Some guitars need more than a quick adjustment. If an instrument has been heavily gigged, bought second-hand, stored for a long time or simply feels tired, the RG Premium Setup gives it a complete reset.
This is a detailed strip-down, deep clean, service and precision setup for electric, acoustic and bass guitars. The aim is simple: restore the feel, tuning stability, reliability and confidence that make you want to keep playing.
Who is the Premium Setup for?
The Premium Setup is ideal for guitars that have seen hard use, accumulated grime around the hardware, developed dull or gritty frets, started drifting out of tune or need more attention than a standard setup. It is also an excellent starting point for a recently purchased used guitar when you want to know exactly what condition it is in.
1. Initial assessment and play test
Before removing anything, I play the guitar and assess its overall condition. I check the frets, nut, neck relief, action, hardware, tuning stability and electronics. I also take your playing style, preferred tuning, string gauge and action into account.
If worn frets, faulty wiring or damaged parts would limit the result, I will explain the problem and agree any additional work with you before going further. There are no surprise repairs or unexpected charges.
2. Careful strip-down
The old strings are removed and loose components are stored safely. Where the guitar’s construction allows and the work genuinely benefits from it, removable hardware such as the bridge, tuners, knobs, covers, scratchplate and bolt-on neck can be removed to reach the areas that ordinary cleaning misses.
I never dismantle parts unnecessarily. Set-neck and neck-through instruments remain intact, and every decision is based on protecting the guitar and its finish.
3. Finish-safe deep cleaning
The body, neck, headstock, hardware and difficult corners are cleaned using products and methods chosen for the instrument’s particular finish. Dirt, sweat, dust and residue are removed without harsh solvents or silicone-based products that could create future finish or repair problems.
4. Fret and fingerboard care
The frets are carefully polished to restore a smooth feel when bending and reduce the gritty resistance that builds up over time. The fingerboard is cleaned and, where suitable for the wood and finish, conditioned before excess product is removed.
Fret levelling, crowning, major fret dressing or replacement is not automatically included. If the frets need remedial work, I will show you the issue and quote separately.
5. Hardware and electronics check
Tuners, bridge parts, screws and other fittings are cleaned and checked. Suitable contact points and fixings are lubricated where required. The jack socket, controls, switches and pickups receive a functional check so obvious faults can be identified before final setup.
6. A measurement-led precision setup
Once reassembled and fitted with fresh strings, the guitar is set up as one connected system rather than a collection of isolated adjustments. Depending on the instrument, this includes:
- Neck relief measured accurately with a dedicated imperial gauge
- Nut-slot height assessment and adjustment where appropriate
- String action tailored to your technique and playing preference
- Bridge radius and saddle balance
- Accurate intonation
- Tremolo balance and return-to-pitch checks where applicable
- Pickup-height balance
- Tuning stability and hardware checks
- Neck-angle assessment on suitable bolt-on instruments when required
Low action is always a balance between comfort, fret condition, string gauge, playing attack and acceptable buzz. I set the guitar for the player, not to a meaningless one-size-fits-all number.
7. Final playing test and setup report
The strings are stretched, the guitar is retuned and the setup is checked across the full neck. I test chords, bends, upper-fret access, tuning stability and amplified performance where appropriate. Any final adjustments are made before the instrument is cleaned again and prepared for collection.
You also receive a record of the work and key setup measurements, giving you a useful reference for future maintenance.
RG Premium Setup – £80
The Premium Setup costs £80. Strings and replacement parts are not included, and any additional fretwork, electrical repair or damaged-component replacement will always be discussed and quoted before work begins.
Book a Premium Guitar Setup in Nottingham
RG Guitar Tech serves players from a workshop in Kimberley and a studio in Nottingham city.
For other workshop options, see my guitar repair and setup services, or use the contact page to get in touch.
Call 07312 258907 or email robertgrecoguitar@gmail.com to discuss your guitar and book your Premium Setup.