Set the action at the nut.
Set the action height and setting the intonation
Adjust the pickup height
The next step is intonating the guitar by adjusting the string lengths at the bridge saddles so the guitar
plays in tune all the way up the neck.
ALWAYS remember to loosen the larger hold down screw on the
top of the saddle before attempting to adjust the intonation or saddle height of the saddles.
Using a strobe or other accurate tuner, first tune the strings to pitch. Then press the high E string
lightly at the 12th fret using just enough pressure to sound the note. Check it with your tuner.
If the note reads flat, the saddle needs to be adjusted forward towards the nut, shortening the length of
the string. If the note reads sharp, the saddle needs to be adjusted back away from the nut, increasing
the string length to set the intonation.
Holding down the low E and high E strings at the
22nd fret, adjust the bass side of the pickups to 5/64"
from the top of the pickup pole to the bottom of the
low E string. Adjust the treble side to 1/16".
Lower your string nut slots for better playability
using gauged nut files. Measure string height over
the 1st fret, between the bottom of the string and
the top of the fret. A comfortable medium action is:
Unwound strings (G, B, E): 0.012" at the 1st fret,
Wound strings (E,A,D): 0.020" at the 1st fret Use
feeler gauges to measure the gap, or use guitar
strings whose gauges match the measurement
you’re after. Stop when the string sits on your feeler
gauge. Go slow and check your work frequently
it’s easy to go too far in this step and ruin the nut.
Your guitar is now be ready to play and ENJOY !!
Now Re-tune your guitar and check the action .Sight
down the neck and check for any Over bow (bending
backwards causing string buzz on an open string or
Under bow on the neck causing a higher than neces-
sary action in the midle of the neck when playing.
Adjust the optimum action with the truss rod.
Your MST kit contains the Wilkinson VS50 II K vibrato bridge. This features saddles which lock to the
top plate thereby eliminating any saddle movement greatly enhancing the tuning stabilty when using
the vibrato. ALWAYS remember to loosen the larger hold down screw on the top of the saddle before
attempting to adjust the intonation or saddle hieght of the saddles. The design of thes saddles
allow you to keep the saddles low to the top plate (a big benefit for tuning stabilty).
The ultimate action can then be realised by using the pivot posts to adjust the height of the bridge
assembly. Measure string height over the 12th fret between the bottom of the string and the top of the
fret. A good starting point is: High (unwound) E string: 1/16" at the 12th fret Low (wound) E string:
5/64" at the 12th fret. You can always go lower or higher depending on your playing style.
After setting the two E strings, dial in the remaining strings to match the curve of the fretboard
Assembly Instructions
MST 22 MM / MR models
Welcome to the wonderful world of guitar building!
These are the tools and supplies we recommend for assembling this kit.
(Stew Mac item numbers are included where applicable.)
Nut-slotting files
0.010" width(#0821)
0.013" width (#0823)
0.020" width (#0828)
0.035" width (#0832)
0.042" width (#0833)
0.046” width (#5313
Electric hand drill or Bench Drill press
Small Hammer # 4895
ESP Multi Spanner # 1344
Phillips screwdrivers, size #1 & #2 (#3000)
Understring radius guages Item # 0353
Center punch or awl (#3000)
Clamp (#3721)
Soldering iron
Drill bits: 1/16” 5/64“ 3/32” 7/64“ 1/8” 11/64“
Whether you are a first time builder or Professional Luthier this kit will
give you a top quality "Custom Shop grade"
Great sounding Great playing instrument.
This Kit Features Genuine Wilkinson Hardware,
Tuners and Pickups. CTS pots and CRL switches.