Guitar Setup 101: Make your instrument easier to play!

Музыка

Your guitar could be holding you back. If it isn't "setup" properly, the instrument will be hard to play and that can limit your musical abilities or worse, cause excess tension and lead to an injury. With the help of expert luthier ‪@MarshallBrune‬ (Mebrune.com), in this video you will learn how to easily more your guitar easier to play at home with a simple setup.
Blindfolded video: • Blindfolded Guitar Tes...
Marshall Blindfolded: • Blindfolding a PRO Lut...
Subscribe: bit.ly/3OY45ln
My Most Popular Videos: tinyurl.com/popularvideos3
➢LEARN GUITAR!🎸
My Online Guitar Course: classicalguitar-pro.com/
My Online Music School: arpeggiato.com/
My Arrangements: arpeggiato.com/music-arrangem...
➢ LISTEN TO MY MUSIC!
My CDs: arpeggiato.com/cd/
➢ FOLLOW ME!
Instagram: / brandon.acker.guitar
Facebook: BrandonAckerGuitar
➢ SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL!
Patreon: / brandonacker
➢ WATCH MORE VIDEOS!
Most Popular: tinyurl.com/popularvideos3
Newest: tinyurl.com/newestuploads
Classic Guitar: tinyurl.com/moremusic2
Guitar Tips: tinyurl.com/guitartips3
➢ MY GEAR!
Guitar support: amzn.to/3QZcc4n
Cameras: amzn.to/3WQ3ngT
B roll camera: amzn.to/44TIQu2
Speaking microphone: amzn.to/4auem2L
Interface: amzn.to/3V8KMvp
Portable Interface: amzn.to/3UPLXi6
Monitor: amzn.to/4bNWgdq
Hard drive: amzn.to/4dQZ7UI
Room humidifier: amzn.to/4dLMsCh
Case humidifiers: amzn.to/3QTTBXu
Headphones: amzn.to/4aqJaS1
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:24 Playability
2:14 Step #1: Check the Action
3:46 Step #2: The saddle
5:12 Step #3: Filing nut slots
6:32 Step #4: Polish
7:27 Step #5: Shim the nut
9:25 Step #6: Oil the tuners
10:05 Conclusion
I am Brandon Acker. I create guitar tips, classical music covers, educational videos about rare plucked instruments, tutorials, and more! Consider checking out my new online guitar course: classicalguitar-pro.com and supporting me on my Patreon / brandonacker
A huge thank you to my patrons on Patreon who keep this channel alive!
"Producer:"
-John Spindler
"#1 Fans: "
-Vivienne Yumi Nishimura
-Javier Artiles
"Super-Patrons:"
-Carsten Korn
-Håvard E Danielsen
-Jeshom
-Karen Pautz
-Tianhong Zhou
#brandonacker #guitar #classicalguitar

Пікірлер: 210

  • @brandonacker
    @brandonacker11 ай бұрын

    Learn classical guitar with my online course! 🎸 Classicalguitar-pro.com -Your first pieces -6 hours, 53 HD videos -PDFs, Downloads, and Quizzes -Simulated recital -Access to Brandon's feedback in an exclusive Facebook group

  • @TroubleActual

    @TroubleActual

    8 ай бұрын

    This was 1 of the most straight forward, easy to understand, home adjustments for guitars I've seen. Thank you much

  • @jacobhempel1855
    @jacobhempel1855 Жыл бұрын

    Marshall is so kind, friendly, professional, and exquisitely knowledgeable. I always love seeing videos of his workshop. Thanks for the fantastic video!

  • @sarcastaball

    @sarcastaball

    Жыл бұрын

    Gay

  • @chuckminzenberger7590

    @chuckminzenberger7590

    11 ай бұрын

    he is also very funny

  • @sarcastaball

    @sarcastaball

    11 ай бұрын

    @@chuckminzenberger7590 he's giving us all a gay old time

  • @DSteinman

    @DSteinman

    11 ай бұрын

    The camera loves him, the guy's an absolute character

  • @user-vr3ko2ji5o

    @user-vr3ko2ji5o

    4 ай бұрын

    He's dam cool. He set up my guitar several times when I lived in Chicago. Marshall if you're reading this hope you are doing well haha Mehdi J

  • @a11pu1poj
    @a11pu1poj Жыл бұрын

    my dad just gifted me his (very old) nylon string guitar. this videos timing could not be better!

  • @aylbdrmadison1051
    @aylbdrmadison1051 Жыл бұрын

    When sanding down the bottom of the saddle, it's a good idea to mark the bottom edge so you can see how much you're sanding off. With time you can do as Marshall does it. But in the beginning having a reference is important so you don't take off too much. Just run a small felt marker lightly along the bottom corners. If you want to take off a little more on one end, just press a little harder gradually as you head to the other side when marking it. Better yet, use painters tape (usually blue) to cover the upper part so the mark doesn't spread up too high. Make sure the tape is exactly to the edge of where you want to stop. Then lightly run the marker across the bottom corners. Better still, use only the tape, but you need a sharp eye for that. Note: I'm *not* a luthier (though I'd love to learn), but I was a professional woodworker for 3 decades, and as a guitarist and instructor for 4 decades, I know a few things about setup. Just enough so I haven't forgotten what it's like being a novice. But if someone like Marshall says I'm wrong, it's probably wise to assume they know better. 🙂

  • @amateurmakingmistakes

    @amateurmakingmistakes

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your tip! I too wondered about shaving the bottom of the bridge and thought that maybe I might use Vernier calipers to measure the bridge (and nut) height's progress.

  • @MarshallBrune
    @MarshallBrune Жыл бұрын

    It was great having you over!!!

  • @georgeknightley8828

    @georgeknightley8828

    Жыл бұрын

    Marshall, why do you say that you never want to see a neck that is dead straight? What are you looking for, then? Thanks.

  • @elverdaderojavier
    @elverdaderojavier Жыл бұрын

    The most import thing that people forget to mention: You cannot determine the action on your guitar or take any meaningful measurements unless your guitar is IN TUNE. Your guitar has to be IN TUNE every step of the way during a setup and you need to keep RETUNING it after every little adjustment. If the guitar is out of tune you cannot take any meaningful measurements and you will make a mess out of the setup.

  • @gilbipp8558

    @gilbipp8558

    Жыл бұрын

    ThanQ, I shall remember that.-)

  • @davidg5898
    @davidg5898 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent info and well presented. This is stuff that every guitarist should learn, even if they never attempt to do any of the work themselves, so they know what problems to look out for.

  • @tardisaframe
    @tardisaframe Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I have only now (after 30 years) realised how high my action was on my classical (bought from new). 4.5mm - 4.5mm . Have now rectified and wow! What a difference.

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad it helped!

  • @dolgolae
    @dolgolae Жыл бұрын

    Damn Marshall rocking the Patek Tiffany Nautilus 😮

  • @starmorpheus
    @starmorpheus5 ай бұрын

    That Tiffany nautilus on Marshall’s wrist…what a baller 😂

  • @fragskin5154
    @fragskin5154 Жыл бұрын

    I had to do this to a new guitar only 2 weeks ago, only that I bought a left-handed model (so the shop told me) however it was a right-handed model with the strings swapped round. This meant the saddle was way to high on the treble side and to low of the bass side (the saddle was setup with a ramp up to the bass side and once the strings were swapped around it was horrible). I took the saddle and flipped it around then used a file to re-cut the top (where the stings contact), making it a defined edge as Marshall talked about in the video with Rob Scallon. With a quick bit of filling on the nut, I managed to get it playing super easy, no fret buzz or intonation issues, and ending with 3.1mm on the bass side and 2.9mm on the treble side, and since I have a very light playing style, its works a dream. All this I have learnt from both yourself (Brandon) and Marshall, Thank you for all the gems of knowledge, and been an inspiration for classical guitar players all over the world.

  • @aylbdrmadison1051

    @aylbdrmadison1051

    Жыл бұрын

    My fingers are hiding behind my thumb right now, peeking worriedly around the side.. I hear tiny cries of _"What the hell?"_ and _"Please Gods, No!"_ Seriously, that sounds so uncomfortable. I had a friend who played a left handed bass, but before that he learned on a right-handed guitar and just played with the strings upside down. When he was playing something complex, he didn't know music theory beyond basic Major and minor chord names, so I would just look at what he was doing and imagine play that upside down. It wasn't easy, but it helped me seeing how things worked from a different angle, and I think it helped my overall understanding a bit. Or at least kept me sober a little more often.

  • @TomSwanPlaysGuitar
    @TomSwanPlaysGuitar Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful and just when I needed exactly this information. Thank you! Let me suggest using a high quality odorless sewing machine oil instead of 3 in 1 which makes my practice room smell like an oily garage. I always oil my machine heads when I change strings.

  • @kirbymarchbarcena
    @kirbymarchbarcena Жыл бұрын

    These guys are so amazing to watch when they work together

  • @davinciandiversity8823
    @davinciandiversity8823 Жыл бұрын

    Wow, I was literally examining one of my guitars the other day and thinking, “gosh, my action sure is pretty extreme, I wonder what I could do to modify it.” Look at you guys coming in to save the day

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice!

  • @prox3h
    @prox3h Жыл бұрын

    Great little video. Loving the content recently Brandon, thanks! And thanks to Marshall for teaching us a thing or two :)

  • @aylbdrmadison1051

    @aylbdrmadison1051

    Жыл бұрын

    I wish at least a good part of my three decades as a professional woodworker had been learning to be a luthier.

  • @jeremygomez7924
    @jeremygomez7924 Жыл бұрын

    Always love videos featuring Marshall!!!

  • @kevinmccormick6434
    @kevinmccormick6434Ай бұрын

    Well done, concise, and easy to follow video!

  • @elessin7
    @elessin7 Жыл бұрын

    This is amazing, thank you so much. I've played on and off for years but never done my own bridge or nut work. Let the experimenting begin!!!!

  • @carlossantamaria4378
    @carlossantamaria437811 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing guys! I have a Cordoba C7 that I was about to return because it was not very playable due to the high action; I followed these simple steps and WOW what a difference! I can not thank you enough!

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    11 ай бұрын

    I'm happy to hear that!

  • @Dolle_Man

    @Dolle_Man

    Ай бұрын

    I also gotten myself a C7, and the action is almost 5mm! Funny that you also experienced it. I’m totally new to playing guitar, but this step seems like an easy DIY.

  • @toneen0
    @toneen011 ай бұрын

    cheers! I did it on my Cuenca 50R n it is now a lot easier to play and the sound has improved too! 😊

  • @thekid8127
    @thekid8127 Жыл бұрын

    Hey Brandon, I'm a big fan of you. I'm from Albania and I play the guitar. I also play a traditional albanian instrument called çifteli. I would love it if you did a review on this instrument like you did with the oud. I promise that it will not disappoint. Thank you and take care!

  • @crisantobas3030
    @crisantobas303011 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the tips for diy set up

  • @416cyclestyle
    @416cyclestyle6 ай бұрын

    Marshall the coolest luthier out there… thanks for this great partnership. Such a wealth of knowledge between you two.

  • @CookyOfficial
    @CookyOfficial Жыл бұрын

    I actually ended up changing my string tension after watching a video where you mentioned light tension string. I had no idea that existed and it has made quite a difference in my playing, made it more comfortable, and I realized the strings weren't exactly replaced right either. Thank you for all the videos you make with Marshall. They are always so educational and it heightens my interest in the guitar so much more! Can't wait to see more and hopefully I'll get to be there for your class next month!

  • @brandonacker
    @brandonacker Жыл бұрын

    Join me on Zoom July 15th for a guitar masterclass: arpeggiato.com/events/

  • @aylbdrmadison1051

    @aylbdrmadison1051

    Жыл бұрын

    1:22 : As an old metalhead like me, Brandon knows about needing a Marshall.

  • @thesecretninjaboy
    @thesecretninjaboy Жыл бұрын

    Lol I just keep staring at the Tiffany coloured Nautilus 😂 exquisite taste Marshall!

  • @TheTaraneem

    @TheTaraneem

    Жыл бұрын

    Is that true, it’s worth around 2.8mil! Wow

  • @bug4ttidiv0

    @bug4ttidiv0

    Жыл бұрын

    I can’t believe he’s wearing this. He’s very succeeding I guess

  • @allan2098

    @allan2098

    11 ай бұрын

    That caught my eye as well, but I can't see any Patek name on the dial, I wonder if it is real?

  • @TheTaraneem

    @TheTaraneem

    11 ай бұрын

    @@allan2098 Indeed! It looks good though :)

  • @nurembergcode6148
    @nurembergcode6148 Жыл бұрын

    Talk about the sorrows of play ability; I bought a brand new guitar in 1978 - just like the one you are holding Brandon - though mine is a 1975 Ramirez East Indies A1 blue boarder label imported by Antigua Casa Sherry Brener Ltd (Chicago) which I bought in San Diego (btw the number under the fret board is #7). Though I loved the guitar initially it turned out the neck had a whooptie doo (was bent or shall we say had a scoop). Over a relatively long period of time I just sort of lived with it and then later bought a Ramirez Brazilian from my teacher Vincenzo Macaluso in Thousand Oaks thus favoring it and kinda setting the 1975 aside though luckily I did not sell it though I almost did. Eventually after talking to various repair guys I turned the 1975 over to Yuris Zelts at Blue Guitar in San Diego who "heat bent" the neck. The result was amazing as the 1975 blew away the Brazilian, which I subsequently sold and, though this was done like 20 years ago, the neck is still perfect. Much later with a different guitar I discovered a similar problem though it was fixed much differently. Through James Tyler my teacher at USC I obtained an ~1830s vintage Colin French Parlor guitar. Long story short after dealing with other problems it turned out the neck on it too had a whooptie doo. So, I took it to a good friend and luthier here in Crete who, whilst I watched, trussed the neck up in a vise and a jig and then amazingly laided down a bead of Super Glue on either side of each fret. He let is sit for about a half hour while we drank a little Tskoudia and then, taking the neck out of the jig, the neck was restored to perfect and has remained so. So, there are many ways to skin the play ability cat Brandon!

  • @MrAltissimo
    @MrAltissimo Жыл бұрын

    Literally got a new guitar to learn on and thankfully had a friend recommend I have it looked over, and thankfully I had a friend who is also a luthier take care of it for me! Great timing on the video!

  • @coaststrings
    @coaststrings Жыл бұрын

    Step #4 was a nice new tip. Hadn't thought of adding a mild abrasive (car polish) to the old bass string to polish the nut slots.

  • @isakoolsson
    @isakoolsson Жыл бұрын

    Just what I needed, thank you!

  • @johnwestcott5606
    @johnwestcott560611 ай бұрын

    Excellent video! Marshall is a maven! Thank you, Brandon!

  • @bassmasta9117
    @bassmasta9117 Жыл бұрын

    Ever since that video with the $300 Yamaha that was set up properly, I've really been wanting a Yamaha flamenco guitar. This video will help should I ever get one!

  • @MattLeGroulx
    @MattLeGroulx Жыл бұрын

    Marshall's the best, thanks to both of you!

  • @Krispy1011
    @Krispy10113 ай бұрын

    Great video - Marshal is master class for sure - thx

  • @scottconnuck3406
    @scottconnuck3406 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this very helpful information. My guitar has pretty good playability, especially down at the nut. It has a bit higher action as you go up the fretboard, but thankfully, it's not bad at all. Still, it's good to know that an adjustment can be made if needed. Thanks again, guys!

  • @jasongoodyer2587
    @jasongoodyer2587 Жыл бұрын

    Thought I knew all of this but watched anyway because your stuff is great. Why did I never think of lubricating tuners? What an idiot! Definitely doing that now!

  • @susanroycroft89
    @susanroycroft899 ай бұрын

    Thanks for that polishing technic on the nut 😊😊😊

  • @woodsideguitars1187
    @woodsideguitars11872 ай бұрын

    That was helpful - thank you so much. I have one guitar that measures fine for action on the 12th fret, but turns out was too high at the nut. Your guidance helped me make the changes at the nut, and it has made a big difference! Hats off to you gents! 🙏

  • @randolfjones1024
    @randolfjones1024 Жыл бұрын

    Fascinating great advice thank you

  • @marcelosuetam
    @marcelosuetam Жыл бұрын

    thank you so much! Great work!

  • @JorgedeBuen
    @JorgedeBuen Жыл бұрын

    Marshall is my new superhero.

  • @declanmoran6081
    @declanmoran608111 ай бұрын

    Great info, thanks a mil fellas.

  • @PabloUriarte
    @PabloUriarte Жыл бұрын

    This is an excellent video 👏👏👏

  • @themedallostoryteller1105
    @themedallostoryteller1105 Жыл бұрын

    Very useful Nice video!

  • @kevinmaillet4712
    @kevinmaillet471211 ай бұрын

    Getting close to the 5K viewers! Looking forward to playing that guitar!!!! ❤

  • @DanielOliveiraViolao
    @DanielOliveiraViolao Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!!

  • @hafid371
    @hafid371 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you ♥

  • @benlineberry1
    @benlineberry12 ай бұрын

    Wish you were close to the Boston area. :D

  • @michaeljamesduran1680
    @michaeljamesduran1680 Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful.

  • @dannywoody5497
    @dannywoody54972 ай бұрын

    Greatly appreciated your video very helpful

  • @blazbohinc4964
    @blazbohinc4964 Жыл бұрын

    I got my 750€ Walden CG570CEB set up 4 or 5 years ago (guitar is over 10 years old). Lowered the action considerably by lowering both nut and sadle AND sanding down the frets a little. After I put some really good strings on it I could not believe just how good it played. Yes, it does buzz if you hammer it, but it just plays to easy now.. much better than many guitars 5 times its price. I'll have to change frets in a while because I tend to pit them fairly quickly, and I'll maybe put some better electronics into it (it's electro-acoustic), but other than that.. perfect guitar for me.

  • @ndotl
    @ndotl Жыл бұрын

    My main guitar is an Ibanez AEL30, which I purchased in 2007. I used it for my classical guitar lessons (no fingernails). I believe I had been playing for 6 months or more, and happen to be at the guitar store where I was taking lessons. I happen to show the store owner the callouses I developed on the tips of my fingers on my fretboard hand. They were the type of dark dead skin callouses you get if you use a shovel on a regular basis without gloves. Based on the shocked look on his face I do not think the store owner ever saw anything like it. He let me know the guitar needed to be setup. I also have a cheap $100 Takamine that I use (primarily) for finger exercises. I had it set up as well, but I am sorry I did. I would recommend that if you have a cheap practice/exercises guitar, keep it close to the factory setup. This will build hand strength and it toughens your fingertips. Also, it makes it more likely that you will be able to play any guitar, regardless of the setup. If all your guitars have perfect setup, picking out you next guitar might be a frustrating experience.

  • @mpojr
    @mpojr Жыл бұрын

    well done

  • @ramdav8950
    @ramdav8950 Жыл бұрын

    very helpful

  • @oscarmaximiano990
    @oscarmaximiano990 Жыл бұрын

    I love to make these litle adjusts im my guitar.

  • @hugostiglitz5798
    @hugostiglitz5798 Жыл бұрын

    5:24 very carefully work the nut

  • @josephmckenna4068
    @josephmckenna406811 ай бұрын

    Thank you, that was very helpful.

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    11 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @oreally8605
    @oreally8605 Жыл бұрын

    Just did this a week ago. $80 at my Luthier. Wish I saw this video first.

  • @aylbdrmadison1051

    @aylbdrmadison1051

    Жыл бұрын

    If you can afford it, a really good professional setup can make a guitar feel amazing. If they're really good at it, the difference so great that I would always do that if I could afford to. Instead I have to do te best I can myself. It's better than nothing, but after experiencing one of the best (the guy who invented fanned frets), it's just not the same.

  • @pikacoins

    @pikacoins

    17 күн бұрын

    Is the setup at my local guitar center a “professional” job or is it a guy like me who watched a KZread video 🤔

  • @AlMacasaet
    @AlMacasaet Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful

  • @matthewbeyer8861
    @matthewbeyer8861 Жыл бұрын

    Solid beginner info!!! I wish this was available way back when I started!...I once over sanded a slotted saddle made out of hyena bone on 56 japanese classical!....even flamenco players would say no bueno! I shimmed it up with a few layers of shaved spent gift card plastic and was good to go! I've also heard heard of builders using aluminum as it's easier to add and take away to obtain the perfect balance...

  • @AGDiabloo
    @AGDiabloo3 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @blutey
    @blutey9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this. I've owned a couple of classical guitars where the strings were too high. Didn't know this could be corrected.

  • @GarySchiltz
    @GarySchiltz Жыл бұрын

    A couple of questions for Marshall, please. Polishing the nut slot: I assume you were using a wound string? Second, you determined that the saddle was a little high by measuring it above the 12th fret. Is there a simple rule of thumb for height above the first fret to determine correct nut slot height? You just seemed to say that it seemed okay as it was, but how would you know if it were too high?

  • @willhaile9272

    @willhaile9272

    11 ай бұрын

    thanks for the method of lowering the strings....the string used to polish the nut slots..you didn't identify if it's a cotton kite string or a certain guitar string..would you? thanks

  • @YannMetalhead
    @YannMetalhead10 ай бұрын

    Good video.

  • @bozophi1
    @bozophi1 Жыл бұрын

    Love the business card trick. Fun fact bowling alleys have poker card shims

  • @caelanholder3765
    @caelanholder37653 ай бұрын

    3:01 Literally, just watched a video where a “master guitar tech“ said that looking down the neck was useless. 😂

  • @chegademar
    @chegademar Жыл бұрын

    That's a nice watch, Marshall!

  • @felix111

    @felix111

    9 ай бұрын

    I thought it was a Patek Nautilus Tiffany Blue for a second.

  • @chegademar

    @chegademar

    9 ай бұрын

    @@felix111 That's it!

  • @topa1798
    @topa1798 Жыл бұрын

    3:42 Omg i glued mine,i will remove the glue now 🙏

  • @olavl8827

    @olavl8827

    Жыл бұрын

    Do it, or he's coming for you! ;-)

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    I'll try to hold Marshall off for a few minutes but you better act fast!

  • @topa1798

    @topa1798

    Жыл бұрын

    @@brandonacker right away sir🏃🏃🏃

  • @ImHemanth-vt6zd
    @ImHemanth-vt6zd Жыл бұрын

    Please post a performance video of tango en skai

  • @molloyju
    @molloyju Жыл бұрын

    interesting, so your saying that the tiny flamenco guitar i never knew how to tune was not in fact indicative of what a guitar learning journey might be like... is 32 too late to learn? lets find out! but ill make sure i start out this time with a setup that will help not hinder. Thanks to both of you, great informative video as always. i always come away feeling more hopeful about the possibilities

  • @aylbdrmadison1051

    @aylbdrmadison1051

    Жыл бұрын

    It's never too late to learn. I was known as a shredder in my teens and by the time I was in my 20's I was transcribing Bach and Paganini violin for electric guitar. Back then I played or studied music at least 8 hours per day. In the 90's though they said I played too good and to knock it off. Instead I knocked them off and took up playing less rock, metal, and classical, and didn't practice much if at all, though I was learning more styles. Then in my 40's I started practicing about 4 hours a day, but was practicing smarter and was soon able to play faster and more precise than I'd ever been able to do before. These days I'm mostly learning a ton of music theory from YT videos. So yes, the age thing only matters if you have arthritis or something debilitating. Even then, some people overcome such things... Andres Segovia was an amazing classical guitarist even in his 90's. Django Reinhardt saved his little brother from a fire, and in the process burned off the third and forth fingers of his fret hand down to just the first digit. He is considered the premier Gypsy Jazz guitarist in the world. Tony Iommi the guitarist for Black Sabbath on his last day at work just a couple of weeks before their first tour, had his middle and ring fingers (most of the first joint) chopped off by a steel cutter. He melted plastic pens to shape new finger tips, and glued them on. Last year I had something (they haven't figured out the problem still) cause massive pain, swelling, and stiffness in my hands to the point where I could barely dress myself and could only play a couple of notes on the high string. I refused to just give up though, and kept patiently stretching my fingers a tiny bit more each day. I often thought about those three when it was really bad. Now I can play most scales, and even a couple of violin parts. But I can't play even most of the open string chords like D, G, E, and C. I may never be able to play barre chords again too, but I'm not giving up on that either. In the meantime I find some work arounds. Anyway, I guess my point is that where there's a will, there's more often a way. _The optimist is far more likely to keep trying, thus drastically increasing their chances for success._ _Whereas the pessimist is far more likely to just give up, thus ensuring their own failure._ This is the incredible power of _Hope._ Never lose it.😊

  • @susannekalejaiye4351

    @susannekalejaiye4351

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm 70 and learning, so just be sure to practice smart.

  • @molloyju

    @molloyju

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aylbdrmadison1051 appreciate the words and best of luck with your own playing, hope you have plenty of music in your future!

  • @adam_a923
    @adam_a9237 ай бұрын

    Marshall. You are the MAN. I've watched countless videos trying to find the best and most concise tutorials for guitar maintenance and you just earned the number one spot. THANK YOU so much for this video, Brandon. Special thanks to Marshall as well. 🙏

  • @alainsoubrier1609
    @alainsoubrier16095 ай бұрын

    Ouah, I'll go seeking a luthier.

  • @andrewgrant9782
    @andrewgrant9782 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Marshall, very useful. My guitar's action is 4mm at fret 12 and I've always felt that it made things tricky around fret 9 upwards so I'll have a go at lowering it (probably in stages). Brandon, did you notice any difference in playability after Marshall's tweaks?

  • @aylbdrmadison1051

    @aylbdrmadison1051

    Жыл бұрын

    _"probably in stages"_ I'm no lutheir, but was a professional woodworker for 3 decades. And wanted to point out that in case anyone else was wondering, that is absolutely correct if you're just starting out. Also, I'll just paste the main comment I left.. [Quote] When sanding down the bottom of the saddle, it's a good idea to mark the bottom edge so you can see how much you're sanding off. With time you can do as Marshall does it. But in the beginning having a reference is important so you don't take off too much. Just run a small felt marker lightly along the bottom corners. If you want to take off a little more on one end, just press a little harder gradually as you head to the other side when marking it. Better yet, use painters tape (usually blue) to cover the upper part so the mark doesn't spread up too high. Make sure the tape is exactly to the edge of where you want to stop. Then lightly run the marker across the bottom corners. Better still, use only the tape, but you need a sharp eye for that. Note: I'm *not* a luthier (though I'd love to learn), but I was a professional woodworker for 3 decades, and as a guitarist and instructor for 4 decades, I know a few things about setup. Just enough so I haven't forgotten what it's like being a novice. But if someone like Marshall says I'm wrong, it's probably wise to assume they know better. 🙂 [End quote]

  • @andrewgrant9782

    @andrewgrant9782

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aylbdrmadison1051 Thanks. Sounds like good advice.

  • @tomweetikveel102
    @tomweetikveel1026 ай бұрын

    Marshall wears a fine watch

  • @CT-gy6us
    @CT-gy6us Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, this is helpful. What about truss rod adjustement? My Cordoba C7 has a truss rod and I tried to fiddle with it once (I was very careful).

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    @marshallbrune

  • @gilbipp8558
    @gilbipp8558 Жыл бұрын

    I would very much like to come by to see you(r shop) and perhaps purchase a good guitar. Unfortunately I am European, and you live on a whole other continent than mine...-/ But, very good videos you are doing with the Ackerman. You (seem to) know what you are doing!

  • @cam-inf-4w5
    @cam-inf-4w53 ай бұрын

    The algorithm is trying to hide this vid bc i searched for how to improv cheap classical guitar and this was only a suggestion out of a string of videos. Not in the scrolling and scrolling of result.

  • @martinburgos3027
    @martinburgos30276 ай бұрын

    Thank you @brandonacker for this segment. I enjoyed very much. Just subscribed to your channel although I have watched many of your KZread videos. Nw I won't miss anything, Thanks again. Martin

  • @georgeknightley8828
    @georgeknightley8828 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video, Brandon. I have a question for Marshall, though. I'd like him to explain why he said, "You don't ever want to see a neck that's dead straight."

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    @marshallbrune I'll let him respond.

  • @aylbdrmadison1051

    @aylbdrmadison1051

    Жыл бұрын

    In case Marshall hasn't responded yet: not having the correct curve can cause fret buzz, or the string just "fretting out" so it doesn't sound the note and has no sustain at all. I can't explain exactly why though. I'm fairly certain the effect is more pronounced on an acoustic. You don't want a big curve though, just the right amount. I don't even know to correct that without a truss rod. It was something I hope Marshall talks about (haven't finished watching the video yet.. yea, I'm one of those people, lols).

  • @georgeknightley8828

    @georgeknightley8828

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aylbdrmadison1051 Thank you for your response, I appreciate it! I've studied guitar design and construction; built a couple of guitars ( one classical; one steel-string); and worked at an electric guitar factory. But I was never taught to look for a slight curve. Because you're right: too big of a curve; and you're not ever going to be able to stay in tune. 😊

  • @alicamgibbs1867
    @alicamgibbs1867 Жыл бұрын

    Some local guitar shops and luthiers recommend using metal polish on the frets and lemon oil on the fretboard (both sparingly). What is your advice?

  • @ehtikhet
    @ehtikhet8 ай бұрын

    Marshall, are you wearing a Patek to do wood work?!

  • @Gopnik57
    @Gopnik5711 ай бұрын

    Brandon, i just watched your Oud video, and now i need you to look at the Turkish Saz! Any chance that might happen ?

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    11 ай бұрын

    Hi :) I'm interested in the saz but I don't have time to learn it. Hopefully one day!

  • @FusicPool
    @FusicPool Жыл бұрын

    Brandon, how come you aren't on spotify?

  • @ashtar3876
    @ashtar387611 ай бұрын

    oh wow no lengthy intro nice

  • @SarahAndreaRoycesChannel
    @SarahAndreaRoycesChannel22 күн бұрын

    I have a "cheap" that was surprisingly good when I found it in a store and since had 3 decades to age like fine wine. Since I also like to play wild and pretty much everywhere Iand found possible replacements online (Eterna EC 10) I'll love over an actual high priced, artist build guitar. But; The action still seems to be great, yet to make it even a bit better, I'd like to change the nut and saddle to bone ones (currently pvc) and the nut is glued in. What is the best way to loosen it without hurting the rest of the guitar?

  • @lust4bass
    @lust4bass11 ай бұрын

    For a non initiated, the explanation is quite incomplete. For the saddle, after evaluating the height that needs off, first identify the bass or trebble sides , marking with a pencil if necessary, then measure the height in the middle with a calliper before and during the sanding so you know how much/fast you sanded away. As well, sanding by hand can affect the flatness of the bottom of the saddle since the pressure of the hand is uneven ( in length AND laterally), and the very movement of sanding tends to wear off more the bouts. I always check that putting a light behind the saddle on a flat surface. To correct low or high spots, do not try sanding again the whole length but only the spot that need sanding. To sand only the center of the saddle, sand diagonally on the corner of the sanding paper. For the bouts, sand perpendicular on the side to the sheet, letting the unecessary bout out of the sheet. I also use to hold the saddle in the middle, switch sides and to count how many sanding movements were made so I am sure both bouts wear at the same rate. Bone or plastic can wear off relatively fast depending of the force applied and to the paper you use (120 240) For the nut, unless you have the proper fileS, I wouldnt touch it and let a pro do it. The cardboard trick, I prefer wood from a matchbox, carpenter veneer or wood from some french Camembert box that I press first with a vise to add stiffness. Sounds probably better but they all are cellulosis anyway. Cheers.

  • @DebbieBarrette
    @DebbieBarrette Жыл бұрын

    Nice video. Regarding the gut strings…how long do they last? I’d like to try them but they are 100€ per set!

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    If you play with nails get varnished gut. I recommend contacting Bostoncatlines.com Those will last you awhile. The first string will last the least amount of time (maybe a month with nails) so I should get two of those. You also only need to buy the top three. The basses can stay the same.

  • @DebbieBarrette

    @DebbieBarrette

    Жыл бұрын

    @@brandonacker thank you Brandon. Bostoncatlines wont work for me, I’m afraid, because I’m based in Europe. Import fees and taxes are problematic. I’ve just taken up the lute so I’m gradually filing my nails down a little every day. I’m liking the sound on my guitar the shorter I go although the feel takes a little getting used to. If you know a supplier of gut strings in the EU that would be wonderful. I found one but they only sell the Aquila full set. But I’ll keep looking.

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DebbieBarrette Yes you can use Cuerdas Pulsadas!

  • @DebbieBarrette

    @DebbieBarrette

    Жыл бұрын

    @@brandonacker awesome! Thank you!

  • @ralphmarshall1000
    @ralphmarshall1000 Жыл бұрын

    If you change the action, doesn’t this also change the intonation of the fretted notes? Thanks for the vid.👍

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    No the frets determine the intonation, not the action.

  • @christophermendez1589

    @christophermendez1589

    10 ай бұрын

    High action can ruin intonation as the string stretches slightly while pressing ,thus affecting pitch.

  • @DanDoroshDetroitMusic
    @DanDoroshDetroitMusic Жыл бұрын

    At the end he said no waxs, rejuvenators, etc.. Brandon, do you ever use a little spray on cleaner/polish or oil the fret board now and then?

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi! No I don't use anything to clean the instrument.

  • @markus-hermannkoch1740
    @markus-hermannkoch1740 Жыл бұрын

    Even the jokes are educative.

  • @paulboakes3680
    @paulboakes3680 Жыл бұрын

    "Then you need a Marshall 🔊" and I got a Fender 😂. Stay safe 👍

  • @Bob_Greasy_The_3rd
    @Bob_Greasy_The_3rd11 ай бұрын

    My guitars saddle was glued in :(

  • @dellafsemiga
    @dellafsemiga6 ай бұрын

    In action bass the height becomes 3.3mm, then How is the height of the action on the treble side? This video is very helpful, I’ve been looking for where the right high action, I want to try it, thank you for sharing it 😊

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    6 ай бұрын

    Less than the bass on the treble. Ideal for me is something like 2.5mm on the treble

  • @dellafsemiga

    @dellafsemiga

    6 ай бұрын

    @@brandonacker thank you for replying

  • @jamesfink9658
    @jamesfink96584 ай бұрын

    I inherited a Cordoba Solista CD and took it to my guitar tech for a tune up, who does excellent work on my electric guitars and Taylor steel string acoustics. He said everything out there about a 3-4 mm range of string height on a classical guitar at the E strings on the 12th fret is nonsense, and it should be more like 1.5-2 mm. Something about the higher height is because of underbow and with a quality guitar like I have he can easily make it 1.5-2 mm with no buzzing. I am new to nylon string guitar playing and his advice seems to contradict everything out there, but like I said, he has never failed me when it comes to my other guitars. Any thoughts about what he is telling me?

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    4 ай бұрын

    It seems to me that he is speaking out of his comfort zone. I've never played a classical guitar with less than 2mm at the 12th fret 1st string. It would buzz like crazy. 2.5 is the lowest I've ever seen. If you can get that low, great but most guitars you'll find sit happily around 3mm and then the 6th string 12th fret will be a bit higher because of the thick string.

  • @jasonfawks7713
    @jasonfawks7713Ай бұрын

    Is the business card shim ok for permanent or would you suggest eventually getting a new nut?

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Ай бұрын

    Permanent has been fine for me. I dont hear a difference

  • @Klara197
    @Klara19711 ай бұрын

    So u did not try the guitar after?

  • @hrburrell7587
    @hrburrell75873 ай бұрын

    Let's say you have a guitar that already has a very low saddle that can't be lowered anymore without the strings touching the wood on the bridge but it still has a very high and very tight action? I bought a brand new and beautiful Yamaha solid top classical that had this very problem, paid 600 for it but the action was very high and very tight, so tight in fact that I had to tune it down a whole step just to be able to play it, and there was absolutely no room to adjust it any lower because the saddle had been shaved down to just a sliver above the bridge. I'm thinking it was something to do with the way they braced this particular instrument but it was unplayable and I returned it. This was unusual because most guitars today even lower-end student models leave a little room for adjustment and are not this difficult to play.

  • @kaiserchief9319
    @kaiserchief9319 Жыл бұрын

    When is Marshall Brune coming to a European expo????????????

  • @MaycourtRainworth
    @MaycourtRainworth Жыл бұрын

    Any tips for playing tango en skaï without a teacher?

  • @brandonacker

    @brandonacker

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, immerse yourself in tango music for a week. Pay attention to what makes a tango a tango. What does the dance look like? Can you do the motions yourself? Then try to bring what you learn into the feel of the piece :) This will help with your conception and feel of the piece but of course the best way to improve is to have a teacher. I have great teachers you can work with one-on-one on Zoom at my online school Arpeggiato.com if you are ever ready for that. Good luck! Brandon

  • @MaycourtRainworth

    @MaycourtRainworth

    Жыл бұрын

    @@brandonacker thank you very much!

  • @leonard3781
    @leonard37813 ай бұрын

    does anyone know the name of the painting in the intro with the arched guy?

Келесі