How to Tell If Your Guitar Needs a Setup
Signs Your Guitar Needs Attention – and Why It Matters
If your guitar doesn’t feel quite right lately—maybe the strings are buzzing, the action feels off, or it just won’t stay in tune—you might be overdue for a professional setup. A proper setup can dramatically improve playability, tone, and tuning stability. Radnor Guitars in Nashville specializes in making guitars play their absolute best.
Top Signs Your Guitar Needs a Setup
High or Uneven String Action
If the strings feel unusually high off the fretboard or some strings are harder to press than others, your guitar may need adjustments to the truss rod, saddle, or nut. Proper action makes your guitar easier and more enjoyable to play.
Buzzing Frets or Dead Notes
Buzzing, especially on open strings or specific frets, usually points to uneven frets, incorrect neck relief, or low action. A fret level or neck adjustment during a setup can eliminate this issue.
Tuning Instability
If your guitar won’t stay in tune—even after string changes—it could be due to issues with the nut, tuners, or intonation. A setup helps stabilize tuning by correcting string tension and making sure everything is properly lubricated and aligned.
Poor Intonation
When chords sound out of tune up the neck despite your open strings being tuned correctly, your intonation is off. This can be fixed with saddle adjustments and other precision tweaks during a setup.
Stiff or Squeaky Playability
If your guitar just feels off—too stiff, too loose, or inconsistent across frets—it could be due to seasonal changes, fret wear, or neck movement. A setup restores consistent feel and responsiveness.
What’s Included in a Professional Guitar Setup?
At Radnor Guitars, a full setup includes:
Truss rod adjustment
Action and string height adjustments
Nut and saddle evaluation
Intonation correction
Fretboard cleaning and conditioning
Lubrication of contact points
Restringing and tuning
We tailor every setup to your playing style, string gauge, and preferences.
Local to Nashville? Let’s Dial in Your Guitar.
Based in Nashville, TN, Radnor Guitars offers personalized setups for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. Whether you're a gigging player or a weekend strummer, your guitar deserves to play like a dream.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a setup or drop by the shop.
