What is a set-up?
A set-up is the adjusting relief, action, the nut height, and intonation to make the guitar stay in tune and have more accurate tone higher up the neck. For electric guitars a set-up also includes adjusting the pickup height in order to make sure that the pickups are maximizing their sound without interfering with the string. Electronics are cleaned during a basic setup. Guitar actions are set to standards of the guitar type but adjustments can be made upon the player’s request. It is important to set-up a guitar every 3 to 6 months because the change of weather.
Why do I need a set-up?
Many things affect a guitar and its action. Weather and changes in humidity affect guitars (especially acoustics.) But a guitar will also go out of its proper settings from being played over time. When a guitar is not set up properly the intonation (the accuracy of the notes as you play higher up the neck) will be either too sharp or flat and the action of the strings will either be to low causing buzz or too high causing it more difficult to play because of the need for more pressure.
How do I care for my guitar?
If strings are changed frequently, the guitar will sound alive and loud. It will also stay in tune better. When changing the gauge of your strings you should have a set up done. In the winter, use a humidifier for you acoustic guitar and acoustic bass. Inversely, a furnace will dry out the air and it will affect the wood. Guitars are delicately cut and assembled pieces of thin wood. For solid body guitars it is not as critical to humidify them.