Hey there, Stu from Stu’s Guitar Setups here in (sometimes) sunny Sussex.
Today, we’re diving into a question I get asked all the time: “Is it really worth getting my budget guitar set up?”
If you’ve ever picked up a cheap guitar and thought, “This doesn’t quite feel right” or wondered if your affordable axe could ever play like those shiny, expensive models in the guitar shop window, then this post is for you…
Let’s face it – we’ve all been there.
You buy a nice looking, budget-friendly guitar, excited to start rocking out, only to find that at best it’s a bit of a struggle to play – and at worst you want to chuck it in the bin and never play again(!).
The strings feel like they’re a mile off the fretboard (they probably are…), it won’t stay in tune, and let’s not even talk about those fret buzzes and sharp fret ends!
But here’s the thing: with the right setup, even that budget guitar gathering dust in your closet could become your new favourite instrument.
So, let’s check why it’s absolutely worth giving your cheap guitar some professional TLC with a full guitar setup.
Why Cheap Guitars Aren’t Perfect (But Have Potential)
First things first – why do cheap guitars often feel, well, cheap? It all comes down to mass production and quality control. When guitars are made in large quantities to keep costs down, they don’t get the individual attention that high-end instruments receive.
It’s a bit like fast food versus a gourmet meal – one is made quickly for the masses, while the other is crafted with care and attention to detail.
But here’s the secret that many guitar manufacturers don’t want you to know: many cheap guitars are actually made with pretty decent materials.
The problem isn’t necessarily the guitar itself, but how it’s set up (or more accurately, not set up) when it leaves the factory.
Common issues with cheap guitars include:
• High action (strings too far from the fretboard)
• Poorly cut nut (affecting tuning stability and intonation)
• Uneven frets (causing buzzing and playability issues)
• Poor intonation (notes sound out of tune as you play up the neck)
These issues can make playing uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes downright impossible.
But don’t despair! This is where the magic of a professional setup comes in.
The Value of a Professional Guitar Setup
So, what exactly is a guitar setup, and why is it so important? Think of it as a full health check-up and makeover for your guitar.
Here at Stu’s Guitar Setups, I go through a comprehensive process to transform your instrument from a nightmare to a dream 🙂
Here’s a list of what my guitar setup covers:
- Adjusting the truss rod to ensure proper neck relief
- Setting the string action for comfortable playability
- Changing the strings (cheap factory ones feel like rusty cheese wire!)
- Fine-tuning the intonation so your guitar plays in tune all over the neck
- Making sure the string saddle heights match the radius of the fretboard (this is rarely set up from the factory and makes a huge difference to playability)
- Polishing the frets to a mirror shine so they feel like butter 😀
- Tightening up and loose screws and input jacks
- Optimising pickup height for the best tone
- Conditioning the fretboard to make it last longer and look great
- Giving the guitar a good old clean and polish
It’s a bit like tuning a car.
Sure, a budget-friendly car will get you from A to B, but with the right adjustments and care, it can drive like a much more expensive model. The same principle applies to guitars – a proper setup can make an affordable instrument play like it’s worth many times its price tag.
How a Good Setup Makes a Cheap Guitar Play Like a Dream
Now, let’s talk about the real magic – what happens when you give that cheap guitar the royal treatment?
Improved Playability: This is the big one. A well-set-up guitar is simply easier to play. The strings respond better to your touch, chords are easier to form, and you can play for longer without your hands getting tired. For beginners, this can be the difference between sticking with the instrument and giving up in frustration. For more experienced players, it opens up new possibilities in your playing.
Enhanced Sound and Tone: You might be surprised to learn that even cheap pickups and electronics can sound pretty good when everything else is set up correctly. Proper intonation ensures that chords sound sweeter and lead lines sing true all the way up the neck. And when your guitar stays in tune better, everything you play sounds more professional.
Prolonged Instrument Life: A setup isn’t just about immediate playability and sound – it’s an investment in your guitar’s future. By ensuring everything is properly adjusted, you’re preventing unnecessary wear and tear. This means your affordable guitar could be with you for many years to come, growing in sentimental value even if its monetary value remains modest.
So Is It Worth It?
Now for the big question – is it really worth spending money on setting up a cheap guitar? Let’s break it down:
Cost-Benefit Analysis: A professional setup with me starts at £50, depending on what your guitar needs (Floyd Rose owners, you know what I mean 😉 ).
Now, compare that to the cost of buying a new, higher-end guitar – we’re talking hundreds, if not thousands of pounds.
If a £50 setup can make your £200 guitar play like a £600 guitar, that’s a pretty good return on investment!
When a Setup is More Beneficial:
- For beginners: A well-set-up guitar can accelerate your learning by making practice more enjoyable and rewarding.
- For backup guitars: Turn that “just in case” guitar into a reliable performer for gigs or recording.
- For sentimental instruments: Got an old guitar with emotional value? Bring it back to life without breaking the bank.
- For budget-conscious gigging musicians: Make your affordable workhorse play like a dream without the worry of expensive gear getting damaged or stolen.
Conclusion: Don’t Underestimate a Good Setup
So, is it worth getting a cheap guitar set up? In most cases, absolutely!
A quality setup can breathe new life into a budget instrument, transforming it from a frustrating noise-maker into a real, gig-worthy guitar. It’s about unlocking the hidden potential in your instrument and, by extension, in your playing.
Remember, every great guitarist started somewhere, and many began on modest instruments. The difference is in how those instruments were cared for and set up.
Your affordable guitar might just be a great setup away from becoming your favourite axe.
Ready to experience the difference a professional setup can make? Don’t let your guitar’s potential go to waste!
At Stu’s Guitar Setups, I’m passionate about making every guitar, regardless of its price tag, play its absolute best. Get in touch with me by email or fill in the form on this website to schedule your guitar’s transformation.
Your fingers (and ears) will thank you!