One thing to do to lessen the blame on my poor old tool

[fuzzbender]

Speaking as a novice with cheap equipment and talent if you could recommend just one thing to improve the physical feel of the guitar, ie the strings, the intonation, the action, the neck, frets etc what would it be? or as i suspect it's not the equipment it's what you do with it.

[guitarzan13]

" One thing to do to lessen the blame on my poor old tool " Whew... you meant your guitar.... ya scared me there for a minute.... New strings and a proper set up will go a looooong way.

[gitlvr]

I'm with guitarzan13. A proper setup is the best bang for your buck. Assuming this hasn't already been done, a proper setup includes a fret level, crown and dress, truss rod adjustment, action adjustment at the nut and saddle, intonation, and pickup height adjustment. IMO, this should also include a new set of strings. $75-$150 depending on where you live, and well worth the cash.

[fuzzbender]

Thanks very much, you are so right, yes given all the variables it takes a pro. If only they could set me up.

[davenumber2]

Take it to a local tech and ask for a setup. Will work wonders.

[gearhead69]

Originally Posted by guitarzan13

" One thing to do to lessen the blame on my poor old tool " Whew... you meant your guitar.... ya scared me there for a minute....

My thoughts as well! Glad you're only having issues with your guitar!

[fuzzbender]

Originally Posted by davenumber2

Take it to a local tech and ask for a setup. Will work wonders.

Thanks, I'm sure; only should I specify what i want, eg low action, or should i just trust their to expertise to make the most of it? Cheers

[fuzzbender]

Originally Posted by gearhead69

My thoughts as well! Glad you're only having issues with your guitar!

What guitar?

[pdxjoel]

Originally Posted by fuzzbender

Thanks, I'm sure; only should I specify what i want, eg low action, or should i just trust their to expertise to make the most of it? Cheers

You can specify how you want it to play when they're done, or just talk through what's bugging you. Most of the adjustments will need to be done regardless of final state (like fret level and dress, neck relief) but some like action will depend on how you want it to play.

[AngryHatter]

Yes, specify what you want along with any issues you might be having...with the guitar.

[fuzzbender]

Originally Posted by pdxjoel

You can specify how you want it to play when they're done, or just talk through what's bugging you. Most of the adjustments will need to be done regardless of final state (like fret level and dress, neck relief) but some like action will depend on how you want it to play.

Many, many thanks. I assume there is no such thing as a perfect guitar, other than yer original tele

[fuzzbender]

Originally Posted by AngryHatter

Yes, specify what you want along with any issues you might be having...with the guitar.

It's really mostly in the neck for me. Given like many, being righthanded it's funny to have your left do most of the work and anything to do to make that less weird is a great help.