Most guitarists know their guitar “needs a setup” at some point, but not many know what actually happens once they hand it over. So here’s a look behind the workbench: what we check, what we adjust, and why it makes such a difference to how your guitar plays.
Why a Setup Matters
A guitar is a balance of wood, metal and string tension, and that balance shifts all the time. Seasons change, the neck moves, frets wear and strings age. A setup brings everything back into balance and tailors it to the way you play. We explain the long version in Why You Should Regularly Get Your Guitar Set Up.
How It Works
- Get in touch. Use the form on our setup page, or send a WhatsApp with a photo of your guitar and what’s bothering you.
- Drop it off at a time that suits you. Anything beyond a setup gets a quote first.
- We get to work. Most setups are done within 24 to 48 hours, with updates on WhatsApp along the way.
- Pick up and play. Your guitar comes back clean, adjusted and freshly strung.
The Eight Jobs in Every Setup
Every guitar that comes in for a standard setup gets all eight of these.
1. Inspection and play test
Before touching anything, we play the guitar and listen. Where does it buzz? Where does it feel stiff? Is it in tune up the neck? We also check the frets, nut, electronics and hardware so nothing gets missed.
2. Full cleaning
The fretboard and body are cleaned of grime, sweat and buildup, which protects the finish and makes the guitar feel fresh again.
3. Fret polishing
Oxidised, dull frets make bends feel rough. We polish every fret so notes slide and bend smoothly.
4. Fretboard conditioning
Unfinished fretboards like rosewood and ebony are conditioned to protect them from drying out and cracking, especially important in the Dutch heating season. We use our own GuitarBuddy Fretboard Wax.
5. Truss rod and neck relief
The neck is set to the right amount of relief for your strings and playing style. This is the foundation of everything else, and it’s the adjustment that changes most with the seasons. We explain why in Is Your Guitar Ready for Autumn?
6. String action
We set the height of the strings for comfort without buzz, based on how you play. A light-touch lead player and a hard-hitting strummer need different settings.
7. Pot cleaning
Scratchy volume and tone controls are cleaned of dust and oxidation for smooth, quiet control. Curious about pots? Read 250K vs 500K Pots.
8. Fresh strings and intonation
New strings go on, are properly stretched and settled, and then the intonation is set so every note is in tune all the way up the neck. Intonation always comes last, because every other adjustment affects it.
What It Costs and How Long It Takes
A standard setup is €75 including VAT, for electric, acoustic and bass guitars. Most guitars are ready within 24 to 48 hours. If your guitar needs more, like fret levelling, a new nut or electronics work, you get a quote first. Nothing extra happens without your OK.
Tell Us How You Play
The best setups are personal. When you drop off your guitar, tell us what you play, which strings you like and anything that bothers you. That’s how a setup goes from “fine” to “this feels like a new guitar”.
Book Your Setup
GuitarBuddy is based in Zandvoort and works with players in Haarlem, Aerdenhout and Amsterdam, with a 5.0 rating on Google. See everything that’s included or book your guitar setup today.
