My guitar setup philosophy – from Stu

A lot of people offer guitar setups, but you’ll see all sorts of different prices around. Why is this? Well, the list of things a guitar setup can include is not ‘standardised’ in the guitar industry. So not all guitar setups are created equal – so I thought I’d explain what I offer at Stu’s…
Fender Cease and Desist S-Style Guitars: What Happened?

There are certain things that are guaranteed to get guitarists fired up: relic finishes, tonewood debates, whether you “need” a buffer, and now — Fender cease and desist S-style guitars. Over the past few days, the guitar community has been buzzing about reports that Fender has sent cease-and-desist letters to guitar builders over Stratocaster-style body…
Guitar Cavity Shielding: What It Fixes, When It Helps, and Whether Your Guitar Needs It

If your guitar is making more racket than a toddler on a drum kit, guitar cavity shielding may be worth a look. Buzz, hum and electrical interference can turn an otherwise lovely instrument into a bit of a nuisance, especially if you play near computer screens, LED lights, pedalboards or less-than-ideal wiring. As a local…
Why Does My Guitar Keep Going Out of Tune? 7 Common Causes (And How to Fix Them)

Tuning Trouble? Here’s What’s Really Going On We’ve all been there – you tune up, strum a chord, and five minutes later you’re sounding like a cat walking across piano keys. So why does your guitar keep going out of tune? Spoiler alert: it’s not always your tuners’ fault. As a local Sussex-based Guitar Tech,…
How Summer Temps Mess with Your Guitar (and How a Local Sussex‑Based Guitar Tech Saves the Day)

Scorchio, isn’t it? If your forehead’s glistening like a drummer at an all‑dayer, imagine what your poor guitar’s going through.July 2025 has already nudged 35 °C down here on the South Coast, with the Met Office clocking a toasty 33 °C in Haywards Heath earlier this month.Factor in last week’s yellow heat alert for West Sussex and you’ve got…
Guitar Tuning Problems: 9 Causes, Easy Fixes & Tips For Solid Pitch

Hey there — Stu here, your friendly neighbourhood string-whisperer in occasionally-sunny Sussex. If “guitar tuning problems” is the phrase ringing in your ears because your axe keeps slipping sharp or flat, pull up a chair and grab a cuppa. Let’s get you back in tune—and keep you there. “Out of Tune” vs “Won’t Stay in…
