The Guitar Setup Calculator
The Guitar Setup Calculator (GSC) is a one-of-a-kind database tool that lists numerous setup specifications inspired by the top luthiers and manufacturers in the industry- all at the touch of a button! Easily set up your guitar or bass to play it’s best! This tool is a compliment to our guide “How to Setup Your Guitar Like A Pro”, which explains the procedures required to execute a precision guitar setup. You can also get an overview on the setup procedure by downloading and reading our “Quick Setup Guide”, available to all of our mailing list subscribers.
How to use the Guitar Setup Calculator
First, read through the Guide (or related articles) to become familiar with the process and theory of a guitar setup. It is important to follow the steps in order. Once you are ready to tackle truss rod and string height adjustments, use the Guitar Setup Calculator to find your perfect setup using the settings provided.
Instructions
The Guitar Setup Calculator™ is broken down into three sections.
First choose either JB Custom, Factory Style, or User Defined settings.
JB Custom is a series of specifications inspired by Best-selling Author & Guitar Tech Guru, Jonny Blackwood’s best setups. Select from the appropriate choices in the drop-down lists. You must first choose the applicable guitar type (electric, acoustic, or bass). From the guitar type, you must choose the appropriate playing style to reveal the recommended setup specs based on your selections. To try a different selection or style, you must refresh the page to clear the previous entries. Hitting the “Finish” button will simply end your session.
Factory Style will give you specific factory-inspired setup specifications* for numerous brands. Select from the appropriate choices in the drop-down lists. You must first choose the applicable guitar type (electric, acoustic, or bass). From the guitar type, you must choose the appropriate brand to reveal the recommended setup specs based on your selections. To try a different selection or style, you must refresh the page to clear the previous entries. Hitting the “Finish” button will simply end your session.
User Defined will allow you to experiment with different settings to come up with your own version of the best setup for your guitar. Select from the appropriate choices in the drop-down lists. Try different combinations between neck relief and string height settings until you have struck gold! Write down the settings and keep them with your guitar. To try a different selection or style, you must refresh the page to clear the previous entries. Hitting the “Finish” button will simply end your session.
*Factory Style setup specifications are inspired by the published specifications and are not endorsed by the manufacturers.
Legend
#6 string – commonly the low ‘E’ string, or the lowest and thickest string
#5 string – commonly the ‘A’ string
#4 string – commonly the ‘D’ string
#3 string – commonly the ‘G’ string
#2 string – commonly the ‘B’ string
#1 string – commonly the high ‘E’ string, or the highest or thinnest string
Settings suggested are to be measured at the fret specified for accurate results.
Note that the Guitar Setup Calculator provides suggestions only. The ultimate guitar setup is an art and one that will require practice to hone. What works on one guitar may not work on another- learn more about this by reading through the Guide. Understanding the correct setup procedures is key to getting the most out of this app.
Spend some time experimenting and feel the difference between different settings. Because you are measuring your adjustments, you can always revert back if need be.
Post your questions below!
Refresh page (ctrl + F5) to start over or try again
Post your favourite setup specs and the guitar model and if you find any bugs, let me know!
How do you set up a Hofner violin-style bass guitar? Mine came via courier and didn’t seem set up at all. The first fret buzzes a lot against the frets, and the 4th string buzzed on the bridge pick-up. The neck looks pretty straight to me.
Hi Ron, If it is buzzing on the first fret, it’s possible that the neck is back-bowed. It is also a sign that the neck could be warped (hope not!). I would try loosening the truss rod first and see if that helps. A Hofner-style bass is setup in the same sequence as any other. Neck relief first, then bridge height. If these don’t correct the problem, it is a sign there’s a problem with the build or neck. Cheers- Jonny
This data base is awesome. I had to look long and hard to find the factory specs to my EVH. This just piped it up . So I used it as a starting point that’s all. Then customize my setting to my liking. I wish something like this woulda been around decades ago. Now I’m starting in a bass then off to the acoustic and Jackson. Thank you so much!! 🙌🙌🙌 ✌️
Thank you for the feedback Don! Glad to hear it’s useful for your guitar setups. Cheers! JB
Hello,
I just finished your book “How To Setup Your Guitar Like A Pro” and find the instructions easy to follow.
I do have a question. I was looking at the Setup Spec Sheets and I don’t see any info for Peavey guitars. I bought a used Peavey electric a few years back and it looks like it needs some attention. Can you provide any information on a Peavey Rockmaster electric guitar? The serial number appears to be GNGI5108 (It’s on a well-worn sticker on the backside).
Thanks,
Don
Hi Don, I don’t have published spec’s for that guitar unfortunately, however if you use the Fender Strat setup specs, it should play fantastically.
Hello Jonny,
Love your books. I have two and looking forward to getting the book on building guitar kits. I came to the Guitar Setup Calculator page to check it out but there is no link to the actual database. I keep getting a message at the top about refreshing the page. Following are the description and instructions for use but no link. Just wanted to check to see if I am doing something wrong. Hope all is well.
Thanks,
Kevin
Hi Kevin, Thanks for the message and kind words! There must have been some conflicts with that plugin as we’re making several website changes as of late. It’s just been updated and tested here on 3 browsers. Hope you have no trouble and thanks for bringing it to my attention. Cheers!!
Thanks, works great!
I just want to say THANK YOU 🙏!
The book “HOW TO SETUP YOUR GUITAR LIKE A PRO,” is an Awesome Book! The Book helped me out a whole lot. I’ve been playing since I was
14 years old and I’m now 49!
I thought I knew ALL about how to Setup a Guitar, Boy I was wrong! Lol 😜
You have taught me New Skills and Different Techniques for setting up my guitars. AWESOME BOOK! I look forward to buying more of your books, concerning Setup and Building Guitars!
Thank you James! So glad it has helped!
Hi Jonny I have your book setup your guitar like a pro and in the section on setting string heights you’re setting them at the 12th fret but in the spec sheets you have fenders being set up at 17th fret. Does this matter much where they are set
Cheers Alan.
Yes, you will find a difference when measuring – so, when following the procedures in the book, you can stick with the 12th where it’s most commonly measured. But when following the spec sheets, the manufacturer examples for Fender’s procedure measures at 17th and with open string- not capo’d- and this is in relation to nut slot depth. Not to be confused with checking string height with capo on the 1st. Those spec’s will give you an example of how that model is designed to perform with those specs listed- not necessarily the best low-action setup. So adjust higher or lower to your preference/best performance. More spec sheets from more brands are coming soon, as well as an update to the setup calculator to test out. Hope this helps, Cheers!