Printable Setup Checklist

A practical setup checklist for tracking relief, nut slots, action, intonation, pickup height and final play testing.

This checklist is a reference for documenting setup work. It is not a substitute for experience, but it helps keep the order of operations sane.

Before adjustment

• Confirm tuning and string gauge.
• Stretch and settle strings.
• Record the player complaint.
• Check for loose hardware.
• Inspect fret condition.

Neck relief

• Measure relief with the guitar tuned to pitch.
• Adjust only if needed.
• Retune and recheck after adjustment.

Nut slots

• Check first-position feel.
• Check open-string buzz.
• Check whether fretted notes pull sharp near the nut.

Action and radius

• Measure bass and treble string height.
• Match saddle heights to fretboard radius where adjustable.
• Check bends and upper fret access.

Intonation

• Set after relief and action are stable.
• Use fresh or stable strings.
• Check under normal playing pressure.

Pickup height

• Balance output between pickups.
• Listen for magnetic pull or warble.
• Check clean and driven sounds if possible.

Final play test

Play open chords, barre chords, single notes, bends, quiet passages, hard attack and the pickup positions the player actually uses.