Cómo calibrar una Stratocaster (limpieza, alma, acción, octavación)

Summary

In this video, the host demonstrates how to calibrate a Fender Stratocaster guitar, covering string replacement, electronic testing, fretboard cleaning, and adjustments for optimal playability. They also discuss the importance of tuning stability and provide tips for a clean finish.

Takeaways

• 🎸 The video is a tutorial on how to calibrate a Fender Stratocaster guitar, emphasizing that the process can be applied to any guitar.
• 🔌 The first step is to check the guitar's electronics before removing the strings, noting that the guitar's sound is already poor and there's no resistance.
• 🔧 The video suggests cleaning the electronics and changing the jack, which is mounted incorrectly, as part of the setup.
• 👂 It's important to clean the fretboard and strings with alcohol and a toothbrush, but avoid using alcohol on celluloid parts as it can damage them.
• 📐 The method of stringing the guitar involves not tying the strings more than once through the peg hole or making knots, which can be difficult to remove.
• 🔄 The video demonstrates the 'block winding' method for stringing, which helps maintain tuning stability with the tremolo system.
• 🎶 After cleaning, the guitar is polished with steel wool and mineral oil is applied to the fretboard, allowing it to absorb for a few minutes before wiping off the excess.
• 🔧 The video covers adjusting the truss rod, bridge, and nut to achieve optimal playability and intonation.
• 🎵 The final step involves playing the guitar to feel how it sounds and making any necessary adjustments, emphasizing the importance of following the 'TRAIN' method: Truss rod, Action, Intonation, and Nod (play to feel).
• 🔄 The video also discusses adjusting the tremolo system, including the use of locking tuners for better stability.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is to demonstrate how to calibrate a Fender Stratocaster guitar, including setting up the truss rod, adjusting the action, and tuning the guitar.

Why is it important to check the electronics before removing the strings?

Checking the electronics before removing the strings helps to ensure there are no issues with the guitar's sound, such as lack of resistance or unwanted noise, which could indicate a need for cleaning or repair.

What is the blogging method mentioned for stringing the guitar?

The blogging method is a technique for stringing a guitar that ensures good tuning stability when using the tremolo system, preventing the strings from slipping out of place.

Why is it recommended not to insert the strings twice or more through the post hole or tie a knot with the string?

Inserting the strings multiple times or tying a knot can cause the string to become difficult to remove, which can be problematic if adjustments or replacements are needed later.

What is the purpose of cleaning the fretboard with alcohol and a toothbrush?

Cleaning the fretboard with alcohol and a toothbrush removes accumulated dirt, grime, and potential residue from substances like cigarette smoke, which can affect the guitar's appearance and playability.

Why should you avoid using alcohol on a guitar with a celluloid pickguard?

Alcohol can damage celluloid pickguards by causing them to melt or warp, so it's important to only use water or other safe cleaning agents for such materials.

What is the purpose of applying mineral oil to the fretboard?

Applying mineral oil to the fretboard helps to condition the wood, preventing it from drying out and maintaining its health and appearance.

Why is it suggested to leave the bridge saddles slightly raised in the middle when setting up the guitar's action?

Leaving the bridge saddles slightly raised in the middle helps to maintain better intonation and string spacing, providing a more balanced playing feel.

What does the acronym TRAIN stand for in the context of setting up a guitar?

TRAIN stands for Truss rod adjustment, Resonance control, Action (string height) adjustment, Intonation, and Nut adjustment, which are the steps followed in setting up a guitar.

How does adjusting the truss rod affect the guitar's neck curvature?

Adjusting the truss rod changes the neck's curvature by either tightening or loosening it, which in turn affects the action (string height) and intonation of the guitar.

What is the purpose of adjusting the spring tension on a Stratocaster's tremolo system?

Adjusting the spring tension on a tremolo system ensures that the bridge remains stable and the guitar stays in tune when the tremolo is used for pitch bends or vibrato effects.

Why is it necessary to retune the guitar after making adjustments to the truss rod or action?

Retuning the guitar is necessary after adjustments because changes in truss rod or action can affect string tension, which in turn alters the pitch of the strings.

How can you check if the guitar's bridge saddles are level and properly set for intonation?

You can check the level of the bridge saddles and their intonation by comparing the harmonic at the 12th fret to the fretted note at the 12th fret; they should be the same pitch.

What is the recommended string action height for the guitar in the video?

The recommended string action height in the video is approximately 2.5 to 3 millimeters from the 12th fret to the string.

Why should you take photos or videos while making adjustments to the guitar setup?

Taking photos or videos helps to document the initial and final states of the guitar setup, providing a reference for future adjustments or to revert back to the original settings if needed.