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A R T I C L E S
Why is This New Guitar So Hard to Play?
by Bruce Morrison
Recently someone commented to me, "It seems that many new instruments are hard to play. On some of them I can't make the F barre chord at the 1st fret. Why is that?" Yes, it's true. Some new instruments aren't so easy to play. Here's the reason.
Most instruments are built in an environment in which the temperature and humidity are strictly controlled. When the instrument leaves the shop, it enters a new environment. As I said in the previous newsletter, wood is dynamic. Because changes in temperature and humidity cause the wood to expand or contract, the set up of the instrument changes as the dimensions of the wood change. It doesn't make sense for any manufacturer to set an instruments' action nice and close only to have it shipped to a new environment in which a few weeks later the action will be below the fretboard. To paraphrase one major manufacturer, "Our guitars are set up at the factory to please the majority of players." Translation? "We've set it up so that it won't rattle and buzz, but if you want the action lower, we've allowed plenty of room for you to have it adjusted."
One of the first changes most people make is to restring with their favorite brand and gauge. Because that's apt to change the amount of string tension on the instrument, the truss rod and the saddle height will probably require some adjustment. Once that's been completed the depth of the nut slots should be checked and adjusted if necessary.
So, when you purchase an instrument, whether new or new to you, it's up to you to get it set up to suit you and your playing style. It's like adjusting the driver's seat, rear view mirrors, and hanging the fuzzy dice in your new car.
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