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”.
Many times when I ship a guitar from the humid deep South to a dry
climate the neck sometimes will “hump” up a bit. This will cause what
can be described as guitar neck misalignment and sometimes a “string
buzz”. The best way to handle it is with a small truss rod adjustment
at the head stock. Sometimes sending a guitar back for a small
“tweak” is not always practical so here is a short guide to a small
truss rod tweak that will give immediate results to a “string buzz”
issue. The good news-it only takes a few minutes.
String Buzz
Rick, I’m having one fairly big problem with my guitar. I love
the way you set the action so low and I don’t want to change that, but
the two lower strings, E and A, are fret buzzing ferociously,
especially down near the head stock. What’s the best way to keep the
action as low as you set it and still lose the buzz? Filing the frets? Something else?
Please advise. Jim Hi Jim! Let me see if I can help you with some easy adjustments. It sounds like a hump in the neck is the problem.
You won’t have to loosen the strings as the adjustment to be made is intended to loosen the truss rod. Guitar strings are only loosened for tightening adjustments to the truss rod. As follows……
Sit down with the guitar between your legs looking directly into the
truss rod hole at the head stock. Take an Allen wrench and place through
the adjustment hole into
the truss rod at the head stock and make sure it’s a snug fit. I
usually apply a small bit of oil to the end so as to insert and remove
it easier.
Adjusting the truss rod
Now, imagine a clock. Imagine that the Allen adjuster wrench is the
large hand and you want to move it back (counter-clockwise) just 10
minutes (a ten minute interval). After that adjustment–
lay the guitar flat on a counter or floor and gently push down in the
middle of the neck to loosen the rod inside the truss rod cavity.
Almost as if you’re giving gentle compressions to a heart attack victim.
This should work to loosen any “binding” inside the truss rod
cavity and allow the upper strings to get over and humped area caused
by the differences in humidity. Tune the strings to pitch. Repeat steps
as necessary.
Jim-If you need to do it again-remember to go in 10 minute intervals
only to avoid over-correction. If you don’t feel comfortable then
bring it to someone that you know has some experience in adjusting a
truss rod and most likely they can handle it. This should work
nicely! Rick, I took the guitar to a friend of mine this afternoon and
he adjusted the neck and lowered the neck pickup just a tad, and I’ve
got to say, this is my new go-to guitar! I love the looks, sound, and
play-ability! You do awesome work!!!
Thank you! Jim
But wait!!!… Let’s look at a right left neck misalignment issue on your guitar
In the photo is a bass guitar neck and you can see how misaligned it
is. You’ll notice with this kind of problem your string is slipping off
the edge of the fingerboard. Also there will be more space one one side
of the neck end in the guitar body pocket.
What can cause this? Generally from my experience-a rough ride. When a
guitar is shipped the delivery guys are way too rough with packages.
This is the result of guitars being dropped and thrown around. It is
however an easy fix.
Loosen the string tension, and partially loosen the neck bolts in
the back of the guitar. Rap slightly or push on the head stock to
correct the problem. Hold in place and re-tighten the neck bolts. Very
small, almost imperceptible tweaks will result in a surprising results
for this type of guitar neck misalignment issue. It is very easy to
fix!
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”.
$135.00 Guitar Neck Profiling/Neck Shave Is A Viable Option For
Maximum Comfort. In a live situation “wood tones” in an electric
guitar will become even less noticeable. Let’s say everything is equal
and the guitar is perfectly in tune and intoned. The overall sound of
your guitar may be noticeably affected by a fatter/ thicker neck but
generally only when you are playing without the guitar plugged in to an
amp. Most of all, high gain electric guitar tone is very much
dependent on a players technique and comfort with his instrument and
not the thickness of a neck. Therefore, Guitar neck shave, Neck Profiling/Shaving is a viable option for comfort.
“Just $135.00 plus return shipping back to you”
will get guitar neck shave done to a thickness more comfortable for
you. If you have a guitar you just love but the neck is a bit too
thick-we’ll shave it for you. It will be much more ergonomic. We’ll
also replace the finish on the back to help preserve the wood and keep
it smooth and beautiful. Best of all, the turn around time is 2 days or less from when we receive it”.
2 things when shipping: First, Ship with the US Post Office. They are less expensive and much more careful with your packages from our experience. Second, Forget buying “signature required” services. Our postal carriers know where to leave the neck safely and securely. These two tips will save you money, save time by getting us the neck sooner and delivered safely.
“We are musicians working for musicians” Send your neck or guitar to us here:
Rick Mariner c/o
Haywire Custom Shop 2007 Lees Landing Circle Conway, SC 29526 http://haywirecustomguitars.com 843-347-5742
Guitar Neck shaving in the Haywire Custom Guitars-Custom Shop
Headstock Repair
One of the worst feelings things for a guitar player to see is the
headstock from his favorite guitar break off due to an accident. In most
cases the repair can be fixed. The guitar can play and look as good
as new. The most common guitar headstock repair is on a Gibson style guitar. It lends itself to breakage due to the design. Send it to us and we’ll fix it for you.
Breaks can be heart stopping, but can be repaired. We do it all the time.
Our services include but are not limited to: Custom Built Guitarsin addition we handle: Guitar Repairs 8 Point Tune Up Guitar Modifications, Hardware installation Custom Neck Building, Neck repair and Reshaping Full Guitar Set-Ups Fret Leveling and Fret Crowning Guitar Pickup Replacement, Pickup installation Special Circuits Custom Guitar Repairs Volume and Tone Mods, Electronics and wiring modification Recessed Heel Crest Guitar Re-Fretting Heel Crest Reduction Treble Bleed Circuits Super-wide Neck Replacement 1-5/8″ to 1-7/8″ Guitar Neck Shaving
We offer excellent guitar headstock repair service.
Prices are affordable for every day working musicians.
At Haywire Custom Guitars- Guitar Repair Shop, we have many ways to make guitar players happy.
If your guitar needs anything, give us a call. We’ll do it. If your
guitar neck is cracked or broken-call us to repair it quickly. Call: Haywire Custom Guitars 843-347-5742
Ship:
2 things to remember when shipping to us:
Firstly, Ship with the US Post Office. They are less expensive and much more careful with your packages from our experience.
Second, Forget buying “signature required” services. Our postal
carriers know where to leave the neck safely and securely. These two
tips will save you money, save time by getting us the neck sooner and
delivered safely. “We are musicians working for musicians”
Regards, Rick Mariner Haywire Custom Guitars Inc. Haywire Custom Shop, 2007 Lees Landing Circle-Conway, SC 29526 http://haywirecustomguitars.com
We can repair a broken guitar neck
Photo before neck break repair on a Les Paul
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”.
High-output pickups are distorted and mostly unpleasant in the tonal
spectrum. They generate distorted tones exactly as designed. The usage
for these distortion producing pickups are limited at best. Low to
mid-output pickups are more versatile and much quieter. They represent
better and more clear, clean guitar output signal choices. They’re
perfect for clean sounds, however you have the option of dirtying up
your sound by changing your amp settings or plugging into distortion
pedals. In the myriad of choices for amps you’ll find one that can
easily distort at will. Most amps have enough gain to make any pickup
generate heavy distortion levels. Picking a pickup just became easier.
Follow The Crowd ?
I know lots of people who only wear “name brand” clothing. So do you?
What if there was something else that fit better, looked and felt
better? Would they wear it? From my experience- No. Well, the same goes
for guitar pickups. If you’re just a name brand Lemmings kind of player
there’s no changing you. However, if you’re intelligent, independent,
not easily lead by the crowd and find your own path preferable, then
you’ll benefit from a great set of pickups that just sound good. Most of
all, they have a good solid signal for you to process.
How much would you be willing to pay for a custom neck profile?
Players buy guitars to play, therefore if the neck on your
guitar is difficult to play, then It makes sense to me that somebody
would pay for a preferred guitar custom neck profile. Would you? If it
was $1.00 to shave your neck is it worth it? What if it was $300.00? A
new neck will cost you about $300-$500 so maybe it makes more sense to
try and get it right before selling the guitar. We can do it for $135. I
know players who have sold off some really nice guitars in the process
of finding the right guitar. It’s expensive and time consuming to buy
and sell guitars to sift through and find the guitar for you. We can
change the profile, slim a neck, reshape and make it thinner for a
better guitar playing experience.
We can make a neck thinner for more comfortable playing
Guitar neck shaving or slimming may be a
viable option for your comfort. When you’re more comfortable playing,
then you’ll play better. If your neck thickness is an impediment to your
playing, then guitar neck shaving is the right decision for you. A
guitar neck shave will help you be more comfortable with your guitar.
Shaving and re-profiling are some of the and various possible custom
choices. If there is a guitar that you are very attached to then have
the neck reshaped if needed.
Guitar neck shaving, thinning or reshaping a guitar neck, re-profiling a guitar neck or shaping and duplicating guitar necks?
We do it all as a result, you feel more comfortable with your guitar.
Therefore, when you have a neck that you just love but it’s a bit too thick, we’ll shave, sand a guitar neck it for you.
Just $135.00 plus
return shipping back to you will get guitar neck shaving and slimming
done to a thickness more comfortable for you.
We’ll also replace the finish on the back to help preserve the wood and keep it smooth and beautiful. Best of all,
no waiting. We work on the neck as soon as it gets here. the turn around time is 2 days or less from when we receive it.
2-things to remember when shipping to us:
Firstly, Ship with the US Post Office. They are less expensive and much more careful with your packages from our experience.
Second, Forget buying “signature required” services. Our postal carriers know where to leave the neck safely and securely.
These two tips will save you money, save time by getting us the neck sooner and delivered safely. “We are musicians working for musicians”
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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