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Hutch
What's a Setup?
Each and every instrument that Music Store Live ships goes through an inspection and setup, performed by our in-house technician, Hutch. He’s a good man, and thorough. Feel free to count the steps below if you’d like…
Headstock
Tuning Machines
  • Check for burrs and smooth operation.
    • Nut
  • Check for proper slot width, depth, and overall build quality.
    • String Tree(s)
  • Ensure screws are tight and check for burrs.
    • Neck
    Frets
  • Check fretwork for quality and functionality on each fret.
    • Truss Rod
  • Ensure truss rod functionality and smooth operation.
    • Action
  • Set low action without any fretbuzzing.
    • Hutch's bench.
    Body
    Pickups
  • Check and set pickup height.
    • Tremolo System / Bridge / Tailpiece / Stop Bar
  • Check for smooth operation and set proper height.
    • Strap Buttons
  • Check for tightness.
    • Electronics
    Knobs and Switches
  • Check for functionality, smooth turning, and noiseless operation.
    • Connections
  • Check solder joints for quality and functionality.
    • Overall
  • Check for cosmetic issues from head to toe, nose to tail.
  • Check playability for buzzing and smooth action.
  • Check and set intonation on each string.
  • Final tuning.
  • Final clean and polish.
    • Close up of Hutch at work.
    Unboxing Your Instrument
    When your new instrument arrives, please follow these instructions to ensure a great experience…
    1. Resist the urge to open the box immediately.
    We ship instruments all over the world from our sunny Southern California shop. Chances are good that where you live is drier, wetter, warmer, colder, or some combination of those, than it is here. Drastic temperature changes can impact an instrument's setup, so we advise that you bring the box indoors and allow it to slowly acclimate to its new environment for 24 hours before unboxing it.
    2. Tune it up!
    Due to said climate changes (climate changes are not a hoax!) your new instrument may not be in tune when you first get it un-boxed. This is completely normal.
  • Don’t have a tuner? You don't even need an app for that: Tune your guitar with a telephone!
  • Or, you know, we can sell you a tuner here: Tuners! – Music Store Live
    • 3. Rest easy, we've got your back.
    If there is anything you don’t like about your guitar, don’t worry, we’ll get you sorted out.
  • Give us a call at (866) 256-5725
  • Email us at info@musicstorelive.com
  • Flash an SOG (save our guitar) signal towards San Diego on a dark night.
  • Yell really loudly.