Improving Playability and Solving String Breakage Issues

Acoustic guitars are great instruments, but even the best of them need some attention from time to time. Recently, I worked on a guitar that was experiencing frequent string breakages and could benefit from a more comfortable setup. The owner was looking for a reliable fix for the string issues and wanted the guitar set up nicely for consistent playability.

Here’s what I did to get the guitar playing better than before.

The Issues:

1. String Breakages
   The strings had been snapping far too often, even after the saddle had been replaced.

2. Uneven Playability
   The action felt inconsistent across the neck, making the guitar harder to play.

3. Frets with Wear
   Some frets had noticeable wear in certain positions, creating divots.

4. Non-Functional Built-In Tuner
   The onboard tuner in the preamp wasn’t working, leaving the owner to rely on external solutions.

The Work:

1. Saddle Adjustments

The saddle was fairly new but had some rough spots that could have been causing the string breakages. I smoothed it out to ensure the strings could move freely over it without catching or wearing prematurely.

2. Partial Fret Dress

Heavy use had left some divots in the frets, especially in frequently played positions. While the frets didn’t require a full replacement, I performed a partial fret dress—leveling the worn areas, re-crowning the frets, and polishing the fretboard. This improved playability and eliminated potential buzzing.

3. Truss Rod Adjustment

The truss rod was completely loose, which can affect action and neck stability. I adjusted it to provide slight relief, ensuring consistent action across the fretboard and making the guitar more comfortable to play.

4. Diagnosing the Built-In Tuner

The onboard tuner was disassembled for inspection. All connections and soldering appeared fine, but it wasn’t functioning correctly. After discussing options, the owner decided against replacing the tuner (a like-for-like replacement would have cost £130). Instead, they opted to rely on a clip-on tuner or a pedal tuner—both practical and cost-effective alternatives.

The Results:

After the adjustments, the guitar was greatly improved:

• Smooth Playability: The action is now consistent up the neck, and the polished frets feel much better under the fingers, especially for techniques like vibrato.

• Resolved String Breakages: The smoothed saddle and adjusted nut slots should eliminate future snapping issues.

• Streamlined Tuning: With the decision to skip the onboard tuner replacement, the owner has switched to a clip on headstock tuner, a reliable and versatile option for tuning both onstage and at home.

Need Your Acoustic Guitar Set Up or Repaired?

Whether your guitar is experiencing string breakages, uneven action, or you just want it set up for optimal playability, I can help. From saddle and nut adjustments to fretwork and electronics diagnosis, I can help out!

Get in touch today to book a setup or repair and bring out the best in your guitar!