Essential tools for a setup newbie?

[Fendereedo]

Can you post a picture of how you use them to measure string height?

Next time I set up, sure.

 

[hd09]

A neck rest is good to have. I like a rifle rest, it works good. Can also make one easily.

 

[rdjones]

The Fender tool kit has nearly everything you need to work on US spec guitars.
It doesn't include a tuner, though.

 

[Fendereedo]

Crap, no wonder you questioned my post, I meant to post this one instead, duh!

 

[kbold]

I use these things ....

.... of varying thicknesses.
Especially for setting nut slot depth.

Can be used for other things as well.

 

[Mekhem]

In terms of tools, the list can be quite extensive depending on how deep into setup you want to go. For example if you just want to set the string heights, you just need a string height gauge and a hex key to screw driver to adjust the saddles.

A basic setup includes the following. (with tools in brackets)
- Inspect the frets (Fret rocker) - if levelling required (notched rule, sanding beam, crowning file)
- Measure and adjust the relief (Feeler gauge, nut wrench/hex key)
- Measure and adjust saddle height (String height gauge, radius gauge)
- Measure and adjust nut height (Feeler gauge, Nut files)
- Adjust the intonation (A "very" good tuner, screw driver)

Hope this helps, but I highly recommend you read through Freeman Keller's post linked above for far more detail.

This is a good list but IMHO Unless you really really want to learn the whole process for building a neck I would skip the fret leveling and nut files. Things can go very bad in a hurry if that gets done poorly.

I would go with this - for a basic playable set up.
If the Strings are all off:
- Straighten neck (Nut wrench/Hex key)
- Inspect the frets (Fret rocker and steel wool/fret erasers) - Any will do tbh - and its good troubleshooting if you think there is a high fret somewhere. (Someone correct me - but if you are checking for high frets the neck *has* to be straight.) If the frets need a quick clean then a quick brush with some very fine steel wool or fret erasers will shine/smooth them out. Divots and recrown or level - straigh to a professional
- Inspect the board and clean as necessary - I have a preference here but this is a touchy subject, but maple boards I clean and RW i clean/lubricate (so Board cleaner product and soft rags)
-Advanced - check neck angle is in spec for bridge adjustment (long metal ruler) - shim as required. Like the Nut - once done this rarely needs to be changed

Put strings on (string winder)
- Measure and adjust the relief (Feeler gauge, nut wrench/hex key/Capo)
- If you are changing string guage or string brand - wait a bit and check this again
- Measure and adjust saddle height/string height (String height gauge, approparite hex key or screwdriver)
- Measure nut height (Feeler gauge/pick) This is something that shouldn't change much at all but if maintenance is needed - straight to a professional
-Pickup Height (string height gauge/nickels/accurate metal ruler)
- Adjust the intonation (A "very" good tuner, screw driver - I prefer longer and thinner for this)

Its been mentioned but i personally have the Cruz tools Fender custom shop toolkit - it has about 95 percent of the stuff that I use in it (the 'capo' is crap though. throw that away immediatley) but there are other kits that have the tools in them. I have 2 decent capos that i use for set ups - thier prime feature os that they hold the strings constantly and are easy to put on/take off. I have 2 so that if i have to take the neck off to adjust the truss rod (thank you fender) I loosen the strings and put both on and then remove the neck. I am also a big fan of the Music Nomand string height gauge (easy to read and has settings and some guidelines on it. When it comes to feeler gauges I really only use 2 or 3 - .010, .012, and the one to check nut height at the 1st fret so those are out free.

Pro Tip: I figured this out wayyyy too late, but if you have a good baseline set up and are going to use the same brand and gauge of strings you dont have to do much besides change strings and check neck relief.

TLDR:
Capo
Feeler gauges
Ruler/fretboard ruler/fret rocker
string winder
string height gauge
hex keys/allen wrenchs
Truss rod adjustor (nut tool or screwdriver)
board cleaner
steel wool/fret eraser
tuner

 

[Freeman Keller]

Crap, no wonder you questioned my post, I meant to post this one instead, duh!
View attachment 1080703

Yes, as I mentioned several times before, a string action gauge is one of the most valuable measuring tools on my bench. I have the StewMac version but they are all good.

I don't use it for nut slots, I think feeler gauges are much more accurate there, but it works really great for action farther up the neck. In a pinch it doubles as a fret rocker.

However I've got to admit I was looking forward to learning how to use calipers.

 

[Fendereedo]

Yes, as I mentioned several times before, a string action gauge is one of the most valuable measuring tools on my bench. I have the StewMac version but they are all good.

I don't use it for nut slots, I think feeler gauges are much more accurate there, but it works really great for action farther up the neck. In a pinch it doubles as a fret rocker.

However I've got to admit I was looking forward to learning how to use calipers.

Ha!
Have to say my answers are a little shaky right now. I just upset a family member with a misguided text. Me and technology aren't getting along today.

 

[kuch]

Music Nomad neck rest

See the Fender Tele set up pdf. It includes a list of tools to start with

Have fun