Set the action at the nut.
Set the action at the bridge
Adjust the pickup height
The last 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.
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 pres-
sure 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
Adjust the action at the bridge by raising or
lowering the string saddles. 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. Stew Mac 7.25” Radius guage
included in the set # 0353 is ideal for this ..
Holding down the low E and high E strings at
the 22nd fret, adjust the bass side of the pick-
ups 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".
Set the intonation
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 meas-
urement 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 necessary action in the midle of the
neck when playing. Adjust the optimum action with the truss rod.
Assembly Instructions
ST 50 / ST 60 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.