Guitar Setup & Adjustment

A perfectly adjusted instrument is far more than a mere technical necessity; it is the interface between the musician's intention and the acoustic result. Many guitarists struggle with action that is too high, making fingering laborious, or with unwanted fret buzz that impairs the clarity of the notes. In our Vienna workshop, we analyze the specific mechanical properties of your instrument to find a balance that preserves both playability and tonal integrity.

Whether it is a classical guitar, a steel-string acoustic, or an electric guitar, every instrument reacts differently to climatic fluctuations and the individual playing style of the musician. A professional setup involves a systematic review of all critical contact points: from the nut through the neck relief to the bridge. By precisely adjusting these elements, we reduce the physical strain on the left hand and ensure that the instrument is accurately intoned across the entire fretboard.

Our service is designed for a wide range of musicians. For students of music academies and conservatories, precise adjustment is essential to avoid technical hurdles when learning complex pieces. Professional musicians use our services to bring their instruments to tour-grade reliability and ensure maximum stability under changing conditions.

Amateur musicians who are bringing their instrument back into use after long-term storage, or who notice that fretting is becoming increasingly strenuous, also benefit massively from a setup. Similarly, we recommend adjustment for collectors who wish to secure the value retention of their instruments through professional maintenance.

After arranging an appointment, you bring your instrument to our workshop in Vienna-Neubau. The diagnosis takes place immediately upon handover. Since we maintain a climate-controlled environment with a humidity level of 45-55%, we allow the instrument to acclimate first under extreme weather conditions before making final adjustments. This prevents the wood from shifting immediately after handover due to temperature differences.

Throughout the process, we document all changes. Should we detect defects during the adjustment that exceed the standard setup (e.g., deep cracks in the wood or defective tuning machines), we will contact you immediately to discuss a supplementary cost estimate. We only begin work not included in the original order after your explicit consent.

To achieve a high-quality result, we ask you to inform us which string gauge you prefer or currently use. If you prefer a specific brand or model, please bring them with you or provide the specifications in advance. We recommend transporting the instrument in a stable case or a high-quality bag to avoid mechanical damage on the way to the workshop.

Consider in advance which specific problems you have noticed: Are there certain frets where the strings buzz? Does the guitar feel too "stiff" in the upper registers? The more precise your description, the more specifically we can tailor the setup to your individual playing style.

You receive your instrument in a technically optimized condition. In addition to the physical adjustment, we provide a brief report on the work performed. This includes information about the set neck relief and the string height at reference points. Furthermore, you will receive individual recommendations for the care of your instrument, especially regarding Vienna's climatic conditions.

Upon request, we document the condition of the frets and hardware through photos before and after the processing. Your instrument will be returned with improved intonation and an optimized feel, leading directly to a more relaxed playing style and higher precision.

The average processing time for a setup in our workshop is approximately 3 days. This period includes the necessary acclimation of the wood as well as the time for precise measurement and adjustment. In urgent cases, we examine the possibility of express processing, provided capacities allow.

We work exclusively by appointment to give every instrument the necessary attention. Please use our contact form to find a suitable slot. Pickup is also arranged by brief agreement to ensure that the instrument is ready.

A setup is an adjustment of existing components. Deep repairs or the replacement of parts are not included. This includes, for example, the complete replacement of frets (this is a separate service under "Fret Replacement & Leveling"), the repair of wood fractures, or the reconstruction of the bridge.

We do not perform work on instruments containing materials from protected species (such as ivory or Brazilian rosewood) unless valid CITES documents are provided. Likewise, the repair of electrical amplifiers or complex on-board electronics is not part of this specific service package.

Our prices are transparent and fairly calculated. The prices indicated in the following table include the statutory Austrian Value Added Tax (VAT) of 20%. For commercial customers (B2B), we state the net amount separately. The pricing is based on the time required for diagnosis, precise mechanical work, and final quality control.

Diagnosis is generally free of charge, provided a setup is commissioned afterwards. Should the diagnosis show that the instrument is not adjustable due to severe damage, we reserve the right to charge a small effort fee, about which we will inform you in advance.