Set Gig
![]() |
Wouldn't it be Great to be Able to Buy a Guitar That Felt Gig Ready Right Out of the Box?
Guitar purchase “off the rack” can be a mine field, consider "custom" versus "pre-fab" electric guitars.
I love guitars, and there's nothing like a new electric guitar with a proper set up! I like the tone, the way it feels in my hands, and the way that I can make a guitar sound "right" for any kind of music that I play. Whether it's jazz, blues, country, hard rock, R&B leads, guitar chords, or just working on guitar tabs, all it takes is a flip of a switch, some prep, a couple twists of the knobs, neck alignment and I'm right where I need to be. I've bought a lot of guitars over the years, and discovered that taking that beautiful new Strat or Tele guitar out of the box was always just the first step in finding the guitar that fit in my hands the way that I imagined that it would when it first caught my eye. After a close inspection I found that my new guitar wouldn't be quite gig ready until I did all of the little subtle tweaks, repairs and modifications that would make it play just the way I wanted it to when I got it out onto the gig. I'd dress the frets, get the intonation just right, tweak the pick-ups, customize the configuration a bit, and before you know it, I'd be playing a guitar that felt like it was made to be in my hands. Playing music is always fun, but when I'm on the gig with a guitar that feels just right ... it's just pure guitar joy.
After a while I thought; “Wouldn't it be great to be able to buy a guitar that felt gig ready right out of the box?" As wonderful as that idea may seem, in reality it’s almost impossible to pick up a guitar in a music store “off the rack” and have it play right. It just doesn’t happen. There are many things that need to be done to “prep” the guitar before it’s ready to play. At Haywire Custom Guitars (http://www.HaywireCustomGuitars.com) we recommend and perform all of the following in prep for a guitar purchase before it leaves the bench at the workshop. For our purposes here I will focus only on electric instruments for now. First, let me pose a question to the beginning through the advanced guitarist. What Is Guitar Intonation and why is it important? Do you know?
Intonation is the accuracy in which an electric guitar or bass can produce a fretted note and the most important issue with any instrument. Setting the intonation on a guitar is the act of adjusting the length of the strings (by moving the bridge saddles) to compensate for the thickness of the string and the stretching of a string due to pushing it down to the fret board to produce a note. To adjust the intonation of your guitar or bass guitar, you move the bridge saddles toward or away from the fret board until the 12th fret note and its harmonic are equal in pitch to the same open-string note, which are exactly one octave apart. Accurate intonation is critical to pitch quality. Pitch quality is essential to "in tune" playing. Poor pitch quality="out of tune" notes which in turn = poor musical presentation. Wouldn't you or the salesman want to present your musical talents in the best way possible? Of course, you do.
Now, it is not necessary for a guitar player to know this at all. It is essential however that the guitar possess this quality and maintain as close to perfect intonation as possible. Buying on looks alone can be very disappointing. If however, you like an instrument for the looks but realize that you will need to have it worked on to get it playable then that is a savvy notion. It's best to speak to a luthier or guitar builder previous to any purchase. It's akin to asking a mechanic which car he would recommend-before you walk into the show room. In this way you can benefit from his first hand knowledge and experience and not have to go it alone. After all he sees the ones that breakdown more often than you or the salesman do.
Below, I have outlined the essential adjustments to be performed prior to purchasing and playing a guitar under optimal circumstances.
1. 4-axis Alignment of the guitar neck. The guitar neck is checked and adjusted to insure that it is true and straight to insure proper alignment on all axis. This step insures proper action and allows for more accurate and easier guitar tuning, playing and set-up in the following steps.
2. Inspect and Lube the guitar tuning gears
Each tuning gear is adjusted so that there is no play in the mechanism. They are then lubricated to insure smooth and even movement to make your guitar tune accurately.
3. Potting the guitar pickups. Dip the pickups in hot wax to reduce squeal and unwanted guitar feedback.
4. Prep the guitar body. Upon installing the guitar electronic components, great care is taken to insure that all wires are properly routed, spaced, and grounded to insure years of trouble free service with your guitar.
5. Level and polish the frets. This insures that all of the guitar frets are level, eliminating any possibility of fret buzz due to unevenness.
6. Radius the guitar strings. Most guitar necks have a contour over the top of the neck called the "radius". Adjust the strings to make sure the height of each string follows the contour of the guitar neck.
7. Adjusting the overall guitar string height and the action. Once the string contour and radius of the guitar strings is set, it’s time to adjust the overall height or "action" or distance of the strings from the top of the frets to the bottom of the guitar strings.
8. Set the guitar intonation. This step should be done twice. The intonation is normally set two times with a 24 hour period in between to allow the new guitar adjustments to properly re-seat.
If these steps are performed before playing your new guitar then, you won't be disappointed. Your focus can then be on the music and not the problems of the instrument. If it is "set up" properly a player will not have to "get used to" it. Everything on it will feel natural and fall right into place and the music can flow.
In summary, Guitar purchase “off the rack” can be a real disappointment. A thoughtful purchase should include consideration in buying a "custom" or "Gig-Ready" electric guitar versus a "pre-fab" instrument built on a production line. Custom guitars are individually built for a specific customer and will have all of the above necessary operations performed. All the guitarist needs to do is-Play! Sincerely, Rick Mariner http://www.HaywireCustomGuitars.com
Rick Mariner - Owner and founder of Haywire Value Priced Custom Guitars (http://www.HaywireCustomGuitars.com) and a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree from University of Maryland and a Masters degree from George Washington University.
Rick developed an 8 - Point “Gig- Ready” guitar process that allows for Haywire Custom Guitars that are "GIG-READY".
With many years of development and guitar set-up experience, we pride ourselves in helping to build you the “Just Right” Haywire guitar at prices well below market and "set up" to playing perfection.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Mariner
Rick Mariner
http://www.HaywireCustomGuitars.com
About the Author
Rick Mariner - Owner and founder of Haywire Value Priced
Custom Guitars (http://www.HaywireCustomGuitars.com) and a member of The Association of Stringed
Instrument Artisans (A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. He holds a bachelors degree from University of Md. and a Masters degree from George Washington University.
Haywire developed an 8 - Point “Gig- Ready” guitar process that
allows for Haywire Custom Guitars that are "GIG-READY".
With many years of development and guitar set-up experience,
we pride ourselves in helping to build you the “Just Right”
Haywire guitar for you at prices well below market.
|
|
Gig $9.99 Track Listing: 1. Get in the Back of the Van - (featuring Matty Amendola), 2. Cruisin' to the Gig - (featuring Andy Burton), 3. Who's Fighting Who?, 4. Outside the Club - (featuring Jon Graboff), 5. Soundman - (featuring Matty Amendola), 6. We're Gonna Light Your Set List On Fire, 7. Rival Band - (featuring Sean Murray/Mick Murray/Andy Burton), 8. Playing Music (Is Its Own Reward) - (featuring Richard Lloyd), 9. Thank You for Coming - (featuring James Mastro), 10. Bowery 3AM - (featuring Midnight Choir/Andy Burton/Jon Graboff) |
|
|
The Gig $4.99 The Gig |
|
|
Hal Leonard Early Rock Set Gig Guide Book with CD $19.95 Hal Leonard Early Rock Set Gig Guide Book with CD |
|
|
Hal Leonard Modern Rock Set Gig Guide (Book/CD) $19.95 Hal Leonard Modern Rock Set Gig Guide (Book/CD) |
|
|
Hal Leonard Modern Rock Set Gig Guide (Book/Cd) $19.95 Hal Leonard Modern Rock Set Gig Guide (Book/CD) |
|
|
Hal Leonard Early Rock Set Gig Guide Book With Cd $19.95 Hal Leonard Early Rock Set Gig Guide Book with CD |
|
|
Proxim 5.8 Gig Wireless Sonnet Bridge 1x Unit Not A Set 3012811001 $5760.5 Proxim 5.8 Gig Wireless Sonnet Bridge 1x Unit Not A Set 3012811001 |
|
|
Mel Bay Gig Savers: First Harmonica Gig Book $2.99 The Mel Bay Gig Savers: First Harmonica Gig Book is the first published book to specifically cover what a harmonica player does from before leaving the house until the gig is over. The Gig Savers series has been designed to give studying harmonica players answers to common questions in a brief, affordable, yet informative fashion. Areas covered include: jam session etiquette; amp, mic and harp choice; building set lists; and everything else a performing harmonica player may encounter. |
|
|
The Last Gig $4.99 A teenage runaway from the Brownsville projects, Alessandra Martillo lived with an indifferent aunt who had taken her in when her mother killed herself, and later, after more than a year on the streets, a caring uncle found her, took her in, and showed her she had a chance. That was many years ago, and now Alessandra’s all grown up, working for a sleazy P.I., repossessing cars, and trolling for waitstaff on the take. The cases aren't’t glamorous, or interesting, but the work pays the bills. And she’s good at it - if there’s one thing she’s learned since leaving the streets, it’s how to take care of herself around life’s shadier elements. When an Irish mobster named Daniel “Mickey” Caughlan thinks someone on the inside of his shipping operation is trying to set him up for a fall, it’s Al he wants on the job. She’s to find the traitor and report back. But just a little digging shows it’s more complicated than a simple turncoat inside the family; Al’s barely started on the case when she runs into a few tough guys trying to warn her away. Fools. As if a little confrontation wouldn't’t make her even more determined. |
|
|
Gig-FX The Mega Wah $199 The Gig-FX Mega Wah is 5 individual killer effects: A classic wah plus adjustable filters and EQs to get the sound of your choice from a cry to a throbbing deep wah that can give a guitar the funkiest, heaviest wah you can imagine. An auto-wah with controllable frequency. Set the wah to the tempo of the song and wah away rhythmically with no effort. A trig-wah triggered by a note—play a note and it wahs—no foot effort required—for fast licks, this is an unbelievably funky sound. Innovative stereo wah. Stereo in and stereo out—it wahs in unison on both sides—twice as much wah-appeal—but then—REVERSE the wah on one side so one side wahs while the other side "haws," so to speak. It's like a chorus on stereoids! A volume/gain boost pedal with up to +12dB of gain, controllable by the volume pedal. |
|
|
cecilio UKPNH Ukulele with Gig Bag $39.78 12 frets. Hawaii picture. Linden laminate top. Linden laminate back and sides. Ebonized maple fingerboard and bridge. Package Includes:. Kalos ukulele. Kalos Nylon gig bag. Pitch pipe and picks. Extra set of strings. |
|
|
Gig-Fx The Mega Wah $199 The Gig-FX Mega Wah is 5 individual killer effects:A classic wah plus adjustable filters and EQs to get the sound of your choice from a cry to a throbbing deep wah that can give a guitar the funkiest, heaviest wah you can imagine.An auto-wah with controllable frequency. Set the wah to the tempo of the song and wah away rhythmically with no effort. A trig-wah triggered by a noteplay a note and it wahsno foot effort requiredfor fast licks, this is an unbelievably funky sound.Innovative stereo wah. Stereo in and stereo outit wahs in unison on both sidestwice as much wah-appealbut thenREVERSE the wah on one side so one side wahs while the other side "haws," so to speak. It's like a chorus on stereoids!A volume/gain boost pedal with up to +12dB of gain, controllable by the volume pedal.Classic wah plus adjustable filters and EQsAuto-wah with controllable frequencyTrig-wah triggered by a noteInnovative stereo wahVolume/gain boost pedal with up to +12dB of gain |
|
|
SKB 12X8 Gig Rig Rack Case 886830285639 $337.49 The SKB Gig Rig series has set the standard for mixer/rack cases for more than 15 years. Based on the 1SKB19-R1406 Mighty Gig Rig design, the 1SKB19-R1208 Gig Rig provides more versatility than previous generation Gig Rigs. The 7 angled top steel rails are 12U rack spaces with extra room in the back for cable connections. The lid provides enough space for cables to stay connected as well as, space for the optional 1SKB-AV8 retractable shelf. The front facing 8U steel rails provide enough space for amps or outboard gear.Rear rack rails are included for additional mounting storage and support. In the same fashion as the Mighty Gig Rig, the lid can also be used as a pedestal. By placing the lid on the bottom wheeled skid and locking down the Gig Rig on top, the mixer height has perfect performance position. The 1SKB-R1208 Gig Rig includes two injection molded extra-long handles, (one per side) for easy lifting in transport. Four heavy-duty locking casters complete the new Gig Rig.Roto-molded of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)12U Rack spaces (top)8U Rack spaces (front/back) Threaded Steel Rails Lid can be used as a pedestal Rear Rack Rails are includedFour heavy-duty Casters |
|
|
Skb 12X8 Gig Rig Rack Case $449.99 The SKB Gig Rig series has set the standard for mixer/rack cases for more than 15 years. Based on the 1SKB19-R1406 Mighty Gig Rig design, the 1SKB19-R1208 Gig Rig provides more versatility than previous generation Gig Rigs. The 7 angled top steel rails are 12U rack spaces with extra room in the back for cable connections. The lid provides enough space for cables to stay connected as well as, space for the optional 1SKB-AV8 retractable shelf. The front facing 8U steel rails provide enough space for amps or outboard gear.Rear rack rails are included for additional mounting storage and support. In the same fashion as the Mighty Gig Rig, the lid can also be used as a pedestal. By placing the lid on the bottom wheeled skid and locking down the Gig Rig on top, the mixer height has perfect performance position. The 1SKB-R1208 Gig Rig includes two injection molded extra-long handles, (one per side) for easy lifting in transport. Four heavy-duty locking casters complete the new Gig Rig.Roto-molded of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)12U Rack spaces (top)8U Rack spaces (front/back) Threaded Steel Rails Lid can be used as a pedestal Rear Rack Rails are includedFour heavy-duty Casters |
|
|
Gig Guns $10 Gig Guns |
|
|
The Prime Gig $4.99 The Prime Gig |
|
|
Oud, Egyptian Teak with Gig Bag $554.25 Oud, Egyptian Teak with Nylon Gig Bag. Teak staves are used to construct the body of this beautiful Egyptian oud. The soundboard is solid spruce. The decorations can vary from those photographed; they may include 3 wooden rosette holes outlined with mother of pearl and a small diamond shape of inlay at the base of the neck. Gross measurements are 30" X 14" X 9.5". Includes nylon gig bag and pick. SPECIAL NOTE: No Warranty on Strings: Whether you purchase an instrument on-line or in a neighborhood store, manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey to your home. During this time the strings WILL oxidize and this may shorten their life expectancy and may reduce their sound quality. On occasion instruments may arrive with a broken string, therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings as soon as it arrives. Learning to change str |
|
|
SKB Gig Wing for Gig Rig $86.44 SKB Gig Wing for Gig Rig |
|
|
Skb Gig Wing For Gig Rig $94.99 SKB Gig Wing for Gig Rig |
|
|
Cecilio UKPBL Blue Ukulele with Gig Bag $39.78 12 frets. Blue finish ukulele. Linden laminate top. Linden laminate back and sides. Ebonized maple fingerboard and bridge. Package Includes:. Kalos ukulele. Kalos Nylon gig bag. Pitch pipe and picks. Extra set of strings. |
|
|
Cecilio UKPPK Pink Ukulele with Gig Bag $39.78 12 frets. Pink finish ukulele. Linden laminate top. Linden laminate back and sides. Ebonized maple fingerboard and bridge. Package Includes:. Kalos ukulele. Kalos Nylon gig bag. Pitch pipe and picks. Extra set of strings. |
|
|
Cecilio UKPPP Purple Ukulele with Gig Bag $39.78 12 frets. Purple finish ukulele. Linden laminate top. Linden laminate back and sides. Ebonized maple fingerboard and bridge. Package Includes:. Kalos ukulele. Kalos Nylon gig bag. Pitch pipe and picks. Extra set of strings. |
|
|
Cecilio UKPRD Red Ukulele with Gig Bag $39.78 12 frets. Red finish. Linden laminate top. Linden laminate back and sides. Ebonized maple fingerboard and bridge. Package Includes:. Kalos ukulele. Kalos Nylon gig bag. Pitch pipe and picks. Extra set of strings. |
|
|
Cecilio UKPWH White Ukulele with Gig Bag $39.78 12 frets. White finish ukulele. Linden laminate top. Linden laminate back and sides. Ebonized maple fingerboard and bridge. Package Includes:. Kalos ukulele. Kalos Nylon gig bag. Pitch pipe and picks. Extra set of strings. |
|
|
Cecilio UKPYL Yellow Ukulele with Gig Bag $39.78 12 frets. Yellow finish ukulele. Linden laminate top. Linden laminate back and sides. Ebonized maple fingerboard and bridge. Package Includes:. Kalos ukulele. Kalos Nylon gig bag. Pitch pipe and picks. Extra set of strings. |
|
|
Poster Gig Wedding Invitations $2.15 Created for you by Minted’s global community of designers, our invitation designs will set the perfect tone for your wedding day. With unique designs printed on luxe paper, all wedding invitations are available with several matching accessories. If you have any questions or special requests for your invitations, let us know how we can help at customerservice@minted.com |
|
|
Gig Young $7.99 Gig Young - Photo |
|
|
Gig and Saddle $12.49 Gig and Saddle - Masterprint |
|
|
SKB Gig Bag Set for Select Drums - Black $129.99 Transport your drum set to gigs with these bags that accommodate a variety of drums, including snares, toms and bass. The ballistic nylon construction and fully lined interiors protect your drum components from wear and tear. |
|
|
Used Skb 12X8 Gig Rig Rack Case 886830285639 $337.49 The SKB Gig Rig series has set the standard for mixer/rack cases for more than 15 years. Based on the 1SKB19-R1406 Mighty Gig Rig design, the 1SKB19-R1208 Gig Rig provides more versatility than previous generation Gig Rigs. The 7 angled top steel rails are 12U rack spaces with extra room in the back for cable connections. The lid provides enough space for cables to stay connected as well as, space for the optional 1SKB-AV8 retractable shelf. The front facing 8U steel rails provide enough space for amps or outboard gear.Rear rack rails are included for additional mounting storage and support. In the same fashion as the Mighty Gig Rig, the lid can also be used as a pedestal. By placing the lid on the bottom wheeled skid and locking down the Gig Rig on top, the mixer height has perfect performance position. The 1SKB-R1208 Gig Rig includes two injection molded extra-long handles, (one per side) for easy lifting in transport. Four heavy-duty locking casters complete the new Gig Rig.Roto-molded of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)12U Rack spaces (top)8U Rack spaces (front/back) Threaded Steel Rails Lid can be used as a pedestal Rear Rack Rails are includedFour heavy-duty Casters |
|
|
Gig Is On $16.99 Lubriphonic:3112 |



US $3.95









![New Rockbag 7 Peice Standard Set Deluxe Line Drum Gig Bags 4909]](http://www.geniswing.com/images/e/140757903400_0.jpg)




















































































