Electric Guitar Setup

We believe in taking the time to do things properly.

At Fret & Grain, every guitar is carefully diagnosed, measured, adjusted and play-tested. Neck relief, string height, intonation and pickup height all work together to determine how an electric guitar feels, responds and sounds.

String height that is too low can restrict string bending as neighbouring strings interfere with the bending string, while excessive action can make the guitar harder to play and affect intonation. Neck relief influences string movement and fret buzz, while pickup height affects output, tonal balance, dynamics and sustain.

With over two decades of experience and several thousand guitars set up, we understand that every instrument has its own workmanship, construction and manufacturing tolerances. We do not simply apply the same measurements to every guitar. We assess each instrument individually and make precise adjustments based on its characteristics, string gauge, tuning and the player's requirements.

We diagnose, measure, adjust, play-test and refine.

Because true craftsmanship is not about how quickly something can be done. It is about how well it is done.

ESSENTIAL SETUP - SGD 150

THE ESSENTIAL CARE EVERY GUITAR DESERVES

Whether your instrument requires routine maintenance or simply isn't performing at its best, our Essential Setup restores optimal playability, tuning stability and overall performance.

Includes:

  • String Installation

  • Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment

  • Action Adjustment

  • Nut Height Correction

  • Intonation Adjustment

  • Pickup Height Adjustment

  • Precision Neck Angle Optimisation via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment
    Bolt-On Necks Only

  • General Cleaning & Dust Removal

  • Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins

  • Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack

ESSENTIAL+ SETUP - SGD 250

THE ESSENTIAL SETUP, TAKEN FURTHER

For players who want more than routine maintenance. Essential+ builds upon our Essential Setup with additional cleaning, conditioning, lubrication and contact-point treatment to further enhance playability, tuning stability and overall performance.

Includes:

  • String Installation

  • Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment

  • Action Adjustment

  • Nut Height Correction

  • Intonation Adjustment

  • Pickup Height Adjustment

  • Precision Neck Angle Optimisation via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment
    Bolt-On Necks Only

  • General Cleaning & Dust Removal

  • Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins

  • Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack

  • (New) Lubrication of Machine Heads

  • (New) Hardware Cleaning

  • (New) Fret Polishing

  • (New) Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning

  • (New) Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics
    Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack

PRECISION SETUP - SGD 350

CLIENT FAVOURITE**

ENHANCED CARE FOR PLAYERS WHO EXPECT MORE

Our clients' favourite service, combining precision setup with comprehensive cleaning, conditioning and detailed treatment of key contact points. Designed to enhance playability, tuning stability, response and overall presentation.

Includes:

  • String Installation

  • Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment

  • Action Adjustment

  • Intonation Adjustment

  • Pickup Height Adjustment

  • Precision Neck Angle Optimisation via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment
    Bolt-On Necks Only

  • General Cleaning & Dust Removal

  • Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins

  • Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack

  • Lubrication of Machine Heads

  • Hardware Cleaning

  • Fret Polishing

  • Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning

  • Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics
    Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack

  • (New) Precision Nut Height Correction

  • (New) Nut Slot D-Shape Optimisation

  • (New) Permanent Teflon® Nut & Saddle Slot Treatment

  • (New) Bring Back the Shine: 1-Step Machine Polishing

PRECISION+ SETUP - SGD 450

ADVANCED CARE FOR PLAYERS WHO DEMAND MORE

Taking our Precision Setup further with enhanced finish refinement and a deeper level of cosmetic restoration. Precision+ is designed for players who want their instrument to feel exceptionally smooth, respond consistently and look its absolute best.

Includes:

  • String Installation

  • Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment

  • Action Adjustment

  • Intonation Adjustment

  • Pickup Height Adjustment

  • Precision Neck Angle Optimisation via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment
    Bolt-On Necks Only

  • General Cleaning & Dust Removal

  • Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins

  • Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack

  • Lubrication of Machine Heads

  • Hardware Cleaning

  • Fret Polishing

  • Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning

  • Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics
    Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack

  • Precision Nut Height Correction

  • Nut Slot D-Shape Optimisation

  • Permanent Teflon® Nut & Saddle Slot Treatment

  • (New) Additional Fret Smoothing using 2000, 7000 & 10,000 Grit Abrasives before final fret polishing, with minimum material removal to achieve an exceptionally smooth fret surface for effortless string movement.

  • (New) Bring Back the Shine: 2-Step Machine Polishing

  • (New) Enhanced Finish Refinement & Fine Scratch Reduction

MASTER SETUP - SGD 550

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE WITH PREMIUM PROTECTION

Designed for musicians who demand exceptional performance and impeccable presentation. The Master Setup combines precision setup work with advanced fret treatment, protective coating and comprehensive multi-stage finish correction.

Includes:

  • String Installation

  • Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment

  • Action Adjustment

  • Intonation Adjustment

  • Pickup Height Adjustment

  • Precision Neck Angle Optimisation via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment
    Bolt-On Necks Only

  • General Cleaning & Dust Removal

  • Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins

  • Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack

  • Lubrication of Machine Heads

  • Hardware Cleaning

  • Fret Polishing

  • Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning

  • Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics
    Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack

  • Precision Nut Height Correction

  • Nut Slot D-Shape Optimisation

  • Permanent Teflon® Nut & Saddle Slot Treatment

  • Additional Fret Smoothing using 2000, 7000 & 10,000 Grit Abrasives before final fret polishing, with minimum material removal to achieve an exceptionally smooth fret surface for effortless string movement.

  • (New) Gyeon Q²M Prep on Frets
    Made in Korea

  • (New) SONAX PROFILINE Ceramic Coating CC ONE on Frets
    Made in Germany

  • (New) Bring Back the Shine: 4-Step Machine Polishing

  • (New) Comprehensive Full-Body Detailing & Finish Correction

  • (New) Advanced Fine Scratch, Cleaning Mark & Swirl Mark Reduction

  • (New) Final Finish Inspection & Refinement

LUTHIER’S RESERVE SETUP - SGD 650

THE PINNACLE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

Crafted for discerning musicians, collectors and professionals who demand the highest standard of workmanship. Every instrument undergoes an extensive inspection, precision fret restoration and meticulous finishing to deliver exceptional playability, effortless tuning stability and uncompromising performance.

Includes:

  • String Installation

  • Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment

  • Action Adjustment

  • Intonation Adjustment

  • Pickup Height Adjustment

  • Precision Neck Angle Optimisation via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment
    Bolt-On Necks Only

  • General Cleaning & Dust Removal

  • Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins

  • Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack

  • Lubrication of Machine Heads

  • Hardware Cleaning

  • Fret Polishing

  • Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning

  • Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics
    Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack

  • Precision Nut Height Correction

  • Nut Slot D-Shape Optimisation

  • Permanent Teflon® Nut & Saddle Slot Treatment

  • Additional Fret Smoothing using 2000, 7000 & 10,000 Grit Abrasives before final fret polishing, with minimum material removal to achieve an exceptionally smooth fret surface for effortless string movement.

  • Gyeon Q²M Prep on Frets
    Made in Korea

  • SONAX PROFILINE Ceramic Coating CC ONE on Frets
    Made in Germany

  • Bring Back the Shine: 4-Step Machine Polishing

  • Comprehensive Full-Body Detailing & Finish Correction

  • Advanced Fine Scratch, Cleaning Mark & Swirl Mark Reduction

  • Final Finish Inspection & Refinement

  • (New) Gluing & Securing of Loose Frets
    If Required

  • (New) Precision Fret Levelling & Crowning

  • (New) Comprehensive Multi-Point Inspection

  • (New) Final Fine-Tuning & Quality Control