Gibson SG Setup
There are official specifications for setting up a Gibson SG, and I will put them below after what I consider are the best instructions for setting up an SG without measurements! I can't remember the forum I found them in but if you recognize them and can tell me then I'll add the link here.
(I have noted any of my preferences below.)
Best Way To Setup A Gibson SG Without Measurements!
(These are the instructions I use because they don't require measurements which means they are personalized to each individuals taste.)
Begin by tuning to your normal pitch, i.e. if you normally play in drop D, tune to drop D. Retune between each adjustment.
Start by setting the bridge height for frets 16 to 22, so that the strings play buzz free at the lowest possible height. Start with low E. Plucking normally play fret 16. Lower the bass side of the bridge until it buzzes, raise until clear. Now play it from fret 16 to fret 22. Raise slightly if needed. Check A and D and raise slightly if needed to get clean notes. Remember to retune between steps. Now do the treble side. If you bend notes up here, try a few typical bends, to make sure they don't buzz out. When all strings play clean from fret 16-22 go the lower frets.
First, understand the truss rod and how it works. You turn the truss rod ¼ turn at a time, then check relief. If the neck is too concave, turn the truss rod nut clockwise to remove excess relief. If the neck is too convex, turn the truss rod nut counter-clockwise.
Now play the low E string from fret 1 to fret 15, increasing relief (loosening trussrod counter clockwise) to relieve buzz or decreasing relief (tightening trussrod clockwise) to lower the string height. So tighten, by fractional turns (1/4 of a turn), until it buzzes and back off until it doesn't. If you bend strings, do your typical bends to insure they don't buzz out. Once satisfied, check the other strings and make small adjustments as needed, loosening by the slightest amount (1/8th of a turn) to relieve buzzing.
Set your intonation once you have acceptable relief, (i.e. no buzz) and easy action, and you're done.
This is the opposite order of most setup directions. It is based on performance and not measurements; hence, I don't take any. It works because the neck is immobile between frets 16 and 22. The trussrod only affects lower frets. By setting the upper end first, you know any buzzes are coming from too little relief. This method works for most guitars, with truss rods.
Set the pickup heights as appropriate for your playing style.
(The closer the strings are to the pickups the hotter the sound. Make sure to adjust the pickups with the strings fretted at the last fret to be sure they clear the pickup and don't buzz. The neck pickup will usually be closer to the strings than the bridge pickup.)
How to Set Up a Gibson SG.
(I think I got these directions from Gibson directly, or an employee of Gibson in a forum. I never found where he specified the measurements for the stop bar and bridge! I know the steeper the break angle the more sustain. But set it too steep and you'll have a tougher time with bends.)
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First make sure stopbar and bridge are at correct height and break angle.
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No matter your level of experience or proficiency with guitar playing, setting up your instrument correctly is essential for maintaining its tune and producing smooth sounds. This article will show you the correct way to set up a Gibson SG for optimal performance and sound quality.
Nut Height (Low E and A: 2/64” D and G: 1.5/64” B and High E: 1/64”)
If string height at nut is correct, recheck string height at 12th fret with strings open. Measurement for low and high E's should be the same as measurement taken at the 15th.
Neck Relief (at 7th or 8th fret with first and last fretted: .010-.012” - almost 1/64”)
A truss rod adjusts the space or neck relief available between strings and frets on a guitar, which has an impact on intonation. This adjustment is essential to get just right.
Strings (at the 12th fret: Low E-5/64 High E-3/64)
If you’re in search of a more classic sound, Gibson’s Vintage Reissue Pure Nickel String set is an excellent option. This pair uses a Swedish steel hex core wrapped with pure nickel wire to produce warm tones reminiscent of Gibson acoustics from years past.
For a vintage sound, GHS Boomers are an excellent option. These nickel-wound strings are manufactured to the same high standards as their other famous sets and will fit perfectly in classic rock, blues, and jazz music as well as metal music genres.
Nickel-plated steel guitar strings offer a bright and fast playing feel for many acoustic guitar styles. Their round wound design gives the instrument more volume while providing ample tension. These strings are ideal for both acoustic and electric guitar players, coming in various gauges.
Ernie Ball Slinky strings are a popular option for guitar players. They come in an array of gauges to accommodate most needs and are also available as cobalt sets.
D’Addario ECG24 strings are another great option for guitar players. These strings have a nickel wrap wire perfect for jazz guitars and produce an incredibly rich, deep tone. At an affordable price point, these sets come with color-coded strings to make finding the right set easier – perfect for your instrument!
SG Pickup Height (at the Low and High E with last fret fretted Bridge: 3/64” Neck:4/64” all other strings should taper according to fretboard radius)
The pickup height of a Gibson SG guitar is essential for getting the optimal tone and feel for your playing style. Whether you want to rip or play softly, finding the ideal setting can make all the difference!