We see this a lot in-store.
Players come in thinking they need new pickups, a different amp, or a completely new guitar because something just doesn’t feel right. Sometimes the guitar feels stiff, sounds dull, won’t stay in tune properly, or is simply harder to play than it should be.
A lot of the time, the issue isn’t the guitar itself.
It’s the setup.
A proper setup can completely change how a guitar feels in your hands.
It affects:
- playability
- tuning stability
- intonation
- string tension
- overall comfort
And for many players, especially beginners, it can be the difference between wanting to keep playing and giving up out of frustration.
One of the biggest things people notice after a setup is how much easier the guitar feels to play.
If the action is too high, chords become harder to fret and bending notes takes more effort than it should. If things aren’t adjusted properly, the guitar can feel stiff and awkward even if it’s technically a good instrument underneath.
A setup brings everything back into balance.
The neck relief, string height, intonation and hardware are adjusted so the guitar feels more comfortable and responds properly across the fretboard.
Fresh strings also make a much bigger difference than many players expect.
Old strings slowly lose brightness, tuning stability and consistency. They can start sounding dull or uneven, and they often create tuning and intonation issues that players blame on the guitar itself.
A fresh set of strings can immediately improve:
- clarity
- sustain
- tuning stability
- feel under the fingers
Sometimes a guitar that feels lifeless simply needs new strings and a proper adjustment.
We also see players adapting to poorly set up guitars without realising it.
They press harder than they need to, avoid certain chords, or constantly fight tuning problems because they assume that’s just part of playing guitar. Then they pick up a properly set up instrument and immediately notice the difference.
The guitar feels easier.
More relaxed.
More responsive.
And usually, they end up playing more because of it.
This is especially important for beginners.
A difficult setup can make learning feel much harder than it actually is. If a guitar feels uncomfortable from day one, it creates frustration very quickly.
A properly adjusted guitar helps new players focus on learning and enjoying the instrument rather than fighting against it.
Different players also need different setups.
Someone playing heavy rhythm guitar will often want a different feel compared to a fingerstyle acoustic player or someone using lighter strings for blues bends. There’s no single “perfect” setup for everyone.
That’s why real-world playing experience matters when adjusting an instrument.
At Colemans Music, every preloved guitar we sell is checked over and set up before it goes on the floor. We also regularly help players improve the feel of guitars they already own through restringing, setups and general servicing.
Sometimes the biggest improvement you can make to your guitar setup isn’t buying something new. It’s getting the instrument properly dialled in.
👉 Find out more about our guitar servicing and repairs here
Looking to restring or setup your guitar? Visit Colemans Music in South Melbourne or get in touch with our team. We're a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it with great service.
