back in the case, and then, take it
out a week later, even two weeks
sometimes, and it’s perfect.
Electric guitars typically have
lower action than acoustics. The
strings should be close enough to
the fingerboard that they’re easy
to play, yet high enough that there
is no buzzing around the frets. Fret
buzz could also be caused by frets
that are too high – an indication of
bad quality control and a real cause
for concern.
Once the guitar is tuned, it should
play in tune anywhere on the neck.
This is called intonation, and there’s
a simple test for it, even if the
guitar is not in perfect tune. Touch
your left hand to the string at the
12
th
fret (without pushing the string
to the fret) and pluck it to create
a “harmonic” note. Now press the
string to the fret and pluck it. If the
intonation is correct, the harmonic
note will be identical to the fretted
note. (Note: Manufacturers typically
set up their instruments for the
average playing style. If your playing
style is heavier than normal, expect
some string buzzing. If you’re
used to a heavier gauge of strings,
expect your heavier grip to create
bad intonation.)
A guitar with bad intonation or
action that’s too high or too low
can often be “fixed” with a few
easy adjustments, but it’s a sign
of indifference on the part of the
manufacturer to offer an instrument
for sale that is not set up properly.
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