Guitar setup - order of operations

[devin]

Do I have this mostly right?Guitar set-up steps:1. Choose strings2. Set action via saddles & truss rod 3. Set intonation4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until satisfied5. Set pickup heightFeel free to correct this list and/or put your favorite numbers/warnings up too! I've read 3/32" is a good "pickup to string" distance when the string is fretted at the last fret, as an example...probably a tone implication as well for pickup distance? I'm assuming mechanical and electrical components work as they should...Thanks (again) gang

[mojobone]

I do believe that's exactly right; aligns pretty closely with what I recall from the Dan Erlewine method. If you like, I could have my bandmate and buddy Grandon Westlund check yer work...saddles/truss rod being the tricky part; I think any time you move the truss rod, you need to re-visit the saddle height.

[devin]

Thanks Mojo (again)!I've heard it's a good idea to mark the rod before touching it, so you always know where you started from, and the first turn is always to loosen it, just to see what's up.And my goodness man...that bass on Grandon's front page...wow!!! Plus Dan's picture looks exactly like the man to have on call for these things. Some guys just exude patient competence, you know?Thanks!P.S. I discovered the hard way (while wrenching in the garage), it's a decent idea to let the video camera roll the first time I take anything apart...just in case I finish up and wonder "what are these three little extra things for?!?".

[matthoggard]

My luthier friend also uses a square to check the neck after making truss rod adjustments.He checks nut to bridge at every string position and then at angles from 1st string nut to 6th string bridge etc. Although hes built guitars for 40 years he still doesnt trust his eye.Any long straight edge will show you any excessive bowing in the neck.