BENCH NOTES
Writings from the workshop
How intonation affects your sound
Intonation is about setting all potential notes to the right frequency so they sound correct relative to the open string. It will never be perfect, but it can often be improved.
Fretboard woods: Ebony and beyond
The most relevant factors in selecting fretboard wood have little to do with sound and everything to do with durability: is the wood hard enough and dark enough to withstand years of grubby fingers banging on it.
How to know if you need a fret level
So your guitar strings are buzzing in places when you play it or you depress a string and the notes don’t ring out. Chances are, you need a fret level - potentially even a refret.
How to know if you need a setup
A setup is routine maintenance and care for guitars, basses, and ukuleles. It’s important to understand why and when you’ll need one and what to expect from the process.