your guitar build, what are your real
choices? The very basic ones are: light or heavy wood, painted or
natural? So far easy ones. Furthermore, single coil or Humbuckers, no
rocket science here. Then still more choices, master volume & tone
or individual, 21 or 22 frets, Rosewood or maple neck, high or low
action? Why then do guitarists argue so much over guitars and how to
build them?
Good question. Go over to a guitar forum sometime and look at the
ridiculous things guitar players say are important in a guitar build.
Screw patterns? $400 bridges? $700 inlay? Really? Most forum members
have no idea what they are talking about. It makes me cringe
when I hear them giving advice to each other. They all have an agenda
and want to be heard. Sure, but they’re all experts right? No way, sorry
guys-keep your advice to yourselves. You’ll never get serious advice on
a forum, just speculation. So, ignore them.
your guitar build need not be expensive
Parts in your new guitar need only be quality. What am I
really saying? Unfortunately, and I know this will be terribly sad news,
so brace yourself…. Guitars need not be expensive to be great. Yes, the
cat’s out of the bag. It troubles me to have to tell you this. It’s not
always the parts that make the guitar it’s how they’re put together.
This doesn’t mean that guitarists need to choose guitars like they
choose a girlfriend. After all most have the same parts-and are
remarkably different in how they’re put together.
Bottom line is you have to make up your own mind. The question needs
to be asked, “Would you rather have a guitar builder build your guitar
or a guy on a forum”? I promise you they are not the same. You won’t see
guitar builders or techs handing out free advice there when they can
charge for it. Just remember, in the hands of a good craftsman-your
guitar build need not be expensive.
Rick Mariner working on your guitar
parts choices are not rocket science
The choices are very mundane and ordinary, but when the parts are
added properly then BANG! Just like the proper mixture of gunpowder. If
you don’t mix it right it will fail to work. SO…. the combination has to
be PERFECT. Same with your guitar build . Rather than stand over your
tech and direct the build-why not let them do what you want-then test it
and see if it needs tweaking. Generally, if you hire a great builder
the project is in good hands. Let him work. Usually after the guitar is
built then you’ll have something to talk about. However, first, let him
build it.
In 99% of the guitar builds I do for players most are exactly right
needing a few tweaks at the very end. This is where players need me, the
builder/tech to really listen. If it’s close, I can can get it the rest
of the way there. If it’s not already perfect then we work together to
get it that way. So, let me tell you what I told you. Guitars need not be expensive-just well built.
Guys on forums are not builders and will not offer good advice. Let the
guitar builder work and don’t try to convince him you’re the real
expert. Do the final tweaks together for the best result on your guitar build .
players try to build a guitar after 15 minutes spent on a forum
When I build a guitar following this very procedure-there are no complaints ever. Most of the fake complaints
we see are the ones involving malicious buying, competitors or players
that try building a guitar after 15 minutes spent on a forum. Let us build you a great inexpensive guitar you’ll love.
I know you’ll want to bring tools to assist, but it’s not necessary-we
can handle it. The important part is that you’re a happy guitar player. I
never feel as if the job is complete until I hear what the player has
to say about the completed guitar. I love a well finished job.
Mr. Rick Mariner Owner and Founder and CEO of Haywire Custom Guitars
Inc.
He is a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
(A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree
from University of Md. and a Masters degree from George Washington
University. Rick developed his exclusive 8 – Point “Gig- Ready” guitar
process that allows for Custom Guitars that are “GIG-READY”. With Rick’s
many years of development and guitar set-up experience, Haywire Guitar
shop “Builds satisfied players… one Haywire guitar at a time”.
What is it? Possibly, if you’re a guitar player, it’s the best place imaginable. It’s where you want to spend all of your time when behind the neck of your favorite guitar. Bond with your guitar!
The weight, the girth, the neck, the action, the balance and built in curves influence your guitar comfort zone.
Sometimes you play a guitar and instantly it’s a joy to play. Feel is
most important, more so than any other aspect of your instrument. As
builders, we can assemble the finest materials and mate them in the
best ways possible, but if a player doesn’t enjoy the feel then nothing
else really matters.
A guitar needs care from the moment it’s produced to the time it gets to you. The body and neck must work well together. All other parts must be in harmony with each other.
Comfort mods include, tummy cuts in the back of the guitar for
better more ergonomic fit with the human body. Because the cut makes the
guitar body fit the human body closer. The feel is softer with comfort
curves that feel more natural to us. Other comfort issues include
smaller and thinner guitar necks. In addition players with medical
issues such as tendonitis, we work with them. Guitar neck shaving is
done to slim down the neck for ease of play. Other comfort mods have to
do with a guitar players hand size, and reach on the “heel crest area of the neck”.
These mods help a player feel more comfortable
Still other guitar comfort mods include slimming down the general thickness of the neck, the width
of the neck, radius or curvature of the top of the fret board, height
of the strings from the frets, the scale length of a neck, string gauge, certain afflictions like arthritis,
may have an effect on the location of the volume and tone controls.
This affects the feel of the distance of the strings from each other.
Areas as neck back contours
can be very influential to a players comfort. Because all of these
mods help a player feel more comfortable. And therefore they are more
able to concentrate on the job of playing music.
As a guitar player you’ll need:
A well balanced guitar with light weight that you can play all night long.
Body contours in the right places, especially where your right arm lays.
Volume control is easy to manage while playing. One that retains the highs when dropping or rolling off the volume
A bridge that is comfortable to handle while palm muting
The strings are close to the frets board making it effortless to play the guitar.
Easy to grip neck with the right feel to make holding it a joy
Your Comfort Zone
When it comes to bonding with a particular guitar it needs to exactly strike your comfort zone at first touch. Nothing else really matters unless the guitar plays and feels great.
Mr. Rick Mariner Owner and Founder and CEO of Haywire Custom Guitars
Inc.
He is a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
(A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree
from University of Md. and a Masters degree from George Washington
University. Rick developed his exclusive 8 – Point “Gig- Ready” guitar
process that allows for Custom Guitars that are “GIG-READY”. With Rick’s
many years of development and guitar set-up experience, Haywire Guitar
shop “Builds satisfied players… one Haywire guitar at a time”.
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