Setup on a new guitar?

[Kevin H]

I bought a new Taylor 324ce V Class about two weeks ago.  Absolutely love the guitar.  Very nice kind of an overall warmish well-rounded tone.

But, I've noticed a buzzing (thin) E string over the past few days.  This is my first over-a-few-hundred-$ guitar and I'm wondering if its normal to have to have a new guitar like this set up.  I've never had this happen on my earlier guitars, but they've been less expensive models, often with higher action, so they were probably less sensitive to humidity changes and all that.  The guitar is pretty much a home body - I don't take it out gigging or anything.  And I'm not hammering on it hard, just normal sort of finger picking. 

So, my question is, in your experience when buying a new guitar, do you usually find it needs adjustments so soon, and is this something you need to do regularly?

[jjrpilot-admin]

Hi Kevin! Welcome to the forum!  I'm a fellow 324 owner as well!  And you hit the nail on the head about it being nice and warm overall but yet still wonderfully balanced.

I'm of the persuasion that all guitars need a set up.  When I bought my 324 brand new in 2016, the Taylor dealer told me to take it home, let it get used to the environment it would be in, then come back after a week or two and have it set up then.

I think that's what would serve you best.  Let the guitar just get used to your house for a bit, then take it in and they'll set it up however you'd like!

[Strumming Fool]

I agree with Josh's comments - also, I assume that you're controlling humidity. If a guitar is dry (<40% relative humidity) the action can lower causing string buzz.

[TG]

also depends on where it's buzzing, my 214 is really picky about how the strings sit under the pin or it will buzz.  It took me forever to figure out that was the buzzing issue, now it just takes an extra 5 seconds when I put new strings on and the problem is fixed. 

I'm also a huge fan of having every guitar you own set up professionally, especially if you know how you like to play

[HAPPYDAN]

I'm with the folks regarding need for a good set up on a new Taylor. I purchased a new 412e-R 2 years ago, and it needed a bridge, neck and nut adjustment before it played to my satisfaction. I think this is normal, as all players have different styles. Once done, you'll love it.

[phavriluk]

Not yet mentioned is the need for a Taylor-authorized entity to do adjustments.  Especially if fiddling with the saddle enters the conversation.  Taylor has specific things to do with shimming the neck angle and not altering the saddle, and the techniques applied to most other guitars are not appropriate on a Taylor, especially a shiny new one.